Winter 2025: the funds gaining and losing their Elite Ratings

Following its winter investment committee meeting, FundCalibre has made several changes to our Elite Ratings. Four funds have been newly awarded an Elite Rating, while one fund has been added to our Elite Radar. Additionally, one fund has moved from Rated to Radar as it transitions under new management. Finally, we have removed three funds from our ratings due to manager changes or performance considerations.

Four newly Elite Rated funds

Jupiter Monthly Income Bond — This is a very solid monthly income bond fund with a short-duration approach. It invests in both investment-grade and high-yield bonds, adjusting allocations based on market conditions. Managed by the experienced Hilary Blandy since September 2020, the fund has returned 21% to investors, compared with 6.5% for the wider sector*. The monthly income payment is also a nice feature, and when combined with the fund’s yield, makes this an attractive option for income seekers. 

M&G Asian — This is a high-conviction fund that takes an active approach to investing in the region. David Perrett and his team bring decades of experience to investing in Asian equities, combining deep research with a disciplined, risk-aware approach. Their hands-on approach and willingness to take meaningful differentiated positions sets them apart from their peers. For investors looking for exposure to the Asian market, this fund should be a strong contender.

M&G North American Dividend — The fund looks to provide a higher total return than that of the S&P 500 index over any five-year period, while also providing an income stream that increases every year. Managed by the experienced John Weavers since 2015, the fund has a bottom-up approach, targeting companies that can reliably grow their dividend. The fund’s concentrated portfolio and well-defined strategy make it a solid choice for investors seeking both growth and income.

Ranmore Global Equity — In a world where the number of value managers available to investors has started to dwindle, Ranmore stands out like a shining star. With a differentiated approach, this fund invests in companies of all sizes and incorporates momentum and technical factors into its process. This is a true global value fund with a bias towards mid and small-cap stocks, that has delivered strong performance across various market environments. A true hidden gem, this fund offers valuable diversification and is a great option for investors seeking to balance their portfolios with value exposure.

New Elite Radar

Rathbone Greenbank Global Sustainable Bond — This global bond fund follows a ‘best ideas’ approach, focusing on sustainable themes aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and investments that contribute to a more sustainable world. Launched in January 2024 and run by a vastly experienced team, with a proven track record and investment process, we believe this fund is a strong versatile bond fund for those looking to include a sustainable element to their portfolio.

One fund moves from Rated to Radar

M&G Global Macro Bond — This is a ‘go-anywhere’ bond fund. After 20 years at the helm, lead manager Jim Leaviss stepped down last year. Eva Sun-Wai, who has served as deputy manager since January 2021, will serve as co-manager alongside newly appointed Robert Burrows. Due to the well-resourced fixed income team at M&G, we are happy to move this fund to an Elite Radar while the new team establishes their long-term track record. 

Additional fund news

AXA Framlington Global Technology — At our summer 2024 investment committee, we made the decision to move this fund to our Elite Radar following the departure of lead manager Jeremy Gleeson. Tom Riley, Head of Global Thematic Strategies, who has co-managed the fund since April 2019, has been looking after this fund in the interim. Following a recent meeting with the new co-managers, we are happy to retain the fund’s Elite Radar while the new team establishes their long-term track record.

Three funds losing ratings

Jupiter European — Co-managers Mark Nichols and Mark Heslop will both be replaced on this fund in spring 2025. Given the pending change of management on the fund, we have taken the decision to remove the Elite Radar. 

Jupiter European Smaller Companies — Launched in February 2020, this fund now has a track record of more than five years, but the fund has failed to pass AlphaQuest to move to an Elite Rating. It therefore loses its Elite Radar badge.

Rathbone Greenbank Global Sustainability — The manager now has a track record of more than five years, but the fund has failed to pass AlphaQuest to move to an Elite Rating. It therefore loses its Elite Radar badge.

*Source: FE Analytics, total returns in pounds sterling, 28 September 2020 to 24 February 2025