UK

UK equities had a positive start to 2019. While this can be partly viewed as a rebound after 2018's difficult final quarter, what is likely to have been most significant is an extraordinary U-turn by the US Federal Reserve.

AUM dropped 6%

Total net inflows of £42.6bn

Absolute return ‘continues to disappoint’

Fall of £7.5bn in AUM

Fund will now focus on higher yield and will increase its number of holdings

David Clark returns to fund management

As UK equity income investors, one sector we have found attractive is data or information service providers, which offer services to either corporates or consumers.

Political risks and High Street changes

Equities saw a relatively indiscriminate sell-off in Q4 of 2018, with increased volatility and widening valuation spreads.