Investors appear to have used the seasonally-quiet summer months of 2013 as an opportunity to continue their hunt for, and research of, investment trusts. Morningstar.co.uk has recorded strong footfall on our investment trust pages, with many of the usual suspects appearing in our top ten most researched trusts by website users in the third quarter.
"While there is variety among the income targets of these funds, with the likes of JEO aiming for total return rather than a fixed income yield, all trusts have a demonstrable track record in delivering steady incremental dividend growth on which investors can rely," says Morningstar director of closed-end fund research Jackie Beard.
Compared to the previous quarter, Personal Assets Trust (PNL) and Scottish Oriental Smaller Companies Trust (SST) have both dropped out of the top ten, to be replaced by Temple Bar, which offers exposure to UK large caps, and Acorn Income, a trust investing in small caps.
In the new top ten list, it's interesting to note that nine of the 10 most popular investment trusts have traded at a premium to their net asset value throughout the third quarter. "This trend suggests these funds are popular and the managers' skills are being actively sought by investors," Beard adds.
We list the top ten below. Beard notes that "the majority of funds are run by well-known and well-respected fund managers who have longevity of tenure, both at these funds and in their respective markets generally."
Every single one of the trusts, with the exception of newcomer to the list Acorn Income, is rated Gold by Morningstar analysts.
10 Most Searched for Investment Trusts in Q3
1. Aberdeen Asian Smaller Companies Investment Trust (AAS)
Rated Gold by Morningstar analysts
2. The City of London Investment Trust (CTY)
Rated Gold by Morningstar analysts
3. Edinburgh Investment Trust (EDIN)
Rated Gold by Morningstar analysts
4. Murray International Trust (MYI)
Rated Gold by Morningstar analysts
5. Finsbury Growth & Income Trust (FGT)
Rated Gold by Morningstar analysts
6. Perpetual Income and Growth Investment Trust (PLI)
Rated Gold by Morningstar analysts
7. Jupiter European Opportunities Trust (JEO)
Rated Gold by Morningstar analysts
8. Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust (SMT)
Rated Gold by Morningstar analysts
9. Temple Bar Investment Trust (TMPL)
Rated Gold by Morningstar analysts
10. Acorn Income Fund (AIF)
Not currently rated by Morningstar analysts