The AIC press team provides the media with information on the investment company industry including performance and other statistics, case studies, comment, fund manager and other relevant contacts details as well as information on the AIC's activities. If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact us.
16 August 2010
Bumper year so far for investment company new launches
AIC publishes its annual round up of investment company corporate activity
20 July 2010
It's a marathon not a sprint - AIC reveals longest serving member investment company managers
Just over half of member companies have had the same manager for 5 years or longer
2 July 2010
Government agencies must heed the Stewardship Code says AIC
AIC welcomes the publication of the UK Stewardship Code
22 June 2010
AIC emergency budget response
AIC comment on budget
28 May 2010
AIC says proper engagement key to effective governance
AIC comment on UK Corporate Governance Code
26 May 2010
Investment company outperformers of the decade
Emerging markets investment companies dominate the consistent outperformers of the decade
18 May 2010
AIC publishes enhanced VCT data
VCT data now available on AIC website
14 May 2010
AIC publishes winners of annual Best Information to Shareholders awards
Investment company communications rewarded at AIC Annual Dinner
14 April 2010
Optimism in the private equity sector
AIC collates private equity investment company managers' views
12 April 2010
AIC welcomes first investment trust to use new tax framework
First investment trust makes use of new tax rules
25 March 2010
Last minute investment company ISA deadlines
AIC publishes ISA deadlines for member companies
24 March 2010
AIC budget comment
AIC comment on ISA changes, tax regulation and VCTs
23 March 2010
AIC investor confidence index
Tax rises are the biggest financial worry for investors
23 February 2010
Investment company dividend heroes
15 investment companies with year on year dividend increases for 26 years or more
16 February 2010
Investment company ISA recommendations
AIC collates IFA recommendations for the ISA season
15 February 2010
Investment company ISA special offers
Latest investment company ISA special offers
12 February 2010
Melville Trimble elected to AIC board
AIC Board election results
8 February 2010
Property investment companies: will 2010 see the revival continue?
AIC collates fund manager views on property investment companies
2 February 2010
Is the Chinese tiger still roaring?
AIC collates fund managers’ views on the outlook for China and Asian emerging markets
1 February 2010
Resurgence in VCTs expected
AIC collates advisers' views on VCTs
17 December 2009
AIC poll of fund manager predictions for 2010
Managers optomistic about market prospects
16 December 2009
Zeros return to vogue in 2009
A look at industry activity in 2009
3 December 2009
Investment Companies: A Christmas present that could last a lifetime
AIC publishes details of Children’s Saving Schemes and CTFs
13 November 2009
AIC welcomes 'Alternative Investments' Directive proposals
The Swedish Presidency has published possible amendments to the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFM Directive).
26 October 2009
AIC investor confidence index
Confidence amongst active investors at highest since March 2006
13 October 2009
European rules must not undermine unique benefits of investment companies
AIC gives evidence to House of Lords European Union Committee on AIFM Directive
12 October 2009
Activity in the Venture Capital Trust (VCT) sector
The Association of Investment Companies (AIC) has published an update on activity in the VCT sector over the year to date.
2 September 2009
Will the RDR increase take-up of investment companies amongst IFAs?
The Financial Services Authority’s Retail Distribution Review (RDR) is a welcome step towards reducing commission bias and is good news for the closed ended investment company sector, where commission has long been seen as a stumbling block.
26 August 2009
Will Japanese elections have a positive impact on Japan?
On 30 August 2009 the Japanese public will be voting for seats in the House of Representatives which will designate the Prime Minister.
18 August 2009
Activity on the up in investment company sector
After a quiet start to the year, corporate activity has stepped up a gear in the investment company sector.
29 July 2009
Daniel Godfrey to leave the AIC
After 11 years as Director General of the AIC, Daniel Godfrey is leaving to seek a new challenge.
17 July 2009
Are defensive stocks recession proof?
AIC collates managers' views on defensive sectors
9 July 2009
Recession increases parents' struggle to fund university costs
AIC reveals results of annual student debt research
8 July 2009
Cashing in on investment opportunities?
Over half of investment companies reduce cash and fixed interest exposure in 2009
16 June 2009
Post election - what are the prospects for South Africa?
- AIC collates investment company managers’ views on the region
5 June 2009
ISC proposals on shareholder engagement
The Institutional Shareholders’ Committee (ISC), which groups the four main institutional investor bodies, today published a series of proposals designed to make engagement by investors more effective in the wake of the banking crisis.
1 June 2009
Can zeros regain investor favour? And what are the options?
The split capital investment company sector “splits” is back on the radar, with zero dividend preference shares “zeros” attracting much commentary following the forthcoming increase in the highest rate of income tax to 50%.
