Review of the year

Article Abstract:

Investments in the US market performed well in 1996 and UK private investors have also benefited from the decision of some building societies and life insurers to demutualize. Guaranteed products have also been successful. Investors in some trusts involved in Europe have had problems. Morgan Grenfell suspended two European trusts due to overvaluations and Kleinwort Benson's European Privatization Investment Trust has also been a loser. Investors in ostrich farms and foreign exchange operations have also faced problems. Meanwhile a review of mis-selling of personal pensions has been delayed as has a disclosure regime affecting unit trusts.

Financial markets, 1996 AD

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Reap what you sow

Article Abstract:

United Kingdom ethical investment funds were started in 1984, and the average ethical fund has performed as well as, and even better than average non-ethical funds. Investors are becoming more aware or ethical funds, and companies are also increasing their awareness of the issues. There are different definition of what 'ethical' means, and fund managers may both screen out undesrable activities, and seek to invest in companies with environmental policies. Strong returns are more difficult to obtain where screening processes are especially strict.

Personal Financial Mgmt, Socially responsible investments

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Dud funds to dodge?

Article Abstract:

Certain United Kingdom unit trusts have not performed well, and this applies to some unit trusts focused on North America. A focus on small businesses can affect performance where larger companies are performing better. Slower European economic growth has affected some funds specializing in mainland Europe. Smaller United Kingdom companies have been through difficult times, and this has affected some funds geared to this sector, though pothers have performed well.

Portfolio management

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