Fund launches dwindle to decade low in 2011

Fund launches reached a decade low last year as groups held back new products in the face of market volatility.

In total there were 132 onshore, UK-registered fund launches last year, meaning fewer new products entered the market than during the credit crunch, according to data from Lipper. Of the groups that did roll out funds, several went back to basics with products designed to generate consistent returns with lower risk profiles. Managed funds topped the charts last year with 17 new additions to the sector, according to Morningstar. Close Asset Management, Fidelity, and Vanguard launched a number of managed offerings, while low cost active funds began to gain traction. The absolute r...