The spate of JSE delistings has created a situation where there are now more unit trust funds than listed companies, says Profile MD Nic Oldert.

Speaking at the re-launch of Profile’s popular Unit Trusts Handbook, Oldert said that there are currently 464 rand-denominated unit trust funds to choose from, whereas there are only 418 JSE listed companies, and only 376 if suspended companies are excluded.

Oldert says that this highlights the importance of well-informed financial advisors and investors.

"Unit trust funds no longer make choices simpler for investors. It is arguably more difficult nowadays to choose the correct unit trust than to choose a portfolio of shares. While unit trusts still offer the important benefits of professional fund management, low minimum investments and monthly debit order facilities, the difficulties of choosing appropriate unit trusts must not be underestimated. This is no longer a ‘one size fits all’ business", says Oldert.

Profile’s Unit Trusts Handbook, now in its tenth year, is to be renamed The CIS Handbook from 2005 to reflect a broader focus on all collective investment schemes.

The new-look handbook is a merger of Profile’s successful Understanding Unit Trusts and the fund reference section of The Unit Trusts Handbook.

Chapter content is being extensively reworked to meet the reference material requirements of the new NQF qualification in collective investment schemes.

The new handbook will assist advisors to comply with FAIS, and will provide a handy reference for both advisors and investors, providing the specialist knowledge required to help select appropriate unit trusts.

[ENDS]

EDITORIAL CONTACT

Profile Media
Nic Oldert
(011) 728-5510
njo@profile.co.za 

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