Jupiter's Merlin Balanced Portfolio has received praise from The Share Centre, which believes the fund is ideal for investors looking for a balanced return in addition to some global exposure.
The portfolio, which was launched in 2002, aims to achieve long-term capital growth with income by investing predominately in unit trusts, OEICs and other collective investments schemes, while the underlying funds invest in international equities, as well as fixed interest stocks and commodities.
Commenting, Andy Parsons, advice team manager at The Share Centre, claims that while the portfolio can benefit investors looking for a balanced return, it also provides additional diversification which can help lower the direct investment risk.
"In terms of performance, the fund is ranked first quartile on a cumulative basis over three years and five years, while on a year to date basis it has returned 17.29 per cent along with a current yield of 3.10 per cent."
"The Jupiter Merlin Balanced portfolio is ideal for those investors wishing to provide a balanced return along with the potential for global exposure. Investors also benefit from the additional diversification of managers selecting the underlying funds, hence further removing them from direct investment risk with shares in individual companies," he said.
The management trio of John Chatfeild-Roberts, Algy Smith-Maxwell and Peter Lawery, who are responsible for all of the Jupiter Merlin funds and have been working together for 10 years, have also received praise, being described by Mr Parsons as "one of the most well-known and respected fund of fund teams within the industry".
"Unlike many others, the team looks at the investment picture from a top-down perspective. Firstly, they identify those key factors that will affect the macroeconomic picture as well as those involved in cyclical turning points. Having decided upon a strategic view and outlook, the managers then look to identify those fund managers that have the most appropriate investment approach," he said.
© Fair Investment Company Ltd
