Assirt lifts Barclays ratings
Barclays Global Investors (BGI) has received the thumbs up from Assirt with its overall rating moving up from competent to strong with Assirt paying particular focus to the group’s index funds products.
In particular, Assirt believes that BGI’s strengths lie in its management of index funds, especially those in the growth sectors. Its Index Australian Equities, Index International Equities and Index Property Securities have all been rated as very strong.
Other sectors were assessed as strong, while Australian bonds and cash were judged by Assirt as only competent.
BGI’s funds were graded investment grade by Assirt, meaning funds individually rated with three stars and above. Assirt noted that all of BGI’s funds were either of five star or four star standard.
BGI’s status as a manager overall has been rated as strong by the research house. Assirt appeared to be impressed by BGI’s research and development capabilities and its global structure whereby the Australian Office leverages off the strengths from head office in the UK.
According to Assirt chief executive Krystyna Weston BGI has leveraged off its experience which has paid dividends for the group.
“Globally, BGI are pioneers of index funds, with over thirty years experience. The continuous research that is undertaken and sophisticated models in place should ensure that the successful management of index funds continues.”
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