Passive or ‘tracker’ funds providing low-cost, index-mimicking performance once again proved popular among customers using Charles Stanley Direct in July.
Investors prioritised Fidelity Index US and Legal & General US Index for allocating specifically to US equities. Meanwhile, Fidelity Index World was the most popular option 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 £20bn 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. Another well-known global equity fund, Lindsell Train Global Equity, was widely purchased too.
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. Baillie Gifford American also made the top ten.
Finally, BlackRock European Dynamic remained the most popular European option, a fund whose high conviction style.
Among the most sold funds were several widely held investments, likely a result of general trading activity or profit taking. There was also some evidence of selling in China and broader Asian funds as Chinese markets tumbled following renewed regulatory crackdowns from authorities.
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.
Table: The top ten fund buys (in terms of number of trades) through Charles Stanley Direct in July 2021. Listed alphabetically. Does not include regular savings.
Baillie Gifford American
Baillie Gifford Positive Change
BlackRock European Dynamic
Fidelity Index US
Fidelity Index World
Fundsmith Equity
L&G US Index Trust
Lindsell Train Global Equity
Vanguard LifeStrategy 100% Equity
Vanguard LifeStrategy 80% Equity
Table: The top ten fund sells (in terms of number of trades) through Charles Stanley Direct in July 2021. Listed alphabetically.
Baillie Gifford American
Baillie Gifford China
Baillie Gifford Global Discovery
Baillie Gifford Positive Change
Fundsmith Equity
Invesco Asian
JOHCM UK Equity Income
Legal & General US Index
Lindsell Train Global Equity
Octopus UK Microcap Growth
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.
July’s most widely bought and sold funds
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