Best & Worst investments since 1987

Mon 16 Oct 2017

By Brian Dennehy

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Market commentary

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That a China fund is at the top, and by a wide margin, might surprise quite a few – but it was very early days for China re-joining the world economy. Those who lived through the technology crash of 1999-2003 might also be surprised to see a technology feature. Again it was a very early stage in the advance of modern technology, and the extraordinary rise of the FAANGS in recent years has driven the recovery of this once battered sector.

The sprinkling of US, European, and Asian funds are less surprising.

Japan is the big feature in the laggards, 4 out of 10 funds. Their market peaked in 1989, and is still 50% below that peak. Yet it is now one of the most attractive global markets.

There are two bond funds despite a bond bull market lasting more than 30 years. The two equity income funds will also surprise – this is a winning long term strategy, but not if you are in the wrong funds, as we continually highlight.

Three funds with global remits also highlight another truism (with only a few exceptions) – global funds tend to be average performers at best, and more focussed funds should be preferred for most investors. The ethical funds? Again a regular theme of ours – ethical investing typically comes at a very heavy price.

Overall the bottom 10 sends a very strong message that “buy and hold” (which is really “buy and forget”) is a convenient mantra for some in the investment industry but is a road to poverty for many investors. 

FURTHER READING

 

Table 1: Best Funds

Fund 01/11/1987 to 01/10/2017 Overall %
Henderson China Opportunities  6067.78
GAM North American Growth  4381.58
Fidelity European 4117.42
Halifax UK Growth  4045.69
Jupiter European  4037.53
Fidelity American Special Situations 4020.39
Fidelity American  4009.85
Henderson Global Technology  4002.87
Fidelity Asia  3897.50
Aberdeen Asia Pacific Equity  3443.53
FTSE 100  1202.73

 

Table 2: Worst Funds

Fund 01/11/1987 to 01/10/2017 Overall %
Scottish Widows Japan Growth 90.81
Henderson Japan Opportunities 104.57
Fidelity Japan 164.62
Scottish Widows Gilt  261.90
Scottish Widows Ethical  290.16
F&C Global Bond 353.49
Aberdeen World Equity Income  395.62
F&C Global Thematic Opportunities  405.03
Fidelity Japan Smaller Companies  458.66
JPM UK Higher Income  477.28
FTSE 100  1202.73

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