Woolnough slashes duration on M&G Optimal Income

clock

M&G's Richard Woolnough has slashed duration to just 3.3 years on his £3.9bn Optimal Income fund in anticipation of a spike in gilt yields.

The manager, who has sold government bond futures to instigate the move, said duration had fallen from five years at the end of 2010, and was well below a neutral position of 5.4 years. Woolnough is expecting the UK economy to remain weak in 2011, with a stagnant housing market, high unemployment and fiscal austerity weighing on growth. As such, he expects the Bank of England will tolerate the current high level of inflation and keep rates accommodative in order to prevent further economic weakness. Woolnough has also added index-linked gilts to the top performing fund, taking the ...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Investment

Darius McDermott: Defence in a fragmented world

Darius McDermott: Defence in a fragmented world

'It is clear that the world has changed and government spending is being redeployed'

Darius McDermott
clock 01 May 2026 • 4 min read
Canaccord Wealth launches crypto exposure offering to high-net-worth clients

Canaccord Wealth launches crypto exposure offering to high-net-worth clients

For risk profile 7+ portfolios

clock 29 April 2026 • 1 min read
RBC Brewin Dolphin adds to Voyager range with passive funds

RBC Brewin Dolphin adds to Voyager range with passive funds

With six risk options

Patrick Brusnahan
clock 27 April 2026 • 1 min read