Deals & People February 15, 2011

Trademark Launches Target-Date Collective Trusts

Trademark Capital Management has acquired Athens Capital Group, LLC, as part of a national growth strategy.
Reported by

Trademark is working with Wilshire Associates Incorporated to introduce a series of target-date collective trusts combining Athens’ asset management capabilities with Wilshire’s glide path methodology. Steve Athanassie, Managing Principal of Trademark Capital, noted the new collective trusts were launched on February 1, 2011 through Hand Benefits and Trust, a division of BPAS (see “Hand Benefits Selects Sub-Advisers for Target Date CITs“).  

“We are excited about this acquisition, which enables us to offer a new approach to target-date investing through the launch of our collective trust funds,” said Athanassie. “Trademark’s collective trusts will offer a unique balance of growth and risk management by utilizing Athens Capital’s proprietary blend of quantitative management, fundamental analysis, and downside protection strategy paired with Wilshire’s proven glide path methodology.”
Products February 15, 2011

American Beacon Adds High Yield Opportunities Fund

American Beacon Advisors announced the addition of American Beacon SiM High Yield Opportunities Fund (Ticker: SHOIX) to its family of mutual funds.
Reported by

The fund seeks to achieve high current income and capital appreciation. Its sub-adviser, Strategic Income Management LLC (SiM), takes a long-term approach to the high yield markets and employs a philosophy centered on identifying secular trends and themes. Gary Pokrzywinski, Chief Investment Officer, and Brian Placzek, Head of High Yield Research, have primary responsibility for the fund’s day-to-day management and financial analysis.  

According to the company, the fund seeks to maximize current income by investing in a diversified portfolio of fixed income securities that are generally rated below investment grade. SiM uses a core top-down philosophy to identify sectors, industries and companies that will benefit from positive long-term trends. It also identifies those that are undergoing a change in dynamics that can be capitalized on due to market volatility. Once potential investment opportunities are identified, SiM uses bottom-up research to assess the fundamental strengths and weaknesses of individual securities.    

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Under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the fund’s net assets will be invested in non-investment grade securities. The fund may invest up to 35% of its net assets in securities of foreign issuers, including up to 25% in emerging markets securities. 

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