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Bankers Investment Trust PLC on Thursday reported an increased dividend in a ‘strong’ financial year, but saw its net asset value return underperform the benchmark. The London-based global investor said NAV total return in the 12 months to the end of October was 18.1%, underperforming its benchmark, the FTSE World Index, which returned 21.0% over the same period. Bankers Investment Trust attributed this to underperformance during November 2024 following the US presidential election. The trust said November proved to be ‘very challenging’ as the US market responded to President Donald Trump’s election through rewarding companies ‘closely aligned towards Republican party affiliation and policies’. It noted the portfolio lost 2.6% relative to the index in November. NAV per ordinary share grew 16% to 144.7 pence from 125.2p. The investment trust reported an increased final quarterly dividend of 0.686p per share, up 2.1% from 0.672p. Its total dividend for the financial year rose 2.1% to 2.744p from 2.688p. Shares in the investment trust rose 0.7% to 135.33p on Thursday morning in London, with the trust reporting share price outperformance of the benchmark during the period, with a total return of 22.8%. Bankers Investment Trust noted the US Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates further in the coming 12 months, stating that this move ‘traditionally supports equity markets’. It added that it has raised its investment allocation in the US, as it anticipates companies increasing both capital investments and profit forecasts next year. ‘Although valuations are high in the US, our primary market, lower interest rates combined with steady economic progress are supportive of share prices. I believe the portfolio is well positioned to take advantage of opportunities that may arise during the next year,’ said Chair Simon Miller. Copyright 2026 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
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