Global Equity Income

Equity funds in most regions may have enjoyed strong capital growth so far in 2013, but the ongoing hunt for yield means equity income strategies are still sharing the limelight.

Investors are struggling to find ways to beat inflation in the UK, with savings accounts paying virtually nothing and bond yields squeezed by demand, but there are a number of funds out there which can deliver for investors.

Franklin Templeton has launched an Asian Dividend fund for head of emerging markets Mark Mobius as it seeks to tap into investors' growing desire to diversify income streams.

Saracen is to merge its Global Income & Growth fund with the SMT Saracen Global Equity Income fund.

Neptune has launched two income funds, a Russian Special Situations fund and a frontier markets vehicle as it expands its product range.

Invesco Perpetual global equity income managers Paul Boyne (pictured) and Doug McGraw have left the group to take up new roles at a North American firm.

Asian equity boutique Coupland Cardiff is set to add a Japanese income fund to its range in the New Year.

Jupiter is seeking unitholder approval to convert its European Income fund into a global income vehicle, with Sebastian Radcliffe and Gregory Herbert taking over as co-managers.

Lazard's global equity income fund manager Pat Ryan has warned investors off buying tobacco companies after the rush to buy safe haven-style stocks sent valuations sky-rocketing.

Guinness Asset Management has launched a new share class for its Global Equity Income fund, offering a TER of 0.74% that it says is the lowest in its IMA peer group.