JPM Emerging Markets Alpha Plus Fund receives 'A' Rating

OBSR has awarded the JPM Emerging Markets Alpha Plus Fund an ‘A' rating. OBSR said that the fund offers a concentrated portfolio of emerging markets companies and importantly, seeks to outperform its index with significantly lower volatility by capturing a significant portion of the upside whilst protecting on the downside over a market cycle.

The fund, which was launched in August 2006 and is managed by Christopher Morrell, invests primarily in a concentrated portfolio of emerging markets companies and aims to achieve superior long term capital growth. OBSR describes Morrell as "an experienced investor who has been instrumental in the development of the risk management tools required to manage emerging market investments in an absolute return framework."

The $212m fund has returned nearly 38% since inception, compared to its benchmark, which returned 26.24% over the same period.

Following the introduction of a Sterling hedged share class in October, it is also to be added to the Cofunds platform this November.

Jasper Berens, Head of UK Retail Sales at J.P. Morgan Asset Management commented: "The fact that only around 5-10% of funds obtain an OBSR rating is testament not only to the management of this fund but to the global capability and expertise of J.P. Morgan Asset Management in the emerging markets space. The obvious growth in emerging markets is now too big to ignore and UK investor portfolios, currently underweight, should reconsider their allocations in the area. The introduction of the Sterling hedged share class to the JPM Emerging Markets Alpha Plus Fund, should help remove any confusion of currency risk for UK investors."