Why an investment with AktienPlus offers more opportunities than the MSCI World ETF

For a long time, an MSCI World ETF was considered the gold standard of cost-efficient investing for everyone. However, the next major trend is now emerging from the US, elevating ETFs to a new level: active ETFs. In collaboration with J.P. Morgan Asset Management, UnitPlus has launched Germany's first active ETF portfolio—an innovation offering investors a genuine alternative to traditional passive ETFs and active mutual funds. While active ETFs are already a mega-trend in the US, their potential is also becoming evident in Europe: they can generate higher long-term net-of-fee returns. What makes AktienPlus so unique, and how does the portfolio compare to the MSCI World Index? We address these questions in this article.

What are active ETFs?

Active ETFs combine the best of both worlds: the intraday liquidity and cost-efficiency of traditional ETFs, combined with the advantages of active, professional risk management. A portfolio manager makes deliberate decisions regarding security selection and weighting within the fund. The objective is to outperform the market benchmark through rigorous analysis and targeted strategies, rather than simply replicating the market as passive ETFs do. Nonetheless, the core benefits of an ETF remain: expenses are significantly lower than those of traditional active mutual funds, and shares remain highly liquid.

With our partner J.P. Morgan Asset Management, these active ETFs employ what are known as "index-aware" active strategies. This approach limits both active risk and tracking error. While the ETFs are actively managed, portfolio management deliberately maintains a close alignment with the benchmark in terms of regions, sectors, and styles, ensuring the portfolio reflects the index from a macro perspective. Deviations from the benchmark are executed at the individual stock level, driven by fundamental research from J.P. Morgan Asset Management. The deviations per individual holding are considerably smaller compared to active strategies characterized by higher active risk and larger tracking errors, which tend to diverge more significantly from the benchmark.

How does AktienPlus work?

AktienPlus currently consists of 7 active ETFs, which can be dynamically adjusted. This flexible portfolio management ensures that your investment remains resilient and future-proof without requiring manual intervention. Especially during turbulent market phases, you can remain confident while your capital is managed professionally.

Source: BlackRock Portfolio 360 – Europe – Portfolio Analysis Tool

Key advantages compared to the MSCI World:

Over the past 5 years, AktienPlus delivered an annualized return of nearly 1% above the benchmark (gross of fees).

Source: BlackRock Portfolio 360 – Europe – Portfolio Analysis Tool

Thanks to the compounding effect, a hypothetical investment of €10,000 would result in a final return that is more than 4% higher.

Source: BlackRock Portfolio 360 – Europe – Portfolio Analysis Tool

Simultaneously, the portfolio demonstrated lower volatility, as measured by standard deviation.

Costs and Performance: A Compelling Value Proposition

With an annual fee of just 0.76%—composed of 0.26% in underlying active ETF costs and a 0.50% service fee from UnitPlus—AktienPlus offers a highly cost-efficient way to access active investment strategies. Despite these costs, the annualized net-of-fee return continues to outperform the MSCI World ETF, achieved with a lower risk profile.

Why AktienPlus? Your Key Benefits at a Glance

• Historically higher net returns: Active optimization capitalizes on market opportunities.

  
  

• Reduced risk: Stability driven by sophisticated diversification and active risk management.

  
  

• Simplicity: No manual adjustments required—your capital is managed efficiently, allowing you to focus on other priorities.

  
  

• Future-proof: Dynamic rebalancing ensures the portfolio remains resilient to market shifts.

Are there any potential drawbacks?

• Although the portfolio outperformed the MSCI World over the last 5 years, historical outperformance does not guarantee future results.

  
  

• Active ETFs are still a relatively novel asset class in Germany, and investors should familiarize themselves with their unique opportunities and risks before investing.

Conclusion: AktienPlus Sets New Benchmarks

With AktienPlus, UnitPlus and J.P. Morgan Asset Management are bringing a revolutionary investment solution to the market. Germany's first active ETF portfolio successfully bridges the strengths of traditional ETFs (liquidity, diversification, transparency) with the value-add of active portfolio management.

For investors seeking long-term capital growth and outperformance with minimal operational effort, AktienPlus represents an ideal solution. Whether for retirement planning or long-term wealth accumulation, AktienPlus offers a sophisticated opportunity to consistently outperform the market over the long term.

Risk Disclaimer:

This article does not constitute investment advice. It does not recommend the purchase or sale of any financial instruments. All capital market investments carry risks, including the potential for a total loss of invested capital. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. JP Morgan Asset Management does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information in this article.