In this edition of the Money Makers Investment Trusts Podcast, David Barron, chairman of BlackRock American Income (BRAI) and Baillie Gifford European (BGEU), discusses the strategy shift at BRAI, the change of manager at BGEU, and sector challenges, with Jonathan Davis, editor of the Investment Trusts Handbook (winner of the AIC Best Broadcast Journalist Award 2024 and 2025).
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337: David Barron
0:01:17 – The change of strategy at BRAI
0:07:25 – Confidence in the approach to beat the index
0:10:56 – Describing the systematic approach
0:15:59 – The benchmark
0:18:57 – A short break
0:19:41 – Baillie Gifford European (BGEU)
0:20:35 – The change of manager at BGEU
0:25:44 – A sustainable future?
0:27:31 – Discount levels
0:28:45 – The future of the sector
0:31:26 – Government perception of investment trusts
0:32:58 – Close
OUT NOW: The Investment Trusts Handbook 2026
The Investment Trusts Handbook 2026 is the ninth edition of the highly regarded annual handbook for anyone interested in investment trusts – often referred to as the City’s best-kept secret, or the connoisseur’s choice among investment funds. It is expertly edited by well-known author and professional investor Jonathan Davis, founder and editor of the Money Makers newsletter and podcast. The Investment Trusts Handbook 2026 is an independent educational publication, available through bookshops and extensively online. With articles by 30 different authors, including analysts, fund managers and investment writers, plus more than 80 pages of detailed data and analysis, the latest edition is an indispensable companion for anyone looking to invest in the investment trust sector.
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