17/10/2007

Dynamic Distribution fund breaks £200m

Leading fund manager, Standard Life Investments is celebrating a key milestone for its Dynamic Distribution Fund which has broken through the £200m funds under management barrier. The Authorised Unit Trust, which has returned 14.55% versus a sector average of 6.75% is ranked first out of 72 funds, placing it the top fund in the IMA Cautious Managed Fund sector since launch*.

'AAA' rated by Citywire, Jacqueline Kerr, manager of the fund and Head of Mutual Fund Investments at Standard Life Investments, said:

"Key to the success of the fund to date has been the fact that its fettered fund-of-fund structure enables us to take advantage of all that is best about Standard Life Investments. The strength of our UK Equities offering for example, has received substantial external recognition this year** for its robust and consistent performance. The fund also has direct access into property funds which means that it benefits from the likes of our UK Property Trust and Global REIT funds. The fund is actively managed and its superior structure enables both dynamic asset allocation and successful stock selection."

"Around 40% of the fund is currently invested in equities in funds such as UK Equity High Income, UK Equity High Alpha and UK Equity Growth funds. Around 25% is invested in property, and in bonds around 18% is invested in our Corporate Bond Fund, Higher Income Fund and AAA Income Funds."

"First and foremost the Dynamic Distribution Fund is most suited to the more cautious investor who is seeking income or to have their income rolling up into their Fund and also looking for some capital appreciation. I believe that the outlook for the fund remains strong given the strength of investment expertise at Standard Life Investments and our strong track record in managing Multi Asset funds."

* Morningstar workstation as at 8th October, bid-bid, income unadjusted.

** Standard Life Investments was named 'Specialist Manager of the Year (UK Equities) at the UK Pension Awards, Best Overall Group – UK Equity Large' at the Lipper Fund Awards, 'Citywire Team All Stars Asset Group Winner – UK Equities and UK All Companies' and 'Active UK Equity Manager of the Year' at the PIPA Awards in 2007.