Investment - Articles - Morningstar Holds Research Briefing in Edinburgh

 Morningstar Holds Research Briefing in Edinburgh, Publishes Latest Round of Qualitative Research and Ratings for UK Closed-End Funds
 Morningstar UK, a subsidiary of independent investment research firm Morningstar, Inc. (NASDAQ: MORN), has released its second tranche of investment trust ratings at an investment research briefing in Edinburgh for asset managers and financial advisers. The latest ratings follow the company's launch of the Morningstar Analyst Rating and research for closed-end funds in January.
 Jackie Beard, director of closed-end fund research for Morningstar UK, led the research briefing, where she provided an overview of Morningstar's closed-end fund research and ratings methodology. Ian Sayers, Director General of the Association of Investment Companies, joined Ms Beard for an audience Q&A.

 Jackie Beard comments:

 "We're now covering more of the largest investment trusts by asset size. We're also responding to market feedback by providing research and ratings on a number of income-focused funds in recognition of the particular benefits that closed-end funds offer in this regard. Our latest fund ratings offer a mix of new and old, from the likes of BlackRock Commodities Income and JPMorgan GEM Income, which have short histories, to Mercantile, which dates back to 1884. Our investment trust coverage will continue to evolve to ensure it has both meaning and value to investors."

 The new Morningstar Analyst Ratings for UK closed-end funds are:

 The latest release brings the total of Morningstar Analyst Ratings for investment trusts to 45. Morningstar plans to rate 100 investment trusts by the end of the year.