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

Risk Warning Review plans aim to address 'negative framing' of investing

Risk Warning Review plans aim to address 'negative framing' of investing

Lowest investment rate in G7

Alex Sebastian
clock 09 April 2026 • 2 min read
Equity fund outflows hit £1.44bn during war-torn March

Equity fund outflows hit £1.44bn during war-torn March

Calastone Fund Flow index shows

Professional Adviser
clock 09 April 2026 • 2 min read
Quality investing: Holding conviction when markets test investors

Quality investing: Holding conviction when markets test investors

Quality investors have no doubt had their conviction 'severely tested' of late

Scott Spencer
clock 31 March 2026 • 5 min read