First Quarter 2012 Attribution vs. MSCI EAFE Growth Index
Information technology. Security selection and an overweight to information technology was the most significant contributor to relative returns. Security selection within the software industry and semiconductors industry was notably positive. We continue to favor this sector due to its generally higher growth potential, higher cash flows and lower debt levels, as well as valuations we view as attractive. Moreover, information technology companies are actively participating in many of long-term global secular growth themes, including consumer demand for products and services that provide access to information and entertainment, and businesses’ drive to enhance productivity in a competitive global economy.
Consumer staples. Security selection and an underweight to the consumer staples sector added value, with holdings within the food and staples retailing industry contributing to returns. Within the sector, we are favoring companies with growing niche brands and those with strong global operations.
Materials. Security selection within materials detracted value. Holdings within the gold industry were negative for relative performance as these firms incurred rising extraction costs. Gold was the outlier within the metals and mining industry as other metal-related companies generated positive returns during the period. We continue to believe the materials sector will be supported by increased demand for resources from emerging market regions, as well as by reflation efforts and accommodative central bank policies.
Consumer discretionary. An underweight to the consumer discretionary sector, the best performing sector within the index, detracted from relative performance. Within this sector we remain focused on global businesses with strong brands and diversified revenues, as well as those servicing a growing consumer base within emerging market economies.
Geographic. Holdings within the United Kingdom, Israel, and Switzerland contributed to relative performance, as did holdings within emerging market countries, most notably within Brazil and Taiwan. An overweight to Canada and security selection within Japan detracted from relative performance.