Investor Summary
Fund Strategy
FUND PERFORMANCE AS OF 31st March 2026
| ANNUALIZED SINCE INCEPTION | QUARTERLY | YTD |
|---|---|---|
| 11.85% | -6.48% | -6.48% |
| ANNUALIZED SINCE INCEPTION | QUARTERLY | YTD |
|---|---|---|
| 11.85% | -6.48% | -6.48% |
BNY Mellon Appreciation Fund declined 6.48% in Q1 2026, underperforming the S&P 500's 4.33% decline due to the Iran War creating an oil supply shock. The conflict closed the Strait of Hormuz, driving Brent Crude up over 60% to $118/barrel and raising recession fears. Additional market pressures included AI bubble concerns as companies accelerated infrastructure investments to $600 billion while markets punished unprofitable AI investments, and tariff uncertainty following a Supreme Court ruling against the Trump Administration's trade policies. The fund benefited from energy sector overweight positioning as companies capitalized on higher prices and operational efficiencies. Technology holdings faced headwinds from AI disruption fears and market skepticism. The manager maintains focus on quality companies with experienced leadership, strong balance sheets, and pricing power that can navigate uncertainty and grow earnings consistently. Despite geopolitical and economic transitions, the firm believes quality companies endure and earnings growth remains the cornerstone of long-term equity appreciation.
Focus on quality companies with experienced leadership teams, strong balance sheets, pricing power, and cash flows that can consistently grow earnings throughout business cycles and withstand prolonged periods of uncertainty.
Manager expects continued uncertainty and volatility as global trade relationships, economic policies, and military alliances are rewritten. Emphasizes focus on quality companies with experienced leadership, strong balance sheets, pricing power, and cash flows that can navigate uncertainty and grow earnings throughout business cycles.
| Date | Letter | Tickers | Keywords | Pitches | Quick Takes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 21 2026 | 2026 Q1 | AMZN, ASML, BAESY, CVX, GOOGL, INTU, META, MSFT, TSM, XOM | AI, energy, geopolitics, large cap, Quality, technology, Trade Policy | - | Fund underperformed during Iran War-driven oil shock that sent crude up 60% while AI bubble fears and tariff uncertainty pressured markets. Energy holdings benefited from supply disruption while tech positions faced AI disruption concerns. Manager maintains quality-focused approach targeting companies with strong balance sheets and pricing power to navigate prolonged uncertainty periods. |
| Jan 18 2026 | 2025 Q4 | AAPL, AMZN, ASML, BA.L, ETN, GOOGL, INTU, ISRG, LLY, MC.PA, META, MSFT, NOW, NVDA, TSM, V | AI, consumer, earnings, Fed policy, large cap, technology, Trade Policy, volatility | - | BNY Mellon Appreciation Fund underperformed in Q4 2025 amid strong earnings but growing AI bubble concerns and consumer bifurcation. Technology partnerships exceeded $1 trillion while trade tensions eased between U.S. and China. The fund maintains focus on industry-leading businesses capable of consistent earnings growth through cycles despite unprecedented policy uncertainty. |
| Oct 21 2025 | 2025 Q3 | AAPL, AMZN, ASML, BLK, GOOGL, INTU, ISRG, META, MSFT, NOW, NVDA, NVO, TSM, TXN, V | AI, earnings, large cap, Quality, rates, technology, Trade Policy |
MSFT NVDA ASML NA TSM INTU |
BNY Mellon Appreciation Fund underperformed in Q3 2025 despite positive market conditions driven by trade deals, resilient earnings, and Fed rate cuts. AI infrastructure investments and technology sector strength continued, while trade policy impacts remained manageable. The fund maintains conviction in high-quality multinational leaders positioned for long-term compounding growth across market cycles. |
| Jul 15 2025 | 2025 Q2 | AAPL, AMZN, ASML, BA.L, BRK-B, CVX, GOOGL, INTU, MC.PA, META, MSFT, NVDA, TXN, UNH, V | AI, earnings, large cap, tariffs, technology, Trade Policy, volatility | - | BNY Mellon Appreciation Fund returned 8.84% in Q2 2025, underperforming the S&P 500's 10.94% gain amid tariff-driven volatility. Strong technology earnings and trade tension de-escalation supported markets. The Fund's global industry leaders with sustainable growth prospects remain well-positioned despite near-term policy uncertainties around tariffs and monetary policy direction. |
