Redzone ranks swell as UK equity funds flag

SF Webb Capital Small Companies Growth retained its place atop the list of worst-performers, though returns slightly improved from 96.6% to 88.43% below its peers.

Other funds keeping up appearances were HC FCM Salamanca Global Property, Elite Charteris Premium Income, M&G Recovery and Aberdeen World Equity Income.

Newcomers included fourth-placed S&W Ilex Income, underperforming by 38.48%, along with TM Progressive UK Smaller Companies, Aberdeen European Smaller Companies Equity, Sanlam Global Best Ideas and TU Unit.

At the other of end of the spectrum, Legg Mason’s equity offerings represented two of the top three best performing funds, with Legg Mason IF Japan Equity returning 122.47% and Legg Mason Opportunity – a US equities vehicle – close behind on 119.79%.

Darius McDermott, Chelsea FS managing director, said: “Smaller companies all over the globa – with the exception of the Webb Capital fund – really have been the place to be over the past three years. It is a theme that runs through every part of this data.”