Lonsec upgrades Legg Mason Martin Currie Real Income Fund

Lonsec has upgraded the Legg Mason Martin Currie Real Income Fund rating to 'Highly Recommended' and also given the active ETF version - Betashares Legg Mason Real Income Fund (managed fund) (ASX: RINC) - the same rating.

Lonsec has cited a "high regard for the Martin Currie Listed Real Assets investment team" and "the disciplined investment process" as reasons for the upgrade.

Ashton Reid is the lead portfolio manager of the fund and is supported by Andrew Chambers and the broader investment team, which are based in Melbourne and led by CIO, Reece Birtles.

"The Manager has clearly articulated a strong commitment to the integration of ESG within their investment process with a strong policy framework and clear public positioning," Lonsec said in its report.

"Overall Lonsec views the strength of this commitment to be well above peers. Lonsec's review of the overall level of disclosure with respect to the Manager's proxy voting and engagement, policies and reporting are assessed as industry leading, with particular credit paid to the details and clarity provided in the Manager Proxy Voting Policy."