22 May 2009
European Elections unlikely to impact investors
Managers are finding opportunities as value returns
1 May 2009
European proposals are a major threat to investment companies
The AIC today criticised European proposals for the regulation of ‘Alternative Investment Fund Managers’ (AIFM).
22 April 2009
AIC Budget response
Greater investment freedom for investment trusts and ISA increase to £10,200 welcomed by AIC
14 April 2009
Fund managers comment on the Indian elections
AIC collates fund manager views on India
9 April 2009
General public cutting back on holiday spending due to difficult economic environment
42% of general public & 31% of active investors plan to cut back on holiday spending this year
27 March 2009
Last minute ISA deadlines
AIC publishes ISA deadlines for member companies
25 March 2009
Private Equity investment companies begin to see value on the horizon
What is the outlook for the Private Equity investment company sector?
23 March 2009
Looking for a healthy investment? Investment manager views on biotechnology/life sciences
The AIC has collated views from a selection of fund managers, both from the biotechnology/life sciences sector and from other fund managers who hold healthcare stocks in broader portfolios.
10 March 2009
Investment compay ISA recommendations
Advisers see value in out of favour sectors, but caution remains
3 March 2009
Investment company ISA special offers
The AIC has collated a list of ISA special offers from member investment companies and their managers.
3 March 2009
Early CfD disclosure will protect investors
The AIC welcomes the FSA’s decision to bring forward disclosure of significant CfD positions.
23 February 2009
AIC to host four free investor roadshows in 2009
To reserve your place please call 020 7282 5564
18 February 2009
Chris Russell joins AIC board
The Membership of the Association of Investment Companies (AIC) has elected Chris Russell to the AIC Board. He replaces Stephen Westwood.
9 February 2009
As the UK economy deteriorates, what does 2009 hold for VCTs?
The AIC has collated views both on investment opportunities for VCTs and the prospects for the sector as a whole.
20 January 2009
AIC to increase profile of investment companies on broking and research sites
Investment company centre launched on Digital Look. More websites to carry enhanced investment company data
13 January 2009
Could President-Elect Obama be the stimulus the American economy is looking for?
The American population changed the course of history on 4 November 2008 by electing the first black American President.
6 January 2009
AIC poll of Fund Manager predictions for 2009: Divided views over market and FTSE 100 prospects
The Association of Investment Companies today published the results of their sixth poll of investment company fund managers to gauge their views for the year ahead.
3 December 2008
The present with a future: the AIC publishes details of children’s savings schemes and CTFs
Some parents might like to consider a present that will last long after the festive season has come to an end.
12 November 2008
A VINTAGE YEAR FOR VCTS AS BANKS TIGHTEN THEIR BELTS?
With difficult times falling on much of the market at the moment, and funding to smaller companies becoming an increasingly high profile and political issue, there is some light at the end of the tunnel from the VCT industry.
4 November 2008
20 most consistent performing investment companies of the decade
The Association of Investment Companies (AIC) have identified the 20 investment companies with the most consistent performance record in the industry over the last 10 years.
23 October 2008
LATEST AIC INVESTOR CONFIDENCE INDEX
Rising food and energy prices seen as bigger threat than recession
23 October 2008
AIC SUPPORTS DISCLOSURE OF DERIVATIVE POSITIONS TO HELP PROTECT SHAREHOLDER INTERESTS
The Association of Investment Companies (AIC) welcomes the Financial Services Authority’s (FSA) publication today of proposals which will require the disclosure of contracts for difference and other similar derivatives based on the value of company shares.
13 October 2008
AIC ENDORSES RULE CHANGES TO ENABLE INVESTMENT TRUST COMPANY INVESTMENT IN BONDS
The AIC has endorsed HM Treasury proposals to allow investment trust companies to invest tax-efficiently in bonds and other interest producing assets.
1 October 2008
EUROPEAN MANAGERS REALISTIC ABOUT CURRENT GROWTH PROSPECTS BUT POSITIVE OVER THE LONG-TERM
After the dramatic events of the past week, many may be questioning the future economic prospects for Europe. The Association of Investment Companies (AIC) recently hosted a roundtable with two European managers to discuss the impact of an economic slowdown on European companies.
9 September 2008
REFORM IASB GOVERNANCE AND IMPROVE QUALITY OF FINANCIAL REPORTING SAYS AIC
The quality of corporate Financial Reporting would be enhanced if global accounting standards, as set by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), took more account of investor needs and modern regulatory principles.
4 September 2008
AIC HOSTS FREE INVESTOR ROADSHOW IN BRISTOL
To book, contact the AIC events team on 0207 282 5564 or e-mail eventsteam@aic.co.uk
5 August 2008
AIC WELCOMES HMRC ANNOUNCEMENT TO MEET BACK CLAIMS OF VAT FOR VCTS
The AIC is delighted that HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has announced that it will meet back claims of VAT for Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs).
