How did listed asset managers fare in 2018?

Turnaround from 2017

It was a torrid year for the majority of the FTSE-listed UK asset management companies with many reporting double-digit losses.

Investment Week analysed ten firms listed on the FTSE and seven saw losses of more than 20% during 2018. Data is total return in sterling terms from 1 January to 31 December 2018, according to FE.  The figures are a significant reversal for asset managers compared to 2017 when all those firms reported positive returns for the year.  Fund managers' shares are classed as 'high beta', meaning they tend to outperform in periods when markets are rising and vice versa. The asset manager performance in 2018 is therefore reflective of the performance of the FTSE All-Share, which similarly los...