The fund has picked up recently, however, with a 1pc positive return in the past six months. Last August, it paid an interim dividend of 1.3p a share and earlier this month a second interim dividend of 0.2p per share.
The three largest holdings are Johnston Controls, a US energy efficiency company, American Superconductor, a renewable energy company, and Itron, an energy meter support company.
The current share price is 2.5p.
Thumb rating: down
Adrian Lowcock said: "Performance of this fund has been poor, having halved in value over the past 10 years. This is also an evolving sector and investors are likely to suffer periods of underperformance."
One alternative is Investec Enhanced Natural Resources.
Mr Lowcock continued: "Although this isn't a like for like replacement ? the fund can invest in metals and oil ? I prefer a broader commodities fund as it will be able to take advantage of all the opportunities available."
Bank of Cyprus cash Isa bonds
Bank of Cyprus UK has increased the rates across the range of its cash Isa bonds by up to 0.30pc. The bank now has a three-year, two-year and one-year fixed-rate Isa paying 4.1pc, 3.6pc and 3.3pc, market leading for three and one-year fixed-rate Isas.
Each Isa has a minimum deposit of just �1 and all three accept old Isa allowance transfers in. Savers can top up their Isas for the years 2011-12 and 2012-13 in �250 lump sums. No early withdrawals are permitted.
Apply by post, online at www.bankofcyprus.co.uk or by calling 0845 850 5555.
Thumb rating: up
Michelle Slade said: "This increase means that Bank of Cyprus has the highest paying one and three-year fixed-rate Isas and in the two-year market it sits just behind the market leader, Santander, who pay 3.7pc. For those looking to fix their rate these Isas deserve a thumbs-up."
Artemis strategic assets
This multi-asset fund run by respected manager William Littlewood is globally invested with a diverse portfolio. It is free to invest in shares, commodities, currencies and fixed interest, and top holdings include BP, gold, GlaxoSmithKline and a Nikkei 225 tracker.
The largest sector allocation is to cash markets, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals and financials.
Launched in May 2009, the fund has returned 6pc over the past 12 months.
Thumb rating: up
Adrian Lowcock said: "William Littlewood is a very experienced and competent manager. He is given complete freedom to follow his views and has no restraints on where he can invest. The fund aims to provide investors with protection in falling markets while still participating in rising markets and as such should provide a solid return but with less risk."
Buckinghamshire Building Society Chiltern Golden Nuggets Isa
Most Isas either require you to pay in all the money upfront or allow you to make a restricted number of deposits. Buckinghamshire Building Society's Golden Nuggets Isa is specifically designed for those who wish to make monthly payments of the same amount, either by cash, cheque or standing order. There is a minimum monthly payment of �10 and a maximum of �425.
The interest rate is staggered ? savers with a balance of less than �500 will earn 3pc and those who have deposited more than �500 will earn 3.5pc on their savings. The higher rate is 0.25 percentage points more than the nearest competitor in the regular saving Isa market.
Download an application form at www.bucksbs.co.uk/investments or call 01494 879500 for more information.
Thumb rating: up
Michelle Slade said: "Not all Isa savers want to invest the full allowance in one go. Paying 0.25 percentage points above its nearest competitor in the regular saving Isa market, this is certainly one to consider."
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