The Pakistan Credit Rating Agency (PACRA) has assigned a 4-Star fund rating to Atlas Stock Market Fund (ASMF) (Category: Equity Fund), which reflects a good performance relative to its peers. The rating is a composite measure of two factors namely a) returns, and b) risk associated with the returns measured by Sharpe Ratio.

About the fund: ASMF, an open-end scheme, was established under a trust deed executed in May 2004 between Atlas Asset Management Limited (AAML) as management company and Central Depository Company of Pakistan Limited (CDC) as trustee. The objective of ASMF is to provide investors one window facility to invest in a diversified portfolio of equity securities offering consistent returns and growth. The Fund aims to achieve this objective mainly by investing in equity securities that are paying regular dividend, have growth prospects or are actively traded. Any amounts that have not been invested in equity securities may be invested in corporate debt instruments or government securities or placed in money market instruments, reverse repurchase agreements or spread transactions. ASMF also holds assets in the form of cash deposits with banks to take advantage of suitable investment opportunities as they emerge.

About the Asset Manager: Atlas Asset Management Limited (AAML), sponsored by the Atlas Group, was incorporated on August 20, 2002. Atlas Group, established in 1962, is one of the well-known business groups of the country with strong presence in manufacturing, finance and trading sectors. Over a span of 44 years, the group has diversified into various industrial and service oriented businesses. Though each company within the group works independently, the overall strategic direction of the group is set by the Group Executive Committee. Shirazi Investments (Pvt) Limited, the parent company of the asset manager, holds 88% of the total shareholding.