New DWS equity fund focuses on artificial intelligence and ESG

DWS launched an equity fund on 31 March 2021 whose stock selection is largely based on the use of artificial intelligence (AI). The DWS Concept ESG Arabesque AI Global Equity picks up on the three megatrends that DWS has identified for the coming decade: Low interest rates, sustainability and digitalization.

The fund is the first joint product of DWS and Arabesque AI, a UK-based company specializing in artificial intelligence with which DWS entered into a strategic partnership at the beginning of 2020. It takes ESG criteria into account, pursues a total return approach and comprises between 60 and 70 stocks from the MSCI World universe. The expected tracking error is between six and seven per cent.

Arabesque's AI approach is highly comprehensive and is not limited to individual markets, investment styles or asset classes. This distinguishes it from many of its competitors. "With this product, we combine the advantages of artificial intelligence with the expertise of our investment managers in an actively managed investment fund. By combining the unique strengths of both partners, we can better analyze the exponentially growing amount of data through innovative technologies to derive new insights," says Manfred Bauer, head of the product division at DWS.

Yasin Rosowsky, co-CEO of Arabesque AI, adds: “Advancements in AI technology are driving transformation of the global marketplace. The launch of the DWS Concept ESG Arabesque AI fund is the result of a strong collaboration between Arabesque and DWS, combining DWS’ fund management expertise with Arabesque’s AI capabilities to co-develop a cutting-edge investment product. We are delighted to be partnering with DWS on this exciting new offering.”

The following figures show how explosive the issue of increasing data volumes is: In 2009, the number of new data was still 0.5 zettabytes (one zettabyte corresponds to 1,073,741,824 terabytes), in 2019 it will already be 45 zettabytes. For the year 2025, experts expect new data amounting to 175 zettabytes, i.e. 350 times the amount of 2009. For the human brain, this development is a big problem, but for artificial intelligence, the more information, the better.

Artificial intelligence will increasingly take on an important role in asset management. However, it will not completely replace analysts or fund managers. In the DWS Concept ESG Arabesque AI Global Equity, the interaction of AI and humans means that the AI engine generates a large number of signals every day that indicate the attractiveness of stocks. DWS's quantitative investment specialists use these to build a portfolio that is diversified regionally and across sectors, and review it on a monthly basis.

Sabina Diaz Duque                                       Reimar Salzmann
+49 (0)69 / 910 14177                                   +49 (0)69 / 910 14191
sabina.diaz-duque@dws.com                       reimar.salzmann@dws.com

 

About DWS Group

DWS Group (DWS) is one of the world's leading asset managers with EUR 793bn of assets under management (as of 31 December 2020). Building on more than 60 years of experience, it has a reputation for excellence in Germany, Europe, the Americas and Asia. DWS is recognized by clients globally as a trusted source for integrated investment solutions, stability and innovation across a full spectrum of investment disciplines.

We offer individuals and institutions access to our strong investment capabilities across all major asset classes and solutions aligned to growth trends. Our diverse expertise in Active, Passive and Alternatives asset management – as well as our deep environmental, social and governance focus – complement each other when creating targeted solutions for our clients. Our expertise and on-the-ground-knowledge of our economists, research analysts and investment professionals are brought together in one consistent global CIO View, which guides our investment approach strategically.

DWS wants to innovate and shape the future of investing: with approximately 3,500 employees in offices all over the world, we are local while being one global team. We are investors – entrusted to build the best foundation for our clients’ future.