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Read the latest ‘Fund in focus’ articles, produced by our research team and which take an in-depth look at a fund, it’s investment performance, philosophy and outlook. You’ll also find reviews produced by fund managers and which we’ve reproduced with their kind permission.
Fund in focus: Invesco Corporate BondPublished on 14 May 20 by Liz Rees When the outlook for company profitability is uncertain it can be hard to find a dependable source of income from your investments. Companies are cutting dividends, while government bonds offer negligible interest rates and high yield bonds face rising defaults. One area that may be worth considering is investment grade corporate bonds. Our fund in focus this week is Invesco Corporate Bond, which has a Morningstar gold rating.read more |
Invesco Income Fund (UK) Q1 2020 reviewPublished on 13 May 20 by Guest This article outlines the economic background and explains how this has affected the performance of the Fund. Examples of the main contributors and detractors to returns are highlighted. Finally, the strategy is recapped and the outlook considered.read more |
Invesco High Income Fund (UK) Q1 2020 reviewPublished on 13 May 20 by Guest This article outlines the economic background and explains how this has affected the performance of the Fund. Examples of the main contributors and detractors to returns are highlighted. Finally, the strategy is recapped and the outlook considered.read more |
Invesco European Equity Fund (UK) Q1 2020 reviewPublished on 13 May 20 by Guest This article outlines the economic background and explains how this has affected the performance of the Fund. Examples of the main contributors and detractors to returns are highlighted. Finally, the strategy is recapped and the outlook considered.read more |
A management fee reduction for selected L&G fundsPublished on 30 Apr 20 by Liz Rees L&G have announced some fee reductions across several funds in their range. Further details can be viewed here.read more |
Janus Henderson European Selected Opportunities Fund Q1 2020 reportPublished on 29 Apr 20 by Guest This update reviews performance against the benchmark over the first quarter of 2020, focusing on the main contributors to performance, any changes that have been made to the portfolio and an assessment of the outlook.read more |
Janus Henderson Global Equity Fund Q1 2020 reportPublished on 29 Apr 20 by Guest This update reviews performance against the benchmark over the first quarter of 2020, focusing on the main contributors to performance, any changes that have been made to the portfolio and an assessment of the outlook.read more |
Fund in focus: Artemis Global SelectPublished on 23 Apr 20 by Liz Rees A global fund is not restricted by geography and can search widely for businesses best placed to weather the current downturn in the global economy, as well as benefit from the eventual recovery. Sectors with a sustainable earnings outlook, such as healthcare and technology, may prove more resilient than cyclical industries to the challenges faced today. A fund that targets such opportunities, whilst paying close attention to valuation, is our fund in focus Artemis Global Select.read more |
Fund in focus: TrojanPublished on 01 Apr 20 by Liz Rees Big falls in markets are a reminder that there is more to investing than just trying to grow your capital. It is also about protecting your money from falls in markets; such an approach to investing helps to stay invested in in uncertain times. Trojan adopts a conservative approach. The manager tries to protect investor’s capital when stock markets fall, although it may still lose money, whilst still participating in any upside.read more |
Gaining contextPublished on 27 Mar 20 by Guest Carl Stick, fund manager of Rathbone Income Fund, explains how, in the current difficult circumstances, he is trying first and foremost to mitigate losses and secure dividends for his investors. The manager also considers where future opportunities might lie.read more |
Fund in focus: Threadneedle UK Equity IncomePublished on 12 Mar 20 by Liz Rees After trailing other developed stock markets since the EU referendum, the UK now offers an attractive yield. The political backdrop has stabilised and the government is poised to increase public spending, which should help the outlook for company earnings. With the Bank of England base interest rate back at record lows of 0.25%, equity income funds may offer an attractive alternative for those looking willing to take some risk.read more |
Fund in focus: Janus Henderson Strategic BondPublished on 28 Feb 20 by Liz Rees In the current era of very low interest rates, you may question the rationale of continuing to hold bonds when many equity funds offer potentially higher yields. However, an actively managed bond fund can still produce decent income, without taking excessive risk. It can also help with diversification.read more |
