Nino Ne.,47:4 r«\4 Tha '74 Stoic Imes:emir truth:. to r3 A1 m %Mello HC21-0.144:441 4039 Henning Gebhardt, Global Head of Equities Equity-market perspectives Healthier portfolio returns In times of fast changing market sentiment, crisis summits and unconventional central bank policies, one can easily lose track of long-term trends. But they are the drivers of the healthcare sector. Demand for drugs, care and hospital capacity is naturally rising in an ageing society. Many elderly people must take several drugs a day against chronic diseases. Even in emerging countries, the healthcare sector is growing at an above-average rate. Increasing prosperity enables more and more people in Asia, Africa and Latin America to afford modem medicine and procedures. Along with Western lifestyles, associated lifestyle diseases such as diabetes are spreading rapidly, creating a growing need for medical treatment The development of new drugs consumes enormous research funds: The pharmaceuticals industry estimates the costs of a new therapy at roughly $1.5 billion. But it can be worthwhile. For example. patients who face the unwelcome prospect of hepatitis C destroying their liver can be completely healed within twelve weeks. Artificial heart valves can be inserted via a minor inguinal incision. New product of immuno-oncology could help to improve the longevity prospects of cancer patients, turning cancer from a lethal into a chronic disease. Not only patients but also shareholders have benefited from the healthcare sector in the last few years. While the total market for healthcare products has doubled within five years, the market value of tlx: sector has almost tripled.' As well as the favorable long-term earnings outlook, the structural risk profile of the healthcare sector appears to be comparatively beneficial, as well. Contrary to the demand for commodities or automobiles, the need for drugs is largely Source: FactSet Research Systems inc