29 July 2008
BEIJING OLYMPICS WILL STRENGTHEN INVESTORS PERCEPTIONS OF CHINA
With the highly anticipated Beijing Olympics only two weeks away, the Association of Investment Companies, (AIC) has looked at the impact of the Olympics on the Chinese economy by collating the views of investment company managers with holdings in China.
28 July 2008
AIC WELCOMES PROPOSED INVESTMENT TRUST TAX REFORMS
HM Treasury has today invited views on proposals to allow investment trust companies to invest tax-efficiently in bonds and other interest producing assets.
22 July 2008
UNIVERSITY CHALLENGED
The Association of Investment Companies’ (AIC) annual survey1 into attitudes towards university debt reveals that over three quarters (78%) of parents believe that the credit crunch will make it harder to support their child financially through university.
15 July 2008
CAN EMERGING MARKET INVESTMENT COMPANIES AVOID THE CREDIT CRUNCH?
Emerging market investment companies have been holding up well in the recent market downturn, but with the economic outlook for developed markets becoming increasingly gloomy and the recent mixed performances, what is the outlook for emerging markets?
7 July 2008
AIC WELCOMES JOINT FINANCIAL CAPABILITY ACTION PLAN
The Association of Investment Companies welcomed “The Financial Capability Action Plan” announced by the Treasury and the Financial Services Authority today.
2 July 2008
AIC WELCOMES CFD DISCLOSURE
AIC fully supports the FSA’s decision, announced today, to require the disclosure of Contracts for Difference (CfDs).
23 June 2008
AIC SUPPORTS ROLE OF OFFSHORE CENTRES
The AIC has written to MPs at the Treasury Select Committee to support the channel islands status as a financial centre.
12 June 2008
DOES EVERY CLOUD HAVE A SILVER LINING? INVESTMENT COMPANY MANAGERS COMMENT ON OPPORTUNITIES IN THE DOWNTURN
As the outlook for the economy becomes increasingly gloomy the Association of Investment Companies (AIC) has collated investment company managers’ views on the economic outlook and specifically the sectors and companies which they believe will perform relatively well during a downturn.
27 May 2008
LATEST INVESTMENT COMPANY PERFORMANCE TRENDS
Discounts narrow in 2008 from 10.6% to 8.5% and Country Specialists: Asia Pacific & Global Emerging Markets dominate performance
9 May 2008
AIC ANNOUNCES THIS YEAR’S ‘BEST INFORMATION TO SHAREHOLDERS’ AWARD WINNERS
These awards were presented at the AIC’s Annual Dinner on 8 May by Lawrence Lever, Executive Chairman of Citywire Financial Publishers
2 May 2008
HAS MARKET VOLATILITY INCREASED OPPORTUNITIES FOR HEDGE FUNDS?
The Association of Investment Companies (AIC) recently hosted a press roundtable lunch on the investment company Hedge Fund sector with BH Marco and Tapestry Investment Company and has collated a selection of manager views.
29 April 2008
OUTLOOK FOR AGRICULTURE AND BIO FUELS: AIC PUBLISHES MANAGER VIEWS
With the global food shortage of rice and wheat putting pressure on consumers particularly in some of the poorest countries, and also calling into question the viability of bio fuels as a viable alternative asset class, the Association of Investment Companies (AIC) has collated a selection of quotes from Member investment companies.
16 April 2008
AIC ARGUES THAT REFORM OF LISTED MARKETS CAN DELIVER HIGH REGULATORY STANDARDS AND COMPETITIVENESS
The Association of Investment Companies’ (AIC) has responded to the FSA’s discussion paper on the future structure of UK listed markets.
11 April 2008
AIC PUBLISHES VCT FUNDRAISING LEVELS FOR 2007/2008 TAX YEAR
VCTs end fundraising year on a high note after slow start
20 March 2008
LATEST AIC INVESTOR CONFIDENCE INDEX
AIC research suggests recession is the biggest financial threat to investors and over a quarter are now saving more and spending less.
17 March 2008
ISA DEADLINE APPROACHES
AIC publishes ISA deadline dates.
14 March 2008
VINTAGE YEARS IN THE INVESTMENT COMPANY SECTOR
With Foreign & Colonial Investment Trust, Britain’s oldest investment company, due to celebrate its 140th Birthday on 19 March, the AIC has looked at investment companies celebrating vintage years in the wider sector.
12 March 2008
AIC WELCOMES BUDGET: VCTS WILL BE EXEMPT FROM VAT ON MANAGEMENT CHARGES
Government to consider changes to improve investment trust tax efficiency.
12 March 2008
HAS THE CREDIT CRUNCH CREATED INCREASED OPPORTUNITIES FOR VCTS?
The AIC collates fund manager views on the outlook for VCTs.
