Argonaut launch European Absolute Return Fund

European equities boutique, Argonaut Capital, is delighted to announce the launch of the Argonaut European Absolute Return Fund. Managed by Argonaut founding partner Barry Norris, the fund will aim to achieve positive returns regardless of market conditions. Barry has extensive experience of investing in European equities and has built a strong track record managing the top-decile £204m million Argonaut European Alpha Fund. Barry will be ably supported by Oliver Russ, manager of the top-quartile £320m million Argonaut European Income Fund.

The launch of the Argonaut European Absolute Return Fund follows a significant period of testing that has demonstrated the ability of the fund management team to generate positive returns in various market conditions. The fund will consist of a high conviction portfolio, investing in a combination of long and short equity positions and will also utilise a variety of asset classes including cash and the extended use of derivatives. Whilst returns are not guaranteed, this diverse strategy aims to generate an absolute return from investments in Europe, including the UK and Eastern Europe.

Barry Norris, manager of the Argonaut European Absolute Return Fund, says: "Our research consistently reveals opportunities to make positive returns from companies with negative structural, pricing or balance sheet anomalies that have gone unnoticed by the broader market. UCITS III allows us to utilise this research to blend high conviction long and short investment ideas to achieve positive returns regardless of market conditions. The demand for positive absolute returns has never been greater and we are confident our strategy will fulfil this essential requirement and provide reassurance for investors over the course of a full market cycle."

"At Argonaut we are proud to be at the forefront of industry innovation with our product range. We only launch funds that can exploit long term investment opportunities, rather than following the latest market fads. We launched the pioneering Argonaut European Income Fund more than three years ago and we are equally excited about the launch of the Argonaut European Absolute Return Fund."

Jonathan Polin, director at Ignis Asset Management, Argonaut's joint venture partner, says: "Barry and Olly have a fantastic record of managing long-only funds in Europe and have gained experience of shorting stocks throughout their careers. By combining their proven skills we are confident the fund will be able to weather all market conditions and we expect it to appeal to experienced retail investors as a core portfolio holding."