Fund in focus: Schroder Asian IncomePublished on 13 Feb 20 by Liz Rees Asia is often seen as a region of rapid-growth opportunities, whether in large economies such as China and India or frontier markets such as Indonesia and Vietnam. As such, it is easy to overlook the fact that Asia is also home to many well-established and financially stable companies with a history of paying dividends. An Asian Income fund could aid diversification and be complementary to a UK Equity Income fund because there are significant differences in the underlying industry exposuresread more |
Invesco European Equity Fund (UK) Q4 2019 reviewPublished on 06 Feb 20 by Guest This article outlines the economic background and explains how this has affected the performance of the Fund. Examples of the main contributors and detractors to returns are highlighted. Finally, the strategy is recapped and the outlook considered.read more |
Invesco Income Fund (UK) Q4 2019 reviewPublished on 31 Jan 20 by Guest This article outlines the economic background and explains how this has affected the performance of the Fund. Examples of the main contributors and detractors to returns are highlighted. Finally, the strategy is recapped and the outlook considered.read more |
Invesco High Income Fund (UK) Q4 2019 reviewPublished on 31 Jan 20 by Guest This article outlines the economic background and explains how this has affected the performance of the Fund. Examples of the main contributors and detractors to returns are highlighted. Finally, the strategy is recapped and the outlook considered.read more |
Alternative equity income options to Neil WoodfordPublished on 30 Jan 20 by Adrian Lowcock After more than seven months since its suspension the LF Equity Income fund, formerly known as the LF Woodford Equity Income fund, will shortly start to return money to unit holders. The money will be returned to you in a series of payments.read more |
Fund in focus: Man GLG UK IncomePublished on 29 Jan 20 by Liz Rees A resounding majority for the Conservative government gave Boris Johnson a clear mandate to ‘get Brexit done’. Although there are likely to be bumps on the way, the UK stock market initially rallied as a cloud of uncertainty, that had held back companies exposed to the British economy, was lifted. Any pick-up in the present sub-par rate of growth could provide a boost to funds that adopt a value style.read more |
Janus Henderson Global Equity Fund Q4 2019 reportPublished on 28 Jan 20 by Guest This update reviews performance against the benchmark over the fourth quarter of 2019, focusing on the main contributors to performance, any changes that have been made to the portfolio and an assessment of the outlook.read more |
Janus Henderson European Selected Opportunities Fund Q4 2019 reportPublished on 27 Jan 20 by Guest This update reviews performance against the benchmark over the fourth quarter of 2019, focusing on the main contributors to performance, any changes that have been made to the portfolio and an assessment of the outlook.read more |
Fund in focus: BNY Mellon Real ReturnPublished on 08 Jan 20 by Liz Rees For cautious investors, prepared to take on some market risk whilst at the same time seeking to protect their capital, the Investment Association (IA) Targeted Absolute Return sector may be of interest. Funds in this sector are managed with the aim of delivering positive returns, in 3 years or less, in any market conditions although this is not guaranteed. This fund takes a multi-asset approach.read more |
Fund in focus: Fidelity Institutional Emerging MarketsPublished on 12 Dec 19 by Liz Rees The International Monetary Fund forecasts that Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in emerging markets will increase by 4.6% in 2020, well above its 3.0% estimate for their developed counterparts. There are political and governance risks associated with some countries in the region, but positive drivers include a growing middle class and a shift from manufacturing to services and technology.read more |
Fund in focus: BlackRock Gold & GeneralPublished on 20 Nov 19 by Liz Rees At times of heightened political and economic uncertainty, investors often turn to gold for its well-deserved reputation as a safe haven asset. Whilst the most direct way to obtain exposure is via gold coins or bullion bars this can be an expensive route for individuals. An alternative option, offering some correlation to moves in the gold price, is a fund that invests in gold mining companies.read more |
Fund in focus: Schroder Global RecoveryPublished on 06 Nov 19 by Liz Rees Value investing has proved far less rewarding than a growth style over the past decade. As global economic trends favoured growth and technology companies, the valuation gap relative to cyclical and recovery situations has become wider than ever. There was a resurgence of interest in value in September and, if this should resume, this fund could be well placed to benefit.read more |
