Gem primed for income

Global investment manager, Standard Life Investments, has announced the launch of a Global Emerging Markets Income Fund aimed at both retail and institutional investors.

Emerging Markets now offer investors a compelling opportunity not only for capital appreciation, but also for a sustainable income with the added potential for premium dividend growth relative to the developed world*.

The GEM income fund is the latest addition to Standard Life Investments successful suite of income funds and will draw upon established stock-picking expertise. Manager of the fund DrMark Vincent will invest in a diversified portfolio of 60-100 emerging markets stocks with the objective of delivering a premium and sustainable level of income, targeting a yield of at least 115% of the MSCI Emerging Markets index. The team also see potential for capital appreciation given the attractive level of growth in the region.

Jacqueline Lowe, Head of UK Wholesale, Standard Life Investments, said; "This is the right time to invest for income and there are excellent opportunities in emerging regions where we see strong dividend growth and companies are establishing themselves as global winners. The GEM income fund will be driven by stock selection and at Standard Life Investments we have a nine-strong, highly experienced Emerging Markets team who take full advantage of our Focus on Change investment philosophy and our robust and repeatable investment process.

"Our experience in investing for income will work extremely well within the context of Global Emerging Markets and I've no doubt that the combination will prove valuable for investors. Income and income growth have been and will remain key drivers of returns and with its global reach and long term approach the GEM Income Fund will be an excellent addition to a diversified, well rounded portfolio."