One Fund Just Bet $3 Million on an ETF Down 10% During a Bull Market

Core Insights - S.A. Mason has initiated a new position in the Akre Focus ETF, purchasing 45,209 shares for approximately $2.96 million as of December 31 [1][2] - The Akre Focus ETF employs a focused investment strategy targeting companies with sustainable competitive advantages and strong management, aiming for long-term growth [6][9] - The ETF's price as of January 29 is $61.15, reflecting a 10% decline over the past year, contrasting with a 15% gain for the S&P 500 [3][10] Company Overview - The Akre Focus ETF has a market capitalization of $9.14 billion and operates within the financial services sector, specifically in asset management [4] - The fund focuses on high-quality U.S. equities and equity-like instruments, including preferred stocks and REITs, with a disciplined approach to valuation and portfolio turnover [9] Investment Strategy - The ETF prioritizes investments in businesses with proven management teams and attractive reinvestment opportunities, aiming to deliver consistent risk-adjusted returns [6][9] - The portfolio is concentrated, with top holdings including Mastercard, Visa, and Moody's, designed to reinvest at high incremental returns over long cycles [11] Performance Context - Since its launch in October, the Akre Focus ETF has underperformed, falling about 10%, while the S&P 500 has gained roughly 1% during the same period [10] - The concentrated strategy of the ETF is intended to complement broader exposure to mega-cap tech and index funds, suggesting a long-term investment perspective [12]