| Mar 31 2025 | 2025 Q1 | AAPL, AMZN, BA.L, BRK-B, CVX, GOOGL, META, MSFT, NVDA, PGR, TXN, V | AI, large cap, Quality, tariffs, technology, Trade Policy, value | - | BNY Mellon Appreciation Fund outperformed in volatile Q1 2025, declining 3.30% versus S&P 500's 4.27% drop. Trump tariff announcements created trade policy uncertainty, pressuring equities despite continued AI investment by technology companies. Strong stock selection in financials and industrials drove outperformance. Fund maintains disciplined focus on quality companies with strong fundamentals capable of navigating policy uncertainties. |
| Dec 31 2024 | 2024 Q4 | AAPL, AMZN, ASML, GOOGL, LVMUY, MSFT, NOW, NVDA, NVO, SPGI, TXN, UNH, V | AI, Federal Reserve, growth, large cap, Quality, rates, technology, Trade Policy | - | BNY Mellon Appreciation Fund underperformed in Q4 2024 due to negative stock selection in technology and consumer discretionary sectors. The fund maintains focus on high-quality industry leaders with strong management teams and balance sheets. AI infrastructure investments showed tangible returns while Fed rate cuts and Trump's election victory supported market sentiment despite policy uncertainty. |
| Jun 30 2024 | 2024 Q2 | AAPL, AMZN, ASML, CP, CVX, GOOGL, MC.PA, MSFT, NKE, NVDA, NVO, SHW, TXN, UNH, V | consumer, growth, healthcare, large cap, Quality, technology | - | BNY Mellon Appreciation Fund slightly underperformed in Q2 2024 with a quality-focused large-cap strategy. Strong performance from Microsoft, Apple, and Novo Nordisk was offset by weakness in Visa and consumer discretionary names. The manager maintains cautious optimism given potential Fed rate cuts while focusing on companies with pricing power and strong balance sheets positioned for economic uncertainty. |
| QUARTER | THEMES | TAGS |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Q1 |
OilIran War created oil supply shock with Strait of Hormuz closure affecting 20% of global crude oil supply. Brent Crude rose over 60% to $118/barrel, driving fuel prices higher and potentially dampening consumer demand while increasing input costs for goods. |
Energy Geopolitics Supply Chain Inflation Commodities |
AITechnology companies accelerated AI infrastructure investments to over $600 billion in 2026, up $100 billion from year start. However, AI investments without clear profitability paths were punished by markets, and new advanced AI models from Anthropic and OpenAI created fears about threatening established software companies. |
Technology Infrastructure Software Disruption | |
Trade PolicySupreme Court ruled against Trump Administration's use of IEEPA for reciprocal tariffs, prompting administration to pursue 10-15% tariffs under Section 122 for 150 days. Ruling raises questions about corporate refunds and benefits Canada, Mexico, and Asia while affecting EU and UK negotiations. |
Policy Tariffs International Trade Regulation | |
EnergyEnergy sector companies benefiting from sharp increase in energy prices while focused on operational efficiencies and monetizing prior investments. U.S. energy firms have limited Middle East exposure with operations centered in domestic natural gas and crude, providing insulation from supply chain disruptions. |
Oil Natural Gas Earnings Operations | |
QualityManager emphasizes quality companies led by experienced leadership teams that navigate uncertainty and leverage strengths to consistently grow earnings throughout business cycles. Believes companies with strong balance sheets, pricing power, and cash flows to fund growth are well positioned for prolonged uncertainty periods. |
Balance Sheets Earnings Leadership Cash Flow | |
| 2025 Q4 |
AIAI investments dominated market performance with technology companies reporting strong revenue growth and pledging increased capital expenditures. However, investor concerns arose around circular funding deals reminiscent of vendor financing and uncertain return profiles. Strong NVIDIA earnings resulted in muted market response, suggesting investors became more discerning of AI-related investments. |
Artificial Intelligence Technology Capital Expenditures Semiconductors Cloud Computing |
