So, you’ve beefed up your UK and European investments—now what? If you’re looking to expand your portfolio across borders, you’re in luck.
I’ve rounded up ten standout overseas funds that have impressed me over the past couple of decades.
These aren’t random picks; they’re the result of years of conversations with top fund managers and careful observation.
Each of these funds offers something different—some are focused on steady income, others on capital growth, and many balance both.
While I’m not including any purely North American funds this time around (I prefer global options that include US and Canadian exposure), these selections have proven their worth.
They’re not personal recommendations, but for full transparency, several are in my own ISAs, pensions, and investment accounts.
Let’s get into it—here are ten international investment funds that have caught my eye for all the right reasons.
Alliance Witan: A Trust with Global Flair
With nearly £5 billion under management, Alliance Witan is one of the UK’s heavyweights in the investment trust world—and it’s also a member of the FTSE 100.
But it’s not just the size that’s impressive. What makes this trust stand out is how it’s run.
Instead of one team calling the shots, Alliance Witan divides its portfolio among external fund managers across the globe.
Each manages their own mini-portfolio of about 20 stocks.
These managers are hand-picked—and sometimes let go—by the consulting firm Willis Towers Watson, which oversees the big picture.
More than half of the trust’s 230-plus holdings are in the US, including five of the tech world’s “Magnificent Seven” (minus Tesla and Apple).
No single company makes up more than 5% of the portfolio, keeping things balanced.
Since Willis took over, the trust has returned a hefty 95%, compared to the 60% average for similar global funds.
It’s also increased its dividend every year for 58 years—reliable income and smart diversification rolled into one.
Charges are low at just under 0.6%.
Artemis Global Income: Consistent Performer, Hidden Gem
Jacob de Tusch-Lec may not be a household name, but he’s quietly built something special with Artemis Global Income.
Since launching the £1.6 billion fund in 2010, he’s delivered a winning combo of income and growth.
When I first spoke with him in 2013, he made it clear: the goal is consistent, growing dividends. And he’s walked that talk.
The fund has delivered average annual income growth of 8%, with total returns surpassing 240%—well ahead of its peers.
Tusch-Lec focuses on quality, dividend-paying companies that are fairly priced, with around a third of the fund in European firms, as he finds US stocks too pricey at the moment.
Charges are just under 0.9%, and the fund remains one of my favourites.
Bankers: The Reliable Old Friend
Managed by Janus Henderson, the £1.2 billion Bankers Investment Trust is exactly what its name suggests—a dependable cornerstone for any portfolio.
It’s not flashy, but it’s delivered solid performance, returning 55% since my last review in 2019.
It has more than 100 holdings, with a significant US tilt—over 60%—including big tech names like Apple, Amazon, and Microsoft.
Dividends have increased for 58 consecutive years and are paid quarterly.
The fund’s lead, Alex Crooke, oversees asset allocation while Janus Henderson’s teams manage different segments.
Fees are low at 0.51%. A true portfolio stabilizer.
Blue Whale Growth: New Kid, Big Impact
Launched in 2017 and backed by billionaire Peter Hargreaves, Blue Whale Growth has already hit the £1 billion mark. Managed by Stephen Yiu, it’s returned 72% over the past five years—beating many of its global peers.
Yiu picks large companies he believes can consistently grow earnings.
Top holdings include Nvidia and Philip Morris.
He keeps investors well-informed and has pledged to lower charges (currently 1.08%) as the fund grows.
Hargreaves has a sizable investment here himself, which says a lot.
Fundsmith Equity: The Flagship of Long-Term Investing
Since launching in 2010, Terry Smith’s Fundsmith Equity fund has grown to a whopping £20 billion.
Though it’s underperformed a bit recently, over the long haul it’s delivered over 310%—more than double the average of similar funds.
Smith focuses on quality businesses that are hard to replicate and generate strong cash flow.
He’s very much a buy-and-hold investor, and only 2022 saw a negative return.
The portfolio is concentrated—just 28 stocks—with heavyweights like Microsoft and Meta among them.
Charges are just over 1%. If you’re looking for a Warren Buffett-style approach, this one might be it.
Guinness Global Innovators: Disciplined Growth
Guinness Global Innovators is all about investing in forward-thinking companies without going overboard on risk.
The £940 million fund, managed by Dr. Ian Mortimer and Matthew Page, sticks to a disciplined approach—trimming winners and reinvesting in underperformers to lock in gains.
When I looked at it in 2020, it had gained 139% over five years.
Since then, it’s added another 48%, still beating many peers.
Annual charges are 0.81%, and the managers are refreshingly open and investor-friendly.
JPMorgan Global Growth & Income: Value and Vision
This £2.8 billion trust has returned an eye-popping 111% since I last reviewed it in 2019.
It boasts low fees (just 0.48%) and quarterly dividend payouts, with the amount for the year set in advance—adding predictability to your income.
Managers Helge Skibeli, James Cook, and Timothy Woodhouse focus on quality companies regardless of location, though the trust is currently 67% invested in the US.
Top holdings include Microsoft, Nvidia, and Amazon.
It’s a strong all-rounder.
STS Global Income & Growth: Steady and Safe
Formerly known as Securities Trust of Scotland, STS Global Income & Growth has undergone a thoughtful transformation under Troy Asset Management.
With manager James Harries now at the helm, the fund emphasizes capital preservation and growing income.
Returns since 2021 are 40%, slightly above the sector average.
It’s conservatively managed with limited US tech exposure—only Microsoft features among the Magnificent Seven.
The dividend yield is around 2.7%, and the fund’s cautious approach makes it a safe long-term choice.
Jupiter Asian Income: Dividends in the East
Jupiter Asian Income, a £2 billion fund run by seasoned pro Jason Pidcock, offers something rare in Asia-focused investments—solid dividend returns.
With only 27 stocks in the portfolio and a focus on large-cap, dividend-paying companies in established Asian economies, the fund has delivered over 150% since launch.
Since my last review in 2019, it’s returned 70%, with annual income around 4%.
Charges are roughly 1%. FundCalibre calls it “elite,” and Hargreaves Lansdown gives it a spot on their wealth list.
If you want Asia with income, this one stands out.
Schroder Japan Trust: Quietly Winning in Japan
When I checked out Schroder Japan Trust in mid-2021, it had just bounced back with a 26% return.
Since then, it’s added another 40%, which is impressive given how tricky Japan can be for investors.
Managed by Masaki Taketsume, the £290 million trust now pays quarterly dividends amounting to a 4.3% yield—reflecting a broader trend of Japanese firms becoming more shareholder-friendly.
]Charges are just over 1.1%. Quietly effective, this is a strong pick for Japanese exposure.
Choosing a Platform to Invest
Before jumping in, make sure you’ve got the right platform.
From ISAs to SIPPs, there’s a lot to consider—fees, fund access, usability.
Whether you’re going with AJ Bell, Hargreaves Lansdown, or another provider, compare admin fees, trading costs, and customer reviews to find your fit.
Want help choosing? This is Money’s full guide to investing platforms breaks it down.