In August, the worst-performing trust on a NAV basis was Premier Miton Global Renewables Trust, down 7%. Finsbury Growth & Income lost 3%. India, Korea, and UK mid-cap equities underperformed. Long-term evaluation of investment trusts is crucial, but short-term returns offer insights into strategy biases. Trusts like Lindsell Train were among the top 10 best performers.

Premier Miton Global Renewables Trust’s NAV fell 6.56% in August, with a 3.36% discount. Athelney Trust Ord dropped 6% with a 1.08% premium to NAV. NB Distressed Debt New Global fell 5.58% with a 28.53% discount. India Capital Growth was down 4.78%, and Third Point Investors USD fell 4.65%. Year-to-date performances varied across these trusts.

Investment trusts, as closed-end funds, offer exposure to illiquid assets and niche sectors. Real-time pricing on the London Stock Exchange allows for easy tracking of daily performance. Calculation of trust performance can be based on share price or net asset value (NAV), which reflects underlying asset value. Discounts or premiums to NAV indicate investor sentiment.

In analyzing investment trust returns, it’s essential to consider factors like NAV changes, reinvested income, and capital gains distributions. For example, NB Distressed Debt New Global saw a 10% rise in share price despite a 6% NAV decrease. Understanding these metrics can help investors make informed decisions. Morningstar Direct provides key figures for trust analysis.

Read more at Morningstar: The Worst-Performing UK Investment Trusts in August 2025