Firstly a disclosure. I have been a supporter of Neil Woodford’s funds going back as far as 1988 and I currently hold his Equity Income Fund in both my Pension Drawdown account and my ISA account.
He has built a well-deserved reputation as one of the UK’s finest fund managers with a track record of providing a high and growing level of dividends.
If you don’t hold any of his funds at present, and dividends are important to you, the new CF Woodford Income Focus Fund (launching on 11th April) is is an opportunity worthy of serious consideration particularly if you have cash available and have not used all of your ISA allowance.
Where, like me, you already hold his funds, the decision is not as straightforward. Not having all your eggs in one basket is a basic investment strategy I have never ignored. So I don’t want a higher exposure to Neil’s funds however much I respect his expertise.
The question is, should I switch out of the Equity Income Fund into the new Income Focus Fund?
My pension drawdown account is very dividend focused as it is the dividend income which supports my monthly income withdrawals. The new fund is aiming at 5% per annum compared to 3.3% from the existing fund. Because of the dividend focus I will be switching and accepting that capital performance may slightly suffer.
However, I will be keeping the existing Equity Income holding in my ISA account where there is more of an emphasis on capital growth rather than income.
So there you are. What a simple soul I turn out to be. Spread your risks, don’t try to be too clever and always support the top fund managers.
None of this should be treated as personal advice. Just be sure of what your objectives are and use some common sense.
If you would like to know more here are a couple of useful links.
https://www.hl.co.uk/funds/neil-woodford-new-fund
http://www.hl.co.uk/news/articles/neil-woodford-in-numbers
If, having done your own research, you would still like some help or guidance just complete the enquiry box or text me on 07770 575122. I normally only publish a blog about every two weeks so if you want to be totally up to date click the Facebook button and like The Investment and Retirement Coach page.
Richard
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