Data CentersData center construction benefited the industrials sector as tremendous computing demand outstrips current supply. Partnerships between OpenAI and public technology companies totaled over $1 trillion in future spending on AI chips, datacenters, and cloud computing infrastructure. |
Infrastructure Cloud Computing Technology Industrials | |
Trade PolicyPresident Trump and Chinese Leader Xi met and agreed on de-escalatory moves that reversed trade restrictions previously imposed. The U.S. government approved the sale of scaled-down AI chips to China in a further thawing of relations. However, the oscillating nature of tariff negotiations and a looming U.S. Supreme Court decision remain a risk. |
China Tariffs Geopolitics Trade Relations | |
Trade DownConsumer reports highlighted an increasingly pronounced bifurcation, with higher-income consumers continuing to spend broadly and lower-income consumers seeking out value and trading down. Retail-facing companies reported higher levels of consumer uncertainty as high interest rates delay large purchase decisions. |
Consumer Behavior Retail Income Inequality | |
| 2025 Q3 |
AILarge technology companies reported benefits from deploying AI internally and for clients, which boosted revenue growth. These companies also expanded investment plans for additional AI resources to meet growing demand, as consumers and enterprises rapidly adopt AI. Companies that have exposure to the AI datacenter buildout benefited. |
Artificial Intelligence Data Centers Technology Infrastructure Revenue Growth |
Trade PolicyThe third quarter witnessed a litany of trade deals announced between the U.S. and its trade partners that de-escalated tensions. Agreements included 15% tariffs on Japanese imports, 15% tariffs on EU and South Korea imports, and 50% punitive tariffs on India. Tariff impacts were seen across consumer sectors with companies implementing price increases. |
Tariffs Trade Deals Geopolitical Import Costs Price Increases | |
RatesThe Fed acknowledged the deteriorating labor market and voted to cut the Federal Funds rate by 25 basis points to a 4.00-4.25% range in September. This marked the first rate cut since December 2024, with the agency telegraphing potential for two additional 25 bps rate cuts through the end of 2025. |
Federal Reserve Rate Cuts Monetary Policy Labor Market Employment | |
EarningsThe second quarter earnings season revealed resilient economy despite macroeconomic headwinds. Corporate sales and earnings came in above consensus forecasts, beating expectations. Companies reported earnings growth while dealing with a slowing consumer and dynamic tariff environment. |
Corporate Results Consensus Beat Revenue Growth Profit Margins Financial Performance | |
| 2025 Q2 |
Trade PolicyPresident Trump announced sweeping tariffs on trade partners including 34% on China, 20% on EU, and 20-46% on Asian partners. After initial market shock, a 90-day pause was instituted with negotiations leading to tariff reductions. Trade policy uncertainty continues to weigh on investor sentiment and corporate investment plans. |
Tariffs China Trade War Negotiations Policy |
AILarge technology companies reported strong earnings and issued better-than-expected guidance with higher capital expenditure plans to expand AI computing capacity. AI investments remain a key investor theme driving earnings growth and positive sentiment in the technology sector. |
Computing Technology Capex Earnings Growth | |
| 2025 Q1 |
Trade PolicyThe Trump administration announced 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada, 20% on China, and 25% on foreign automobiles, with future reciprocal tariffs telegraphed. This created uncertainty over trade relationships and pressured equities as investors feared higher consumer costs and slower growth. |
Tariffs Trade Policy Uncertainty Growth |
AITechnology companies announced plans to invest even greater amounts into AI infrastructure to meet burgeoning demand. Companies cited success using AI in automation and aiding workers as sources of productivity enhancement, helping alleviate concerns from the DeepSeek-driven sell-off. |
Infrastructure Automation Productivity Technology Investment | |
| 2024 Q4 |
