We trace our roots back to the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl. Our founder, Jonathan Bell Lovelace, was an investing pioneer whose emphasis on fundamental research continues to guide us. Through periods of prosperity and uncertainty, market bubbles and declines, we’ve always put investors first.
Here’s a brief look at our history and some of Capital Group’s pioneering endeavors:
The 1930s
1931
Capital Group is founded in Los Angeles by Jonathan Bell Lovelace.
1934
We assume management of The Investment Company of America, Capital Group's first fund and still in our investment line-up today.
The 1940s
1943
Our New York office opens.
The 1950s
1950
We determine to sell investment funds only through financial advisers - our belief in the value of advice continues to this day.
1953
An investment in Royal Dutch Petroleum makes Capital Group one of the first U.S.-based firms to invest outside North America.
1958
The Capital SystemSM, our approach to portfolio management, is established.
The 1960s
1962
Our first European office opens, in Geneva.
1965
Associates in our Geneva office create the Capital International indices (now known as the Morgan Stanley Capital International S.A. indices) — the first set of stock market indices for non-U.S. markets.
The 1970s
1973
Capital Group begins managing fixed income assets in dedicated bond portfolios.
1978
We begin managing segregated accounts outside the US.
1979
Our London office opens.
The 1980s
1982
Our Tokyo office opens, followed by Hong Kong in 1983.
1986
In response to the World Bank’s request for a vehicle for institutions to invest in developing nations, we launch an emerging markets growth fund — the first of its kind.
1987
Capital Group acquires its one millionth investor.
1989
Our Singapore office opens.
The 1990s
1997
Capital Group launches its first website
The 2000s
2000
We begin offering investment management services for individuals in Canada.
2003
We begin offering investment management services for individuals in Europe.
2008-2009
Our office in Mumbai, India, opens, followed by our office in Beijing, China. Both offices expand our emerging market's reach.
The 2010s
2011
Our Sydney office opens.
2012
The American Funds Portfolio Series of eight objective-based funds of funds is introduced. We open a Luxembourg office.
2013
Sales offices open in Milan and Zurich.
2014
Our Private Equity team establishes an office in São Paolo. A sales office opens in Madrid.
2015
American Funds’ proprietary record-keeping platform surpasses 1 million participants. A sales office opens in Frankfurt.
2016
American Funds introduces three new bond funds. Capital Ideas launches, providing investment knowledge and strategic insights for advisors and financial intermediaries.