It was no great surprise that the ever popular CF Woodford Equity Income Fund led the pack in terms of ISA inflows between January and April this year, followed by the more globally diversified Fundsmith Equity Fund.
Notably, Premier Multi-Asset Distribution (historic yield 4.2%), Jupiter Distribution Fund (yield 2.7%) and Artemis Global Income Fund (historic yield 3.8%) also proved hugely popular.
Another source of income – property funds – have made strides this year with both Legal & General UK Property Trust and Henderson UK Property Unit Trust in the platform’s top 10.
“The market volatility that punctuated much of the tax year end understandably shook investor confidence, meaning that we saw increased demand for safe haven assets,” said Danny Wynn, head of fund partners for Fidelity International.
“However, with interest rates continuing to remain at record lows, income starved investors, particularly those investing in an ISA, have continued to turn to assets such as equity income, multi asset income and property to meet their investment needs.
“With the prospects of a rate rise still some way off and forecasts of more volatility ahead, it’s likely we will see the demand for income yielding assets continuing to be a dominant theme.”
Following dividend cuts in the FTSE 100, is it time to look beyond the traditional ‘big’ names in UK Equity income? I’ve discussed this topic in more detail here.
