Founding and early years
When Jonathan Bell Lovelace founded Capital Group, he prioritized honesty and integrity. By researching and investing in valuable companies, he achieved success.
His plan paid off in 1933 when he assumed the management of The Investment Company of America®, which would go on to become one of the largest U.S. mutual funds.*
Photo: Jonathan Bell Lovelace, 1968
* By AUM for open-end U.S. funds. Data from Morningstar as of December 31, 2023.
Giving Hollywood a hand
In the 1930s, Jonathan Bell Lovelace helped Roy and Walt Disney finance “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” and “Fantasia.”
Making an impact
Lovelace provided testimony during the U.S. government hearings that helped lead to the passage of the Investment Company Act of 1940.
Marketing to broker-dealers
In the late 1940s, we made a conscious decision to market through the broker-dealer community rather than sell the funds directly to the public.
The Capital System™
Early on, Lovelace recognized the benefits of collaborative research, diverse perspectives and a long-term view. His thoughtful process grew into The Capital System.
This distinct investment approach has given us the flexibility to evolve with markets and client needs, delivering new strategies in the investment vehicles clients seek.
Over the years, The Capital System has proven to be one of our greatest competitive advantages.
Photo: Investment Group meeting, 1973
1937
18 associates
US$13.7M AUM
1962
75 associates
US$481.7M AUM
1990
1,529 associates
US$60.3B AUM
2023
8,873 associates
US$2.5T AUM
† AUM = assets under management. Data as of December 31, 1937, 1962, 1990 and 2023, respectively. Reflects the Capital Group global organization.
Our global footprint
In the early 1960s, we noticed a trend of global economic integration and sought to understand worldwide activities.
In 1962, our first European office opened in Geneva, Switzerland. Although few American investment companies had foreign investments at the time, one of our largest funds invested over 10% of its portfolio internationally.
Photo: David Fisher and fund director, 1979
Broadening asset choices
We began managing non-U.S. assets for U.S.-based institutional clients in 1978.
Seeking long-term opportunities
In 1979, we opened a London office amidst a downturn in the U.K. economy. Though perceived as a risk, our long-term perspective enabled us to view it as an opportunity.
Moving into Asia
In 1982, we established our first office in Asia in Tokyo, then expanded to Hong Kong and Singapore. These additions provided us with enhanced access to Asian industries.
Pioneering international investing
In the late 1960s, Capital Group became a global investing trailblazer.
When we found scarce statistical information and investment data for non-U.S. markets, we created what would become the global standard for measuring international investment results: the Europe, Australasia, Far East (EAFE) Index.
This eventually morphed into the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) indices, which are still used to this day.
Photo: Capital Group associates in Hong Kong, 1985
Investing internationally
In 1953, we invested in Royal Dutch Petroleum and later were early institutional investors in Japanese stocks.
Going global
In 1969, Capital Group introduced our first European fund. In preparation, our research analyst took a crash course in Italian.
Keeping a long-term perspective
In 1970, we founded a Luxembourg-based fund, followed by the New Perspective strategy in 1973 in the U.S.
We’re turning 100!
As Capital Group approaches its 100th anniversary in 2031, our long-term strategy remains firmly rooted in our mission to improve people’s lives through successful investing. For more than nine decades, we have continually evolved to achieve that goal.
As we progress, our entire organization remains focused on fulfilling that mission through our strategic priorities.
Deliver superior investment results
We will continue to innovate our research, portfolio construction and risk management processes.
Evolve with our clients
We will continue to put our investors first and work to be the business partner of choice by helping our clients achieve their business priorities.
Simplify and scale
We will deliver world-class service and maintain the financial strength to continually reinvest in our business, clients and associates.
Invest in our culture and the associate experience
We will invest to continually improve the experience of working at Capital Group.
Learn more about Capital Group
Who we are
Leadership team
Our culture
Core values
Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investments in investment funds. Please read the prospectus before investing. Investment funds are not guaranteed or covered by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation or by any other government deposit insurer. For investment funds other than money market funds, their values change frequently. For money market funds, there can be no assurances that the fund will be able to maintain its net asset value per security at a constant amount or that the full amount of your investment in the fund will be returned to you. Past performance may not be repeated. Unless otherwise indicated, any Capital Group information referenced above refers to the Capital Group global organization.
Unless otherwise indicated, any Capital Group information referenced above refers to the Capital Group global organization.
For more information, including our detailed disclosures, visit www.capitalgroup.com/global-disclosures.
For informational purposes only; not intended to provide tax, legal or financial advice.
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