TRUST WATCH

Monks Investment Trust

WHAT IS IT?

MONKS is an investment trust run by Baillie Gifford, which was launched back in 1929. It invests principally in global quoted equities without geographic or sector restrictions, but is still monitored by Baillie Gifford’s board to ensure adequate diversification.

WHAT DOES THE MANAGER INVEST IN?

The equities are selected on the basis of the strength of the investment case. The fund is geared towards growth and invests in just over 100 multinationals, with the largest exposures towards North America at 47pc and Emerging Markets at 20pc. The UK accounts for 6pc. Largest holdings include Amazon and Prudential.

WHAT DO THE EXPERTS LIKE?

Charles Plowden took charge in 2015 and, says Helal Miah at The Share Centre, performance has been fantastic, primarily driven by having a large amount of exposure to the US. The small exposure to the UK should help the fund be relatively immune to Brexit.

ANY DOWNSIDES?

The fund is relatively concentrated compared to other global peers. It has a large exposure to financials and pays a very modest dividend yield.