European funds top over 20 years

European funds are the best performers over 20 years, FE data shows, yet six times in the past 10 years Europe has been the worst selling retail sector, according to IMA statistics.

European funds top over 20 years

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Over 20 years to end of June 2013, the best returning funds are invested in either European or UK equities. Jupiter European tops the list with a gain of 1,282%, followed by Fidelity European at 1,065%.

Jupiter European has only been run by two managers over the 20-year time frame examined: Richard Pease until 2001 followed by Alexander Darwell. Fidelity European has had three managers over the same time frame. Almost the entire first 10 years’ performance is attributable to Anthony Bolton, with Tim McCarron taking over in 2002 while current manager Sam Morse assumed responsibility in 2009.

Currently Jupiter European is among those attracting money in the Europe ex UK sector, according to FE Analytics. Fidelity European though is among those shedding the most money over the same time frame.

Over the past 12 months the Jupiter fund has seen inflows of more than £175m but in performance terms it has added over £480m to its asset size. Fidelity European has added over £700m to its assets over the past year from its performance yet has seen some £260 in outflows.

As expected some of the most well-known, long-term funds are within the top 10 over 20 years to 30 June. Anthony Bolton’s former fund, Fidelity Special Situations has the fourth best return, Andrew Green’s GAM UK Diversified is ranked ninth while Neil Woodford’s Invesco Perpetual High Income sits at number 10 with a gain of more than 800%.

The only non UK and European fund within the top 10 over 20 years is Schroders’ US Smaller Companies. It too displays manager consistency having been led by just two managers: over the past two decades:  Ira Unschuld until 2002 and current managerJenny Jones.