When trying to select a good fund the performance record may seem like the most important thing to evaluate. But an important driver of any active fund's return is who manages it, meaning that choosing a good manager if anything is more important. So deputy personal finance editor Kate Beioley has written a guide on how to pick a good fund manager and the key attributes you need to assess, as well as the warning signs that your manager might be going off the boil. She also looks at a recent study which highlights the top 25 managers running UK equities.
OTHER STORIES IN THIS ISSUE
One of these top managers is Anthony Cross, manager of IC Top 100 Fund Liontrust Special Situations (GB00B57H4F11), who explains to personal finance writer Emma Agyemang how he has maintained strong performance via the stock picking approach he personally developed. She finds out how this works, what types of companies this has led him to and which stocks have reaped the returns.
Another high profile manager – Invesco Perpetual's Mark Barnett – is stepping down from one of the many funds he runs in favour of a 'rising star.' We look at who this 'rising star' is and what his credentials are, and consider whether Mr Barnett still runs too much money despite handing over some of his responsibilities.
This week's tip highlights an investment trust with a strong performance record but which is trading at a wider than average discount to net asset value (NAV). However, the discount is unlikely to widen much further and the trust invests in an area that looks set for strong growth, so this could be an opportunity to get in at a good price.
Indian shares have enjoyed a rally on the back of a fiscally sound budget and better-than-expected corporate results meaning their valuations now look expensive. But David Cornell, chief investment officer of India specialist Ocean Dial Asset Management, argues that the premium is justified. He explains to Emma Agyemang how the size of the opportunity, the breadth of investible sectors and the quality of the management teams on the ground make India worth the price.
In our latest podcast James Baxter, partner at Tideway Wealth, joins the personal finance team to highlight the investment trusts which have been the most reliable dividend payers over the years. They also consider some changes to the requirements for UK Equity Income sector funds and highlight a tax allowance that is soon to disappear.
Our podcast is now available across five different distribution channels to allow you to access it in the most convenient way. Find us on Soundcloud, Acast, Audioboom, Stitcher and iTunes.
This week's Portfolio Clinic features a reader who needs his mother's portfolio to cover a £10,000 a year shortfall in her care home costs. So our experts offer some suggestions on how to cover this shortfall, as well as some advice on what to do when you assume power of attorney for someone else's financial affairs.
Do you have a personal finance problem? Or want to know more about something in this week's personal finance pages? If so let us know by getting in touch with leonora.walters@ft.com, kate.beioley@ft.com or emma.agyemang@ft.com.
