Quoniam University Award Presented.

On Thursday, 27 June 2024, Quoniam Asset Management presented the “Quoniam University Award” to two students from Frankfurt School. For many years, Professor Dr Olaf Stotz, Professor of Asset Management and Pension Economics at Frankfurt School, has maintained a close partnership with Quoniam Asset Management GmbH. Each year, Frankfurt School bachelor students from the “Asset Management” course have the opportunity to qualify for the University Award.

This year, the award went to Jan-Gerrit Heine and Julian Kohleisen for their outstanding term paper on the development of an innovative factor investment strategy. Their task was to design an investment strategy that capitalises on market movements following macroeconomic events. They analysed market volatility (CBOE VIX Index) after the announcement of U.S. inflation data (CPI). When volatility increased, the strategy invested in risk-averse stocks (factor “HiOP”); when volatility decreased, it invested in high-risk value stocks (factor “HiBM”). In backtesting since 2000, the strategy achieved an average annual return of 11.7%.

Research cooperation since 2017 – an opportunity for students

“The Bachelor’s module in Asset Management closely links financial theory and investment practice. With the support of Quoniam Asset Management GmbH, motivated Frankfurt School students have the ideal opportunity to present their academic work to the experienced investment committee of the asset manager and compete for the University Award. Once again this year, the winning team impressed the jury with an excellently implemented investment strategy. Congratulations!”, said Professor Stotz.

Thomas Kieselstein, Senior Partner at Quoniam, emphasised the importance of combining practical experience with academic research during the award ceremony: “We believe in the successful integration of academic research and active asset management. For the training of young investment professionals, it is becoming increasingly important to combine scientific insights with practical experience.”

The winners expressed their delight at receiving the award and highlighted the valuable experience gained through the demanding project. Julian Kohleisen said: “The project was challenging at first, but exciting. Through intensive work, a steep learning curve, and the support of Professor Stotz, we were able to develop a successful investment strategy.”

Jan-Gerrit Heine added: “In the Asset Management course, we were able to apply what we had learned in practice and gain valuable experience. The cooperation with Quoniam Asset Management gave us interesting insights and the opportunity to meet inspiring personalities.”