From 29 September 2006, Standard Life added two more funds to our sigma Mutual Funds range – the Alliance BRIC Stars Fund and the New Star Tri-Star Life Fund.

In addition, the Fidelity Global Special Situations Fund was added on 18 September at the time of the Fidelity Special Situations Fund split.

Click on the fund names for more information about the funds.

We believe the terms for these new Mutual Funds will prove very competitive. A full list of our Mutual Fund range and charges is available here - Sales aid MUFU106.

So, now you know the funds on offer you may be asking what is the best way for your clients to invest in these funds? Well, one option worth considering is an ISA.

Why not invest into Mutual Funds in a tax efficient environment
ISAs remain one of the most tax-favoured investments around and for many will be their first introduction to equity investment. As a reminder, below are five tax benefits of investing in an ISA.

• Free from income tax (The 10% tax credit in respect of dividend income cannot be reclaimed): this is especially beneficial to higher rate tax-payers. For example, a dividend payment of £100 would have a further £25 higher rate tax liability if paid outside the ISA environment.
• Free from capital gains tax: regardless of how much is invested within an ISA or how successful the investments are, there will be no capital gains tax to pay.
• ISAs do not have to be included on a tax return: saving time on administering investments can only be a good thing.
• Income from ISAs is not included in tax band calculations:this is especially useful for those hovering around the threshold between two tax bands.
• For those over 65, income from ISAs does not affect age allowance: once income exceeds £20,100, the age related personal allowance is reduced by one-half of the excess, but never below the personal allowance for the under 65s. ISA income, however, is not added to other income for the purpose of testing against the income limit for age related allowances.

No guarantees are given regarding the effectiveness of any arrangements entered into on the basis of this content.

Tax and legislation are liable to change. The information given here is based on Standard Life’s understanding of law and HM Revenue & Customs practice at the date of publication. Tax reliefs may be altered and their value to the investor depends on their financial circumstances

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