While Neil Woodford’s CF Woodford Equity Income fund held onto to the top spot as the most traded fund, five new entrants made it onto the May list, two of which invest in gold – BlackRock Gold & General and Investec Global Gold.

“As uncertainty remains over a possible Brexit, it is hardly surprising that investors have sought the supposed safe haven this asset is seen to hold,” said Andy Parsons, head of investment research at The Share Centre.

Woodford’s fund has now been the most traded fund on a monthly basis at The Share Centre for over a year.

Parsons said the data, which is based on the number of deals completed by its customers, indicates that even in these uncertain times, investors believe that Woodford is a “trusted and reliable leader for their investment”.

Holding onto second and third places for the second month running were the Fundsmith Equity and the Legg Mason Japan Equity funds.

So what of the other new entrants onto the list? For the first time in four years the JPM US Equity Income fund features, ranking as the sixth most traded fund in May. Parsons said this perhaps demonstrates increased investor appetite for alternative income opportunities from around the world.

“Managed by Clare Hart, the team look for companies which offer above average dividend yields, are able to sustain the payments and, finally, have good management, leading to an added attraction for income investors,” he said.

Another income fund entering the most traded list was the Invesco Perpetual High Income fund, while the fifth new entrant was the Old Mutual UK Mid-Cap fund. Parson described both as historical favourites of investors at The Share Centre.

“The Invesco fund aims to provide investors with a high level of income, together with capital growth,” he said. “The Old Mutual fund seeks to provide capital growth from investing primarily in a portfolio of medium sized UK companies, serving as an ideal investment opportunity for those seeking true mid-cap exposure.”

The full list of the most traded funds in May is below:

1     CF Woodford Equity Income

2     Fundsmith Equity

3     Legg Mason Japan Equity

4     BlackRock Gold & General

5    Stewart Investors Asia Pacific Leaders

6    JPM US Equity Income

7     Invesco Perpetual High Income

8     Investec Global Gold

9     Old Mutual UK Mid-Cap

10   Jupiter Global Managed