What's Hot? Prudential's Matthew Williams on why Europe is cheap

TOP PERFORMERS

clock • 5 min read

Matthew Williams tells Joanna Faith why he is happy to invest in European equities and fixed income and why he is backing corporate over government bonds.

The "low-risk" Prudential Managed Defensive fund was launched in February 2007, at a time when it was unfashionable to talk about any valid low-risk investment strategies other than cash. The Lehman crash was still seven months away and very few people could have envisaged the volatility and chaos that ensued. The multi-asset portfolio invests in equities, bonds, property, a small amount of alternatives as well as cash and floating rate notes. It has returned 24.65% over five years to 24 August, compared to a sector average of 15.62%, according to FE data.  What have been the main ...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Economics / Markets

Advisers highlight uncertain political and fiscal future after Starmer resignation

Advisers highlight uncertain political and fiscal future after Starmer resignation

Prime minister’s exit places chancellor Rachel Reeves’ position ‘inevitably’ under scrutiny

Isabel Baxter
clock 22 June 2026 • 5 min read
OBR independence 'a major advantage' for UK economy

OBR independence 'a major advantage' for UK economy

Treasury Committee hearing

Alex Sebastian
clock 20 May 2026 • 4 min read
Bank of England warns of future rate uncertainty after vote to hold at 3.75%

Bank of England warns of future rate uncertainty after vote to hold at 3.75%

One vote to hike rates

Michael Nelson
clock 30 April 2026 • 2 min read