Frostrow Capital Pacific Assets Trust
This investment trust is run by Stewart Investors, which previously operated under the name First State Stewart. Earlier this year, First State Investments split its First State Stewart team into two separate divisions, with the renamed Stewart Investors operating out of Edinburgh and responsible for the GEM, Worldwide and Sustainability fund ranges, as well as most Asia-Pacific funds.
The Pacific Assets Trust, launched in 1984, invests in companies in the Asia-Pacific region and the Indian subcontinent but excluding Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
Stewart Investors adopts a sustainable investment strategy in selecting holdings for this portfolio. The factsheet states: “The trust invests in shares of companies which are positioned to benefit from, and contribute to, the sustainable development of the economies in which they operate.
“Investment decisions are based on identifying companies that manage risks and opportunities and contribute towards global human development without exceeding their ecological footprint.”
The Pacific Assets Trust boasts a particularly impressive long-term performance, having generated a return of 226.4 per cent over 10 years to October 21, beating the average 176.3 per cent delivered by the AIC IT Asia Pacific ex Japan Equities sector.
What the judges say
This portfolio has proved adept in its asset allocation choices, the judging panel commented.
In numbers
£218m
Total assets
103.3%
Five-year actual return
1.3%
Ongoing charges
Club members
BlackRock GF Asian Dragon
Fidelity Asian Special Situations
Invesco Asia Trust
Investec Asia ex Japan
