Barclays Stockbrokers saw a record month for fund investment in January this year, getting off to a strong start for client investment into funds for 2013.

When comparing client purchase deals in funds from January 2013 with those in January 2013, Barclays Stockbrokers saw a 320% increase. January 2013 also showed a 39% increase in monthly fund investments from December 2012.*

The top 20 fund purchases in this record January covered a wide investment spectrum, with Fidelity UK Smaller Companies fund as the top seller. In fact, the UK sector comprised six of the top ten positions, indicating the increasing popularity of this area. Emerging markets also performed well, with Aberdeen Emerging Markets fund placing second after Fidelity, while third place went to Newton Asian Income.
However, some other sectors showed a demonstrable reduction in popularity, with a complete lack of Specialist or Sterling Bond funds in the top 20 best sellers for January 2013 – despite both sectors making an appearance throughout 2012.

Alastair Thaw, Head of Investor Product at Barclays Stockbrokers, commented: “The year started strongly for fund investments, with Barclays Stockbrokers investors taking advantage of the investment opportunities brought about by a positive market. During January, we saw clients make the highest ever level of investments into funds. This is the third month in a row now that this has happened and is an interesting indicator of increasing demand for funds from our clients.”
 
“Barclays Stockbrokers clients are benefitting from our enhanced funds offering,” Thaw continues: “With our regular investment service, investors can choose to add lump sums or drip feed sums into the market over time to build up their investments and maximise tax efficient benefits, too.”

*Source: Barclays Stockbrokers