Professional fund buyers faced the sternest of challenges amid the unimaginable events of 2020.

But how are they positioning portfolios for 2021 and what strategies are they putting in place to both guard against, and take advantage of, turbulent market conditions?

CoreData’s latest research report reveals that fund buyers around the globe are turning to active strategies and alternatives to provide downside protection as they brace for an uptick in volatility in 2021.

But professional fund investors are also looking to capitalize on current market conditions by investing in value funds and hunting for opportunities in risk assets including emerging markets.

The study, based on a survey of 200 global respondents, also shows how fund selectors have increased their focus on ESG in the wake of Covid-19, despite concerns about greenwashing.