6 March 2008
CHARGES CONTINUE TO FALL IN CONVENTIONAL INVESTMENT COMPANY SECTOR ACCORDING TO AIC RESEARCH
Nearly one third (30%) of conventional investment companies have charges under 1%.
25 February 2008
INVESTMENT COMPANY ISA SPECIAL OFFERS
The AIC Publishes a selection of Investment Company ISA special offers. For a free ISA Factsheet or more information on the offers please call 0800 085 8520 or visit www.theaic.co.uk.
13 February 2008
FULL CFD DISCLOSURE REQUIRED TO PREVENT ‘MARKET FAILURES’
The AIC has urged the Financial Services Authority (FSA) to introduce a general disclosure regime for CfDs.
5 February 2008
CHINESE NEW YEAR 7 FEBRUARY 2008
WILL THE YEAR OF THE RAT PROVE TO BE ONE OF OPPORTUNITY?
30 January 2008
AIC PUBLISHES VENTURE CAPITAL TRUST FACTSHEET
To view factsheet go to the Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs) Factsheet on the AIC homepage or call 0800 085 8520
22 January 2008
DAVID THORP JOINS THE AIC BOARD AND SARAH BATES APPOINTED DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF AIC
The membership of the AIC has elected David Thorp to the AIC Board. He replaces Lough Callahan who has stepped down. Hamish Buchan, Gill Nott and David Barron have been re-elected.
21 January 2008
CREDIT CRUNCH - PRIVATE EQUITY INVESTMENT COMPANY MANAGERS COMMENT
The Association of Investment Companies (AIC) recently hosted a press roundtable lunch on the Private Equity investment company sector.
18 January 2008
OVER 90% OF PARENTS AND TEACHERS THINK PERSONAL FINANCE SHOULD BE TAUGHT IN SCHOOLS
Research from the Association of Investment Companies (AIC) among parents and teachers has revealed that nine out of ten parents and teachers (93% of both groups) think that personal finance education should be taught at school.
15 January 2008
THE AIC HITS THE ROAD, WITH ROADSHOW PROGRAMME FOR 2008
The Association of Investment Companies (AIC) is hosting a series of six free private investor roadshows in 2008, starting with London on 20th February.
19 December 2007
AIC/UNBIASED.CO.UK JOINT POLL OF FUND MANAGERS AND IFAS: CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM FOR 2008, BUT BE PREPARED FOR BUMPY RIDE
The Association of Investment Companies (AIC) and Unbiased.co.uk have published the results of their fifth joint annual poll of investment company fund managers and IFAs, gauging their views for the year ahead.
19 December 2007
AIC 2007 UPDATE: STRONG YEAR FOR FUND RAISING, BUT A YEAR OF TWO HALVES
Despite a volatile year for equities, it’s been an active year for the investment company sector, with a string of new issues and fund raising activity.
7 December 2007
AIC SAYS FSA’S FINAL INVESTMENT COMPANY RULES ‘WILL MAXIMISE UK COMPETITIVENESS’
The FSA has today published its final listing rules for investment companies following the conclusion of its review.
27 November 2007
TOUCHED BY YOUR ‘PRESENTS’ DEAR: AIC PUBLISHES DETAILS ON CHILDREN’S SAVINGS SCHEMES
With the festive season fast approaching, some parents and relatives may like to consider a present that could reap rewards long into the future. A £100 lump sum investment in the average investment company has grown to £536 over 18 years to 31 October 2007.
20 November 2007
AIC WELCOMES WALKER REVIEW “A MODEL FOR THE RESPONSIBLE OWNERSHIP OF PRIVATE COMPANIES”
The Association of Investment Companies (AIC) today welcomed the Walker Review, “Guidelines for Disclosure and Transparency in Private Equity”.
12 November 2007
INCREASED DISCLOSURE OF CFDS WILL IMPROVE SHAREHOLDER PROTECTION SAYS AIC
The AIC welcomes today’s FSA consultation paper proposing greater disclosure of significant ‘economic interests’ in company shares held through derivatives such as Contracts for Differences (CFDs).
5 November 2007
MODERNISING INVESTMENT TRUST TAX RULES WILL BENEFIT CONSUMERS SAYS AIC
The Association of Investment Companies (AIC) believes that significant consumer benefits will be delivered by reforming the tax regime for investment trusts.
2 November 2007
UK GOVERNMENT GIVES UP IN £300 MILLION VAT BATTLE WITH AIC AFTER ECJ VICTORYAIC CALLS FOR EQUAL TREATMENT FOR VCTS AS WELL
The Association of Investment Companies (AIC) and JPMorgan Claverhouse Investment Trust plc have formally won their lengthy legal test case against HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) that investment trusts should be exempt from VAT on management expenses.
