Compass: The AIC’s monthly newsletter

This month in Compass, we delve into discounts, exploring the property and renewable energy sectors. And Ian Cowie investigates when to turn paper profits into real ones.

Latest articles, press releases and videos

Image

FCA has made a start on tackling cost disclosure issue, but much more to be done

The Association of Investment Companies (AIC) has commented on today’s statement from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) on the issue of cost disclosures.

Image

AIC welcomes FCA anti-greenwashing measures and labelling regime

The Association of Investment Companies (AIC) has commented on the new package of measures from the FCA to tackle greenwashing and help investors identify sustainability-focused funds.

Image

A Christmas present that lasts: saving for children with investment companies

Investing for your child could grow into a nest egg and make a big financial difference for a young person in the future.

Image

The big buyback

David Prosser on why investment companies buy back their own shares.

Image

Autumn Statement: AIC applauds action on investment company cost disclosure

AIC welcomes the government’s announcement that powers will be handed to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to resolve the issues with investment company cost disclosures.

Image

Autumn Statement: AIC welcomes government’s promise to extend VCT sunset clause to 2035

The Chancellor has committed to extending VCTs’ sunset clause to 2035.

Image

Time for a shift of gear?

David Prosser explores how investment companies’ ability to borrow money can help investors reap greater returns.

Image

AIC welcomes Ros Altmann’s private members’ bill on costs

The AIC has welcomed Baroness Ros Altmann’s intervention in the debate about the disclosure of investment company costs.

Kerb appeal: What's your view on the discount of your trust?

Annabel Brodie-Smith asks Richard Shepherd-Cross and Bjorn Hobart for their thoughts on the discounts on their trusts.

Image

Hold your nerve

Deep discounts are no reason to throw in the towel, writes David Prosser.

Kerb appeal: Would Labour winning the next election make any difference to UK property?

Fund managers from Custodian Property Income REIT and Tritax Big Box REIT on whether Labour winning next year's election would make a difference to the UK property sector.

Kerb appeal: How is your portfolio faring in the current challenging economic conditions?

Investment experts discuss how their portfolios are faring with the AIC's Annabel Brodie-Smith.

Investment company research

Research on investment companies from Edison, Hardman & Co, Kepler and QuotedData can be found below. 

Please bear in mind that this research is likely to have been paid for by the investment company. 

BlackFinch Spring VCT

29 November 2023

Tax enhanced research.

JPMorgan Global Growth & Income

29 November 2023

All-Weather Approach

Rockwood Strategic

27 November 2023

Results analysis from Kepler Trust Intelligence

Citywire logo

IA drops guidance on investment company charges after FCA statement

City regulator gives green light to more accurate disclosure of investment company charges, prompting the Investment Association to remove contentious guidance on the topic.
Citywire logo

Chrysalis’ Williamson: The IPO market isn’t broken but gains must come in other ways

Nick Williamson, co-manager of Chrysalis, is not relying on flotations to prove why shares in the growth capital fund should not trade at a 50% discount ahead of a continuation vote in April.
Citywire logo

RM Infrastructure plans swifter capital return if wind-down approved

Shareholders will vote on the winding down of the debt fund at an annual general meeting on 20 December.
Quoted data logo

BlackRock Frontiers delivers impressive performance

Over the year to 30 September 2023, BlackRock Frontier Markets produced an NAV total return of +25.1% (in US dollars), compared to an increase in its benchmark index of +5.0%. For Sterling based shareholders, the equivalent return for the year was +14.3%, with the index returning -3.9%, representing an outperformance of 18.2%. The discount narrowed […]
Quoted data logo

Narrowing discount boosts abrdn Equity Income

In NAV terms, the 12 months ended 30 September 2023 were not great for abrdn Equity Income, which generated a return of 1.8%, lagging its All-Share Index benchmark by 12 percentage points. However, a narrowing discount rescued the situation somewhat, leaving shareholders with a return of 11.4% for the period. The chair’s statement notes that […]

BlackRock Throgmorton Trust Plc - Transaction in Own Shares

30/11/2023 - 18:30

BlackRock Throgmorton Trust

Read more

BlackRock Income and Growth Investment Trust Plc - Transaction in Own Shares

30/11/2023 - 18:20

BlackRock Income & Growth

Read more

BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust Plc - Transaction in Own Shares

30/11/2023 - 17:50

BlackRock Energy and Resources Income

Read more

BlackRock Sustainable American Income Trust Plc - Transaction in Own Shares

30/11/2023 - 17:50

BlackRock Sustainable American Income

Read more

Finsbury Growth & Income Trust Plc - Transaction in Own Shares

30/11/2023 - 17:30

Finsbury Growth & Income Trust

Read more

Glossary

Familiarise yourself with industry terminology.

Research tools

Access information on your chosen investment companies, or find and compare companies using our screening and monitoring tools.

Invest & engage

Browse a list of platforms that allow you to buy and hold investment companies. Discover how to have your say on how your investment company is run.