How Is F&C Investment Trust Plc (LSE:FCIT) Trading Today?

F&C Investment Trust Plc (LSE:FCIT) shares edged higher by 0.18% to around 341.2p today, following half-year results for the six months to 30 June 2026 that showed a Shareholder total return of 12.8%.

The trust's net asset value total return was 12.4% over the period, compared with 12.6% for its benchmark, the FTSE All-World Index, while the share price discount to net asset value narrowed to 6.6% from 6.8% at the end of 2025.

The Board declared a first Interim Dividend of 0.99p per share for 2026 and reiterated its aim of delivering a 56th consecutive annual dividend increase.

About F&C Investment Trust Plc

F&C Investment Trust was founded in 1868 to give investors of more moderate means access to the same opportunities as the largest investors, and it is recognised as the oldest investment trust in the world. It aims to grow investors' Capital and income over the medium to long term through a diversified global portfolio.

The trust is classified by the Association of Investment Companies as a Dividend Hero, reflecting more than five decades of rising annual dividends. Its portfolio draws on holdings in listed companies across regions and sectors, supplemented by unlisted investments and externally managed funds.

LSE:FCIT therefore offers a single listed holding with broad exposure to global markets.

Half-Year Results

Net Assets rose to £6,863.8 million at 30 June 2026 from £6,171.0 million at the end of 2025, reflecting both investment returns and the trust's ongoing discipline on costs. The underlying portfolio returned 11.8% over the half year, and the ongoing charges figure was unchanged at 0.45%.

The trust also repurchased around 0.7% of its shares during the period, which supports the narrowing of the discount and the value per share for continuing shareholders.

Fund manager Paul Niven described the period as another positive half year despite a volatile geopolitical backdrop, with global markets advancing and the trust's diversified approach contributing.

Dividend Record

F&C declared a first interim dividend of 0.99p per share, payable on 3 August 2026, and has stated that it aims to increase its total dividend for 2026 from the 16.6p per share paid for 2025. The company follows a policy of paying quarterly dividends, with the second interim payable in November and the third in February 2027.

Following a share split proposed earlier this year, the per-share dividend and price figures are expressed on a smaller unit, which is intended to make the shares more accessible to a wider group of investors.

Full-Year 2025 in Context

For the year ended 31 December 2025, the share price total return was 14.6%, ahead of the 14.2% return from the benchmark. The Board also announced a higher dividend and lower costs, and the share price closed the year at 1,252 pence before the share split.

The trust's multi-manager structure and its emphasis on long-term themes, including technology, healthcare and consumer demand, have been central to its approach.

Governance and Leadership

The half-year announcement also included the appointment of a new chair, which provides continuity of oversight as the trust enters its next phase. The Board has highlighted the importance of low costs, a diversified portfolio and a reliable income record in serving shareholders.

Regular net asset value announcements and portfolio updates give investors visibility on holdings and performance.

Growth Catalysts

Possible catalysts for LSE:FCIT include continued growth in global earnings, innovation in areas such as artificial intelligence and healthcare, further narrowing of the discount through share repurchases and investor Demand for diversified, income-growing holdings. The trust's broad range of investments may allow it to participate in different phases of the market cycle.

A long record of increasing dividends can also appeal to investors seeking a combination of growth and rising income over time.

Factors to Monitor

The trust's returns are influenced by global market movements, currency changes, interest rates and the performance of its largest holdings. The discount to net asset value can vary with market sentiment.

Investors typically follow net asset value performance against the benchmark, the discount, costs and dividend progress.

Conclusion

F&C Investment Trust's 0.18% gain to around 341.2p today follows a half year of 12.8% shareholder total return, a narrower discount and a continued aim for a 56th consecutive dividend increase.

Diversification, low costs and rising dividends remain the central themes for LSE:FCIT.