31 October 2007
LATEST AIC INVESTOR CONFIDENCE INDEX: INVESTORS HOLD NERVE AMIDST MARKET TURMOIL AND SUB-PRIME CRISIS – BUT ONLY JUST
Research from the Association of Investment Companies’ (AIC) indicates that despite recent stock market turmoil, active investors are holding their nerve – but only just.
17 October 2007
AIM TRADED INVESTMENT COMPANIES AND AIM FOCUSSED VCTS EMERGE AS PRE-BUDGET WINNERS
Commenting on the changes to capital gains tax in the Pre-Budget Report, the Association of Investment Companies (AIC) has pointed out that the CGT changes announced in the Pre-Budget Report (PBR) have the potential to improve returns for investors in AIM-traded investment companies and enhance the attractions of VCTs with AIM holdings.
17 October 2007
PUBLIC CONFIDENT IN HOUSING MARKET BUT HIGHER INTEREST RATES BEGINNING TO BITE
Despite evidence that the UK housing market is slowing down, research (1) from the Association of Investment Companies (AIC) demonstrates that the general public could be in for a shock with almost two thirds (62%) believing that the housing market will continue to rise in value whilst only 44% of active investors have the same opinion.
15 October 2007
ALL LARGE PRIVATE COMPANIES SHOULD CONSIDER GREATER DISCLOSURE SAYS AIC
The Association of Investment Companies (AIC) has supported increased disclosure by large private companies in its response to the Walker Review. However, it stressed that private equity owned companies should not be singled out for special attention.
10 October 2007
AIC POLL OF VCT MANAGERS - VCT MANAGERS LOOK TO SECONDARY MARKET AND HIGHLIGHT TAX-FREE DIVIDENDS AND MATURE PORTFOLIOS AS KEY ATTRACTIONS
The Association of Investment Companies (AIC) today published the results of a survey of VCT managers on the appetite for, benefits and barriers to establishing an effective secondary market for VCT shares. VCT providers representing 93% of the VCT sector by number responded.
20 September 2007
AIC PROPOSES WIDE-RANGING REVIEW TO “ENHANCE COMMERCIAL ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL LISTED COMPANIES”
The AIC has proposed that the FSA conduct a wide ranging review of its Listing Rules to identify unnecessary, outdated and inflexible rules.
19 September 2007
FOCUS ON THE UK GROWTH & INCOME SECTOR: WHAT IS IN STORE FOR THE UK?
With a credit crunch in the US and subsequent stock market volatility in the UK, there has been a lot of speculation about the health of the UK economy, pushing UK investment companies into the spotlight.
17 September 2007
RECENT STOCK MARKET TURMOIL NOT A DETERRENT FOR FIRST TIME INVESTORS
Research from the Association of Investment Companies (AIC) shows potential investors are more deterred from stock market investment because of a lack of understanding, than fear of the risks involved – despite the recent global stock market turbulence.
14 September 2007
AIC INTRODUCES SECTOR CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM FOR VCTS
The Association of Investment Companies (AIC) has introduced a new classification system for Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs), creating six new sub-sectors which expand on the current ‘specialist’ and ‘generalist’ categories.
3 September 2007
FUND MANAGERS COMMENT ON RE-RATING OF PROPERTY INVESTMENT COMPANY SECTOR
The property investment company sector has been the fastest growing AIC sector over the last five years, and is today the third largest sector in the industry. However, the sector has experienced a re-rating recently and is currently trading at an average discount of 7.5% compared to a discount of 1% a year ago.
30 July 2007
AIC WELCOMES TREASURY SELECT COMMITTEE INTERIM REPORT ON PRIVATE EQUITY
The Association of Investment Companies (AIC) today welcomed the Treasury Select Committee Interim Report on Private Equity.
27 July 2007
STUDENTS AND PARENTS UNDERESTIMATE THE TRUE COST OF UNIVERSITY EDUCATION
The Association of Investment Companies’ (AIC) annual survey (1) into attitudes towards university debt reveals that both teenagers and parents alike are still massively underestimating the true cost of university.
17 July 2007
AIC BOARD ANNOUNCES THAT CAROL FERGUSON IS CHAIRMAN-ELECT
The Board of the Association of Investment Companies (AIC) has elected Carol Ferguson to be the next AIC Chairman, succeeding Hamish Buchan and becoming the first woman to occupy the role.
17 July 2007
AIC WELCOMES QCA’S BOOST TO FINANCIAL EDUCATION BUT SAYS FUNDING WILL BE NEEDED OR IT WILL “WITHER ON THE VINE”
The Association of Investment Companies (AIC) today welcomed the launch of a new secondary national curriculum by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) which, from September 2008, will free up more time in schools for financial education for over 14’s, through Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE).
