Investment companies, which are expected to become more attractive next year as the UK’s retail distribution review (RDR) comes into force, have on average gained 6%, according to the Association of Investment Companies.
Statistics released by the trade body show the average investment company is up 26% over the last three years, 9% over five years and 168% over ten years.
Biotechnology and healthcare, which returned 26%, topped the list this year. The second and third best performing sectors were UK Smaller Companies and North American Smaller Companies, returning 24% and 21%, respectively.
The AIC highlighted Biotech Growth as the best-performing investment company, which returned 52%. This was followed by Aberdeen Asian Smaller Companies and Jupiter European Opportunities, both up 45%. The Aberdeen New Thai was up 40% and Standard Life European Private Equity 39%.
It is anticipated that investment trusts will become more popular with independent financial advisers after the RDR, but platform providers have been criticised for not supporting them adequately.
©2012 funds europe
