The total value of charity investments fell by 2.7 per cent in 2011, according to latest research from the WM Charity Fund Monitor.

Investments lost value in UK equities, which fell by 3.5 per cent, and overseas equities which dropped by 9.1 per cent, over the last twelve months.

UK bonds have risen by 15.6 per cent in value, and property by 8.1 per cent.

As of September 2011, charities had invested around 39 per cent of their funds in UK equities, and 22 per cent in overseas equities. 

The WM Charity Fund Monitor provides a guide to expected rates of return for UK charity funds.