Client investment activity into funds more than doubled in April of this year compared to the same month of last year, representing an increase of 110 per cent, analysis from Barclays Stockbrokers has shown.

The strong start to the new tax year for funds investing by its clients was similarly revealed in the monthly increase of 16 per cent from March to April 2013.

The top twenty fund purchases made by clients in April found that the Global Emerging Markets and Asia Pacific including Japan sectors featured prominently in the top 10 ranking.

The Newton Asian Income fund, which took top spot in March as the most purchased fund by clients, came second in April and was replaced by the Legg Mason Japan Equity fund. The firm attributed the latter’s popularity to Japanese markets continuing their gains of the last six months.

The First State Global Emerging Markets Leaders fund ranked third, moving up from fourth place in March.

While emerging market and Asia Pacific funds appealed to investors, clients continued to show a strong appetite for UK funds as they have in previous months. Such funds continued to dominate the top 20 purchased funds, accounting for 40 per cent of entries.

The month also saw a diverse focus of client interest, with funds from Specialist, European, North American and Global sectors appearing, said the firm.