WestEnd’s Core Strategy doubled the index return for the quarter (+21.8% vs. +10.9%), driven by our focused allocations in Technology, Industrials, and select European stocks. In this letter, we highlight how positioning in aerospace and defense continues to benefit from reshoring trends, rising global defense spending, and domestic investment tailwinds from the new OBBBA legislation.

After a week of on-the-ground research across Europe, WestEnd’s equity team returned with fresh conviction in three compelling companies. With macro shifts reshaping the region, we see meaningful opportunity in select European equities.

In our view, staying passive through volatile, policy-driven environments is not a risk-free choice. Rather than committing to a static buy-and-hold allocation, we believe in remaining tactically active.

The April 2 “Liberation Day” tariff announcement sent stocks into a severe volatility patch. We maintained our cash allocation but started buying selectively.