Over the past two decades the FTSE All Share has beaten the majority of funds in the IMA UK All Companies sector, adding weight to the view the funds industry is in dire need of consolidation ahead of RDR.
Ben Gutteridge, director, fund research at Brewin Dolphin, urges investors to stick with long/short strategies despite their recent run of disappointing performance.
A growing focus on short-term fund performance combined with shorter market cycles is prompting professional investors to protect themselves by raising cash positions.
James Inglis-Jones, co-manager of the Liontrust European Absolute Return fund, is making his portfolio more concentrated in a bid to maximise the vehicle's ability to perform in both rising and falling markets.
Retail investors are continuing to flock to fixed income funds, topping up their positions by over £500m last month, despite the rally in equities.