Zenith introduces dedicated index fund rating
Ratings house Zenith Investment Partners has launched a framework specifically for rating index funds, to meet increased demand for a dedicated rating scale.
The first ratings were available through Zenith’s adviser site, and as with Zenith’s existing ratings tiers, the new index ratings would include investment grade ratings of ‘Index Highly Recommended’, ‘Index Recommended’ and ‘Index Approved’.
Bronwen Moncrieff, Zenith general manager and head of research, said while the business had been rating index funds for many years, the launch of a dedicated index rating scale would meet increased demand for a high conviction rating solution specific to this sector of the investment universe.
“As the number of traditional index products offered to the Australian retail investor expands, we’re seeing offerings from the largest fund managers complemented by a growing band of smaller players,” Moncrieff said.
“Responding quickly and effectively to this evolving market need is important in being able to offer advisers access to all the information required to make the right investment recommendations for their clients.
“We’re confident the dedicated index rating methodology will be viewed favourably by the market, and afford greater choice and information for advisers.
“Its rollout over the coming months forms an important part of our research strategy and service offering.”
Recommended for you
Platinum Asset Management has put its two closed-end funds under strategic review in a bid to reduce the share price discount to pre-tax NTA and maximise shareholder value.
In the latest Meet the Manager profile, Money Management speaks with Michael Skinner, founder and managing director at Blackwattle Investment Partners.
Perpetual has seen AUM rise 6 per cent in the last quarter but the departure of a longstanding JOHCM fund manager led to outflows of $2.2 billion from his strategy.
Global fixed income fund Bentham Global Opportunities has been added to several major platforms, enabling it to be accessed more easily by financial advisers.
