Chatfeild-Roberts plays Middle East turmoil via energy funds

Jupiter's John Chatfeild-Roberts has introduced energy exposure into his £6bn Merlin multi-manager range to benefit from rising oil prices, driven by political turmoil in the Middle East.

CIO Chatfeild-Roberts says global energy prices are escalating fast and the civil unrest seen in Tunisia appears to have been the catalyst for the events in Egypt. "This raises concerns other autocratic Arab regimes throughout Africa and the Middle East will be subject to similar protests. "Our concern is Cairo's problems could spread eastwards and destabilise the region." This could threaten oil supply and push the price per barrel to $150, he believes. "We have therefore decided it is prudent to introduce a dedicated energy exposure across our range of funds." The manager h...