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UK Notes
UK News

Church of England's £7.9bn investments see 'stellar' returns in 2016

The £7.9 billion pot saw returns on its investments last year of 17.1 per cent, according to the Church Commissioners latest financial update.

First church estates commissioner Sir Andreas Whittam Smith said: "Contributing to this stellar outturn was a strong showing by global equities (+32.9 per cent), partly reflecting the depreciation of sterling.

"The combined property portfolios delivered a creditable 11.6 per cent in a relatively weak market environment. Consistency has truly been a guiding principle for the fund."

Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

The 17.1 per cent return in 2016 exceeded the Church of England's target and equates to a £230.7 million boost for the Church's work. It's also higher than the 8.2 per cent returns it recorded in 2015.

According to the Church Commissioners, the investment fund is managed in an "ethical and responsible" way, with its returns financing mission opportunities, churches, cathedrals and clergy pensions.

Secretary and chief executive of the Church Commissioners, Andrew Brown, said: "While this is only around 15 per cent of the Church's overall income - most funding comes from the extraordinary generosity of parishioners - we are delighted to be able to play our part.

"Whether funding city centre churches, community projects in low-income areas or research programmes to examine how the church can grow, these returns make a tangible difference to the lives of thousands across the country."

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