November 2012 sees appetite for UK focussed funds continue to increase
Data showing the top 20 fund purchases made by Barclays Stockbrokers clients in November revealed strong interest in the UK for a third consecutive month, with nine of the top twenty funds having a UK focus, up from six in September 2012. Global Emerging Markets and Asia Pacific funds were also popular, rising to the top of the list; November saw the Newton Asian Income fund take the top spot, knocking previous leader Aberdeen Emerging Markets into second place. In third and fourth spots were Newton Global Higher Income and First State Global Emerging Markets.
In November 2012 there was a significant increase in fund investments compared to the previous year; November 2012 saw a threefold (304%) increase in the value of investments compared to November 2011, and the month represented the highest ever level of investment into funds by Barclays Stockbrokers clients. November also saw a 92% increase in funds deals compared to November 2011.
Alastair Thaw, Head of Investor Product at Barclays Stockbrokers, said: "November saw client appetite for UK focused funds continuing to grow whilst Emerging Markets and Asia Pacific funds also remained popular. In September we polled our clients on the fund sector they favoured most for returns, and found Income was the most popular response with 26% of the vote. Our recent analysis supports this, as clients have continued to seek Income related funds. A busy month for fund investments, November saw the highest ever level of investment into funds by our clients, as investors take action to seek out the best returns available.
"This year we combined our experience and expertise in stock broking with an expanded and improved fund offering in a single place, meaning our clients have a choice of a wide range of funds which they can access with ease and at competitive prices. With the launch of our regular investment service, investors can choose to add lump sums or drip feed sums into the market over time to build up their investments and maximise tax efficient benefits too."