Yerp

Glastoun

Not read much about Europe investments since the start of the year, I've got the impression that it's been asleep for a while. But I don't hold any and am looking to diversify a bit more.

What Europe funds do people own, and do you see them as risky given the recent instability? Or have things calmed down a lot?

Any

I've got IP European High Yield and L&G European Index retail tracker.
The IP one did 1.72% in the last couple of months and the L&G tracker 10.88% and I think I bought that one autumn last year..

I am going to keep buying when it is down... I fully believe it will come up again, it is only question of time. This time horizon might take qute a few years, might take quite a few months, but it will happen. There are big strong companies out there that operate from Europe and do not rely only on European markets..

Ark_Welder

Unless something unexpected happens over the Summer (Summer? I remember those....) then things are likely to remain quiet. German national elections in September might bring the opportunity for a bit of activity. I am discounting Italian politics from having much of an effect because uncertainty there seems to be quite the normal thing - the previous administration under Mario Monti being an exception. Spain still has issues financially and politically, with a few ongoing corruption scandals and regional separatism. The Dutch property market and residential mortgages? Possibly. Leave the PIGS alone, look for the FISH instead. How about energy security and energy costs when compared to other regions? That's before thinking about slowing growth or outright recession in some of the core.

In all, there ought to be plenty of opportunity for an investor with a long-term timescale and an ability to take the rough with the smooth. Probably why the region has already been one of the better performing markets over the last twelve months compared to others, although a bit slower this year.

http://www.msci.com/products/indices/performance.html

Don't hold any europe-specific funds myself. Mainly due to trying to keep the number of funds being held down, and not wanting to completely sell out of another fund to facilitate a purchase. Plus, I have become less geographic with my approach: UK and Far East being the two still covered by regional funds, elsewhere is covered by global funds.