Independent research house, Morningstar, has upgraded Fidelity International’s Fidelity Future Leaders Fund rating to ‘Gold’, effective 29th August 2025.
The Fidelity Future Leaders Fund invests in 40 to 70 high-quality small- to mid-cap Australian companies, providing investors with the potential for long-term capital growth in a diversified portfolio. The fund was launched in 2013 and has been run since inception by portfolio manager, James Abela, who is supported by an experienced team of investment analysts and Fidelity's extensive global research network.
In its report, Morningstar said the fund stands out for its esteemed portfolio manager and excellent process. “The combination of Fidelity Future Leaders' skilled portfolio manager and strengthened confidence in the process sees the strategy regain its place at the top of its category. Over the trailing three years to July 2025, shrewd and well-timed adjustments to the portfolio's composition across the four styles, primarily a gradual increase in exposure to quality stocks, delivered outstanding performance relative to the average peer and more than doubled the return of the Morningstar Category index,” said Morningstar.
Portfolio manager James Abela says the performance of the fund is underpinned by the rigorous and thorough investment process which focuses on the four investment styles: quality, transition, momentum and value.
“Our goal is to identify tomorrow’s leading Australian large-cap companies by investing in today’s small to mid-cap firms. Our investment approach focuses selecting well-valued businesses that demonstrate strong competitive advantages and solid management teams. We place significant importance on constructing a diversified and balanced portfolio with the goal of delivering stable returns across various market cycles. The re-rating of the Fidelity Future Leaders Fund by Morningstar to Gold is a testament to our investment process. With this fund, we offer our clients an opportunity for attractive long-term double-digit returns, all while remaining focused on local investments,” said Mr Abela.
The Fidelity Future Leaders Fund has returned 20.24 per cent annualised over the past year, and has outperformed the index since inception, returning 11.99 per cent per annum. The fund is available on several platforms including HUB24, Netwealth, Praemium, BT Panorama, Macquarie Wrap among others.
