Voya Large-Cap Growth Fund Quarterly Commentary - 1Q25
Actively managed large cap growth strategy that relies on fundamental research and analysis to identify companies exhibiting superior capital investment and core profitability with attractive risk-reward profiles.
Portfolio review
In the first quarter of 2025, U.S. equities faced a significant downturn, with the S&P 500 Index falling by –4.27% and the Nasdaq Composite Index declining by –10.42%. This marked the worst performance for the S&P 500 since 3Q22 and for the Nasdaq since 2Q22. The market’s decline was driven by a combination of economic growth fears, tariff uncertainties and emerging cracks in the artificial intelligence sector. Big technology, represented by the Magnificent Seven stocks, fell into bear-market territory, down 16% for the quarter. Despite these challenges, several key economic indicators remained strong. These included strong nonfarm payrolls, a lower-than-expected core Consumer Price Index (CPI), and better than expected control group retail sales, industrial production and existing home sales.
Notably, sector performance was mixed, with defensive sectors like energy and healthcare outperforming the broader market. These sectors benefited from their historical resilience in uncertain economic conditions, providing a buffer against the market’s overall volatility. In contrast, the cyclical and technology sectors lagged, reflecting investor concerns over economic growth and the impact of tariff uncertainties. The market’s negative sentiment was further worsened by weaker economic data and earnings changes. However, the economy received some support from the Federal Open Market Committee as Chair Powell emphasized that tariffs would only affect inflation temporarily.
For the quarter, the Fund underperformed the Index, on a NAV basis due to unfavorable stock selection. The underperformance can mainly be attributed to stock selection within information technology, industrials and consumer discretionary. Alternatively positive stock selection in financials, communication services and to a lesser extent consumer staples contributed to performance.
Key detractors from performance were Trade Desk, Inc., Datadog, Inc. and Palantir Technologies Inc.
An overweight position in the Trade Desk, Inc. (TTD) detracted from performance. The stock declined following missed revenue targets and disappointing guidance. This was primarily due to weaker-than-expected demand for digital advertising, exacerbated by macroeconomic uncertainty regarding tariffs.
An overweight position in Datadog, Inc. (DDOG) detracted from performance this quarter. Datadog’s growth slowed, raising concerns about its ability to sustain rapid expansion. Higher-than-expected expenses also contributed to a more cautious outlook.
An overweight position in Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR) detracted from performance this quarter. PLTR’s reliance on large government contracts poses a risk amid shifting political climates. In addition, geopolitical tensions raised concerns about the company’s operations in international markets.
Key contributors to performance were Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc., Alphabet Inc. and Visa Inc.
An overweight position in Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. (VRTX) contributed to performance this quarter. The company’s strong performance was driven by the recent Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of its non-opioid painkiller (Journavx) along with the continued launch of the breakthrough gene therapy (Casgevy).
Our aggregate underweight exposure to Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL) contributed to performance this quarter. The stock experienced a decline alongside its Magnificent Seven peers as artificial intelligence headwinds grew in addition to macro uncertainties from Trump 2.0 policy.
An overweight position in Visa Inc. (V) contributed to performance this quarter due to strong fiscal year 1Q earnings, driven by strong international performance with both domestic and cross-border payment volumes accelerating.
Current strategy and outlook
The outlook for U.S. equities in the coming period remains cautious amid a mix of economic and market factors. While the labor market remains strong and inflation pressures have eased, broader economic uncertainty and tariff uncertainties continue to pose significant risks. Policymakers will need to handle these challenges carefully to make sure the economy keeps growing and staying stable.
Holdings Detail
Companies mentioned in this report—percentage of Strategy investments, as of 03/31/25: Trade Desk, Inc. 0.56%, Datadog, Inc. 0.50%, Palantir Technologies Inc. 0.73%, Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. 1.36%, Alphabet Inc. 3.16% and Visa Inc. 3.05%; 0% indicates that the security is no longer in the portfolio. Portfolio holdings are subject to daily change.
Key Takeaways
Equities experienced a broad pullback, with large caps holding up better than small caps, while value stocks outpaced growth. Growth sectors saw notable declines, particularly in technology and retail, while defensive sectors and energy provided stability. Meanwhile, interest rates declined, credit spreads widened and commodities surged to record highs, with gold reaching unprecedented levels as investors sought safe-haven assets amid rising economic uncertainty and recession concerns.
For the quarter, the Fund underperformed its benchmark, the Russell 1000 Growth Index (the Index), on a net asset value (NAV) basis due to unfavorable stock selection.
As we move through the remainder of 2025, investors face a complex landscape shaped by geopolitical tensions, shifting trade policies and evolving monetary dynamics. Despite uncertainties, the broadening of market leadership beyond mega-cap stocks presents new opportunities across industries, particularly in defensive sectors. We aim to remain nimble in response to elevated inflation and interest rates, carefully monitoring strategies to align with changing market dynamics.