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AXA Investment Managers (AXA IM) has announced the launch of a Metaverse strategy as a part of their thematic equity range.
AXA IM is a global investment management firm with offices in over 22 locations worldwide. As of December 2021, it manages over €887 billion in assets on behalf of institutional and retail clients. It operates as the investment arm for Axa, a global insurance and reinsurance company.
The AXA IM Metaverse strategy, managed by portfolio manager Pauline Llandric, will invest in rising Metaverse growth opportunities they identify in a rapidly evolving economy. These include Gaming, Socializing, Working and Enabling.
“We are at the early stages of a long-term trend which is growing rapidly and believe there is a broad range of global companies and opportunities in this space,” said Pauline Llandric, lead manager of the AXA IM Metaverse strategy. “Revolutionary, cutting edge advances in technology have changed how we live, socialize, work and do business. The Metaverse is the confluence of the virtual and physical worlds, where more technology is layered on to everyday life associated with the evolution of the internet connecting people, places and things.”
Currently, the Metaverse universe is made up of around 250 stocks. According to AXA IM, it will select the best 40-60 names deemed most relevant using its fundamental research and stock selection process.
“We believe AXA IM is one of the first active thematic Metaverse investors and this strategy launch builds on our established history in long-term thematic investment,” said Mark Hargraves, Global Head of AXA IM Equity. “The Metaverse is an expanding and tangible investment opportunity, driven by real companies with the potential to deliver strong year-on-year growth over the next decade. With a global customer base, we expect to see an increasing number of companies emerging from new sectors – such as healthcare and financials – as capabilities increase to bolster the promising investment opportunities in this space.”