BlackRock Natural Resources Growth & Income D

Manager research

Richard Davis / Joshua Freedman / Thomas Holl

Davis’ service with the firm dates back to 1994, including his years with Merrill Lynch Investment Managers (MLIM), which merged with BlackRock in 2006. Prior to joining MLIM, he worked as a geologist for three years in Ireland and worked on mineral exploration and resource evaluation projects in base metals, gold and diamonds. Davis earned a BA degree in geology from Trinity College in 1989, and an MSc degree in mineral exploration from Imperial College in 1990. Freedman is responsible for covering the global energy and energy technology sectors as well as managing income mandates. He has been with the firm since 2006, including his years with Merrill Lynch Investment Managers (MLIM). Prior to joining the team, he worked on BlackRock’s Emerging Europe team. Joshua began his career with MLIM. He earned a BA degree, with honours, in engineering from Downing College, Cambridge in 2006. Holl is responsible for covering the gold and mining sectors as well as managing gold and income mandates and segregated portfolios. He moved to his current role in 2008 although his service with the firm dates back to 2006, including his years with Merrill Lynch Investment Managers (MLIM). Holl was a member of the Global Equity team and the Real Estate team as a member of the graduate training program. He earned a BA degree, with honours, in Land Economy from Cambridge University in 2006.

Track record

Richard Davis / Joshua Freedman / Thomas Holl has 9.7 years experience of managing mutual funds in this sector. Over this period the average monthly return relative to the benchmark index has been +0.1%. During the worst period of relative performance (from November 2015 - October 2020) there was a decline of 55% relative to the index. The worst absolute loss has been 35%. Statistically, we estimate the probability that this fund manager is adding value, rather than being lucky, is 69%.

About the MRI

Our unique indicator: the Bestinvest Manager Record Index (MRI) measures the likelihood that the fund manager is adding value through their decisions. It is based on their performance record over the course of their career, adjusted for the amount of risk taken. MRI is an important contributor to our fund rating system but it is also vital to take account of qualitative factors. It is also very important to select funds to form a cohesive portfolio with an appropriate overall risk level.