The North of England P&I club's overall free reserves at 20 February 2004 increased by 34 % to reach US$ 133.5 million despite a difficult year for claims. The 50 million GT club's accounts for the 2003/04 year, which have just been approved by the directors, show a substantial improvement in investment return and further consolidation of the A- rated club's financial position. The P&I class investment portfolio, which remains conservatively structured with 72.5 % in bonds and cash and 27.5 % in equities, generated a return of 14.11 % against a benchmark index of 12.24%. Together with exchange gains, the P&I portfolio provided a total contribution of US$ 50 million.