BlackRock Continental European Income fund retains Square Mile rating despite manager departure

Andreas Zoellinger retiring in 2025

BlackRock Continental European Income fund has retained its 'A' rating from Square Mile Academy of Funds despite news that the strategy's co-manager Andreas Zoellinger will retire in the first quarter of 2025.

Square Mile analysts argued that the fund's rating should stand because co-manager Brian Hall will remain on the investment vehicle, thereby maintaining a "level of continuity". The analysts said they were reassured by Stuart Brown joining the fund as co-manager in Hall's soon-to-be absence. Brown joined BlackRock in July as portfolio manager for European equities and according to Square Mile: "The analysts know Brown well, having previously managed the abrdn Europe ex-UK Income equity strategy which was rated by Square Mile prior to his departure." Boutique Havelock retains spot a...