Foundation Fundlist
Covering both funds and investment trusts, and including passive funds or “trackers” as well as actively managed funds, the list is regularly reviewed. Find out how we select funds and portfolios. We also feature a range of socially responsible investments.
It is easy to spot funds that are part of the current Foundation Fundlist. Just look for this logo next to funds on our website.
The tick is coloured green for socially responsible investments.
Actively Managed Investments
Passive Investments / Trackers
Actively Managed Investments
Actively managed investments - managers pick stocks or other securities with a certain goal in mind, for example beating a particular index or achieving a certain level of return whilst assuming a certain level of risk. Managed investments generally have higher annual management charges than passive investments.
Passive Investments
Also known as 'trackers', aim to track the performance of a particular index, such as the FTSE 100 or S&P 500. Passive funds offer a simple and cost effective way to gain exposure to a broad range of shares or bonds. Passive investments generally have lower annual management charges than actively managed investments.
Most Viewed & Bought Foundation Funds
Socially Responsible Investments
Increasingly, people want their investments to do more than make money. The human impact on the environment means urgent changes to the way society and industry operates are necessary, while social shortfalls such as poverty need to be tackled. Choosing socially responsible investments can help the movement to address these issues.
Most Viewed
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Stewart Investors Asia Pacific Sustainab. B GBP
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Acc
Stewart Investors (First Senti
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EdenTree Responsible and Sustainable Global Equity B
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Inc
EdenTree Investment Management
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FSSA Greater China Growth B GBP
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Acc
FSSA IM (First Sentier Investo
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Fidelity Index US P
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Acc
Fidelity International (FIL In
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Fidelity Index World P
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Acc
Fidelity International (FIL In
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Rathbone Ethical Bond Fund I GBP
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Inc
Rathbone Unit Trust Mgmt Ltd
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Liontrust Sustainable Future UK Growth 2
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Acc
Liontrust Fund Partners LLP
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BlackRock European Dynamic FD
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Acc
BlackRock
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Invesco Asian (UK) Y
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Acc
Invesco Fund Managers Ltd
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L&G Pacific Index Trust I
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Acc
Legal & General UT Mgr Ltd
Most Bought
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Baillie Gifford Positive Change B
Acc | Baillie Gifford & Co Ltd
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Fidelity Index World P
Acc | Fidelity International (FIL In
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Fidelity Index US P
Acc | Fidelity International (FIL In
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BlackRock European Dynamic FD
Acc | BlackRock
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Jupiter UK Smaller Companies U1 GBP
Acc | Jupiter Unit Trust Mgrs Ltd
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Aviva Inv Strategic Bond 5
Inc | Aviva Investors UK Fd Serv Ltd
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BNY Mellon Sustainable Real Return Inst W
Acc | BNY Mellon Fund Managers Ltd
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Fidelity Index UK P
Acc | Fidelity International (FIL In
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Liontrust Sustainable Future UK Growth 2
Acc | Liontrust Fund Partners LLP
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Fidelity Index Emerging Markets P
Acc | Fidelity International (FIL In
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Read our Introduction to Investing in FundsInformation presented on this website is not personal advice based on your personal circumstances. No news or research item is a personal recommendation to deal. Investment decisions in funds and other collective investments should only be made after reading the Key Investor Information Document or Key Information Document, Supplementary Information Document and Prospectus. If you are unsure of the suitability of your investment please seek professional advice. Past performance is not a reliable guide to future returns. The value of investments, and any income derived from them, may fall as well as rise. The removal of an investment from the Foundation Fundlist does not constitute a recommendation to sell.
Philosophy
Screening
Analysis
Foundation Portfolios
Philosophy
We believe detailed research can identify skilful active fund managers capable of adding value over the longer term. We are patient, willing to consider all styles of investing, and mindful of that at times, and in certain asset classes active management does not offer value for money versus passive funds. The funds we choose are run by talented investors using rigorously applied investment processes.
Screening
- Our universe is Open-Ended funds (unit trusts and OEICs) that are dealt on a daily basis and investment trusts.
- Our specially designed screen to generate new ideas does not reveal the name of the fund – only its characteristics – in order to ensure we have no bias.
- We monitor each fund we are interested in as part of our sector-based monthly research cycle.
- Fund performance, style, risk and income are all considered alongside other issues such as inflows/outflows and any capacity constraints.
Analysis
- We conduct around 300 face-to-face fund manager meetings a year.
- In-depth stock-by-stock performance analysis is undertaken before and after meetings.
- Comparison with peers, or passive alternatives.
- We wish to ensure our chosen funds excel in our three "P's": People, Process and Performance.
- We continually appraise risk, style, sustainability and governance, fees and operations.
People
- How experienced is the team or individual running the fund?
- Is the size and quality of the team appropriate for the fund? How does it compare with its competitors?
- Is there high turnover of staff running the fund – and if so, why?
- How is the fund manager incentivised? Are client interests aligned with fund manager incentives?
Philosophy & Process
- What does the manager believe drives asset price returns?
- Is the process repeatable, sustainable and applied consistently? What would make us change our mind?
- Does the manager have identifiable ‘skill’?
- What makes the approach better than those used by its competitors?
Performance, Risk & Style
- Is historic performance due to manager skill or exposure to a particular bias or style?
- Can it be earned at lower cost via a passive fund? Does active management work in this asset class?
- How does the manager think about and control risk in the fund? Is this approach appropriate?
- Can this fund perform well in the future? What will be the biggest impediment to its future success?
ESG & Operations
- Are ESG factors embedded in the investment process, or simply a box ticking exercise?
- Does this fund justify its fee level – and why?
- How liquid is the fund? Is it capacity constrained?
- If a closed-ended fund, how is it using their features for the benefit of shareholders?
Foundation Portfolios
- Each of our Foundation Portfolios features a range of funds selected from the Foundation Fundlist.
- Simple, economical 'starter' portfolios that may be suitable for various broad categories of investor.
- Can be purchased as a 'fund basket' through an ISA, Junior ISA, SIPP or Investment Account.
Our Team
Rob and the Collectives Research Team are responsible for the Foundation Fundlist and Foundation Portfolios, with the Team undertaking active fund research for the firm. Rob has 20 years’ experience in Financial Services joining Charles Stanley from Hargreaves Lansdown in 2013 where he worked as a financial adviser and an investment analyst specialising in funds and collective investments.
Senior Analyst:
Rob Morgan
Socially Responsible Investments