Gold shines as precious metal funds outperform financials

Strong growth in commodities, resources and EMs highlights breadth and global nature of options available in the Specialist sector, with top performers including Smith & Williamson Global Gold and Resources, HSBC GIF Emerging Markets Local Debt and BNY Mellon Brazil Equity

Funds investing in gold and other precious metals have outshone peers in the Specialist sector over three years as investors flocked to safe havens amid the financial crisis and turmoil in Europe. Gold funds have outperformed their peers by a hefty margin, while financials funds, such as the J.P. Morgan Global Financials portfolio and the Axa Framlington Financials fund, fell sharply as banks around the globe were sold off when the credit crunch hit. Commodities and resources The outperformance of gold funds is no surprise given precious metals have soared since 2008. Over three yea...