6 July 2007
INVESTMENT COMPANY MANAGERS COMMENT ON UK INTEREST RATE RISE
Following yesterday’s Bank of England decision to raise UK interest rates to 5.75%, the Association of Investment Companies (AIC) has collated views from a variety of member investment companies on the potential impact on the UK Stockmarket.
3 July 2007
OUTLOOK FOR ASIA PACIFIC INVESTMENT COMPANIES: ARE WIDENING DISCOUNTS AN OPPORTUNITY?
This week marks the 10 year anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to China. Figures from the Association of Investment Companies point to the enormous change that the Asia Pacific region has undergone.
29 June 2007
AIC WELCOMES FSA CONSULTATION ON INVESTMENT ENTITIES LISTING REVIEW
The Association of Investment Companies (AIC) today warmly welcomed the publication of CP 07/12, the FSA’s third consultation on the review of the Listing Rules for investment entities.
25 June 2007
AIC POINTS WAY TO END OF MISSELLING
With the Financial Services Authority (FSA) due to publish its discussion paper on the retail distribution review, the Association of Investment Companies (AIC) has urged the regulator to mandate that the cost of advice should be unbundled (“factory gate pricing”) from the cost of financial products.
31 May 2007
AS THE BLAIR YEARS DRAW TO A CLOSE, WHICH INVESTMENT COMPANIES HAVE BEEN THE STRONGEST PERFORMERS OVER THE DECADE?
As Tony Blair prepares to leave Downing Street in a matter of weeks, his legacy will no doubt be debated for years to come. The Association of Investment Companies (AIC) has published information on some of the strongest performing investment companies over the ten years since Blair first stood on the steps of Number Ten.
23 May 2007
AIC RESEARCH REVEALS STRONG DIVIDEND GROWTH AMONGST GLOBAL GROWTH INVESTMENT COMPANIES
The Global Growth investment company sector has been serving up returns for shareholders for decades. In particular, over the last 3, 5 and 10 years it has outperformed the FTSE All World Index by a considerable amount.
11 May 2007
AIC ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF BEST INFORMATION TO SHAREHOLDERS AWARDS
The Association of Investment Companies (AIC) has published the winners of this year’s ‘Best Information to Shareholders Awards’, which were presented on 10 May at the AIC’s Annual Dinner. Lawrence Lever, Executive Chairman of Citywire Financial Publishers and Chairman of the AIC’s awards judging panel, presented the awards.
9 May 2007
AIC REVEALS LONGEST SERVING INVESTMENT COMPANY FUND MANAGERS
As Tony Blair prepares to step down as the longest serving Labour Prime Minister after 10 years, the Association of Investment Companies (AIC) has published data on the longest serving fund managers in the closed ended investment company sector.
1 May 2007
FRENCH ELECTIONS - VIVE LA INVESTMENT COMPANY!
With a record-breaking turnout for the first round of the French elections and the second round coming up this Sunday, on the 6th May, the Association of Investment Companies (AIC) has collated the views of a number of investment company fund managers with a European focus for their views on the election.
24 April 2007
LATEST INVESTMENT COMPANY TRENDS
Latest statistics from the Association of Investment Companies (AIC) have seen the investment company sector’s assets rise above £90bn for the first time ever in March 2007, closing the month with assets of £92bn compared to £87bn the month before.
4 April 2007
AIC HAILS FSA DECISION ON LISTING RULES REVIEW: “RIGHT FOR INVESTORS, RIGHT FOR THE MARKET AND RIGHT FOR THE FSA”
The Association of Investment Companies (AIC) today expressed its strong support for the FSA’s decision to adopt a single listing regime for all investment companies that will maintain proper levels of investor protection whilst ensuring that the London market remains an attractive and competitive location for issuers.
21 March 2007
AIC WELCOMES BUDGET PROPOSALS DESIGNED TO MAXIMISE THE COMMERCIAL FLEXIBILITY OF VCTS
The Association of Investment Companies (AIC) warmly welcomes the Government’s decision to adjust the VCT rules to support the ongoing development of the sector and ensure that VCTs can sell their successful investments without risking their tax-efficient status.
14 March 2007
VCT COUNTDOWN – AIC PUBLISHES ADVISER RECOMMENDATIONS
With the clock ticking for this year’s VCT investors, the Association of Investment Companies (AIC) has published some key recommendations covering both generalist and specialist VCTs from some of the country’s leading VCT advisers.
14 March 2007
LATEST AIC INVESTOR CONFIDENCE INDEX - GLOBAL WARMING MAY AFFECT NEARLY TWO THIRDS OF ACTIVE INVESTORS’ INVESTMENT DECISIONS
Research from the Association of Investment Companies (AIC) indicates that following the UK’s warmest 12-month period on record (1), global warming is beginning to have an impact on nearly two thirds (62%) of active investors’ investment decisions (2).
