Best new Special Sits fund?

EdInvestor

I was just looking at the performance of Fidelity's Special Situations fund, run by the famous Anthony Bolton, which I happened to buy almost exactly a year ago.Plus 28% over the period - quite satisfactory:)

However it's not a good idea to buy into this fund now as the charges have been put up for new entrants and the fund is going to be split on the retirement of Bolton in a year or two.

So has anyone looked at the alternative Special Sits funds on offer?

Is any fund manager yet looking as though he can pretend to the Bolton crown?

Paul_Varjak

My understanding is that the split will take place before Anthony Bolton retires. and that Anthony Bolton which manage one half until he retires, whilst another manager will manage the other half.

Approximately 25% of my equity portfolio is made up of this fund - which was purchased in 1981 for £250. It is now worth around £19,000!

I also invested in Rathbones Special Situations fund about 12 months ago - but this fund has struggled this year.

carnet

EdInvestor wrote:

Is any fund manager yet looking as though he can pretend to the Bolton crown?

Don't know about anyone taking over AB's crown within Fidelity (the odds-on favourite was recently "shunted off" ).

However, elsewhere I could name at least five managers of UK Special Situations/Opportunities/Select/Recovery/Dynamic etc (ie Multi-Cap) funds which I would rather put my money with (and have).

Unfortunately, don't think its permitted to name 'em here .

EdInvestor

I don't think there's a problem Carnet: it's "giving advice" that's seen as the problem. But I'm not asking for any advice, I'm already in Fidelity and not planning to move.

The Rathbones man is mentioned here:

http://money.independent.co.uk/personal_finance/invest_save/article339974.ece

carnet

EdInvestor wrote:

I don't think there's a problem Carnet: it's "giving advice" that's seen as the problem. But I'm not asking for any advice

If I mentioned specific names (after already saying that I have money with them) that is surely a recommendation. So in what way would that differ from advice ?

I'm already in Fidelity and not planning to move.

I would .

The Rathbones man is mentioned here:

Wouldn't (now) put any money with him either.

al_yrpal

Agreed on Rathbones SS, I have that, and that's my only doggy! It has started moving a bit, gaining 5% since markets opened in 2006 so I am hanging in there for a bit longer. Having read Carl Stick's annual report I was not impressed.

whiteflag_3

EdInvestor wrote:

I'm already in Fidelity and not planning to move.

http://money.independent.co.uk/personal_finance/invest_save/article339974.ece

Arent you concerned the effect the extra expenses generated will have on the fund when institutional investors start moving on mass and the effect of dilution levies?

cloud_dog

I know I've mentioned this before but if you go to Bestinvest (https://www.bestinvest.co.uk) and click on "Investments", then "Research", then "Fund Manager" you can analyse the best / worst managers over periods of time to your hearts content. AB btw is listed in the "UK All Co's" section so you can do some comparisons if you wish.

This is pretty much track, I tend - though not always - to follow the best managers.

cloud_dog

EdInvestor

whiteflag wrote:

Arent you concerned the effect the extra expenses generated will have on the fund when institutional investors start moving on mass and the effect of dilution levies?

No I'm happy to wait and see how Fidelity manages the situation.This has been their flagship performer for so long, and it's the biggest fund in Britain, easily the most visible in publicity terms. I think it's very unlikely the company will allow investors to be hurt by any technical changes over the transition.

david78

I have a modest holding of Fidelity SS, and am waiting to see what happens this year.

I have one eye on using Artemis UK Special Situations.

Deemy

I would stear clear of 'NEW'funds.

You want to see a track record of sorts.. else your just taking a gamble