HL comment
Our view on this Fund
Richard Woolnough has become more positive on the prospects for gilts, though they still form a relatively small portion of the portfolio. He believes corporate bonds are attractive despite their strength over the last year, and particularly favours the industrial sector, which offers attractive yields at present. In the banking sector he has a preference for those that have not needed government assistance during the financial crisis.
20-05-2010
Information from the fund manager
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HL group comment: M&G
Our view on this Fund Management Group as a whole
The group has gone through some dramatic changes both internally, with shake ups in their fund range, and externally as a result of having been bought by the Prudential. Changes over the last few years to both the team and the investment philosophy has led to an improvement in performance across a range of funds. One sector in which they have been successful is in corporate bonds, where assets under management have grown enormously, and has provided a core element of their unit trust business. Their equity business is now equally competitive in the market place with performance speaking for itself across a range of funds including their UK and global products.
06-05-2009
HL sector comment: GBP Corporate Bond
Our view on this sector
Corporate bond markets have been flatter in 2010; unsurprising given 2009's dramatic rally. Despite the Greek drama, the outlook remains positive, as ultra low interest rates force investors to look elsewhere for income. In addition, gilt yields have remained low, making corporate bonds relatively more attractive. The major cause for concern currently is sovereign debt rather than corporate debt, as countries struggle with unhealthy looking balance sheets. Looking forwards, the majority of the return from bonds is likely to be income, with 4% to 8% now achievable from a corporate bond fund.
16-06-2010
