A surge in tech stocks has pushed major U.S. investment funds like Fidelity and T Rowe Price close to exceeding IRS limits on concentrated holdings, leading them to sell shares to comply with tax regulations. This unexpected development highlights the impact of tech dominance on the market and raises questions about fund managers’ ability to outperform in a sector-driven rally.
UK-based investment funds saw a substantial increase in net retail sales during April 2024, with a notable rise of £2.8 billion. This surge was primarily attributed to the ISA season, encouraging savers to utilize their annual personal allowance for investments. Global equity funds remained popular, attracting an inflow of £1.3 billion, fueled by receding recession fears and potential rate cuts later in the year. The continuous preference for global equity funds highlights investors’ search for diversified market exposure at a lower cost. Miranda Seath, Director of Market Insight & Fund Sectors at the Investment Association, commented on the positive inflows, indicating growing investor confidence. However, the upcoming UK election and US elections have the potential to impact investor attitudes and market trends, particularly regarding the demand for UK equities and the implications for the global economy.
