The manager who bets on the medical science boom

WHAT DOES IT DO?

It invests in healthcare firms across the globe. The trust has a 100-strong team of experts. Around two-thirds of its investments are in US companies, with businesses in Japan, China and Switzerland making up much of the rest of the portfolio.

WHAT DOES THE MANAGER INVEST IN?

Portfolio manager Samuel Isaly thinks the greatest areas of potential are in immunology, oncology and heart disease. With regard to cancer treatment, he says advanced gene editing and gene therapy, and the development of personalised medicine rather than a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment, are ‘extraordinarily promising’.

WHAT DO THE EXPERTS THINK?

Ben Yearsley, director at Wealth Club, says: ‘I am a fan of healthcare investing. Over the long term this trust has outperformed the healthcare sector but underperformed the biotech sector.’

WHAT’S TO LIKE?

With a globally ageing population there is no shortage of demand for new medicines and healthcare solutions. The process of getting drugs to market is speeding up and technology is advancing, so for the brave investor willing to take a long-term view, trusts like these have the potential to deliver returns.

AND ARE THERE ANY DOWNSIDES?

Healthcare investments have faltered in recent months as investors have taken profits. This trust has returned a stonking 155pc over the past five years, but is down 5.7pc in the past year. Anyone investing in this sector needs to be in it for the long haul and be prepared for some ups and downs.