Global trade boom boosts popular £875m Edinburgh trust

During the first half, Saints delivered net asset value total return of 11.3 per cent, marginally behind global equity returns of 11.4 per cent but ahead of the 10.6 per cent seen in the global equity income sector. Picture: Jon Savage

The strong bounce-back seen in global trade in the first half of the year helped a flagship investment trust deliver double-digit returns.

The Baillie Gifford-managed Scottish American Investment Trust – known as Saints – said results reported by its equity holdings “have been stronger than even the most upbeat expectations”.

Although trust chairman Peter Moon said to some degree that will reflect re-stocking in the supply chain, some businesses in the portfolio have also used the pandemic to make “real inroads with their customers” and are reaping the benefits of investments in their brands.

He cited examples such as credit bureau Experian which has typically reported mid-single-digit revenue growth but through investment in new software tools and other services to help customers has just reported 22 per cent organic sales growth during its first quarter.

Although the main focus of the £875 million t