Friends Provident International is launching three new mirror funds that can help shelter investors from global inflationary pressures and continuing stock market and currency volatility.
The addition of the PIMCO GIS Real Return Fund (USD) gives investors access to a fund, which invests its underlying assets in a globally diversified range of high quality inflation-linked sovereign bonds. These types of bonds provide investors with a cushion against inflation and greater diversification benefits compared to traditional bonds.
The arrival of the Castlestone Aliquot Gold Bullion Fund (USD) is also a unique addition, as it is 100% invested in physical gold bullion. The latest results (wave 3 – January 2010) of the FPI Investor Attitudes Report identified physical gold as the preferred asset class amongst Asian and Middle Eastern investors. This strong local demand, combined with the current geopolitical risks and currency volatility, suggests physical gold will continue to be viewed as the ultimate safe haven asset and also provide meaningful diversification for long term investors. This is an exclusive* new share class set up by Castlestone for FPI, which provides added security by holding the physical gold in what is described as ‘allocated’ accounts with major banks (HSBC and Barclays).
The Investec GSF Multi-Asset Protector Fund (USD) is a multi-asset investment solution that aims to protect against the risk of a decline in the fund’s share price below 80% of the highest US dollar price ever achieved. This is the type of fund that will appeal to investors that are unwilling to accept full equity market risk, but are looking for more attractive growth potential than bonds or cash.
Jim Henning, funds marketing and research manager at Friends Provident International, said:
“The implications of rising commodity prices, geopolitical risks, strong capital inflows into emerging markets and continued significant stimulus measures in the Western economies, create an uncertain backdrop for investors. These new funds will allow investors to better position themselves for the many challenges ahead in 2011.”
Source : Friends Provident Press Release
