A New Queen on the Rise
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it’s critical to highlight the exceptional accomplishments of women in finance. Among them is Ivana Delevska, a rising star whose innovative strategies and stellar returns are drawing comparisons to the legendary fund manager, Cathie Wood.
Challenges for the Once-Great
Cathie Wood, long hailed by financial media for her early success in amassing billions under her management, has struggled in recent years. Lackluster performance in 2022 and 2023, followed by a stagnant 2024, have exposed vulnerabilities. While Wood remains inspirational, the question looms: is it time for a new queen to reign?
ARKK Facing Troubled Seas
Wood’s flagship fund, ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK), has experienced significant outflows as a result of its underperformance. Despite a roaring tech market in 2024 with the S&P 500 surging nearly 9%, ARKK has remained flat. In contrast, the iShares US Technology ETF (IYW) has seen a robust increase of over 13%. ARKK has shed over 11% of its value in the past two months, equating to nearly $1 billion in losses.
The Ascension of Delevska
Enter Ivana Delevska, the founder and CIO of Spear Invest, poised to take the throne. Delevska’s Spear Alpha ETF (SPRX) has outperformed ARKK by a wide margin since its inception in August 2021, skyrocketing to a 22.30% gain. In comparison, the S&P 500 has risen by 16.38% over the same period, while Wood’s ARKK has plummeted by nearly 59.03%. The disparity is glaring.
Setting Herself Apart
Delevska’s strategies differ significantly from Wood’s. She maintains a more concentrated and actively managed approach, focusing on value rather than adhering to rigid themes. This flexibility has allowed her to capitalize on opportunities where Wood faltered, such as with Nvidia, which has surged over 520% since Delevska’s show of confidence in January 2023.
Emphasizing “boots on the ground” research, Delevska delves deep into understanding market fundamentals and product value chains. Her hands-on approach extends to attending customer events, gathering feedback, and adapting her strategies based on real-world insights.
Gathering Momentum
Delevska’s success has garnered a growing following, with Spear Invest’s AUM approaching $80 million, $60 million of which was added in the last three months. As her fund expands, Delevska remains unwavering in her dedication to managing the portfolio and conducting thorough research.
Amidst the excitement of her recent triumphs, Ivana Delevska remains committed to her vigilant approach. The rise of SPRX tells a tale of triumph in a market full of pitfalls.
Image created with photos from Shutterstock and Spear Invest.