ARC launches charity indices

Asset Risk Consultants (ARC) has launched a set of indices covering the charity sector.

The four Sterling-denominated indices are designed to help charity trustees and their advisers place performance in a peer group context and will sit alongside the firm's traditional private client indices.

The indices are asset allocation agnostic, with ARC saying the focus is on allowing charity trustees to compare portfolio returns for a given level of risk.  

The indices will compare a 'realistic' and sizable' peer group whose portfolios have exhibited similar characteristics.

They date back to December 2003 and comprise data from 30 charity investment managers encompassing around 1,500 discretionary portfolios. Approximately half the portfolios submitted were valued in the £1 million to £5 million range, with around 10% in excess of £10 million.

Commenting on the launch, ARC managing director Graham Harrison (pictured) said: 'These charity peer group indices respond to the demand from charity trustees for a robust, independent tool that allows charity investment portfolio performance to be placed into context.

'With so much uncertainty surrounding financial markets, these indices provide an invaluable anchor upon which charity trustees can make informed investment decisions.'