Ten absolute return equity funds which survived the sell-off

The sudden market falls seen in the six weeks to mid-October took many by surprise. Here we identify ten equity funds in the Targeted Absolute Return sector which produced positive performance over the period.

Most major indices retreated sharply from the start of September to 16 October, while yields on core government bonds dropped as panicked investors rushed to safe havens. Losses racked up across the board, with the FTSE 100 down 10% from intra-day peak to trough. The MSCI Global index dropped off 9%, alongside declines in the US, Europe, and Asia. The average fund in the UK All Companies sector also fell 10% during the period, as investors were caught up in an indiscriminate sell-off. Absolute return equity funds remain a mixed bag, with many having failed to achieve gains when mar...