SLI's James moves overweight financials for first time in six years

Amid 2017 European election uncertainty

Standard Life Investments' European Equity Income fund manager Will James has boosted his financials position to overweight for the first time in six years, with a number of banks now appearing in the portfolio's top ten holdings.

His £887m fund now has weightings to banks such as Swedbank and other financials such as Zurich, both of which sit in his top ten. James (pictured) said he had been steadily topping up his exposure to the sector over the last 12-18 months. "We wanted to get into financials early before the market changed its mind over the trajectory for bank dividends. We were a bit too early but we have continued to hold them and they have paid off. I think they have further to run. "We prefer those with superior levels of capital, paying cash dividends and good business models to deliver growth."...