UK asset manager Guinness Asset Management has launched a fund investing in companies engaged in the exploration, production and distribution of energy, including oil, natural gas, coal, nuclear, utilities and alternative energy. It will be managed by Tim Guinness, supported by analysts Tom Nelson, Will Riley and Ian Mortimer. Mr Guinness managed the Investec GSF Global Energy fund from November 1998 until end-February 2008; the team continues to manage the Guinness Atkinson Global Energy fund, a no-load SEC-registered US mutual fund launched in 2004 and only open to US investors. Under normal market conditions the fund will invest in 30 equally-weighted positions made up of approximately 40 stocks. A majority of companies held will have a market capitalisation exceeding $1 billion. This fund follows the recent UK retail market launch of the Guinness Alternative Energy fund. It is the intention that these will be the first of a full stable of specialist sector and thematic funds which will enable investors to gain exposure to investments in energy, Asia and innovation.