Summer 2021: the funds gaining and losing their Elite Ratings

Juliet Schooling Latter 18/08/2021 in Multi-Asset

Following its summer investment committee, FundCalibre has awarded seven Elite Ratings and two new Elite Radar badges. A further two funds lost their ratings in the semi-annual review.

Five newly Elite Rated funds:

Capital Group New Perspective – this global equity has a unique multiple manager approach, looking to capture the companies that are leading change in global trends. The team aims to identify companies in the early stages of their growth trajectory and will want to hold them as they become future winners.

FSSA All China – the team behind this fund has an incredible track record of investing in Chinese equities. The ability to invest in A-shares and across the Chinese market, combined with a proven process of investing in quality businesses and management gives it an advantage over its competitors.

GAM Star Disruptive Growth – this global equity fund invests in companies across a variety of industries which are set to benefit from the disruption that the next wave of technological change will bring about. Manager Mark Hawtin has a strong background in the technology sector.

Mid Wynd International Investment Trust – this trust is a core option for any investor looking for a conservatively managed offering that taps into nine distinct trends: automation; online services; emerging markets consumer; scientific equipment; healthcare costs; screen time); low carbon world; high quality assets; and Fintech.

SVM UK Opportunities – the manager of this fund has the flexibility to invest across the market cap spectrum in the UK. While the fund has a value tilt, it is not beholden to a fundamentalist value philosophy – the manager will invest in growth stocks where he sees opportunity.

Two funds move from Radar to Rated:

Brown Advisory US Flexible Equity – Maneesh Bajaj took on sole management of this fund in July 2019, although he’d been co-manager since 2017. It invests in US companies at bargain prices and has a bias towards medium and large-sized businesses. Firms with management change offer particular appeal. Now the manager has his minimum three-year track record, which passes our AlphaQuest screen, we are happy to move this fund to an Elite Rating.

GAM UK Equity Income – Launched in October 2017, this UK equity income fund invests in companies of all sizes – from the very small and those listed on the AIM stock market, through to the FTSE 100. While the manager is targeting a yield higher than that given by the UK stock market, he is also looking for steady dividend growth. This fund has also now marked its third anniversary and passes the AlphaQuest screen. It has therefore been moved from Radar to an Elite Rating.

Two new Radar badges:

Artemis Positive Future – launched in April 2021, this global equity fund comprises a highly concentrated portfolio of growing companies, with a bias towards mid-caps. The four-strong team is looking for those firms making a material positive impact on the world through either environmental or social improvements.

Artemis Target Return Bond – this fund was launched in December 2019 and is a ‘steady eddie’ targeted absolute return fund, with a heavy emphasis on controlling risk. It targets an annual return of at least the Bank of England Base rate + 2.5% per after fees and invests globally in government and corporate bonds as well as asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities.

Two funds lost their ratings:

BlackRock UK Absolute Alpha – unfortunately, the AlphaQuest score of this fund has deteriorated, so the fund has lost its Rating.

Invesco Monthly Income Plus – the long-standing co-manager of this fund, Paul Causer, is retiring at the of this year. As remaining co-manager Rhys Davies has only been running the fund since 2020, the fund must lose its Rating.

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.