Frikkee keeps faith with blue chips to outperform throughout the downturn

Thematic approach ensures Newton UK equity income manager increases distribution and income throughout a tempestuous 18 months

For a UK equity income fund to increase its distribution for investors over what has been a tumultuous 18 months for dividends is clearly no mean feat. Tineke Frikkee, manager of the £2.73bn Newton Higher Income fund, attributes the ability to consistently grow the portfolio’s income to her team’s disciplined processes and Newton’s thematic approach. Newton Higher Income, which is currently yielding 7.08%, has grown its distribution every financial year since inception. While higher-yielding stocks have lagged the market since the lows last year, Frikkee believes it is only a matte...