Invesco European Equity Fund (UK) Q3 2019 reviewPublished on 01 Nov 19 by Guest This article outlines the economic background and explains how this has affected the performance of the Fund. Examples of the main contributors and detractors to returns are highlighted. Finally, the strategy is recapped and the outlook considered.read more |
Invesco High Income Fund (UK) Q3 2019 reviewPublished on 31 Oct 19 by Guest This article outlines the economic background and explains how this has affected the performance of the Fund. Examples of the main contributors and detractors to returns are highlighted. Finally, the strategy is recapped and the outlook considered.read more |
Invesco Income Fund (UK) Q3 2019 reviewPublished on 31 Oct 19 by Guest This article outlines the economic background and explains how this has affected the performance of the Fund. Examples of the main contributors and detractors to returns are highlighted. Finally, the strategy is recapped and the outlook considered.read more |
How Woodford’s downfall can teach us all to be better investorsPublished on 25 Oct 19 by Adrian Lowcock We look at what we can learn from the downfall of Neil Woodford. It might make us better investors and hopefully either avoid similar situations in the future or minimise the impact they have on our finances.read more |
Janus Henderson Global Equity Fund Q3 2019 reportPublished on 23 Oct 19 by Guest This update reviews performance against the benchmark over the third quarter of 2019, focusing on the main contributors to performance, any changes that have been made to the portfolio and an assessment of the outlook.read more |
Janus Henderson European Selected Opportunities Fund Q3 2019 reportPublished on 23 Oct 19 by Guest This update reviews performance against the benchmark over the third quarter of 2019, focusing on the main contributors to performance, any changes that have been made to the portfolio and an assessment of the outlook.read more |
Fund in focus: Franklin UK Smaller CompaniesPublished on 22 Oct 19 by Liz Rees Smaller companies have under-performed larger ones since the EU referendum. This reflects the fact they are more domestically focused while the outlook for the UK economy has deteriorated. However, as we approach 31st October, a removal of the Brexit deadlock could bring renewed interest in this area of the market.read more |
LF Woodford Equity Income Fund to be wound-upPublished on 15 Oct 19 by Adrian Lowcock Link Fund Solutions (LFS), the Authorised Corporate Director of the LF Woodford Equity Income fund has taken the decision to close the fund and to wind it up as soon as it is practicable.read more |
Fund in focus: First State Global Listed InfrastructurePublished on 10 Oct 19 by Liz Rees Investors are increasingly looking to diversify their portfolios beyond the traditional blend of equities and bonds. This has led to the growing popularity of alternative investments. One of these asset classes, which is of particular interest for income seekers, is infrastructure.read more |
Fund in focus: Man GLG Japan CoreAlphaPublished on 25 Sep 19 by Liz Rees Japan is the world’s 3rd largest economy yet, having experienced a long period of stagnation, it has fallen off the radar of many investors. We believe there is a lot to like about Japan including low valuations, exposure to innovative companies and advances in corporate governance. However, it can be a difficult country to get to grips with culturally so we prefer experienced managers with an understanding of local customs.read more |
Fund in focus: Fidelity Global DividendPublished on 12 Sep 19 by Liz Rees Healthy dividends can form a reliable part of an investor’s total returns, especially at times of heightened economic uncertainty, Furthermore, a global income fund can provide exposure to countries with differing characteristics to the UK, where the bulk of dividends are concentrated in a few large sectors. This fund strives to unearth the best income opportunities from around the world.read more |
Fund in focus: ASI UK Ethical Equity fundPublished on 28 Aug 19 by Liz Rees Public awareness of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues has increased considerably in recent years, as the potential risks to our planet become more apparent. As a result, more investors are becoming interested in funds which offer socially responsible or sustainability strategies.read more |
An update on LF Woodford Equity Income fund suspensionPublished on 27 Aug 19 by Liz Rees On Friday 23rd August, Link Fund Solutions Limited -the Authorised Corporate Director of LF Woodford Equity Income fund- issued its monthly review and update. They confirmed that December 2019 remains a realistic time frame to complete the restructuring of the fund and it will remain suspended until then.read more |
