(Alliance News) - JPMorgan European Growth & Income PLC on Wednesday said its half-year returns underperformed its benchmark due to "a tricky backdrop of lowering growth expectations and geopolitical uncertainties".
The London-based investment fund said its net asset return in the six months to the end of September was negative 1.3%, against the benchmark return of negative 0.4%. The return to shareholders was minus 1.1%.
The company declared an interim dividend of 2.40 pence per share, giving an estimated dividend yield of 4.8%. This is up by 14% from the interim dividend of 2.10 pence in the same period last year.
It said that longer term performance remains strong, with returns over three years outperforming the benchmark, with a gain of 29.1% compared to a benchmark return of 18.8%. Over five years the net asset value total return was 64.2% compared to the benchmark return of 42.9%.
The company said it "cannot be complacent" about the geopolitical outlook, with the possibility of widening escalation in the Middle East and further uncertainty around energy prices. The company said it is confident in delivering attractive returns despite these conditions.
Chair Rita Dhut said: "The company has marginally underperformed its benchmark in what remains a tricky backdrop of lowering growth expectations and geopolitical uncertainties. Despite this the board believes the proposition of the company is robust and effectively implemented.
"Our investment managers proceed with their tried and tested approach. Having invested through many cycles they continue to operate a diversified portfolio, owning positions in companies whose fortunes although not immune are agile enough to remain resilient as we continue from 2024 into the next year," she said.
Shares in JPMorgan European Growth & Income fell 1.9% to 96.57 pence in London on Wednesday afternoon.
By Michael Hennessey, Alliance News reporter
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