My L&G Portfolio

Roland_Flagg

I had a fair amount in years ago but took most out when the markets fell.

I left about £6k in, which is now £7.5k (just checked them, first time in a while), so they must be doing well again.

I now have the option of drip-feeding regular payments in but would like advice on whether it's best to stick with the funds I have or go for a another regular savings policy elsewhere.

OK, the trusts I have are:
First State Asia Pacific Leaders A Fund
First State Global Emerging Markets Leaders A Fund
Jupiter Merlin Growth Profolio

Any advice on any of these, or the best way forward would be great, thanks.

gadgetmind

No matter what you invest in, selling low after the markets have fallen, and then buying high when they've risen again, is a great way to lose lots of money.

Unless you are 100% sure that you can avoid doing that in future, maybe you're better off not investing in anything?

As for your choices, it all depends on age, attitude to risk, and investment timescale. Nothing you have listed is suitable for anything other than a young person who's not bothered by wild swings.

Jegersmart

Volatility is not an issue unless you are nearing the time when you need the funds. "nearing" can be defined however you want of course.

All of these 3 are well-known funds so if you personally believe that the areas in which they invest is where you want to invest then by all means go ahead. It may be worth bearing in mind that stock markets across the world are at or near 4-5 year highs but as you say you can always drip-feed in.

Good luck

J

Totton

Jupiter Merlin Growth is an expensive holding although not bad if you want global coverage in a lower value portfolio. Personally I would take a look at changing that for one of the Vanguard Life Strategy funds or even Troy Trojan, all of these have outperformed the Merlin fund although Troy is a little in the doldrums during the latest bullish phase of the markets.

The two First State funds are imho excellent choices, First State come over as slightly defensive but I like them and they have been long term holdings, the EM fund is our monthly drip feed pot for next years ISA at them moment.

So, in brief I would think about ditching Merlin Growth and opting for one of the Vanguard LifeStrategy funds, I went for the 40% Equity one but switched to the 80% Equity one late last year and now have 50% of my portfolio in it. The 100% Equity version would be a great global choice if you didn't want any bonds etc.

HTH,
Mickey

Jegersmart

As an alternative to Merlin growth, I sometimes use M&G Global Dividend or Newton Global Higher Income which have been good - but there are others of course.

J

Robie

Totton wrote: »

Jupiter Merlin Growth is an expensive holding although not bad if you want global coverage in a lower value portfolio. Personally I would take a look at changing that for one of the Vanguard Life Strategy funds or even Troy Trojan, all of these have outperformed the Merlin fund although Troy is a little in the doldrums during the latest bullish phase of the markets.

The two First State funds are imho excellent choices, First State come over as slightly defensive but I like them and they have been long term holdings, the EM fund is our monthly drip feed pot for next years ISA at them moment.

So, in brief I would think about ditching Merlin Growth and opting for one of the Vanguard LifeStrategy funds, I went for the 40% Equity one but switched to the 80% Equity one late last year and now have 50% of my portfolio in it. The 100% Equity version would be a great global choice if you didn't want any bonds etc.

HTH,
Mickey

Where did you buy Vanguard LifeStrategy funds? L&H are charging £2 per month.

I have all my S&S holding with L&H at the moment. Just the monthly charges stopping me form investing in a Vanguard fund.