Did You Know? F&C Investment Trust has Stood the Test of Time Through Responsible Investing

F&C Investment Trust has Stood the Test of Time Through Responsible Investing

With a storied history spanning over 150 years, F&C Investment Trust has cemented its position as one of the most venerable and successful names in the asset management industry. Since its founding in 1868, the trust has guided investors' capital through changing economic landscapes with a philosophy focused on prudent stewardship, diversification, and long-term growth. This approach has afforded it enviable performance outcomes, rewarding shareholders with over 50 consecutive years of rising dividends alongside strong capital appreciation. Today, F&C keeps empowering retail and institutional financial backers the same to accomplish their monetary objectives through its minimal expense, all around the world broadened venture trust. In this article, we investigate the trust's beginnings, how its reliable techniques have faced market strife, and why it stays a primary part of portfolios looking for sturdy abundance creation.

A Legacy of Investing Excellence: F&C Asset Management

Established in 1868, F&C Investment Trust PLC ("F&C") stands as one of the oldest and most reputable names in British asset management. Over its 154-year history, F&C has cemented its position as a pioneer and guardian of responsible stewardship through consistent long-term investment performance. Today, it continues empowering individuals and families to achieve their financial goals with a diversified, low-cost approach perfectly suited for the modern age.

A Proven Foundation for Growth 

When most "investment trusts" of the 19th century squandered clients' money on risky ventures, F&C's founders envisioned a smarter approach - one focused diligently on steady returns rather than speculation. Starting with just a £6,000 founding pool, F&C has grown total assets under management to over £2.2 billion through diligent stock selection and a long-term philosophy emphasizing capital preservation.

This careful strategy has afforded F&C shareholders substantial growth over time. Since 1968, the trust has increased net asset value at a compound rate of over 11% annually - far surpassing broader market indices. Equally impressive, F&C has delivered 52 consecutive years of rising dividends as of 2023 - a verifiable record of income dependability unrivaled in global equities.

It's little wonder financial advisers consistently recommend F&C to anchoring portfolios. Over a century and a half of prudent investing proves its approach provides a reliable foundation upon which families can construct multi-generational wealth.

A Streamlined Solution for All Investors

While venerable investment houses often cater strictly to ultra-high net worth individuals, F&C recognizes the importance of accessibility. Through an intentionally simple investment trust structure and partnerships with all major UK platforms, it allows even modest portfolios entry to its arena of globally diversified stocks.

Specializing exclusively in equity investing since 2003, F&C today maintains a portfolio of over 400 high-quality companies spread across all industries and geographies. This avoids over-reliance on any single market and ensures upside participation wherever economic growth emerges. Using just one investment elevates complexity, reduces costs, and provides steady long-term capital appreciation alongside dependable income streams.

What's more, F&C's minimal annual fees of 0.45% compare very favorably to actively managed mutual funds or rival investment trusts charging over 1%. The result is maximum returns retained by clients over time - a crucial factor as compounding works its magic. Overall, F&C’s offering represents an incredibly user-friendly means to invest globally at low cost.

A Talented & Experienced Management Team

Few fund managers can claim F&C's tenure and deep investing heritage. Its London-based team is led by industry veteran Paul Niven, with over 30 years dedicated to guiding the trust. Collaborating is a global staff of over 150 analysts and portfolio managers employing thorough bottom-up research across all tiers of public companies.

Crucially, F&C's managers are invested personally alongside clients. This alignment of interests ensures conservative, long-term decision making remains the priority versus short-term performance chasing. The approach marries current opportunities with responsible stewardship, exemplified by the trust's 'A+' rating from the United Nation's Principles for Responsible Investment.

Over generations, F&C has developed immense expertise in balancing risk versus reward. During periods like 2022's volatility, this experience proved invaluable as the portfolio declined by a modest 8.6% - significantly less than

equity market averages. Shareholders can be confident their capital remains in the safest possible hands.

A Rightful Place in Savvy Portfolios

From its inception in a very different financial era, F&C has continuously adapted to remain the trusted foundation for investors seeking durable returns. Remarkably for 2023, it stands as the world's oldest investment trust - a true testament to the power of responsible stewardship.

Whether accumulating for a child's education, retirement dreams, or passing on intergenerational wealth, F&C Investment Trust has much to offer as a core holding. Its globally diversified stocks provide ongoing capital growth, a rising income stream calculated to beat inflation, and a long heritage of capital preservation in all markets. When soundly investing for the future, there are few better places to entrust one's financial security.

The trust's past success and simple investment philosophy demonstrate why prominent advisors universally recommend its inclusion within portfolio allocations. For over 150 years, F&C has prudently grown wealth for clients - proof of the lasting power of patience, experience and responsible stewardship combined. Newcomers and seasoned investors alike can invest in this venerable name with full confidence it will continue serving as the risk-averse foundation on which to build brighter tomorrows.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only.