European small-cap specialist

European Assets Trust (EAT) aims to achieve long-term capital growth through investment in small and medium-cap companies in Europe (ex-UK). The investment approach is fundamental and bottom-up; EAT has a solid long-term track record and a high distribution policy underpins an attractive 5.2% yield. 2016 was a challenging year for EAT and NAV total return underperformed the index by 15.9pp. Since then, the performance has stabilised and the shares have returned to a modest premium to NAV (including income). The manager, Sam Cosh, is confident of the trust’s investment philosophy and process and is positive on the economic outlook.