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The Bright Future of NISA: SBI Okasan's Fund Recognition

SBI Okasan Asset Management has officially announced that its mutual fund, 'New Economic Growth Japan', has been distinguished with an excellence award in the Japanese equity category at the prestigious 'NISA Investment Trust Grand Prix 2025', organized by Diamond Zaï magazine. This recognition not only represents the fund’s strong performances but also reinforces the management company’s commitment to providing exceptional investment strategies tailored for individual investors.

About the NISA Investment Trust Grand Prix

The Luminary award for mutual funds acknowledges those that have proven ‘truly good funds’ based on individual investor perspectives. Before this year, the event, which aims to identify investment trusts available for purchase under the New NISA program, has been held annually since 2023. The award strictly assesses funds on their long-term performance metrics, eligibility requirements, and stability in retaining favorable results.

Among the multifaceted evaluation criteria, 'New Economic Growth Japan' showed robust scores in three essential areas: its impressive growth rates over short, medium, and long terms; its resilience to market downturns; and its consistency in maintaining stable performance.

Vital Criteria for Evaluation:

• - Outstanding performance: Evaluated based on short-term, medium-term, and long-term growth rates.
• - Resilience: Ability to minimize decline in value during market fluctuations.
• - Stability: Consistent maintenance in high-performance results.

The fund was judged against various prerequisites, including being registered for sale in Japan by December 2024, operating for over five years, and having net assets exceeding ¥1 billion.

Insights from Fund Managers

Toru Miyachi, Senior Executive Officer and Head of Investment at SBI Okasan Asset Management, expressed his pride in receiving the excellence award. He emphasized the importance of recognizing structural growth opportunities rather than being influenced by fleeting trends and themes in the market. Over the last five years, the fund’s distribution yield has seen an impressive appreciation of approximately 148%, outperforming the TOPIX total return index which grew by approximately 113% during the same period.

Miyachi highlighted three pivotal moments when the fund strategically outperformed the benchmark: 1.
The COVID-19 pandemic sparked demand for IT-related sectors, allowing the fund to adjust its portfolio quickly by focusing on high-growth stocks.
2. Early 2022’s global tightening cycle and rising geopolitical risks showcased the value of resource, financial, and defense stocks in the portfolio amid inflation concerns.
3. Recent upward trends in Japanese equities benefited from focusing investments in large-cap and high-value stocks that align with Tokyo Stock Exchange's movements.

Current Market Conditions and Future Strategies

Navigating through the modern market unease characterized by tariff uncertainties and looming geopolitical tensions, Miyachi cautioned that discretion must be emphasized. As risks surrounding exports and international trade operations remain high, the fund plans to suppress investments in sectors heavily reliant on these areas. Nevertheless, with continuous advancements in AI and increased defense spending, the fund maintains a bullish outlook on certain structural themes.

Commitment to Future Investment Excellence

SBI Okasan Asset Management proudly holds a legacy of over 60 years and operates under the corporate philosophy of 'Challenge & Uniqueness', pledging to contribute to the future of asset management while exceeding client expectations. As part of the SBI Group, they leverage diverse financial insights to generate active management strengths, offering innovative products and services tailored for investors.

The recent recognition serves as motivation to secure superior outcomes for clients while forging new paths in the realm of asset management.

For detailed information regarding the 'New Economic Growth Japan' fund such as objectives, risks, commissions, and sales points, visit their official website: SBI Okasan Asset Management Fund Information.

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