Traditional equity trusts enjoy resurgence in 2018 but alternatives retain their allure

Twelve trusts launched so far this year

The investment trust sector is on track to see the largest number of IPOs for strategies investing in traditional listed equities since 2007, in what could be a bumper year for the industry.

But alternatives launches continue to attract significant support, including the biggest fundraise so far this year. There has been a resurgence in listed equity trust IPOs in 2018, with eight up and running so far -  amounting to a total fundraising of just over £1bn - with at least another two prospective launches in this space to come. This compares to four out of 15 launches in 2017 and just two out of four the year before. In total, 12 trusts have launched so far this year, with another nine slated for IPO by the end of 2018. Gresham House targets £200m for renewable energy-fo...