Trustnet Magazine 57 December 2019 | Page 6

Cover story 6 / 7 SCOTTISH THE MORTGAGE MONKS INVESTMENT INVESTMENT TRUST TRUST In spite of good performance by markets over 2019, investors continued to withdraw money and most of the industry saw outflows for the year conditions. David Hambidge, director of multi-asset funds at Premier Miton Investors, says: “It was a year when, against the odds, a 60/40 portfolio would have served investors very well. Investors simply had to have equities and long-dated bonds to garner good double-digit returns.” The strongest areas were technology and North America (again), with only the IA UK Direct Property sector in negative territory. it became clear that the next move However, Hambidge believes that was likely to be down rather than up. investors are unlikely to enjoy the same This changed the outlook for the bond benign conditions in 2020. Certainly, market and saw it record surprisingly with around 30 per cent of the bond strong gains over the year. It also market currently on negative yields, buoyed the stock market, which it is difficult to see them making recorded another year of growth. significant progress in the year ahead. For investors, taking risk paid off, in spite of the weaker macroeconomic PERFORMANCE OF INDEX IN 2019 MONKS HAS OVER £1.9BN IN NET ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT, WHILE ITS ONGOING CHARGE IS A MODEST 0.50%*. THE MAINSTAY OF YOUR PORTFOLIO. Monks Investment Trust, we believe, could be a core investment for anyone seeking long term growth. It is managed according to Baillie Giff ord’s £39bn Global Alpha strategy. As a result, Monks takes a highly active approach to investment and its portfolio looks nothing like the index. The managers group their holdings into four diff erent growth categories. This allows for excellent diversifi cation and off ers the chance to unearth some of the more interesting companies listed on global stock markets. Over the last fi ve years the Monks Investment Trust has delivered a total return of 146.8% compared to 101.9% for the sector**. MSCI AC World (20.41%) 25% Standardised past performance to 30 September** 20% 15% 10% 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Monks Investment Trust 2.8% 37.9% 35.6% 19.1% 7.8% AIC Global Sector Average 4.3% 29.0% 26.2% 19.2% -0.2% Past performance is not a guide to future returns. Please remember that changing stock market conditions and currency exchange rates will aff ect the value of the investment in the fund and any income from it. Investors may not get back the amount invested. If in doubt, please seek fi nancial advice. 5% TRUSTNET A Key Information Document is available by contacting us. -5% If you’re pursuing growth why not get on board? Call 0800 917 2112 or visit www.monksinvestmenttrust.co.uk 0% Long-term investment partners *Ongoing charges as at 30.04.19 calculated in accordance with AIC recommendations. Details of other costs can be found in the Key Information Document. **Source: Morningstar, share price, total return as at 30.09.19. All other data as at 30.09.19. Your call may be recorded for training or monitoring purposes. Issued and approved by Baillie Gifford & Co Limited, whose registered address is at Calton Square, 1 Greenside Row, Edinburgh, EH1 3AN, United Kingdom. Baillie Gifford & Co Limited is the authorised Alternative Investment Fund Manager and Company Secretary of the Company. Baillie Gifford & Co Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The investment trusts managed by Baillie Gifford & Co Limited are listed UK companies and are not authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.