Cumulative assets under management (AUM) for a composite group of 15 asset managers totalled $12.56 trillion at the end of the first quarter of 2018, down $10bn from $12.57 trillion in the fourth quarter. The decrease marked the group’s first quarterly market depreciation since the third quarter of 2015, according to a report by SS&C Technologies.

The composite group includes money management giants such as Alliance Bernstein, BlackRock, and Franklin Templeton.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Of the 15 firms polled, 12 reported a fall in AUM with market volatility being a primary reason for the decline.

According to the study, fears of a global trade war further contributed to the decline in market performance.

Reduced AUM led to lower asset-generated fee revenues, and in turn resulted in a decrease in operating margins, the study revealed.

However, the composite group also posted a 26% net income during the quarter, which was the best level recorded in 16 quarters.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

SS&C head of investment products research and consulting Michael Andrews said: “During the first quarter of 2018, operating margins for the public asset management firms declined from an all-time high achieved in the fourth quarter of 2017.

“While the globally synchronized “Goldilocks economy1” is likely not rolling over, market volatility – that came on with a vengeance during Q1 – sequentially drove down AUM, asset-generated fees and consequently impacted margins.  While the asset management industry is still quite profitable, the lingering question going forward will be whether we have encountered a turning point in the trend line.”