The platform said that since it launched the global equity income sector 18 months ago the funds had never sold better than their strategic bond counterparts.
Mixed Investment 20-60% Shares remained the most popular sector in February, and accounted for 221% of the proportion of net sales.
Of the top 20 selling funds three were in this sector, including Jupiter Merlin Income Portfolio, HSBC Open Global Distribution and Investec Cautious Managed.
Within the Global Equity Income sector, Newton Global Higher Income was the most popular fund on the platform. It was also the second most sought-after fund overall. Another two of the firm’s funds were in the top 20 during the month, Jason Pidcock’s Newton Asian Income and Newton Emerging Income funds.
Standard Life GARS had the highest net sales during February, suggesting it has continued the boom in sales it experienced last year. But in an analysis piece yesterday Gary Shepherd questioned how much bigger it can and should get.
In terms of regions, the popularity of the Asia Pacific Excluding Japan sector was particularly notable, accounting for 51% of net sales, a five-fold increase from January.
Michelle Woodburn, head of fund group relations at Cofunds, said: “While the Mixed Investment 20%-60% sector remains popular with advisers, it’s interesting to note Global Equity Income saw record-breaking inflows in February resulting in the sector taking second place based on 83% of net sales. The Global Emerging Markets sector also continued to hit new records after the sector accounted for 82% of the proportion of net sales.
