Professionally managed funds

What are managed funds?

A managed fund pools money from many investors and puts it in the hands of a professional fund manager. That manager — backed by a team of analysts — decides what to buy, hold, and sell, based on a specific investment strategy or mandate.

Unlike ETFs, which typically track an index automatically, managed funds are actively run by human experts who research markets, meet company management, and make deliberate investment decisions. You're paying for their expertise and judgment.

Active vs passive: what's the difference?

Active fund managers aim to outperform a benchmark — like the FTSE 100 or MSCI World — by picking investments they believe will beat the market. Passive funds simply track an index, matching its performance (minus fees).

Active funds charge higher fees to cover research and management costs. The trade-off is simple: you're betting that the manager's skill will more than make up for the extra cost. Many active managers do deliver, particularly in less efficient markets like smaller companies or emerging markets, where research can uncover hidden opportunities.

Funds available through Abervest

We offer access to a broad range of funds across different managers and styles:

• Equity funds — Invest primarily in company shares, targeting capital growth over the long term. Available across UK, US, European, Asian, and global markets.
• Bond funds — Focus on government and corporate debt, aiming to provide a steady income stream with lower volatility than equities.
• Multi-asset funds — Spread your money across equities, bonds, property, and other assets within a single fund. A popular one-stop-shop for balanced investors.
• Sustainable and ESG funds — Invest in companies that meet environmental, social, and governance criteria, allowing you to align your portfolio with your values.

Who should consider managed funds?

Managed funds suit investors who prefer a hands-off approach — those who'd rather trust an expert than pick individual stocks. They also work well for accessing specialist markets, like emerging economies or smaller companies, where local knowledge and deep research can make a real difference.

Many investors blend managed funds with ETFs — using passive funds as a low-cost core and adding active managers for exposure to areas where expert stock-picking may add the most value.