Data as at: 03/12/2024

Gearing

Gearing policy

The Company’s gearing is reviewed by the Board and Investment Manager on an ongoing basis. Leverage is defined in the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (‘AIFMD’) as any method by which the Company can increase its exposure by borrowing cash or securities, or from leverage that is embedded in derivative positions. The Alternative Investment Fund Manager (the ‘AIFM’) monitors leverage values on a daily basis and reviews the limits annually.

Borrowing limits

The Company is permitted to borrow up to 30% of its net assets (determined as 130% under the Commitment and Gross ratios). The Company is permitted to have additional leverage of up to 100% of its net assets, which results in permitted total leverage of 230% under both ratios.

Ways in which investment companies can magnify income and capital returns, but which can also magnify losses.

At its simplest, gearing means borrowing money to buy more assets in the hope the company makes enough profit to pay back the debt and interest and leave something extra for shareholders.

Image
how gearing works table

However, if the investment portfolio doesn’t perform well, gearing can increase losses. The more an investment company gears, the higher the risk.

Investment companies can usually borrow at lower rates of interest than you’d get as an individual. They also have flexible ways to borrow – for example they might get an ordinary bank loan or, for split capital investment companies, issue different classes of share.

Not all investment companies use gearing, and most use relatively low levels of gearing.

An indication of the maximum and minimum levels that the company would expect to be geared in normal market conditions.

Morningstar logo Data provided by Morningstar.

FE fundinfo logo Company documents provided by FE fundinfo.