When I covered Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust (LSE: SMT) in mid-September last year, I said it had considerable investment appeal as part of a diversified portfolio. “I’m backing it to continue outperforming in the years ahead,” I wrote at the time.
Since then, the investment trust has certainly outperformed. This year, Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust’s share price is up about 34%. By contrast, the FTSE 100 index (which it’s actually a member of) is down roughly 17%. Is it too late to buy SMT now?
I don’t think so. However, there are some risks you should be aware of.
Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust review
Before I look at the investment case for SMT, it’s worth recapping what this trust actually does, because its name is a little confusing.
Scottish Mortgage is an actively-managed, low-cost investment trust that invests in growth companies listed around the world. The flagship investment trust of investment manager Baillie Gifford, it has absolutely nothing to do with Scottish mortgages. Instead, it predominantly invests in high-growth, disruptive technology companies with the aim of maximising total returns over the long term.
Here’s a look at the top 30 holdings as of 31 May.
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US tech stocks are driving the SMT share price higher
As you can see, Scottish Mortgage has a strong focus on disruptive tech companies, many of which are listed in the US.
It’s this technology focus that explains why the trust’s share price has soared recently. This year, the US technology sector has been on fire. Tesla, for example, is up around 130%. Amazon is up about 40%. Meanwhile, Zoom Video Communications is up a huge 240%.
It doesn’t surprise me that technology stocks are outperforming this year. The world has been experiencing a digital revolution for years now, and Covid-19 has turbocharged this revolution. All of a sudden, we’re working from home more, shopping from home more, and enjoying more digital entertainment at home. Tech companies are benefiting.
Can tech stocks keep charging higher in the short term? I’m not so sure. Right now, the valuations on a lot of tech stocks do look a little stretched. Yet, long term, I do think the prospects for the tech sector remain attractive. In 20 years’ time, I expect companies such as Amazon and Alphabet (Google) to be much bigger than they are today.
Scottish Mortgage: risks to be aware of
Ultimately, there’s the risk of a pullback here in the short term. Tech stocks have enjoyed a fantastic run this year and I wouldn’t be surprised to see a near-term correction. This could hit Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust’s share price.
However, from a long-term point of view, Scottish Mortgage continues to have plenty of potential, to my mind. I think the current tech revolution could last for years, if not decades. As technology continues to have a major impact on the world in the years ahead, Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust should benefit.
