M&G suspends trading in £4.4bn property fund

M&G has become the latest firm to suspend trading in its property fund - following recent decisions from Standard Life and Aviva Investors.

M&G has become the latest firm to suspend trading in its property fund - following recent decisions from Standard Life and Aviva Investors.

Redemptions in the fund had risen markedly due to theuncertainty engulfing the UKcommercial property market followingthe European Union referendum.

A statement from M&G read: "This will allow the fund manager time to raise cash levels in a controlled manner, ensuringthat any asset disposals are achieved at reasonable values.

"The decision to suspend was taken in agreement with the Fund’s Depositary and theFinancial Conduct Authority has been informed.

"Orders placed after 12pm on 4 July 2016will not be processed until the suspension is lifted. M&G will review the suspension every 28days."

The M&G property portfolio is a broadly diversified fund which invests in 178 UK commercial properties across retail, industrial and office sectors on behalf of UK retail investors.

Around £35bn, around 7% of the total investment in UK commercial property, is invested in these property funds.