IMA flags Targeted Absolute Return underperformers as part of overhaul

The Investment Management Association (IMA) has begun publicly revealing Targeted Absolute Return funds' rolling 12-month performance as part of a tightening of requirements, following widespread criticism of the sector.

Previously known as Absolute Return until a move in February to re-name the sector, many of the funds failed to deliver positive returns for investors despite the implied protection offered by the name. In the face of growing criticism, the IMA launched a consultation and subsequently renamed the sector, but it has now taken further steps to ensure a positive return is achieved. These include publishing a list of those funds which have produced the poorest rolling returns. The IMA now publishes data on its website, to be updated on a monthly basis, showing how many times a fund has fa...