Karachi: Lakson Investments Limited, the management company for the Lakson Income Fund (LIF), reported a robust annual return of 15.95% for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, significantly outpacing its targeted benchmarks. According to information available from the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), the fund's performance reflects a well-managed strategy in a challenging economic environment, with total assets reaching PKR 7.786 billion.

LIF invests in a diverse portfolio that includes government securities, clean placements, term deposits, and commercial papers, ensuring a balanced risk through varied maturities. The fund’s strategic investments and active management resulted in a portfolio duration of 403 days, maintaining a substantial portion in secure, low-volatility assets like Treasury Bills and Government Securities.

Despite not utilizing borrowing facilities, LIF managed to navigate economic uncertainties, such as rising inflation and external pressures, by leveraging opportunities in market fluctuations. The fund declared an interim payout of PKR 16.2433 per unit, distributing a total of PKR 264.8157 million to its investors during the year.

The economic landscape of FY24 presented hurdles, including higher than anticipated inflation and a depreciating currency. However, the fund benefited from Pakistan’s financial stabilization measures, including a significant IMF support package which eased external account pressures.

Looking ahead, LIF remains cautious but optimistic about the future, citing potential economic reforms and ongoing support from international financial institutions as key factors likely to influence market conditions and fund performance.