12 March 2007
BE PREPARED FOR THE ISA COUNTDOWN
As the 5th April approaches, the Association of Investment Companies (AIC) has collated ISA deadlines from participating member investment companies and their managers
12 March 2007
RISKS OF PRIVATE EQUITY REDUCED BY INVESTMENT COMPANY SECTOR
The Association of Investment Companies (AIC) has responded to the FSA’s consultation paper ‘Private equity: a discussion of risk and regulatory engagement.’
8 March 2007
ISA RECOMMENDATIONS – ADVISERS GO SHOPPING FOR DISCOUNT OPPORTUNITIES
It’s been a difficult couple of weeks for stock markets, and whilst history suggests that market volatility can be our friend, rather than our foe when it comes to investing, last minute ISA jitters are perhaps even more understandable than normal.
7 March 2007
VCT MANAGERS HOME IN ON RISK MANAGEMENT
Last year’s VCT budget changes have inspired perhaps more comment on the prospects for the sector than ever, but what do the fund managers and advisers think?
1 March 2007
AIC WELCOMES EU ADVOCATE GENERAL’S OPINION ON VAT CASE
The Association of Investment Companies (AIC) today expressed its pleasure at the release of the EU Advocate General’s opinion, which supports the view that investment trusts should be exempt from VAT on management fees.
27 February 2007
AIC WARNS REGULATOR THAT IT IS FAILING IN ITS DUTY TO PROTECT INVESTORS
Today at the Association of Investment Companies (AIC) 9th Annual Conference Daniel Godfrey, Director General of the AIC explained in depth the risks that the availability of the FSA’s listing regime to offshore investment companies (Chapter 14) posed to investors and the future health of investment company sector.
21 February 2007
CALLING ALL BARGAIN HUNTERS – AIC PUBLISHES INVESTMENT COMPANY ISA OFFERS
At a time when creeping charges are increasingly under the spotlight, the Association of Investment Companies (AIC) has collated information on ISA offers from member investment companies and their managers, covering more than 70 individual investment companies.
14 February 2007
CHINESE NEW YEAR: WHAT IS THE OUTLOOK FOR CHINA AND WILL INDIA STEAL THE SHOW?
On February 18, the Chinese calendar will shift from the year of the dog to the year of the pig. In the Chinese zodiac, the year of the pig is associated with fertility and virility, but what does this mean for China’s economic growth?
9 February 2007
AIC SAYS RETHINK OF NEW MINIMUM STANDARDS REGIME IS NECESSARY IF INVESTORS ARE TO BE PROTECTED
The Association of Investment Companies (AIC) is calling on the FSA to reverse its decision to allow offshore investment companies to gain a full listing on the London Stock Exchange by a new route which bypasses 120 pages of regulation designed to protect investors and prevent another scandal like the splits crisis from happening again.
1 February 2007
OUTLOOK FOR PROPERTY INVESTMENT COMPANY SECTOR
Investment companies in the Property sector turned in another set of impressive returns in 2006, with the average company up 18% in share price terms.
29 January 2007
AIC POLL OF VCT MANAGERS - VCT MANAGERS PHILOSOPHICAL ABOUT BUDGET CHANGES…BUT DEVELOPING A SECONDARY MARKET IS CRUCIAL
The Association of Investment Companies (AIC) today published the results of its first annual poll of member VCTs to gauge their views on the issues facing the sector in 2007. Fund managers representing 32 VCTs (45% of the AICs’ VCT membership) completed the poll.
22 January 2007
SARAH BATES AND ALAN YOUNG JOIN AIC BOARD, JEREMY TIGUE RE-ELECTED
The Membership of the Association of Investment Companies (AIC) has elected Sarah Bates and Alan Young to the AIC Board. They replace Alex Hammond-Chambers and Richard Burns, who have retired on rotation. Jeremy Tigue has been re-elected.
18 January 2007
THE AIC HITS THE ROAD, WITH ROADSHOW PROGRAMME FOR 2007
The Association of Investment Companies (AIC) is hosting a series of free private investor roadshows in 2007, with its next roadshow on the 7 March, Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool.
18 January 2007
LATEST INVESTMENT COMPANY TRENDS
New Year predictions can easily come unstuck, as the many fund managers who expected Japan to top the performance tables in 2006 would testify. But when it came to predicting the top performing sector in 2006, investment company fund managers in the closed ended sector proved rather more successful.
17 January 2007
RECORD BREAKING YEAR FOR INVESTMENT COMPANY SECTOR: OVERVIEW OF 2006
2006 proved to be a record breaking year for the closed ended investment company sector. A record 17 investment companies announced policy and objective changes in 2006 to allow more investment flexibility, whilst the number of investment companies announcing active discount controls was also at its highest.
