Rock Creek Group's Q3 vs. Q4 2022 13F Holdings Reveal Focus on Emerging Markets and Value Stocks: Analysis

Rock Creek Group LP, a global investment firm, recently filed its Form 13F with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the third and fourth quarter of 2022. The filing revealed a significant difference in the company's holdings between the two quarters, with both gains and losses recorded.

The firm's most noteworthy move was in its position for the Ishares MSCI China ETF (MCHI), which took a massive leap from 1.5 million shares in Q3 2022 to over 2 million in Q4 2022. The dollar value of these holdings also rose from $64,345,000 to over $103,000,000. This represents an impressive change of 60.1%, reflecting the growing interest in Chinese equity markets, which have experienced significant growth during the last two quarters.

However, not all of Rock Creek's moves were as successful. Its position in Ishares Core S&P Total U.S. (ITOT) fell significantly from 1.7 million shares to just over 980,000. The dollar value of these holdings also decreased from $137,447,000 to $100,286,000, representing a reduction of 27%. This may reflect the increasing concerns over the inflationary environment experienced in the US in the latter half of 2022.

Another notable move for Rock Creek was in its position for the Ishares MSCI South Korea ETF (EWY), which rose by 102% from Q3 2022 to Q4 2022. The fund's holdings in the ETF grew from 1,042,903 shares to 1,718,233 shares, with the value of these holdings rising from $49,392,000 to $99,750,000. This increase likely reflects continued strong economic performance from the Korea Republic, despite the uncertainty caused by the current global economic climate.

The fund has also increased its position in other emerging market ETFs, such as the Ishares MSCI Taiwan ETF (EWT), increasing its holdings from 913,686 shares to 1,625,424 shares, and the Ishares Core MSCI International Developed Markets ETF (IDEV), increasing its holdings from 785,484 shares to 773,820 shares.

On the other side, the fund decreased its position in Choice Hotels International Inc (CHH), reducing its holdings by 45.4% from 1,046,579 to 531,200 shares. The value of its position also decreased from $114,621,000 to $62,556,000, reflecting a shift in the fund's investment focus.

The fund's position in iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF (IWD) also saw significant growth in Q4 2022, with its holdings rising from 144,862 to 204,904 shares. The dollar value of these holdings rose from $14,862,000 to $33,201,000, reflecting a growth of 123.4%. This change underlines the company's interest in value stocks, which have become increasingly more attractive in the market.

Rock Creek also increased its position in iShares Core Dividend Growth (DGRO) from 443,977 to 574,872 shares for Q4 2022, with the dollar value of these holdings growing from $19,744,000 to $30,938,000. This represents an increase of 56.7% and highlights the company's interest in dividend-growth stocks.

Besides, the fund diversified its portfolio with assets such as spdr gold shares ETF (GLD), increasing its holdings from 108,601 shares to 136,178 shares, and increased its position in Eaton Vance Flting Rate Inc (EFT) by 3.2%. However, the fund decreased its position in Pimco Enhanced Short Maturity ETF (MINT) by 36.5%, with its dollar value falling from $2,714,000 to $1,723,000.

In summary, Rock Creek Group's Q3 2022 vs. Q4 2022 13F Holdings comparison shows that the company is primarily interested in emerging market ETFs, value stocks, and dividend-growth stocks. In their portfolio, not all the changes made were successful, as some positions decreased during the second half of the year. Regardless, as Rock Creek continues to diversify its portfolio, it maintains its focus on growing markets and sectors instead of stagnating or declining areas.