What are the best performing ISA investment funds?

Last Updated: 22/08/2022

Although stock markets have fluctuated during the past six months overall performance of the FTSE 100, 250 and Dow Jones indices remains remarkably static. The FTSE 100 and Dow Jones have risen by 0.75% and 0.33% respectively, while the FTSE All-Share dropped 0.35%. A less rosy picture is reflected by the FTSE 250 (down 5.27%) but conversely in Japan the Nikkei 225 has climbed just over 9%.  With increasing energy and commodity costs contributing to rising inflation around the world it’s no surprise that funds investing in these sectors lead the chart.

The summaries below show the overall best-performing ISA funds in August 2022. Please remember that past performance is no guarantee of the future.

^{Source: Lipper/Moneyfacts}

^{Note: The table above is ordered by the best performance 1 August 2022 over the past 12 months. Funds may be available on other platforms not listed, through a stockbroking service or financial adviser.}

Guinness Global Energy C USD Acc remains in first place this month with a £1,000 investment made 12 months ago now being worth £1,481.25. The fund aims to provide investors with long-term capital appreciation by investing in the shares of a range of companies in the energy industry, including companies engaged in the exploration, production or distribution of oil, gas and other energy sources.    

JPM Natural Resources A Acc remains in second place, a £1,000 investment made 12 months ago would now amount to £1,244.49. As its name suggests the fund invests at least 80% of its assets in the shares of companies throughout the world engaged in the production and marketing of natural resource commodities. The companies are those that are engaged in the exploration, development, refinement, production or marketing of natural resources and their secondary products.

Fidelity Amer Spec Sits A Acc aims to achieve long-term capital growth, mainly with a focused portfolio invested in companies having their head office or with a predominant part of their activity in the US. A £1,000 investment made 12 month ago would now value at £1,208.92.

The Inv UK Opportunities (UK) Acc sits in third, with the fund aiming to achieve long-term capital growth by investing at least 80% of its assets in shares or other equity-related securities of companies incorporated, domiciled or carrying out the main part of their economic activity in the UK. A £1,000 investment made 12 months ago would now value at £1,192.62.

Finishing the chart is 7IM Income Pflo A2 Inc, with a £1,000 investment made 12 months ago now worth £1,162.36.

The unit trust funds delivering the best returns on a £1,000 investment over five years were:

1. L&G Global Tech Index R Acc
2. AXA Fram Glbl Tech R Acc
3. Herald Worldwide Technology A
4. AXA Fram Amer Gro R Acc
5. Sustainable Energy C USD Acc

^{Source: Lipper/Moneyfacts}

^{Note: The table above is ordered by the best performance 1 August 2022 over the past 12 months. Funds may be available on other platforms not listed, through a stockbroking service or financial adviser.}

Dunedin Enterprise Inv Tst maintains first place this month, with a £1,000 investment made 12 months ago now being worth £1,319.94.

Moving up one position is Caledonia Investments, with a £1,000 investment made 12 months ago now worth £1,239.75.

Entering the chart is Abrdn Pvt Equi Opp Trust plc, which aims to achieve long-term total returns through holding a diversified portfolio of private equity funds and direct investments into private companies. An investment of £1,000 made 12 months ago would now be worth £1,228.41. 

V & I Propy Inc trust PLC moves down two places this month, a £1,000 investment made 12 months ago would now be £1,204. This fund aims to invest primarily in directly held UK commercial property, usually accounting for at least 80% of the total portfolio.

Premier Miton Global Renewables Trust finishes off this chart, aiming to achieve a high income from, and to realise long-term growth in, the capital value of its portfolio. A £1,000 investment made 12 months ago would now be worth £1,174.78.

The investment trust funds delivering the best returns on a £1,000 investment over five years were:

1. Dunedin Enterprise Inv Tst
2. Allianz Technology Trust PLC
3. Pacific Horizon Inv Tst plc
4. Scottish Mortgage Investment
5. BlackRock World Mining Trst

The current rate of inflation of 10.1% dwarves the figure of 2.0% reported just one year ago and its impact on cash savings is significant. Rates on Cash ISAs are increasing but, for savers seeking the potential of better returns, Stocks and Shares ISAs offer an alternative but also an increased level of risk. Investment in stocks and shares has outperformed cash savings over the longer term, but the downside of these investments is that the value of these can change over time as markets rise and fall, and investors’ capital is at risk. At a time when both domestic and world events may make investors cautious, alternatives include drip feeding contributions into stocks and shares ISAs instead of investing a lump sum, or saving in a cash ISA with a view to transferring funds to stocks and shares when conditions appear more settled

The value of investments can go up as well as down, and investors’ capital is at risk. Investors should check all fees with their financial adviser, investment platform or provider before making any investment.