UCITS: A tool for diversifying your portfolio

Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities (UCITS) are collective investment vehicles that allow pooling funds from many investors to invest in a diversified portfolio of securities. Created under the impetus of the UCITS European directive in 1985, these funds have become one of the main diversification tools for European investors. This article explores the characteristics of UCITS, their advantages, and their role in diversifying investment portfolios.

What is a UCITS?

A UCITS is a collective investment fund or an investment company that pools investors' capital to invest in a diversified portfolio of securities such as stocks, bonds, or money market instruments. Investors hold shares of the fund, entitling them to a proportional share of the income generated by the portfolio. For example, a global equity UCITS could include shares of large companies like Apple, Nestlé, and Samsung, providing diversified geographical exposure.

Advantages of UCITS for diversification

UCITS offer several advantages for diversifying a portfolio:

• Wide diversification: A UCITS can invest in hundreds of different securities, spread across multiple sectors and geographical regions, thereby reducing specific risk to a company or sector.
• Professional management: UCITS are managed by experienced professionals who use their expertise to select securities and manage risk proactively.
• Accessibility: UCITS are accessible to small investors, with generally low minimum investment amounts, allowing for extensive diversification without requiring a large capital.

Examples of UCITS performance

In 2021, the Pictet Water fund, a UCITS specializing in water management-related companies, recorded a performance of 15%. This fund allowed investors to diversify their portfolio with shares of companies operating in an essential sector, while benefiting from the active management of experts.

Laws regulating UCITS

UCITS are governed by the UCITS European directive, which imposes strict rules on diversification, transparency, and investor protection. In France, these funds are also regulated by the Monetary and Financial Code and supervised by the French Financial Markets Authority (AMF). The UCITS directive ensures that investors benefit from a harmonized regulatory framework across the European Union, with clearly defined transparency and risk management rules.

Conclusion

UCITS are effective tools for diversifying an investment portfolio while benefiting from professional management. They are particularly suited to investors looking to reduce their portfolio risk by accessing a wide range of financial assets, while taking advantage of the skills of experienced managers. By selecting UCITS that align with your financial goals, you can optimize the diversification of your portfolio and maximize your long-term returns.