DENVER, CO -- (Marketwire) -- 01/09/13 -- 361 Capital, a provider of alternative investment mutual funds to RIAs, institutions, financial intermediaries, and high-net-worth investors, reports that strong performance has propelled the firm's 361 Managed Futures Strategy Fund to the top of both its Morningstar and Lipper peer group categories.
The Fund, which employs a distinctive counter-trend methodology, gained 11.47% (Class I shares) for the one year period ended December 31, 2012. This performance handily out-performed the average return of funds in the Morningstar U.S. Managed Futures Category, which declined by 7.39%. This performance landed the 361 Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Class I shares, as the top performing fund in both its Morningstar category -- ranking 1 among 100 funds -- and in its Lipper category ranking 1 out of 47 funds -- for the one year period ended December 31, 2012.*
Recently passing the one year milestone, the 361 Managed Futures Strategy Fund was launched in December 2011 by 361 Capital as a way to offer its managed futures strategy in a fully transparent '40-Act mutual fund structure. The 361 Managed Futures Strategy Fund is a single strategy, single manager product that systematically invests only in equity futures and does not invest in commodities.
According to Brian Cunningham, 361 Capital's President and CIO, the Fund's counter-trend strategy is thriving in these uncertain markets. "The performance of this Fund emphasizes that counter-trend strategies work because they are counter-intuitive and do not require lengthy, sustained trends to produce returns," says Mr. Cunningham. "Since this Fund can be invested 100% long, short, or in cash, it was able to capture 72% of the S&P 500 return while being invested less than 30% of the time."
The 361 Managed Futures Strategy Fund, with assets under management of $127.5 million as of December 31, 2012, is available in two classes -- A Shares (AMFQX) and I Shares (AMFZX) -- covering retail and institutional audiences. The Fund is available through most mutual fund platforms and financial intermediaries.
"Without a clear trend, many managed futures funds have struggled in recent years causing advisers and investors frustration," said Tom Florence, CEO of 361 Capital. "The performance of this Fund once again reminds advisers how valuable an allocation to a counter-trend approach can be during times of uncertainty in the market, especially with its low correlation to other managed futures funds."
Founded in 2001, 361 Capital has a single focus of creating robust alternative investment products that meet the needs of its clients. In early 2012, the firm expanded its capabilities through a strategic partnership with Lighthouse Partners, a $6.5 billion hedge fund of funds.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Since Ticker InceptionTotal Returns as of 12/31/2012 Symbol 4Q12 1 Year (12/20/11)----------------------------------------------------------------------------361 Managed Futures Strategy Fund Class I AMFZX 3.01% 11.47% 9.61%----------------------------------------------------------------------------361 Managed Futures Strategy Fund Class A with Maximum Sales Charge (5.75%) AMFQX -3.00% 4.79% 3.21%----------------------------------------------------------------------------361 Managed Futures Strategy Fund Class A at NAV AMFQX 2.92% 11.17% 9.32%----------------------------------------------------------------------------Citigroup 3 Month T-Bill Index 0.02% 0.07% 0.07%----------------------------------------------------------------------------Morningstar's U.S. Managed Futures Category Average -2.67% -7.39% N/A----------------------------------------------------------------------------S&P 500 Index -0.38% 16.00% 17.04%----------------------------------------------------------------------------
