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BlackRock European Dynamic takes flexible approach

FUND PROFILE: BlackRock European Dynamic Fund makes strong returns with a flexible approach to stock selection.
January 11, 2011

BlackRock European Dynamic Fund is the top performing Europe ex-UK fund over three and five years, and is in the top three over one year, in line with its aim for long-term capital growth. The fund's manager, Alister Hibbert, has managed it for less than three years but has already proved he can continue its strong returns.

262.7p

He seeks companies which exhibit growth or value depending on the market outlook, looking for medium to long-term earnings power that is significantly higher than the market but not factored into the share price. Mr Hibbert also invests in restructuring and turnaround situations.

He considers recommendations from his colleagues in the Europe team, as sharing ideas and strong communication are an important part of the team’s approach. They also draw on ideas from other BlackRock teams.

Each fund manager in the Europe team has analyst responsibilities divided along sector lines. In their sectors, the team determines 12-month price targets and ranks stocks on the risk-adjusted upside potential.

BlackRock European Dynamic has little exposure to troubled countries such as Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece and Spain. Mr Hibbert says his approach to stock picking is largely bottom-up, though he will take a top-down view as a check, and ensure diversification. Risk awareness is also an important consideration.

The portfolio is concentrated, and aims for between 35 and 65 holdings as Mr Hibbert is prepared to back his convictions with sizeable bets at sector level. His strict sell discipline is driven by factors including changes to the investment case, achievement or reduction of price targets, and portfolio risk management, which can result in high turnover.

The fund's expenses are slightly higher than its Morningstar category median, though this is compensated by its strong positive returns.

BLACKROCK EUROPEAN DYNAMIC FUND (MYDEA)

PRICE262.7pSHARPE RATIO0.44
SIZE OF FUND£770.94m1 YR PERFORMANCE18.60%
No OF HOLDINGS513 YR PERFORMANCE12.24%
SET UP DATE01-Mar-025 YR PERFORMANCE12.86%
MANAGER START DATE03-Jan-08TOTAL EXPENSE RATIO1.74%*
FEESInitial 5%, annual 1.5%YIELD0.21%
BETA1.06MINIMUM INVESTMENT£500
STANDARD DEVIATION28.99MORE DETAILSwww.blackrock.co.uk

Source: Morningstar, *BlackRock.

Performance data as at as at 11.1.11.

Top ten holdings as at 30 November 2010

HoldingPercentage
Swatch Group4.9
Schneider Electric4.6
Novo Nordisk4.4
SKF4.3
Nokian Renkaat3.4
Carlsberg3.2
Compagnie Financiere Richemont3.1
Eutelsat Communications3.1
Technip2.8
Kone Oyj2.7

Geographic breakdown

SectorPercentage
France22.5
Switzerland17
Germany13.5
Other12
Denmark11
Finland10
Sweden6.7
Netherlands3.2
Spain1.3
Cash2.8