By Annabel Brodie-Smith
We have boldly taken ‘the bear by the claws’ this month, by asking Chris Colunga, Manager of BlackRock Emerging Europe to give his views on Russia and Emerging Europe.
Relations with Russia have gone from bad to worse following the Salisbury poisonings of the Skripals and Donald Trump introduced sanctions against Russia this week. It’s interesting to hear that Chris Colunga believes there are plenty of positives about Russia and “Whilst the current situation isolates Russia further, we do not think it will have a meaningful impact on the Russian economy.” This could be good news for contrarian investors and those brave (or thrill-seeking!) investors like myself who have a stake in Russia and are prepared to ride the rollercoaster of excitement and surprises.
Our journalist investment expert, Ian Cowie reminds us it’s time to get out our duster and spring clean our savings and investments this month. Don’t forget that: “Setting aside a little time to spring clean your portfolio, perhaps over one of the bank holiday weekends, could prove a wise investment to minimise risk and maximise rewards.”
Are you holding out for a hero? The 21 dividend heroes, those investment companies that have increased their dividends every year for more than 20 years, are back this month. Four of these companies have now increased their dividend for more than half a century. There are also four new joiners to the next generation of dividend heroes: Standard Life UK Smaller Companies, Henderson Far East Income, HICL Infrastructure and MedicX.
Following on from our special issue celebrating 150 years of investment companies last month, we are looking at the investment companies with the longest portfolio holdings. Who could guess that the longest holding we are aware of is owned by Bankers Investment Trust, which has held HSBC in the portfolio for 129 years. It’s listed in their first report and accounts in 1889 – it doesn’t get much more long-term that that!
See you next month.
Annabel Brodie-Smith Communications Director, AIC
