Investment trust sector needs to answer some difficult questions

Anyone who buys an investment trust has to remember they are more than an investor, they are a share...

Anyone who buys an investment trust has to remember they are more than an investor, they are a shareholder. The distinction might not seem like much but it is absolutely crucial if the investment trust industry is to thrive. It is in everyone's interest for it to do so but the problem appears to be that there is not sufficient appetite to turn a wish into reality. At last week's Investment Week investment trust conference there were the usual strong arguments in favour of the closed-ended vehicle: gearing, low costs, independent boards, the perfect structure for niche and illiquid marke...