Active managers have been heavily criticised during the Covid crisis for failing to outperform in volatile markets that should have provided an opportunity to shine, but new research shows favourable performance among a cohort of funds during 2020.

According to Quilter, the UK wealth manager, stock pickers outperformed market indices in seven out of the 10 major Investment Association equity sectors last year. The findings, based on Morningstar data to the end of December, will provide a much-needed boost to active funds that have been accused of failing to pick winners during choppy markets.