Passive or ‘tracker’ funds providing low-cost, index-mimicking performance once again proved popular among customers using Charles Stanley’s Direct Investment Service in January.
Investors prioritised Fidelity Index US and Legal & General US Index for allocating specifically to US equities. Meanwhile, Fidelity Index World and Vanguard FTSE Global All Cap Index were the most popular options for low-cost global equity exposure.
Funds in Vanguard’s passive LifeStrategy range were commonly purchased by those wishing to take a balanced investment approach encompassing both equities and bonds. These offer cost-efficient passive exposure to diversified portfolios and automatically rebalance to maintain a specific asset allocation.
Terry Smith’s Fundsmith Equity continued to be the most popular actively-managed fund for new investment. The £26bn fund continues to attract inflows at a rapid pace, with investors attracted to its high-conviction, quality growth style and the straightforward but effective investment approach.
Meanwhile, Baillie Gifford Positive Change proved an appealing option for customers wishing to invest in a responsible manner. This adventurous sustainability-themed fund aims to contribute toward a more sustainable and inclusive world by investing in companies addressing critical challenges in areas such as social inclusion, education, quality of life and the environment.
Finally, BlackRock European Dynamic remained the most popular European option.
Among the most sold funds were several widely held investments, likely a result of general trading activity or profit taking. A number of higher risk funds were also among the list, with investors cooling towards tech and other growth-orientated investments that have performed well over the past few years but dipped recently as fears of higher interest rates gathered pace - more on that on my previous article on januarys top and bottom performing funds.
Remember, although certain funds have been popular with our customers, this does not imply that you should follow suit. Any investment you choose should meet with your own personal circumstances and objectives, taking into consideration your existing portfolio.
The top ten fund buys (in terms of number of trades) through Charles Stanley Direct in January 2022.
Listed alphabetically. Does not include regular savings.
- Baillie Gifford Positive Change
- BlackRock European Dynamic
- Fidelity Index US
- Fidelity Index World
- Fundsmith Equity
- L&G US Index Trust
- Vanguard FTSE Global All Cap Index
- Vanguard LifeStrategy 100% Equity
- Vanguard LifeStrategy 60% Equity
- Vanguard LifeStrategy 80% Equity
The top ten fund sells (in terms of number of trades) through Charles Stanley Direct in January 2022.
Listed alphabetically.
- AXA Framlington Global Technology
- Baillie Gifford American
- Baillie Gifford Global Discovery
- Baillie Gifford Positive Change
- Fidelity Index World
- Fundsmith Equity
- Legal & General Global Technology Index
- Legal & General US Index
- Lindsell Train Global Equity
- Royal London Sustainable World
Nothing on this website should be construed as personal advice based on your circumstances. No news or research item is a personal recommendation to deal.
January’s most widely bought and sold funds
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