AICorporate results indicated AI infrastructure investments were yielding tangible returns, particularly in cloud computing offerings, efficiencies gained, and improvements across advertising and content. Management for many large technology companies signaled plans for further investments in this area, which should benefit semiconductor designers and manufacturers. |
Cloud Semiconductors Infrastructure Technology Efficiency |
Trade PolicyTrump policy proposals, including tariffs, immigration, and foreign policy, have the potential to be inflationary or to detract from economic growth. Investors remain focused on the potentially inflationary nature of Trump's proposed fiscal policies. |
Tariffs Inflation Policy Immigration Growth | |
RatesThe Fed cut the Federal Funds Rate by 25 basis points both in November and December, bringing the benchmark rate to a range of 4.25 – 4.50%. The Fed's updated forecast projected 50 bps of rate cuts in 2025, down from their previous forecast of 100 bps, hinting at concern of reemergent inflation. |
Federal Reserve Monetary Policy Inflation Easing Growth | |
| 2024 Q2 |
AILarge technology companies continue to focus capital expenditure on expanding artificial intelligence capabilities to meet burgeoning demand. Management teams from many companies across various industries discussed potential monetization opportunities and efficiency gains from deploying AI. |
Technology Capital Expenditure Monetization Efficiency |
Trade DownHaving endured a prolonged period of price increases stemming from pandemic-era supply chain issues, consumers are now trading down to lower-priced selections and shopping around to get the best deal before making a purchase. The consumer outlook is more stark for companies with meaningful exposure to China. |
Consumer Price Increases China Shopping |
| Date | Pitch Type | Author | Ticker | Company | Industry | Sub Industry | Bull / Bear | Exchange | Keywords | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 21, 2025 | Fund Letters | Alan R.Christensen | ASML NA | ASML Holding N.V. | Information Technology | Semiconductor Equipment | Bull | Euronext Stock Exchange | AI, backlog, Equipment, Euv, Margins, Monopoly, semiconductors | Login |
| Oct 21, 2025 | Fund Letters | Alan R.Christensen | TSM | Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company | Information Technology | Semiconductors | Bull | NYSE | AI, Capacity, Foundry, growth, Margins, Pricing, semiconductors | Login |
| Oct 21, 2025 | Fund Letters | Alan R.Christensen | INTU | Intuit Inc. | Information Technology | Application Software | Bear | NASDAQ | Automation, Deceleration, guidance, SMB, Software, valuation | Login |
| Oct 21, 2025 | Fund Letters | Alan R.Christensen | MSFT | Microsoft Corporation | Information Technology | System Software | Bull | NASDAQ | AI, buybacks, cloud, enterprise, growth, Margins, Software | Login |
| Oct 21, 2025 | Fund Letters | Alan R.Christensen | NVDA | NVIDIA Corporation | Information Technology | Semiconductors | Bull | NASDAQ | AI, datacenter, GPUs, growth, leadership, Margins, semiconductors | Login |
| TICKER | COMMENTARY |
|---|---|
| CVX | The top contributors to relative performance include Chevron |
| ASML | The top contributors to relative performance include Chevron, ASML |
| XOM | The top contributors to relative performance include Chevron, ASML, Exxon Mobil |
| BAESY | The top contributors to relative performance include Chevron, ASML, Exxon Mobil, BAE Systems |
| TSM | The top contributors to relative performance include Chevron, ASML, Exxon Mobil, BAE Systems, and Taiwan Semiconductor |
| MSFT | The top detractors from relative performance include Microsoft |
| INTU | The top detractors from relative performance include Microsoft, Intuit |
| GOOGL | The top detractors from relative performance include Microsoft, Intuit, Alphabet |
| AMZN | The top detractors from relative performance include Microsoft, Intuit, Alphabet, Amazon.com |
| META | The top detractors from relative performance include Microsoft, Intuit, Alphabet, Amazon.com, and Meta Platforms |
| Ticker | Put/Call | Amount Bought | Shares Bought | % Change | Weight % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Ticker | Put/Call | Amount Sold | Shares Sold | % Change | Weight % | Status |
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| Industry | Prev Quarter % | Current Quarter % | Change |
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| No industry data available | |||