Fund Performance - Spheria Global Opportunities Fund returned -1.7% in Q3 2025, underperforming the MSCI World Small Cap Accumulation Index which returned 5.6% [1] - The fund's performance in October 2025 was -1.6%, compared to a benchmark return of 1.4% [1] - The market is characterized by high price-to-earnings multiples, with loss-making companies outperforming fundamentally sound businesses [1] Company Highlight: LPL Financial Holdings Inc. - LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:LPLA) had a one-month return of -2.47% and a 52-week gain of 13.72% [2] - As of December 08, 2025, LPL Financial's stock closed at $368.50 per share, with a market capitalization of $29.49 billion [2] - LPL Financial serves 32,100 independent financial advisors in the US and oversees $2.3 trillion in funds under administration, which exceeds the total market cap of all listed companies in Australia [3] Contribution to Fund Performance - LPL Financial was one of the largest contributors to the fund's performance, with a monthly gain of 15% [3] - Other significant contributors included Ferguson Enterprises (+12%) and Swatch Group (+13%) [3] - LPL Financial provides a comprehensive platform for independent financial advisers, combining various services and support [3]

Group 1: Fund Performance - Baron FinTech Fund experienced a decline of 4.29% in Q3 2025, compared to a 1.90% decline for the FactSet Global FinTech Index [1] - Since inception, the fund has achieved an annualized return of 11.10%, outperforming the benchmark's 4.00% return [1] - Market strength in the quarter was driven by the resumption of Federal Reserve rate cuts and optimism surrounding AI [1] Group 2: LPL Financial Holdings Inc. Overview - LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:LPLA) reported a one-month return of 9.05% and a 52-week gain of 17.73% [2] - As of November 14, 2025, LPL Financial's stock closed at $370.59 per share, with a market capitalization of $29.809 billion [2] Group 3: LPL Financial Holdings Inc. Analysis - Weakness in Tech-Enabled Financials was attributed to declines in insurance holdings, with LPL Financial being a significant contributor to relative losses in this category [3] - Expectations for faster interest rate cuts negatively impacted LPL's stock, as lower rates reduce interest income on client cash [3] - LPL is currently integrating a sizable acquisition of Commonwealth Financial Network, which is expected to drive growth over time but offers limited near-term earnings upside [3] Group 4: Hedge Fund Interest - LPL Financial Holdings Inc. was held by 61 hedge fund portfolios at the end of Q2 2025, a slight decrease from 63 in the previous quarter [4] - While LPL is recognized for its investment potential, certain AI stocks are viewed as having greater upside potential and lower downside risk [4]