Compass: The AIC's monthly newsletter
This month in Compass, we reveal the best performing sectors of 2025 and Ian Cowie shares his fantasy fund muck ups.
Latest articles, press releases and videos
A happy Christmas for all investors
David Prosser discusses the ‘Santa Claus rally’ and why it’s time in the market that matters, not market timing.
Exploring private equity
Felix Haldner, Princess Private Equity, examines the attractions of the asset class.
25 years in closed-ended funds
Ian Cowie gives a personal account of how a 19th century invention can meet 21st century investors' needs.
Don’t forget your tax-free allowances
David Prosser examines how you can make the most of tax-efficient savings.
A rising sun
Richard Aston, Portfolio Manager of CC Japan Income & Growth Trust, explores the opportunities presented by Japan.
Private equity goes mainstream
The asset class is no longer off limits to individual investors. David Prosser discusses whether you should consider it.
Which platform is the best choice for investment companies?
New AIC research identifies the best platforms to use for investment companies, whether you’re a £50-a-month kind of investor or have a large portfolio.
Where to go from here?
Andrew Bell, CEO of Witan Investment Trust, discusses how to make sense of the current global outlook.
Saving for the next generation
David Prosser explores how saving with investment companies can make a huge dent in university costs.
How to supercharge your returns
David Prosser explains how reinvesting dividends makes a huge difference.
Ian Sayers blog: Flat whites and consumer rights
Ian Sayers invites the FCA out for a coffee to discuss the Asset Management Market Study.
Unexpected Brexit opportunities
Alasdair McKinnon, Manager of The Scottish Investment Trust, explains why the surprises of the past year have been a gift for 'ugly duckling' investors.
VCTs: a 30-year legacy
Featuring comments from James Hendry of Gresham House Ventures, which manages the Baronsmead VCTs, Peter Dines of Mercia Ventures, which manages the Northern VCTs and Robert Whitby-Smith of Albion Capital, which manages the Albion VCTs.
VCTs: a 30-year legacy
Featuring comments from James Hendry of Gresham House Ventures, which manages the Baronsmead VCTs, Peter Dines of Mercia Ventures, which manages the Northern VCTs and Robert Whitby-Smith of Albion Capital, which manages the Albion VCTs.
Recorded in February 2025.
VCTs are celebrating their 30th Birthday – why have they been so successful?
VCTs: a 30-year legacy. Annabel Brodie-Smith, James Hendry, Peter Dines and Robert Whitby-Smith discuss why VCTs have been so successful over the past 30 years.
Recorded in February 2025.
What types of companies are you investing in and why?
VCTs: a 30-year legacy. A panel of venture capital trust (VCT) managers talk about the types of companies they are currently investing in and why.
Recorded in February 2025.
What’s the current appetite for VCT investment?
VCTs: a 30-year legacy. Annabel Brodie-Smith asks venture capital trust (VCT) managers what the current appetite is for VCT investment.
Recorded in February 2025.
What economic and social benefits do VCTs provide?
VCTs: a 30-year legacy. James Hendry, Peter Dines and Robert Whitby-Smith explain the social and economic benefits of venture capital trusts (VCTs).
Recorded in February 2025.
Thematic research
Third-party thematic research on investment companies can be found below.
Me and my trusts: Jonathan Davis
Jonathan Davis, host of the Money Makers podcast and editor of the Investment Companies Handbook, on how he discovered investment trusts, what he likes about them and what trusts he holds in his portfolio.
Recorded in June 2025.
Me and my trusts: Jonathan Davis
Jonathan Davis, host of the Money Makers podcast and editor of the Investment Companies Handbook, on how he discovered investment trusts, what he likes about them and what trusts he holds in his portfolio.
Me and my trusts: Jonathan Davis - what investment trusts do you hold in your own portfolio?
Nick Gardner, investment editor at the Association of Investment Companies, asks Jonathan Davis what trusts he holds in his own portfolio and why.
Me and my trusts: Jonathan Davis - how did you discover investment trusts?
Nick Gardner, investment editor at the Association of Investment Companies, asks Jonathan Davis how he discovered investment trusts.
Me and my trusts: Jonathan Davis - what do you particularly like about investment trusts?
Nick Gardner, investment editor at the Association of Investment Companies, asks Jonathan Davis what he particularly likes about investment trusts.
Goodbye prospectuses? FCA says investment companies can double in size without them
Under-pressure Partners Group Private Equity looks ready to start buying back its cheap shares
Investing for growth
Find out what growth investing is and how it could help you achieve your long-term financial goals.
Recorded 1 November 2022.
Getting started
If you're new to investment companies, find out what they're all about here.
An introduction to ESG
What is ESG and how does it relate to investment companies?
Saving for your children’s future?
Find out how to invest for your child with investment companies and why they offer good long-term performance.
Glossary
What does that word mean? Find your way around investment trust jargon.
Research tools
Find and compare investment companies and trusts, or look up a company you're interested in.
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.
