Murray International Trust portfolio declines in first half

(ShareCast News) - Murray International Trust said its net asset value declined by 2.6% in the first half of the year compared with the company's benchmark of 2%.The investment trust said the current financial environment for investors was "uncomfortable" and the sterling's strength had constrained returns.Over the first half of the year the share price total return fell by 4.1% reflecting a smaller reduction in the premium to NAV on which the shares traded. At 30 July 2015 Murray had total assets of £1.3bn, 3.9% lower than the prior six months where assets were £1.4m. In a statement Murray said it was difficult to deliver dividend growth against a back drop of intense competition and unpredictable final demand. "The current financial environment is uncomfortable for savers and investors alike. Additional uncertainty also prevails for companies operating in this environment," the FTSE 250 listed fund said.