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UK PLC – now on sale
The early weeks of 2021 saw the value of UK businesses sold to overseas buyers at its highest level for two decades – not altogether surprising given the relative attractiveness of UK PLC from a valuation perspective, with most of the market sitting within the cross hairs of an acquirer’s sights. This article examines the drivers of that demand and why 2021 should prove to be a landmark year for the UK in terms of M&A activity.
Why it pays to study a Factsheet
This video explains why it pays to study a factsheet when exploring different Investment Trusts; the factsheet will allow readers to analyse the Trust in more detail with all its core information in one place.
How to read and understand an Annual report
This white paper is designed to guide investors through the detail of an annual report and explains how best to develop a deeper understanding of what those statements can reveal about a business’s financial condition.
Understanding asset classes
Diversifying one’s investment portfolio is one of the key ways of managing risk. It’s generally prudent, therefore, to diversify by stock, sector and geography. Diversifying by asset class offers a further dimension.
‘ESG’ investing: what is it, where are we now, where is it going?
Given the meteoric rise in the popularity of ESG-focused investing over recent years, it’s remarkable to reflect that, as little as a dozen or so years ago, it was a concept that was rarely contemplated. In this white paper, we explore the origin and current understanding of ESG investing.
Things aren’t always what they seem
Diversification – by stock, sector, region and asset class – should be one of the abiding principles of the shrewd investor. It’s easier said than done however, this article sets out some of the traps for the unwary.
An independent board – why it matters
Amongst the many intrinsic attractions of investment trusts, the existence of an independent board of directors – ultimately responsible for the governance of the trust and the performance of the portfolio manager – ranks particularly high. In this piece, we analyse the role of trust boards, the nature of the strategic decisions they may typically be called upon to make, and the many ways in which they safeguard the interests of shareholders.
Will inflation catalyse a comeback for value?
Is the potential impending return of inflation an unwelcome phenomenon, or might it offer a glimmer of hope for long-suffering value-oriented investors?
Trust Radio Episode 2 – the winners and losers post-COVID
Fund Managers Job Curtis and Laura Foll each discuss where their trusts stand as markets have bounced back, and when they each expect to see pre-COVID levels again.
Premiums and discounts explained
Unlike their open-ended counterparts, investment trust share prices are driven, in part, by demand – they can therefore trade above or below the value of their assets. This video explains how investors can take advantage of this intriguing phenomenon.
Income reserving explained
The ability to reserve a proportion of their income, and thereby smooth dividend payouts over time, has always been one of the most attractive features of investment trusts – this video explains why they merit serious consideration, particularly for the income-seeking investor.
Investment themes for a post-COVID world
In this white paper, we look back at historical data for direction, and to explore how markets have reactive over time during previous epidemics and significant geopolitical events, as we navigate these largely uncharted waters.