We’re currently in ‘correction’ territory with the UK market down 10% from its most recent peak in May 2018. Stock market falls like this can hit investment trusts harder than most, as a lot of funds have some level of gearing and discounts to asset values tend to widen.
In the never-ending search for income, many people are drawn to investment trust dividends. They come in all shapes and sizes, though, and there are a few nooks and crannies dividend seekers should be aware of.
It probably wasn’t a great surprise to see that Smithson Investment Trust is looking to raise more cash. But it was a little surprising that it was left so late and that it’s increasing by so much.
There has been no shortage of articles marking the 10th anniversary of the financial crash in recent weeks. This isn’t another one you’ll be pleased to hear. Well, perhaps just tangentially.
As I near my sixth decade, I’ve started to shift my portfolio a little more towards higher income investment trusts. My most recent purchase is Bluefield Solar Income Fund, which I took a small position in following its recent results. It yields over 6% and has returned over 50% since its launch in 2013. Most intriguingly, it’s keenly eyeing up the time where unsubsidised solar power becomes a viable option in the UK.
You might be forgiven for thinking we’re in the middle of a mania for investment trusts, with several high-profile new issues accepting applications at the moment. Surging public interest in the stock market is a classic sign of a bubble, so let’s see how 2018 compares to other years.
Applications are now open for Smithson Investment Trust, the keenly anticipated new offering from Terry Smith’s Fundsmith. No doubt many people will be happy to take the plunge purely on the basis of the great run the Fundsmith Equity Fund has had. But here are a few things that I think are worth knowing before you make any decision.
The shipping empire turned investment trust Caledonia Investments (CLDN) is currently one of my biggest holdings. It’s one of a few listed funds that is still family controlled and it boasts a 51-year track record of increasing its dividend. What’s more, it’s beaten the UK market by a respectable margin since it became a fully fledged investment vehicle in 1987. Yet it persistently trades at a discount to net assets of around 20%. So, what gives?
You wait for one investment trust launch from a legendary fund manager then, before you know it, along comes another. Following last week’s announcement of Smithson Investment Trust, we now have more details on Mobius Investment Trust, the latest offering from emerging markets guru Mark Mobius.
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