The 10 best and worst absolute return funds of 2016

Schroders takes top spot

It has been a difficult year for absolute return funds with the sector seeing polarised returns, ranging from a rise of 21% to a loss of 25%.

The best performers list includes three Schroders funds, with the firm's ISF Asian Bond Absolute Return and ISF Emerging Market Debt Absolute Return claiming top spot, while T. Rowe Price and GAM also achieved the highest return of 21%.  Among the losers, Argonaut Absolute Return, managed by Barry Norris, was down 25%, while Odey Absolute Return fell 17%, despite manager Crispin Odey's successful backing of the Brexit campaign. City Financial Absolute Equity, which was one of the top performers in 2015, had a reversal of fortune this year, losing 14% year-to-date. However, Standard...