15 January 2007
AIC WELCOMES GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO FINANCIAL CAPABILITY OVER THE LONG-TERM
The Association of Investment Companies (AIC) today welcomed the publication of HM Treasury’s “Financial Capability: the Government’s long-term approach”.
10 January 2007
CHILD TRUST FUND WEEK - WHAT ARE THE INVESTMENT COMPANY OPTIONS?
Your Child Trust Fund (CTF) voucher has arrived and you’ve decided to invest in a specific investment company …but what can you do if this company is not available directly through a Child Trust Fund provider?
20 December 2006
FUND MANAGER AND IFA 2007 PREDICTIONS
The Association of Investment Companies (AIC) and IFA Promotion have published the results of their third joint annual poll of investment company fund managers and IFAs, to gauge their views for 2007.
14 December 2006
AIC WELCOMES FSA CONSULTATION ON REVIEW OF LISTING RULES WILL NOT GIVE UP ON INVESTOR PROTECTION
The Association of Investment Companies (AIC) today welcomed the Financial Services Authority’s (FSA) follow up consultation paper on the listing rules that apply to investment entities.
6 December 2006
AIC PRE-BUDGET RESPONSE
The Association of Investment Companies (AIC) today expressed its support for the confirmation from the Chancellor that ISAs are to be a permanent feature of the UK savings landscape, and the proposed ISA reforms which should create greater flexibility for investors.
28 November 2006
AIC RESEARCH REVEALS INVESTMENT COMPANY CHARGES DOWN FOR SECOND YEAR RUNNING
Latest research from the Association of Investment Companies (AIC) suggests that charges have once again come down in the investment company sector, with Total Expense Ratios (TER’s) down on average across the sector for a second year running.
24 November 2006
INVESTMENT COMPANY CHILDREN’S SAVING SCHEMES - A GIFT THAT WILL LAST
The countdown to Christmas is underway, but whilst children’s savings schemes are unlikely to become this season’s kids must haves, they will certainly be remembered long after all the toys have been put away.
1 November 2006
OUTLOOK FOR SPLIT CAPITAL INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Following the crisis of 2001-2003, when a number of split capital investment companies went bust, the sector is now enjoying a period of good performance and is looking in good shape.
27 October 2006
AIC WELCOMES FSA BOOST TO PRIVATE EQUITY
Today the Association of Investment Companies (AIC) welcomed the FSA’s announcement that it is to review the “control test”.
27 October 2006
AIC WELCOMES FSA RESEARCH ON DISCLOSURE OF CFDs
The Association of Investment Companies (AIC) today welcomed the announcement that the FSA will be examining how Contracts for Differences (CFDs) are used and whether current disclosure rules are adequate to protect shareholder interests.
23 October 2006
LATEST AIC INVESTOR CONFIDENCE INDEX
Despite the FTSE recently reaching a five year high, the general public’s love affair with the UK housing market is far from over (1) and even active private investors are warming up to property (2), according to the latest investor confidence index from the Association of Investment Companies (AIC).
23 October 2006
BRAZILIAN ELECTIONS – OUTLOOK FOR INVESTMENT COMPANIES WITH EXPOSURE TO BRAZIL
With the Brazilian elections approaching on 29 October, the Association of Investment Companies (AIC) has collated the views of a number of managers investing in the country. How are markets likely to react?
18 October 2006
THE PFS OFFER REGIONAL INVESTMENT TRAINING FOR ADVISERS WITH CONTENT FROM AIC AND IMA
The Personal Finance Society is offering a series of regional investment workshops for advisers and have linked up with the Association of Investment Companies and the Investment Management Association, who have provided the content for these workshops.
4 October 2006
PRIVATE EQUITY INVESTMENT TRUSTS: OPPORTUNITIES REMAIN, BUT DISCIPLINE ESSENTIAL
Historically, the private equity arena has been overlooked by many institutions and private investors alike. This may have been a costly mistake when the performance returns are taken into account.
27 September 2006
IMPROVED DISCLOSURE OF ‘CFDs’ NEEDED TO ENSURE FAIR MARKET
The Association of Investment Trust Companies (AITC) has called for improved disclosure of Contracts for Difference (CFDs) to protect investors and maintain a fair and orderly market.*
21 September 2006
INVESTMENT COMPANY MANAGERS COMMENT ON THAI COUP
The Association of Investment Trust Companies (AITC) has collated views from a number of investment company fund managers on this week’s Thai coup, and also published a list of AITC Member investment companies with exposure to Thailand.
11 September 2006
AITC UNVEILS NEW LOGO TO COINCIDE WITH NAME CHANGE
The Association of Investment Trust Companies (AITC) has unveiled its new logo as it prepares to change its name to the Association of Investment Companies (AIC) in October.
