1) The fund has recently underperformed its category benchmark due to cyclical downturns in mid-cap stocks it holds and certain stocks dragging performance. However, the fund manager believes current underperformance may be cyclical and recovery could follow as with past periods.
2) The fund's portfolio consists of many category-leading companies with strong long-term growth potential. While some sectors and stocks have faced short-term issues, the fund manager believes their quality and market positions provide long-term alpha potential.
3) The fund manager continues evaluating the portfolio based on their investment framework, exiting positions where warranted but also adding to cyclically downturn stocks with good long-term prospects trading at attractive valuations now