Fund Focus - Jupiter Global Emerging Markets
Given the attention heaped upon emerging markets it is perhaps a surprise that it is only now that Jupiter, one of the country's most well known asset management houses, have launched a retail fund available to UK domiciled investors.
In reality, however, Jupiter has been steadily building up their emerging market capabilities over the years. Instead of a more general approach to emerging markets, the company has so far chosen to launch funds that focus on specific regions or countries (such as China, India or emerging Europe).
It's clear though that emerging market funds are increasingly in demand. In October 2010 £336 million was invested into the IMA Global Emerging Market Sector, according to figures released by the Investment Management Association (IMA). Perhaps it is in anticipation of this broad emerging market exposure that Jupiter now brings their latest fund to market.
The Jupiter Global Emerging Markets Fund is managed by Kathryn Langridge who has headed up emerging market equity teams at INVESCO Perpetual and Lloyd George, as well as being lead manager on the INVESCO Perpetual Global Smaller Companies and INVESCO Perpetual Asian Fund. Her approach to investing will typically focus more on stock specific factors, although there is a global macro economic overlay that helps build the portfolio. According to Langridge, however, such an overlay will not force her into stocks that are otherwise too overvalued or lack good growth potential.
In addition, the fund manager believes meeting the management of the companies she is buying is important and aims to devote considerable time to achieving this. Langridge also favours firms who pay their investors a dividend.
The fund could potentially be of interest to investors wishing to gain exposure to emerging markets, without having to select individual countries or regions, wanting instead broad exposure to the full range of emerging markets. Potential investors should consider, however, that investing into emerging markets has historically been more risky than developed markets like the UK and Europe and should only consider such an investment for the long term.
Application forms to use if you wish to invest in this fund
The value of investments can go down as well as up meaning you may receive back less than you initially invested; they should not be regarded as short term solutions. Our research and commentary is not personal advice and should not be regarded as such, nor does it constitute a recommendation to deal. If you are unsure about the suitability of any investment then you should contact us for advice.