Trustnet Magazine 59 February 2020 | Page 6

Cover story 6 / 7 SCOTTISH MORTGAGE INVESTMENT TRUST Emerging markets are also less mature and less liquid, which means the risks can be greater and due diligence needs to be more stringent. Yet few private investors can jump on a plane to Asia to meet the management team or You may think about supplementing analyse the footfall of a flagship store. your core portfolio with individual Even if they did, the marginal gains are equities and, with enough research, unlikely to be worth the effort. it may be possible to form a judgment However, Gallagher points out these on, say, a vast US technology company: issues are one side of a double-edged information is widely available, you use sword, calling them a key part of the the products day-to-day and there is opportunity set in emerging markets. plenty of analyst and media comment “The fact these markets are tricky on the likely direction of the share price. to access keeps volatile international However, Melissa Gallagher, co-head fund flows at bay and means that many of investment trusts at BlackRock, says fantastic companies remain temporarily picking stocks in smaller and emerging undiscovered,” she adds. “We relish the markets is a job best left to the experts. complexity, but we believe these are “For a Vietnamese retailer or a Thai markets where experience and expertise agricultural company, the accounts are invaluable.” may be in a different language, created using different accounting standards,” she explains. “Independent broker comment is rare. At the same time, the markets themselves may be difficult to access as they may be subject to foreign- ownership restrictions.” Buying obscure equities TRUSTNET SCOTTISH MORTGAGE ENTERED THE FTSE 100 INDEX IN MARCH 2017. WANTED. DREAMERS, VISIONARIES AND REVOLUTIONARIES. Visionary entrepreneurs offer opportunities for great wealth creation. The Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust actively seeks them out. Our portfolio consists of around 80 of what we believe are the most exciting companies in the world today. Our vision is long term and we invest with no limits on geographical or sector exposure. Our track record as long-term, supportive shareholders makes us attractive to a new breed of capital-light businesses. And our committed approach means we can enjoy a better quality of dialogue with management teams at transformational organisations. Over the last five years the Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust has delivered a total return of 143.1% compared to 106.9% for the sector*. And Scottish Mortgage is low-cost with an ongoing charges figure of just 0.37%**. Standardised past performance to 31 December* 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Scottish Mortgage 13.3% 16.5% 41.1% 4.6% 24.8% AIC Global Sector^ 9.1% 23.5% 26.4% -1.8% 24.5% ^Weighted average. Past performance is not a guide to future returns. Please remember that changing stock market conditions and currency exchange rates will affect the value of the investment in the fund and any income from it. Investors may not get back the amount invested. For a farsighted approach call 0800 917 2112 or visit us at www.scottishmortgageit.com A Key Information Document is available by contacting us. Long-term investment partners *Source: Morningstar, share price, total return as at 31.12.19. **Ongoing charges as at 31.03.19 calculated in accordance with AIC recommendations. Details of other costs can be found in the Key Information Document. 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.