Released: 30 Apr 2002
Rathbone Unit Trust Management is to launch the Rathbone Ethical Bond Fund on May 7th 2002 –
This fund will include bonds from companies that have taken a positive approach to ethical issues, rather than simply avoiding those adjudged to have a poor record or policies.
The Rathbone Ethical Bond Fund will build on the expertise of the Rathbones Ethical Investment Team that currently manages more than £200 million of bespoke ethical monies. The Ethical Investment Team is one of the most highly regarded in the country and was established by Elizabeth Haigh and Matthew Harragin over 10 years ago. Their track record is one of the industry’s best kept secrets and they boast an enviable reputation.
Patrick Meehan, Director of prominent Ethical IFA Holden Meehan said:
“We have worked closely with Matthew and Elizabeth over the last ten years to assist our wealthier clients in constructing and managing ethical portfolios that produce consistent financial performance. This has always been backed up by personal, friendly service and a real understanding of what the client is seeking to achieve from the team at Rathbones.”
The fund will offer investors a regular above average income, through investing in a range of sterling denominated bonds that meet both ethical and financial criteria. It will be managed so that it can be held in and outside of an ISA wrapper while Personal Equity Plan transfers will also be accepted. The fund will concentrate on investment grade bonds – rated BBB and above.
Luke Hickmore, the lead fund manager, has worked in the ethical team for 8 years and been the economic strategist for the team. He has taken particular responsibility for the fixed interest holdings. Julian Chillingworth, Deputy Chief Investment Officer at Rathbones, supports Luke.
Luke and Julian will work closely with the Rathbones Ethical Research Team and arguably create one of the most cohesive Ethical Investment Teams in the retail marketplace today.
Peter Pearson Lund, Managing Director of Rathbone Unit Trust Management said:
“There is a distinct lack of lower risk, quality, ethically screened bond funds in the market. We have successfully provided this form of investment for private clients for a considerable time and felt that we should now offer it to the wider market. The fund is being launched in response to demand from both private clients and Independent Financial Advisers.”
Further information for investors and advisers is available from Rathbone Unit Trust Management Limited - Broker Line 020 7399 0399 or Dealer Line 0845 300 2101.
For further information, please contact:
| Peter Pearson Lund, Managing Director, | Tel: 020 7399 0190 |
| Rathbones Unit Trust Management Limited | |
| Douglas Trainer/Andrew Sharkey | Tel: 020 7618 9100 |
| Luther Pendragon | |
Key Facts - Rathbone Ethical Bond Fund
| Name | Rathbone Ethical Bond Fund |
| Manager | Luke Hickmore with Julian Chillingworth for Rathbone Unit Trust Management Limited |
| Launch Price | 100p (until 13th May 2002) |
| Offer Period | 7th May 2002 to 13th May 2002 |
| Net Distribution Yield | Target 5.2% |
| Gross Redemption Yield | Target 6.2% |
| Annual Management Fee | 1.25% |
| Initial Charge | 4.0% |
| [Commission payable] | [3%] |
Rathbone Unit Trust Management Quartile Performance
| Name | 6 months | 1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | Micropal |
| Rathbone Capital Growth Fund | 2 | 3 | 1 | N/A |  |
| Rathbone Global Companies Fund (launched April 2001) | 3 | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
| Rathbone Income Fund | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
| Rathbone Income and Growth Fund | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | |
| Rathbone Smaller Companies Fund | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | |
| Rathbone Special Situations Fund | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
| Rathbone Technology Fund | 3 | 3 | N/A | N/A |
Scheme Particulars, Key Features and Application Forms may be obtained from Rathbone Unit Trust management Ltd.
The value of investments and the income from them may go down as well as up and you may not get back your original investment.
Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance.
Emerging markets are volatile and may suffer from liquidity problems.
Changes in rates of exchange between currencies may cause the value of investments to decrease or increase.
Details of tax levels and reliefs may change in the future. The value of any tax relief depends on individual circumstances. If you have doubts about your tax position, you should seek professional advice.