In the first quarter of 2026, the Nomura Small Cap Core Fund's Institutional shares demonstrated an underperformance relative to the Russell 2000 Index, which achieved a 0.89% gain. The fund experienced a challenging start to the quarter in January but saw a significant recovery in February. However, stock-specific issues led to a downturn in March. The fund continues to maintain its largest overweight position in the finance sector.

Detailed Report on Nomura Small Cap Core Fund's Q1 2026 Performance

During the first quarter of 2026, the Nomura Small Cap Core Fund's Institutional shares recorded a performance that fell short of its benchmark, the Russell 2000 Index. The Russell 2000 Index posted a gain of 0.89% over this period, reflecting a volatile market. Initially, in January, the fund's portfolio trailed the market, but it managed to claw back nearly all of these losses during February's market recalibration. Unfortunately, March saw the fund lagging once again, attributed to the specific outcomes of several individual stocks within its holdings. In a broader market context, US small-cap equities, as represented by the Russell 2000, outshone their large-cap counterparts, with the Russell 1000 Index recording a negative return of -4.18%. This highlights a divergence in market trends between different capitalization segments. Within the Nomura Small Cap Core Fund, the finance sector remains the most significantly overweight position relative to the benchmark.

This quarter's performance underscores the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of small-cap investing. While the overall market environment saw small-caps outperforming large-caps, the fund's specific sector allocations and individual stock selections proved to be critical. The experience suggests that even with strategic positioning, unforeseen stock-specific events can significantly impact short-term returns. Investors might consider this a reminder of the importance of long-term perspective and diversification within small-cap portfolios, alongside a careful evaluation of active management strategies in volatile markets.