LF Woodford Equity Income most viewed fund in 2017
As the year draws to a close, FundCalibre has revealed the top 20 most viewed funds and trusts on its website, with LF Woodford Equity Income proving the most popular in 2017.
The fund, which has had mixed fortunes over the past 12 months, drew the highest number of page views on the fund research website. Having celebrated its third anniversary in June at the very top of its sector rankings, a number of stock-specific issues hit the fund in the second half of the year. Perhaps, unsurprisingly, given the high profile of the manager, it has attracted a lot of interest in the intervening period.
Jupiter European, managed by Alexander Darwall, came in second spot – the only European equity fund to feature in the list – and in third spot was Stewart Investors Asia Pacific Leaders.
The four noticeable trends in the rankings were:
1. Diversifying income streams
Nine out of the top 20 most viewed funds were income-oriented. However, in a change from the norm, just four were UK equity income funds – usually a hot favourite among UK investors. The other five included three global income funds, a bond fund and an Asian income fund, suggesting investors are looking to diversify their income streams.
2. Developed markets
Sixteen out of the top 20 funds were investing either entirely or predominantly in developed markets, with just two Asian equity funds in the mix. This suggests that emerging markets are still very much out of favour, despite having a strong year in terms of performance.
3. Smaller companies
Eight out of the top 20 funds were smaller companies or those with a bias towards small and medium-sized businesses. This suggests that investors are still keen to make the most of the potential growth opportunities this part of the market can offer.
4. Value funds noticeable by their absence
Lastly, not a single fund in the top 20 had a value bias. The strategy has been out of favour for a number of years now and that trend shows no signs of abating – despite monetary policy seeming to changed direction in the US and the UK.
Most viewed funds in 2017*
*Source: Google Analytics, 1 Jan 2017 to 18 Dec 2017
This article is provided for information only. The views of the author and any people quoted are their own and do not constitute financial advice. The content is not intended to be a personal recommendation to buy or sell any fund or trust, or to adopt a particular investment strategy. However, the knowledge that professional analysts have analysed a fund or trust in depth before assigning them a rating can be a valuable additional filter for anyone looking to make their own decisions.Past performance is not a reliable guide to future returns. Market and exchange-rate movements may cause the value of investments to go down as well as up. Yields will fluctuate and so income from investments is variable and not guaranteed. You may not get back the amount originally invested. Tax treatment depends of your individual circumstances and may be subject to change in the future. If you are unsure about the suitability of any investment you should seek professional advice.Whilst FundCalibre provides product information, guidance and fund research we cannot know which of these products or funds, if any, are suitable for your particular circumstances and must leave that judgement to you. Before you make any investment decision, make sure you’re comfortable and fully understand the risks. Further information can be found on Elite Rated funds by simply clicking on the name highlighted in the article.
