Brisbane-based Sharpbridge Funds Management launched its inaugural global equities fund in April last year amidst significant market turbulence, triggered by US President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs. Despite challenging conditions, portfolio managers Jarrad Stuart and Nick Chant adopted a fully invested strategy from day one. Sharpbridge, a firm that expanded from mortgage broking and financial planning into funds management, aimed to capitalise on perceived market value. Stuart noted, “These volatility events don’t scare us… we saw it as a real opportunity because there was great value for the companies we were buying.”
This bold approach quickly yielded results with Nasdaq-listed memory storage company Sandisk. Acquired at US$50 a share, Sharpbridge’s position grew to 10 per cent, driven by strong quarterly updates and a robust ranking system. By the end of June, Sandisk had surged to US$2272 a share, contributing significantly to the fund’s overall performance. Sharpbridge achieved a 78.6 per cent return for the 2026 financial year, ranking as Australia’s top-performing global equity strategy. The fund maintains a concentrated portfolio of 20 to 30 companies, selected using a rigorous quantitative system that analyses company announcements and news flow across seven key factors.
Although a global sell-off saw Sandisk decline nearly 50 per cent in July, Stuart viewed it as a “really good buying opportunity,” citing robust contracts and conservative valuation. Other notable holdings include New York-listed Everus Construction Group, building infrastructure for data centres, and steel processor Worthington Steel. Challenges were encountered with ASX-listed online travel agency Webjet, which faced multiple setbacks, though new management offers optimism. Aumovio, a German-listed car supplies manufacturer, also represents a significant turnaround bet. Despite market fluctuations, Sharpbridge’s global equity fund boasts a 51 per cent gain over one year, outperforming its benchmark by 36.2 per cent, showcasing a distinctive strategy.
