MEDIACOM-RELEASE-AMPAM
Global Markets Give Ampam +30% Returns
Despite recent wobbles, strong international markets helped AMP Asset Management's global active and passive funds
provide gross returns of 30.2% and 30.3% respectively for the year ended 31 March 2000.
Figures released today also show that the strong offshore markets also helped investors using managed funds with AMPAM's
low, medium and high risk funds providing gross returns of 6.6%, 10.5% and 16.6% respectively for the same period.
"The latest figures show that New Zealand investors must be able to access a global funds management operation to enjoy
consistently strong returns," said Paul Dyer, AMPAM's head of investment strategy.
"Even with the machinations of the last few months, the strong global economic growth has assisted most major equity
markets in delivering a year of very good performance. While the bursting of the technology bubble will produce some
volatility in the short term, we do not see it having a long term impact on international markets and remain committed
to a global investment strategy."
"Recently our World Index New Zealand Fund (WiNZ) passed the $1 billion mark, easily making it New Zealand's largest
passive fund.
This reflects the growth of New Zealanders investing more offshore, providing good diversification and allowing
investors to access sectors that are limited in the New Zealand market - for example technology and healthcare."
"There is also a demonstrable need to have a strong local footprint in New Zealand. Products like WiNZ work because they
are designed locally for local investors. We plan to provide a much expanded range of global, tax efficient products in
the near future."
The benefit of offshore markets was also evident in the quarterly figures ending 31 March 2000, with all three managed
funds benefiting from global equities.
Despite the negative performance of New Zealand equities over the quarter, AMPAM remains positive about the New Zealand
market noting reasonable pricing of stocks and increased earnings.
END
Paul Dyer, Head of Investment Strategy Ph 04 494 220
AMP Asset Management Returns to 31 March 2000
March 2000 March 2000
Quarter Return Annual Return Managed Fund Gross Low Risk Fund
2.0 6.6 Medium Risk Fund 1.9 10.5 High Risk Fund 2.3 16.6 Managed Funds - After Tax Low Risk Fund 1.0 4.8 Medium Risk
Fund 0.9 8.6 High Risk Fund 1.3 14.5 Passive Funds - Gross Global Equities - Passive 5.9 30.3 NZ Equities - Passive -3.5
4.8 Passive Funds - After Tax Global Equities - Passive 4.8 28.3 NZ Equities - Passive -4.6 1.9 Individual Sectors -
Before Tax NZ Equities Active -6.0 9.3 Global Equities Active 5.2 30.2 Property -0.7 -2.9 New Zealand Fixed Interest 2.7
2.5 Global Fixed Interest 3.2 2.6 Cash 1.4 5.2 Individual Sectors Index Returns - Before Tax NZ Equities Active -4.5 2.9
Global Equities Active 6.1 30.1 New Zealand Fixed Interest 2.3 1.5 Global Fixed Interest 2.4 2.3 Cash 1.4 5.1
RELEASED BY MEDIACOM
MD1878-481/AKD/EMAIL
19 APRIL 2000
NNNN 19/04/00 09-36NZ