What is it called and what sort of savings product is it?
The Hunter Hall Value Growth Trust is a managed fund.
Who is the company behind it?
Hunter Hall is an Australian-based fund manager and is now the largest ethical manager on the other
side of the ditch. The company is listed on the Australian Stock Exchange and it has a good investment track record.
Who is the target market?
People wanting international share investments and a bit of that feel-good factor.
What return does it offer?
Compound annual return since inception is 19.9 per cent in Australian dollars. The fund has generated a return of 29.6 per cent in the year to June 30. The trust aims to significantly outperform the ASX All Ordinaries Accumulation Index.
When was it launched?
May 1994.
What other products is it like or is it competing with?
This fund competes with other international share funds.
Is it long term, short term or medium term?
Share funds should be held for the medium to long term.
What is the unique selling point of the product?
While this is an international share fund, like many others in the market, the managers have an ethical or socially responsible approach to investing. The company uses a "negative screen" to exclude companies that do harm to people, animals and the environment. Companies that earn revenue from the sale of tobacco, gambling, factory farming, destruction of the environment, uranium mining, and armaments are excluded.
How strong a stomach do you need for it?
The ethical approach should make you feel good about your investment with Hunter Hall. As for investment risk, it is middle of the road.
What's the hitch?
As it is an Australian-based unit trust people need to be aware of tax issues with the new fair dividend rate (FDR) and portfolio investment entity (PIE) rules.
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