“Together, we will examine current developments in the capital markets and the prospects for value investing”
For a long time, value investing was considered a demanding discipline in a market environment heavily influenced by growth stocks, liquidity, and short-term trends. Meanwhile, fundamentals, valuation discipline, and real assets are once again coming into sharper focus for many investors. According to Alex Rauchenstein (SIA Asset Management), the Fund Congress in Mannheim once again revealed growing interest in value strategies and commodity stocks—particularly among family offices, independent asset managers, and investors who can make decisions free from structural constraints. In an interview with Markus Hill for FINANZPLATZ FRANKFURT, Rauchenstein explains why direct dialogue with investors remains central to SIA, what role energy and commodity stocks play in the current geopolitical environment, and which topics will be the focus of Swiss Value Day on June 11 in Zurich as well as at other events in 2026.
Hill: At the fund conference in Mannheim, there were numerous exciting discussions about value investing and commodities. In your view, which topics were of particular interest to the fund selectors in attendance?
Rauchenstein: The Fund Congress in Mannheim was once again a resounding success. For many years now, we have been hosting a lunchtime presentation on the first day of the conference in collaboration with Frankfurt Asset Management (FAM). We observed that both of our investment themes—value and commodity stocks—are once again attracting significantly increased interest, particularly among investors who can make investment decisions for their clients independently and without structural constraints. A key reason for this is the strong performance of our strategies: For nearly six years now, our two funds, the SIA LTIF Classic and the SIA LTIF Natural Resources, have significantly outperformed the global stock market, thereby offering an attractive diversification opportunity. This has not changed even in the current geopolitical environment . Our consistent positioning in the energy sector, particularly in oil companies, has continued to prove its worth and has noticeably cushioned the recent corrections in the stock markets. Furthermore, our SIA LTIF Natural Resources fund benefits from investors increasingly seeking a solid core investment in the commodities sector that is actively and consistently managed according to value criteria.
Hill: A brief assessment from your perspective: Are family offices still the ideal investors for value investing?
Rauchenstein: Yes, that assessment still holds true. As already mentioned, our approaches are particularly appealing to investors who, free from structural constraints, can make independent investment decisions for their clients. This applies in particular to family offices and independent asset managers. In other words: The closer we are to the actual investor, the better our entrepreneurial investment approach is understood and consistently supported.
Hill: What topics will be in the spotlight at this year’s Swiss Value Day?
Rauchenstein: The fifth edition of Swiss Value Day will take place in Zurich on June 11. The idea for this event originated about six years ago against the backdrop that value investing was already considered outdated in many quarters. Together with a competitor, we made a conscious decision at the time to counter this trend and create a platform that would bring the relevance of value strategies back into sharper focus. Since then, we have been able to demonstrate that it continues to be worthwhile—or, in our view, more so than ever—to consistently adhere to value strategies. This year, we are once again featuring top-tier external speakers: In addition to Mark Dittli from “The Market,” we welcome Kim Shannon, founder of at Sionna Capital in Toronto, as well as the renowned economic historian Edward Chancellor, who published his latest book earlier this year. Together, we will examine current developments in the capital markets and the prospects for value investing.
Hill: What other topics are on your agenda for 2026?
Rauchenstein: In addition to our key content areas, this year will also feature numerous events where we foster direct dialogue with investors. Our event at MainNizza in Frankfurt is scheduled for May 12. We look forward to seeing you there in person; thank you in advance for moderating. As mentioned earlier, Swiss Value Day is coming up in June, and we look forward to exchanging ideas in Zurich. Another highlight will be Natural Resources Day this fall, which will also take place in Zurich on September 10. Additionally, various events with Stockwaves and the FFB will be held in Germany. By the way, we’ll be back in Frankfurt (FFB) on November 12—maybe we’ll see you there as well. These events underscore our commitment to maintaining close dialogue with our investors and to continuously explaining and refining our investment strategies.
Hill: Thank you very much for the interview.
Dialogue & Information:
FINANZPLATZ FRANKFURT AM MAIN on LINKEDIN – CHANNEL
FINANZPLATZ FRANKFURT AM MAIN on LINKEDIN – GROUP
FONDSBOUTIQUEN on LINKEDIN – CHANNEL
FINANZPLATZ-FRANKFURT-MAIN.DE, DACHLI Region & FONDSBOUTIQUEN.DE (2026) – Topics, Interests, Dialogue (Selection & “Snapshots”)
February 25, 2026, Frankfurt – “Frankfurt am Main Financial Center Meets Wealth Management”
(Markus Hill – Moderators: Christian Neuhaus – FINVIA, Sven Karkossa – Capitell Vermögens-Management AG, Noel Zeh – Wunderland Capital)
February 26, 2026, Frankfurt – “Forum for Digital Assets (FDV)”
Editorial Team – Special Feature “Frankfurt am Main Financial Center Meets Wealth Management & Digital Assets”
(Interviews / Guest Contributions, “Support” & MORE: info: markus-hill.com)
March 17, 2026, Frankfurt – Private Markets Excellence Forum – “Private Markets, Family Offices & Foundations – Due Diligence & Outlook 2026”
(Markus Hill – Fireside Chat: J. Paulo Dos Santos – Managing Director, VIRATIO GmbH)
Interview with Christian Hommens – SMART IMPACT INVESTING & PRIVATE MARKETS
Spring 2026: Investor Study “Preferences of Institutional Investors in Real Estate & Alternative Investments”
(Markus Hill – Moderator, Podcast: Sebastian Thürmer, “artis & x” – Example 2025)
April 16, 2026 – “köln let’s talk” – Bettina Timmler – Real Estate & Dialogue
(Media partnership)
May 12, 2026, Frankfurt: “Value Investing & Commodities & MORE”
(Markus Hill – Moderator & Short Introduction “Fund Boutiques & the U.S. Formula” – Alex J. Rauschenstein & Urs Marti, SIA FUNDS AG – FINANCIAL CENTER SWITZERLAND)
June 17, 2026, Zurich: Insights – “Family Offices & Fund Boutiques” – The Mountain Talks Summit – FUNDPLAT
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November 10, 2026, Frankfurt: “Frankfurt am Main Financial Center Meets Liechtenstein Financial Center”
(Markus Hill – Moderator – LAFV Liechtenstein Investment Fund Association: Panel & Presentations)
Input, ideas, and suggestions on the above topics are welcome:
info@markus-hill.com / +49 (0) 163 4616 179
Photo: Frankfurt am Main Financial Center