Absolute Return Fund

The Fund invests in shares and makes extensive use of derivatives (complex financial instruments) to take both ‘long’ and ‘short’ positions in companies the Investment Manager believes will either rise in value (long positions) or fall in value (short positions) meaning that the Fund may benefit from either scenario.
The Fund will hold a significant proportion of its assets in cash and money market instruments as a result of holding derivatives and for when the Investment Manager wishes to take a defensive stance. Conversely, the Fund may also employ ‘leverage’ (so that the Fund can invest a greater amount than its actual value) when the Investment Manager has greater confidence in the opportunities available. Typically, at least 60% of the exposure to the long and short positions (in aggregate) will be to companies of any size, in any industry, in the UK. Companies may be incorporated or headquartered in the UK, deriving significant revenue from the UK, or listed on the London Stock Exchange. Up to 40% of the long and short exposure may be to non-UK companies. The Fund may also invest at the Investment Manager’s discretion in other Transferable Securities, derivative instruments and collective investment schemes.
The Investment Manager may also use derivatives (complex financial instruments) to reduce risk or to manage the Fund more efficiently.
The Fund is actively managed with reference to the Bank of England Base Rate as this forms the basis of the Fund's performance target and the level above which performance fees may be charged (if applicable). For currency hedged Share Classes, the central bank rate that corresponds with the relevant Share Class currency is used as the basis of the performance comparison and for calculating performance fees. The Investment Manager has complete discretion to choose investments for the Fund and is not constrained by a benchmark.