Choosing your funds

Although we focus on asset allocation, we never underestimate the difference that good fund selection makes to the overall performance of an investment portfolio. Our fund selection process aims to select funds to meet each asset class required. We have access to over four thousand funds from every asset class.

Our fund selection criteria will differ depending on each individual's objectives, but we typically seek fundamental indicators such as, consistency in relative performance, competitive charges, low volatility and strong fund ratings from independent sources such as City Wire and Standard & Poors.

We use investment funds rather than individual stocks and shares, because each fund will have a larger number of holdings in it, thus spreading the risk yet further.

When selecting a fund it is important to consider not only quantitative research (track record, risk analysis, charges, etc.) but also qualitative information, such as the fund manager's beliefs, including the investment process and risk controls which dictate the likely outcome of his / her decisions. In addition we consider if the fund manager were to leave, would his / her team be able to continue to run the fund as before? Would a new fund manager run the fund in a different way? Does the fund 'do what it says on the tin?'

Having access to relevant, up-to-date background information and research is vital to ensure that the funds we select most effectively fit your individual portfolio requirements. We also continuously survey the whole range of investment funds on a 90 day cycle using our expertise and research resources, to maximize your portfolio's ability to deliver expected returns, without too many unexpected surprises.