The Association of Investment Companies (AIC)

Rate cut could fuel further trust recovery: Richard Stone on the Bank of England's cut to 5%, as reported in Citywire Investment Trust Insider by Gavin Lumsden. Gavin adds: "Open-ended UK equity investment companies are still enduring years-long outflows by investors switching to global funds, although recently shares in UK investment trusts have rallied as the penny has seemingly dropped over how cheap the domestic stock market has become, provoking regular bids by overseas corporate and private equity buyers." https://lnkd.in/es85D__m The Association of Investment Companies (AIC)

UK interest rates have been cut today by the Bank of England for the first time in 4 years! Investment strategists and economists have been sharing their reactions to today’s interest rate news. Hear from representatives at Hymans Robertson Investment Services, Omnis Investments, The Association of Investment Companies (AIC), Charles Stanley , Quilter Investors, The Henderson Smaller Companies Investment Trust plc, Quintet Private Bank (Brown Shipley | A Quintet Private Bank), Raymond James, J.P. Morgan, abrdn/abrdn Investment Trusts, Close Brothers Asset Management, Fidelity International, Saltus, State Street, Capital.com, EFG Private Bank, Henderson Opportunities Trust plc, Lowland Financial, The Law Debenture Group, PGIM Fixed Income, and Cardano! https://lnkd.in/eH6qqQAT

“This is a modest but symbolic cut. Although the decision to cut rates was finely balanced, it signals a turning point in the rate cycle," says our Chief Executive Richard Stone, commenting on today's quarter-point interest rate cut from the Bank of England. "This could add fuel to the recovery we're already seeing in the investment trust sector and the market more broadly," says Richard. Read more: https://lnkd.in/ePWp65Yw Annabel Brodie-Smith Vanessa Booth Nick Britton, CFA, MCSI Nick Gardner Juliet Webber Bank of England #investmenttrusts #investmentcompanies #interestrates #bankofengland #ratecut #investing

Take a look at our latest student finance research. It's good to see that students and graduates now expect to pay off their debt quicker than ever before - perhaps a result of incomes creeping over the (frozen) repayment threshold. It's clear that uni is still a formidable financial commitment, however. 54% of current students considered not going because of the costs - and among those who have chosen not to go, not wanting to get into debt is the top reason. Do you have children about to start university, or considering it? What do you think? Vanessa Booth Juliet Webber The Association of Investment Companies (AIC) Priya Minhas Emily Arnold Opinium

With A-level results day approaching on Thursday 15 August, students and recent graduates are more optimistic than ever before about the time it will take them to pay back their student debt. Find out more about our new student finance research: https://lnkd.in/eJ8A_U96 Annabel Brodie-Smith Vanessa Booth Nick Britton, CFA, MCSI Nick Gardner Juliet Webber Richard Stone Opinium #investmenttrusts #investmentcompanies #investing #studentfinance #studentloans

With the possibility that interest rates may start falling this week and the probability that they'll be a number of cuts before 2025, it's worth considering which investments are likely to benefit. Investment trusts have had a rough couple of years (that's being polite..) but they're well poised to recover and deliver strong returns for investors. Delighted that Annabel Brodie-Smith and Nick Britton, CFA, MCSI asked me to contribute to this great article on the sectors and trusts that are likely to benefit. The Association of Investment Companies (AIC) does such valuable work championing an industry that plays such a vital role in the UK economy and should play a meaningful role in investors portfolios. #investmenttrusts#BRI Wealth Management plc

Ever wondered what investment trust directors do? We've launched Director Talk, a series of interviews with some of our member directors, finding out more about their roles in the boardroom and their lives beyond work. First up we have Alan Giles of Murray Income Trust PLC, who told us about the proudest moment of his career and the most challenging part of his job - as well as his number one desert island disc. Read more: https://lnkd.in/egph47UC MURRAY INCOME TRUST PLC abrdn abrdn Investment Trusts Louise Bouverat Eleanor Mitchell Annabel Brodie-Smith Vanessa Booth Nick Britton, CFA, MCSI Nick Gardner Juliet Webber Richard Stone #investmenttrusts #investmentcompanies #directortalk

Good news! Changes to the prospectus rules proposed today and reported by Charlie Conchie of City AM mean it will be easier for investment companies to raise money in future. We've lobbied for this for years and it is great to see it happening. Our chief executive Richard Stone, quoted in the article, called it "a victory for common sense", removing the burden of having to produce an expensive legal document when identical shares are already being traded on the market. Sarah Pritchard of the FCA said, "We know we need to strike the right balance between protection for investors and allowing capital markets to thrive.” Read more: https://lnkd.in/eKXdu423 Annabel Brodie-Smith Vanessa Booth Juliet Webber The Association of Investment Companies (AIC) THE FINANCIAL CONDUCT AUTHORITY

📢 The latest report from the The Association of Investment Companies (AIC) highlights promising opportunities in infrastructure, renewable energy, and property sectors as interest rates begin to decline. Central banks in Canada, Europe, Sweden, and Switzerland have already cut rates, with more expected to follow.   💡 Key insights include:   1️⃣ Investment trusts in infrastructure are expected to benefit significantly from lower interest rates. 2️⃣ Historically wide discounts in the sector present a compelling buying opportunity. 3️⃣ Infrastructure investments are resilient, offering long-duration cash flows and inflation protection. For more details, please read the full comment here: https://lnkd.in/emFHcfxM #Infrastructure #Investments   (No information contained in this article should be construed as providing financial, investment or other professional advice and should not be considered as a recommendation, invitation, or inducement to subscribe for, dispose of or purchase any such securities. Professional investors only. Capital at risk. Past performance is not a guide to future performance.)"

"This is a victory for common sense and will help the UK capital markets get back on their feet again." Read comments from Richard Stone on today's public offers consultation from the Financial Conduct Authority: https://lnkd.in/e493uGVg Annabel Brodie-Smith Nick Britton, CFA, MCSI Nick Gardner Vanessa Booth Juliet Webber #investmentcompanies #investmenttrusts #investing