Ruffer, which only has seven funds under management, tops Alternative Assets and Mixed Asset. Threadneedle is out in front in Smaller Companies and Other Developed Equity, while Jupiter leads the way in Mixed Asset and Other Developed Equity.
Other notable winners include First State, which pipped rival Aberdeen to the post in Emerging Markets, and M&G, which was the only house that managed an outstanding rating in UK Fixed Interest.
The shortlist, which identifies groups in two categories – outstanding and highly commended – is based on FE Crown Fund Ratings – a quant rating system developed to identify the UK’s best funds on a risk/return basis.
Oliver Clarke-Williams, investment product consultant at FE, said: "We already identify where managers add value to their funds through our FE Alpha Manager rating. This new rating aims to do the same for groups."
"Where they have an advantage it is most likely due to the resources they are able to put at their managers' disposal."
"Often this will be a well-resourced team of analysts based in the market they’re exposed to – as is the case for First State in the emerging markets, M&G for UK fixed income and Invesco Perpetual for UK equities."
Top-rated groups in respective asset classes
| Group name | Group award | Category |
| CF Ruffer | Outstanding | Alternative Assets |
| CF Ruffer | Outstanding | Mixed Asset |
| First State Investments | Outstanding | Emerging Markets |
| Invesco Perpetual | Outstanding | UK Equity |
| Investec | Outstanding | International Fixed Income |
| Investec | Outstanding | Mixed Asset |
| Jupiter | Outstanding | Mixed Asset |
| Jupiter | Outstanding | Other Developed Equity |
| M&G | Outstanding | UK Fixed Income |
| Newton & BNY Mellon | Outstanding | Alternative Assets |
| Newton & BNY Mellon | Outstanding | Global Equity |
| Scottish Widows | Outstanding | Mixed Asset |
| Standard Life | Outstanding | Alternative Assets |
| Threadneedle | Outstanding | Other Developed Equity |
| Threadneedle | Outstanding | Smaller Companies |
Source:
In certain areas, the success of a single fund has been enough to give a group an outstanding rating.
"Ruffer’s success is largely down to the CF Ruffer Absolute Return fund, which despite having nearly £2bn under management has continued to forge ahead with excellent performance," explained Clarke-Williams.
The group made headlines on FE Trustnet last week when normally media-shy Steve Russell spoke to FE journalist Joshua Ausden and warned of a potential bubble in UK equity income.
Investec and Schroders were praised for their provision in the Fixed Income, Mixed Asset and Other Developed Equity categories. Clarke-Williams said the groups’ efforts to ensure their managers are well supported had massively benefitted their ability to produce returns.
On Jupiter’s good showing, Clarke-Williams said: "They have funds investing in the three developed markets of America, Europe and Japan, all of which have performed either in line with or in excess of the market."
"This impressive performance across three diverse investment environments is testament to the support Jupiter is able to provide its managers, whilst still providing them with the freedom to follow their own investment mandates."
Click here for the full list of groups.