Fund in focus: M&G Corporate BondPublished on 07 Aug 19 by Liz Rees Some investors have turned away from bond funds after strong performance by the asset class has left yields at historically low levels. Nevertheless, bonds can still provide a useful source of diversification and reasonable yields can be achieved without taking on excessive risk. Our fund in focus this week is M&G Corporate Bond.read more |
Janus Henderson European Selected Opportunities Fund Q2 2019 reportPublished on 01 Aug 19 by Guest This update reviews performance against the benchmark over the second quarter of 2019, focusing on the main contributors to performance, any changes that have been made to the portfolio and an assessment of the outlook.read more |
Janus Henderson Global Equity Fund Q2 2019 reportPublished on 01 Aug 19 by Guest This update reviews performance against the benchmark over the second quarter of 2019, focusing on the main contributors to performance, any changes that have been made to the portfolio and an assessment of the outlook.read more |
Invesco European Equity Fund (UK) Q2 2019 reviewPublished on 30 Jul 19 by Guest This article outlines the economic background and explains how this has affected the performance of the Fund. Examples of the main contributors and detractors to returns are highlighted. Finally, the strategy is recapped and the outlook considered.read more |
Invesco Income Fund (UK) Q2 2019 reviewPublished on 30 Jul 19 by Guest This article outlines the economic background and explains how this has affected the performance of the Fund. Examples of the main contributors and detractors to returns are highlighted. Finally, the strategy is recapped and the outlook considered.read more |
Invesco High Income Fund (UK) Q2 2019 reviewPublished on 30 Jul 19 by Guest This article outlines the economic background and explains how this has affected the performance of the Fund. Examples of the main contributors and detractors to returns are highlighted. Finally, the strategy is recapped and the outlook considered.read more |
LF Woodford Equity Income fund suspension to be extendedPublished on 30 Jul 19 by Liz Rees On Monday 29th July Link Fund Solutions Limited (the Authorised Corporate Director of the fund) issued an update, following its latest review, and has confirmed that the LF Woodford Equity Income fund is likely to be suspended until December.read more |
Fund in focus: Invesco AsianPublished on 23 Jul 19 by Liz Rees Asia is a diverse region with countries at varying stages of development. Over the last 20 years, China's weighting in the MSCI AC Asia ex Japan Index has increased from under 1% to around 37% today. We often hear about the exciting growth prospects but Invesco Asian is a fund that puts valuation to the fore.read more |
Fund in focus: Artemis US SelectPublished on 10 Jul 19 by Liz Rees The US stock market is the biggest in the world, accounting for more than half of global equities by value. However, UK investors are notorious for their low exposure the region, perhaps deterred by the high valuations and relatively low yields. One fund that digs deep to uncover interesting opportunities is Artemis US Select.read more |
Foxes and hedgehogsPublished on 02 Jul 19 by Guest They strive each day to completely understand their discipline, so why does their labour only make expert forecasters more inaccurate? Rathbones Income Fund manager Carl Stick looks at why specialists can fail at the future and what they can do about it.read more |
LF Woodford Equity Income fund extends suspension periodPublished on 02 Jul 19 by Liz Rees On Monday 1st July Link Fund Solutions Limited (the Authorised Corporate Director of the fund) announced that, following a formal review, the fund will remain suspended.read more |
Fund in focus: Fundsmith EquityPublished on 26 Jun 19 by Liz Rees Fundsmith Equity aims to produce capital growth from a concentrated portfolio of companies, typically well-known names with a global reach and which are listed in developed marketsread more |
A message from Neil WoodfordPublished on 13 Jun 19 by Guest Neil Woodford explains his position on the Equity Income fund suspension.read more |
Fund in focus: Merian UK Mid CapPublished on 12 Jun 19 by Liz Rees The Merian UK Mid Cap fund aims to grow capital from a concentrated portfolio of 40-60 companies, of which around 75% will be from the FTSE 250 (excluding Investment Trusts) index.read more |
LF Woodford Equity Income fund suspension of dealingPublished on 04 Jun 19 by Liz Rees On Monday 3rd June 2019 Woodford Investment Management Limited announced that it would be suspending dealing in units in the LF Woodford Equity Income fund, with immediate effect and until further notice.read more |
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