Market uncertainty takes toll on number of funds generating consistently strong returns - research

'Volatility has had a negative impact'

clock • 1 min read

The number of funds generating consistent top quartile returns declined in the third quarter this year, as ongoing market uncertainty since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic continued to impact the market, research by BMO Global Asset Management shows.

Only 11 out of more than 1,060 funds analysed in the 12 main IA sectors achieved consistent top quartile returns in each of the last three 12 month periods, as of the end of Q3 2021, according to BMO GAM's latest FundWatch survey. This was a decline on the previous quarter which saw 20 funds - or 1.9% of the total - achieving ongoing top quartile returns. This is "considerably" lower than the historic range of between 2-4%, the firm noted. The report highlighted the impact of rotational markets on the funds industry. Of the 12 major market IA sectors, the IA Europe ex-UK sector secure...

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

Advisers zoomed in on capital accumulation in Q4 2025

Advisers zoomed in on capital accumulation in Q4 2025

Titan Square Mile research finds

Jen Frost
clock 30 January 2026 • 3 min read
Measure for measure: How to track your tracker fund

Measure for measure: How to track your tracker fund

Tracking difference and tracking error

Terry McGivern
clock 28 January 2026 • 3 min read
SJP and AJ Bell pivot from US mega-caps in MPS as concentration woes continue

SJP and AJ Bell pivot from US mega-caps in MPS as concentration woes continue

Healthcare, energy and EM preferred

Linus Uhlig
clock 28 January 2026 • 2 min read