Absolute return fund launches fail to inspire advisers

Activity in the sector has been brisk recently, with launches from JP Morgan, Resolution and Smith & Williamson, while last week, Gartmore announced it was redirecting its multi-manager global alpha portfolio towards an absolute return strategy. Furthermore, research from Watson Wyatt has suggested that in the future, the switch from relative to absolute return investing will be seen as one of four 'defining moments' in the industry. However, not all advisers are convinced. Tim Cockerill, head of research at Rowan Plc, said: "Getting a total return is what most managers are trying to ac...