Portfolio Managers' Update

Summary by AI BETAClose X

Fidelity European Trust PLC announced that portfolio manager Sam Morse will retire in October 2027, after 15 years with the company where he delivered strong long-term returns, outperforming the benchmark by approximately 1% per annum and generating an annualised return of around 10.5%. Effective November 1, 2026, Alexander Laing will join existing portfolio managers Marcel Stötzel and Sam Morse to form a three-person team, with no change to the company's investment objective or policy. This transition is designed to ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities over a 12-month period, leveraging Fidelity International's research platform and investment resources.

Disclaimer*

8 August 2026

 

Fidelity European Trust PLC ("the Company")

 

LEI: 549300UC0QPP7Y0W8056

 

Portfolio Managers' Update

 

Sam Morse, portfolio manager of Fidelity European Trust plc (the "Company" or "FEV") since 2011, has informed the Board of his intention to retire in October 2027, after four decades in the investment industry.  

 

Effective 1 st   November 2026, existing portfolio managers, Marcel Stötzel and Sam Morse, will be joined by Alexander Laing, forming a three-person portfolio management team for the Company. The team is supported by Fidelity International's ("Fidelity") large global research platform and investment resources.   

 

There is no change to the Company's investment   objective   or investment policy   as a result of   this change.    

 

Alexander brings deep experience as both a European analyst and portfolio manager, having been with Fidelity since 2011. He   is currently portfolio manager for the Fidelity Funds - Climate Solutions Fund and the Circular Economy strategy, and co-portfolio manager on the Fidelity Funds - Water & Waste Fund.    

 

The   Chairman   of Fidelity European Trust PLC, Davina Walter, comments:   

 

"Bringing Alexander into the portfolio management team at this stage provides an extended period for him to work closely alongside Sam and Marcel, supporting a smooth transition of responsibilities over a 12-month period. Alexander also brings complementary portfolio management experience and investment   expertise   to the team." 

 

"The Board and I are grateful to Sam for his continued commitment to the Company and his support   in   the long-term succession plan, as well as for the significant contribution he has made to FEV's success over the past 15 years. During his tenure to date, Sam has delivered strong long-term returns for shareholders, outperforming the benchmark by approximately 1% per annum and generating an annualised return of around 10.5% over the period, on a NAV total return basis."  

 

Contacts

 

For further information, please contact:

 

Dominic Newman

0207 074 5585  

 

Claire Dwyer

0207 074 5367

 

Smita Amin

01737 836 347

 

Fidelity International




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