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Inevitably Brexit is the main topic of conversation in this edition of our newsletter, particularly the effect on the investment market and we have included a comment on the recent suspension of trading by some property funds. However to lighten the mood we can also bring you news of Simon Jackson’s latest sporting endeavour together with photographic evidence. As ever, if you have any queries on the subject matters covered, please do get in touch.

We hope you enjoy the articles.

In this issue:

• Property Funds – Why Are They Closing Their Doors?
• The Brexit Effect – A View From The Experts
• Simon’s Latest Sporting Endeavour

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Property Funds – Why Are They Closing Their Doors?

We have had a number of calls recently from clients concerned about the suspension of trading by a Standard Life property fund which was featured prominently in the mainstream media.

Many other property funds are following suit given that they are all facing the same challenge of maintaining sufficient liquidity from property assets which by their nature cannot be sold overnight. According to a recent report from Architas, redemptions have been a trend over the whole year to date with investors looking to cash in on the strong returns in the property sector of recent years. A restriction therefore had to be put in place in order to build up their cash reserves again. Although frustrating, this is a measure to protect investors and was also used during the financial crisis back in 2008/2009. The restrictions may last up to 6 months until investor sentiment improves.

That said, not all property funds are completely closing their doors and we understand that Architas and Royal London are still trading their property fund range.

If you have any concerns or queries regarding your investment in property funds please contact your usual JJFS contact or email us at justask@jjfsltd.com.

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The Brexit Effect – A View From The Experts

The following Fund Manager commentaries are unlikely to have been featured in the popular press so we felt it was worth including them here as they make interesting reading and may help to balance out some of the scaremongering articles that have been published since the Brexit vote.

Brian Westbury is a US-based Fund Manager with an interesting perspective particularly with regard to the global recession claims that have been made. Click to read his article: Watch Earnings, Not Fearful Forecasts.

Albert E Sharp, a fund manager based locally to us in Stratford upon Avon have released their July market comment, noting amongst other points that we are still awaiting the much prophesied “bloodbath in the financial markets”.  Click to read the July Market Comment: Curiouser and Curiouser.

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Simon’s Latest Sporting Endeavour

Simon’s sporting prowess appears to know no bounds as he has just completed his first competitive 10K. The 2 Castles Run takes runners on a 10k route from the iconic Warwick Castle through the towns of Warwick and Leamington Spa, out into the South Warwickshire countryside, finishing at another local historic landmark, Kenilworth Castle, a few miles up the road.

This is a very popular event with over 4,000 participants from all around the UK and is organised entirely by volunteers with all proceeds going to charity.

Simon completed the course in a very impressive 57 minutes and 43 seconds, comfortably achieving his goal of a sub 60 minute finish and was home in time for a hearty Sunday lunch with his family.

Simon is pictured approximately 200m from the finish line looking remarkably at ease given the distance just covered and with what could even pass as a smile on his face!