Fidelity Global Technology Fund: What UK Investors Need to Know

Fidelity Global Technology Fund What UK Investors Need to Know

Over the past 10 years, technology has consistently been one of the best-performing sectors. The Fidelity Global Technology Fund is one of the most talked-about ways for UK investors to have exposure to global IT giants. But what is it, how does it function, and is it a good fit for your portfolio?

This guide covers everything you need to know—from fund performance and holdings to how to invest and what fees to expect in 2025.

What Is the Fidelity Global Technology Fund?

The Fidelity Global Technology Fund is an actively managed equity fund that puts money into tech companies all over the world. Fidelity International, one of the biggest asset managers in the world, runs the fund. Its goal is to grow wealth over the long term by mostly investing in companies that make, sell, or distribute technology products and services.

The fund targets companies at various stages of the tech lifecycle—from established mega-caps like Apple, Microsoft, and NVIDIA to high-growth innovators across the US, Europe, and Asia. Its global mandate means it isn’t limited to Silicon Valley; it casts a much wider net.

It’s available to UK retail investors and is regulated under UCITS (Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities) guidelines, making it accessible through a range of UK investment platforms.

Key Fund Details (2026)

Here’s a snapshot of the fund’s key characteristics:

  • Fund Manager: Hyun Ho Sohn (lead manager since 2014)
  • Fund Type: UCITS-compliant open-ended investment fund (OEIC)
  • Benchmark: MSCI All Country World Information Technology Index
  • Currency: GBP (hedged and unhedged share classes available)
  • Minimum Investment: Varies by platform, typically £1,000 lump sum or £25/month regular savings
  • Ongoing Charges Figure (OCF): Approximately 0.92% per year (varies by share class)
  • Available on: Fidelity Personal Investing, Hargreaves Lansdown, AJ Bell, interactive investor, and more

What Does the Fund Invest In?

The Fidelity Global Technology Fund holds a concentrated portfolio of around 60–100 stocks, with a strong bias toward the US market, which typically accounts for 60–75% of the portfolio. Key sectors within the fund include:

  • Semiconductors (e.g., NVIDIA, Taiwan Semiconductor)
  • Software & Cloud Computing (e.g., Microsoft, Salesforce)
  • Consumer Electronics (e.g., Apple)
  • Internet & E-commerce (e.g., Amazon, Alphabet)
  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

The fund’s manager, Hyun Ho Sohn, takes a high-conviction approach—meaning he backs his best ideas heavily rather than spreading investments thinly across hundreds of stocks. This concentration can amplify returns but also increases volatility compared to a passive tech index fund.

How Has the Fidelity Global Technology Fund Performed?

Performance has been strong over the long term, though like all equity funds, it carries risk. Over a 10-year period, the fund has significantly outperformed many of its peers and delivered returns well above the broader market.

However, it’s important to note that past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. The fund experienced notable drawdowns during the 2022 tech sell-off, when rising interest rates hit growth stocks hard. It subsequently recovered strongly through 2023 and 2024, driven largely by the artificial intelligence boom.

UK investors comparing this fund to passive alternatives like the iShares MSCI World Information Technology ETF should weigh the active management premium (higher fees) against the potential for outperformance.

How to Invest in the Fidelity Global Technology Fund in the UK

Getting started is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

Step 1: Choose a Platform

You can invest through Fidelity’s own platform, Fidelity Personal Investing, or via third-party platforms like:

  • Hargreaves Lansdown – user-friendly, ideal for beginners
  • AJ Bell – competitively priced for regular investors
  • interactive investor – flat-fee structure suits larger portfolios
  • Vanguard or Nutmeg – note: availability may vary

Step 2: Select an Account Type

Consider which account wrapper makes the most sense for your situation:

  • Stocks & Shares ISA – your returns are sheltered from UK Capital Gains Tax and Income Tax. You can invest up to £20,000 per tax year (2024/25 limit).
  • Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) – tax relief on contributions makes this attractive for long-term retirement investing.
  • General Investment Account (GIA) – no tax advantages, but no contribution limits.

Step 3: Search for the Fund

Search for “Fidelity Global Technology Fund” on your chosen platform. You may see multiple share classes—look for the W Accumulation share class for most retail investors, which automatically reinvests dividends.

Step 4: Make Your Investment

You can invest as a lump sum or set up a regular monthly contribution. Most platforms allow you to start from as little as £25 per month, making it accessible for new investors building their portfolios gradually.

Step 5: Monitor and Review

Once invested, review your holdings periodically—at least annually. Technology is a volatile sector, so it’s worth ensuring your overall portfolio remains diversified across asset classes and geographies.

What Are the Risks?

The Fidelity Global Technology Fund is rated medium-to-high risk. Before investing, consider the following:

  • Sector concentration: The fund is entirely focused on technology, meaning it will underperform during tech downturns more than a diversified global fund.
  • Currency risk: Although GBP-hedged classes are available, unhedged versions are exposed to fluctuations in currencies like the US dollar.
  • Valuation risk: Technology stocks often trade at high price-to-earnings multiples. Any shift in investor sentiment or interest rates can trigger sharp price corrections.
  • Active manager risk: If the fund manager’s investment decisions underperform the index, you’d have been better off in a cheaper passive fund.

This fund is best suited to investors with a long-term horizon of at least five to ten years who can tolerate short-term volatility.

Fidelity Global Technology Fund vs. Similar Funds

Wondering how it stacks up against alternatives? Here’s a brief comparison:

Fund

Type

OCF

Focus

Fidelity Global Technology Fund

Active

~0.92%

Global tech equities

Polar Capital Technology Trust

Active (Investment Trust)

~0.82%

Global tech equities

iShares MSCI World IT ETF

Passive

~0.25%

Global tech index

Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust

Active (Investment Trust)

~0.34%

Growth companies incl. tech

Each option has its merits. If minimizing fees is your priority, a passive ETF may be more suitable. If you believe active management can add value in a sector as dynamic as technology, the Fidelity fund makes a compelling case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Fidelity Global Technology Fund available in a Stocks & Shares ISA?
Yes. Most major UK platforms allow you to hold this fund within an ISA wrapper, shielding your returns from Capital Gains Tax and Income Tax.

Can I invest monthly rather than as a lump sum?
Yes. Regular savings plans are available on most platforms, often from as little as £25 per month.

Is this fund suitable for beginner investors?
It can be, but beginners should be aware of its sector concentration and volatility. Those new to investing may prefer a broader global fund before adding sector-specific exposure.

What is the fund’s ISIN?
The ISIN for the W Accumulation share class (GBP) is GB00B7VNMB18, though you should confirm this on your chosen platform as multiple share classes exist.

Does the fund pay dividends?
The Accumulation share class reinvests any income back into the fund automatically. An Income share class is also available if you prefer to receive dividends.

Is the Fidelity Global Technology Fund Right for You?

The Fidelity Global Technology Fund offers UK investors a well-managed, actively run route into global technology—one of the world’s most dynamic and fast-evolving sectors. With a seasoned fund manager, a strong long-term track record, and broad accessibility across UK platforms, it remains a popular choice for growth-oriented investors.

That said, it works best as part of a diversified portfolio rather than a standalone investment. The technology sector can move sharply in both directions, and the fund’s concentrated, high-conviction approach amplifies that effect.

If you’re considering adding this fund to your ISA or pension, speaking with a qualified financial adviser can help you determine whether it aligns with your goals, risk tolerance, and investment timeline.

Capital at risk. The value of investments can fall as well as rise, and you may get back less than you invest. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Follow Uktechwire for more updates!

 

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