Friends Provident adds to mirror fund range

Friends Provident International (FPI) has added 19 new mirror fund links to its Isle of Man fund range.

The added funds consist of direct property funds, securities-based property funds and fixed interest funds and will boost the options available for investors looking to diversify their portfolio.

Theproperty fundsrange covers both direct ‘bricks and mortar funds’ and property securities. They include both UK and core globally diversified funds, with the latter being available in multi-currency options.

By broadening the scope to global opportunities, particularly in Continental Europe and Asia where property market conditions are at a different stage of the cycle to the UK, investors will be able to balance their portfolios more effectively.

The fixed interest fundsare managed by Invesco and Schroders, whose strong credentials are widely recognised. These are complemented by new euro share class options from existing mirror links to the Barings International Bond and Mellon Global Bond funds.

Jim Henning, funds research and marketing manager at FPI, said: “We believe these 19 new funds will significantly bolster our mirror fund range. Returns from property have been strong but advisers will not lose sight of the need to manage the risk levels of their clients’ portfolios. The recent volatility witnessed in global equity markets reinforces the need for sensible asset diversification and a combination of high quality property and fixed interest funds is well positioned to deliver this.

“We are also excited to be working in partnership with some of the best quality fund management houses, who are committed to providing us with dedicated marketing support.”