Modelled on Profile's domestic Unit Trusts Handbook, which has been described as "the bible of the unit trust industry", the new offshore book is tipped to be a favourite with both financial intermediaries and high net worth investors.

Profile MD Nic Oldert says that there is enormous demand for detailed, unbiased information on offshore unit trusts, but currently no one-stop information source on those offshore unit trusts that are freely available in South Africa.

The new handbook covers the approximately 300 offshore unit trusts registered with the South African Financial Services Board (FSB).

It is estimated that some 38 000 unit trusts are available worldwide. Through their R750 000 foreign allowances, South Africans are free to invest in any of these unit trusts. But those unit trusts that wish to actively market in South Africa must register with the FSB, which gives local investors some security. These are the funds covered in the new publication.

The handbook includes an introductory chapter which provides an easy-to-read explanation of offshore unit trusts, including the difference between locally registered "international" funds and genuine offshore funds. The chapter explains why many brokers strongly advise offshore investments. The chapter also includes tips on how to choose an appropriate offshore investment.

Details on participating unit trust include top ten holdings, asset allocation, risk adjusted returns, management details, fund objectives, size of fund, minimum investment amounts, and service fees.

Performance figures are calculated on a uniform basis according to the method approved by the SA Association of Unit Trusts. Performance figures are shown in rand terms for easy comparison with local investments. A price chart for each fund shows the price performance in rands relative to the price performance in the fund's base currency.