WHAT'S THE ALTERNATIVE TO:

Nationwide Balanced The Nationwide Balanced fund is a bit like a dying relationship - too bad to stay, but not bad enough to leave. It is managed by Morley and is near the bottom of the Balanced Managed sector over 5 years (61st out of 63 funds). It has shown better performance over the past year, rising to the middle of its sector over 3 and 12 months. But it is a large fund at £328m and is typical of large building society funds offering its many investors mediocre, tracker-like returns. Here, leading advisers give possible alternatives. James Dalby, Bates Investment services My pref...