OBSR suspends F&C Stewardship ratings

OBSR has withdrawn the ratings on the F&C Stewardship Income and Stewardship Growth funds and removed them from its service.

The ratings agency initially suspended both funds' A ratings when their management was handed over from Ted Scott to Catherine Stanley and Hilary Aldridge in May this year.

OBSR says it took the decision to allow Stanley, who also manages F&C UK Smaller Companies, the opportunity to build up her own track record.

Meanwhile Simon King's Gartmore UK Focus vehicle has seen its AA rating suspension lifted and has been reinstated with an A rating.

In addition, Neptune Opportunities, run by Rob Burnett, has been upgraded from an A rating to a AA rating.

OBSR highlights the strong performance of the fund since May 2005 when Burnett took over as manager and congratulated his flexible approach which has allowed him to produce strong returns over the long term.