Square Mile Investment Consulting & Research confirms that the Standard Life Investments Short Duration Global Index Linked Bond fund has entered its list of recommended funds with an A-rating.

Square Mile's recommended funds, which sit within the Academy of Funds, carry a rating - A, AA, AAA, R or P+ - as reflection of the level of conviction Square Mile's team of analysts has in a fund's ability to deliver on expectations. Square Mile's independent, qualitative research is designed to offer advisers a solid foundation for client investment propositions and recommendations.

Commenting on the Standard Life Investments Short Duration Global Index Linked Bond fund, Victoria Hasler, Square Mile's Head of Research, said

"In our view, Standard Life Investments' real returns team has a solid reputation for in-depth analysis and a strong understanding of what drives inflation markets. In addition, a detailed process and review discipline means that the fund is flexible enough to take advantage of the opportunities available in inflation markets, but structured enough to give investors comfort that they will not get any nasty surprises from the fund.

Square Mile already rates the full duration version of this product and it seems a natural extension to rate this fund. It uses the same team and process, but its benchmark only includes bonds with up to 10 years to maturity, therefore avoiding excessive interest rate risk. This fund is likely to be suitable for investors who wish to protect their portfolio from the effects of inflation over the longer term."