Funds from Artemis, Baillie Gifford and M&G were among 12 strategies to be awarded ratings by FundCalibre in its summer investment committee update.
Ten strategies received an ‘Elite’ rating, while two funds received the ‘Elite Radar’ badge.
M&G’s Global Emerging Markets and Japan Smaller Companies strategies were among the newly-rated Elite funds.
M&G Japan Smaller Companies, led by Carl Vine, aims to emphasise company engagement to uncover unique investment opportunities.
Darius McDermott, managing director at FundCalibre, said: “Even in recent challenging market conditions, this fund has delivered steady performance, making it an interesting option for investors seeking exposure to Japanese smaller companies.”
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The £2.5bn Artemis UK Select strategy, managed by Ed Leggett and Ambrose Faulks, was also commended by FundCalibre.
McDermott said the fund is a “strong and differentiated option” for investors seeking high returns that are comfortable with greater market volatility.
For growth-oriented investors, FundCalibre highlighted Baillie Gifford Pacific.
“It’s an appealing choice for growth-oriented investors who can handle short-term swings and want exposure to this dynamic market. Unlike some other Baillie Gifford funds, it shows pragmatism by rotating into cyclical sectors when needed,” McDermott added.
In the global equities sector, GQG Partners Global Equity and T. Rowe Price Global Select Equity both received an Elite rating.
Meanwhile, Fidelity’s £818m UK Smaller Companies fund was viewed by FundCalibre as an “attractive option” for value investors seeking to uncover underappreciated opportunities.
The strategy has been run by Jonathan Winton since 2014 and typically holds 80-100 positions, with up to 20% made up of non-UK and non-small cap ideas.
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The BlueBay Global Investment Grade Corporate Bond fund was the only fixed income offering to be newly-rated in this set of awards, receiving the Elite tag.
“BlueBay’s expertise in fixed income, supported by a well-resourced team of macro, credit, and ESG analysts, ensures a disciplined approach to portfolio management. With a steady track record of performance, we view this as a solid core option for portfolios with bond allocations,” McDermott noted.
One of the firm’s sovereign bond offerings, the BlueBay Investment Grade Global Government Bond fund, received an Elite Radar badge.
WS Canlife Diversified Monthly Income was the only multi-asset fund to be awarded an Elite rating.
Chris Salih, head of investment trust and multi-asset fund research at FundCalibre said: “With a robust risk management process and a focus on stable returns, this fund has delivered solid performance since its launch, making it a reliable choice for income-focused investors.”
Invesco Emerging Markets ex China was also awarded an Elite Radar rating, while GQG Partners US Equity and Invesco Tactical Bond both moved from Radar to Rated.
