Spring 2023

  A recent survey' suggests investors are becoming more confident despite ongoing challenges on the economic front. While this is certainly encouraging, maintaining a long-term outlook and retaining a strong sense of discipline in investment positioning remains a prerequisite for any successful investor. An air of optimism It’s fair to say 2022 was a turbulent year for global markets with the war in Ukraine, soaring inflation and rising interest rates weighing heavily on a difficult 12-month period. Towards the end of the year, however, markets did stage a cautious recovery despite ongoing fears of a looming recession. Inflation expected to fall The final quarter of last year also witnessed a rebound in investor sentiment, with the same survey reporting a seven-percentage point rise in confidence in the global economy, although this was before the recent woes in the banking sector. This optimism was driven by hopes that inflation has now peaked and is set to continue falling in the months ahead; a view reflected in the International Monetary Fund’s latest economic musings which predict global inflation will drop from 8.8% in 2022 to 6.6% this year and 4.3% in 2024. Young guns Data from the survey also revealed a majority of investors were either positive or ambivalent about last year’s market volatility and its impact on their investing mindset. This was particularly true for younger investors with three-quarters of 18 to 34-year-olds either positive or indifferent compared to six in ten over-55s. This variation will partly reflect differing retirement time horizons, with younger investors more able to adopt a longer-term view. Investor discipline is key This is clearly encouraging as maintaining a long-term philosophy based on prudent risk management principles and avoiding panicked decisions has always been a key element for successful investing, maintaining discipline in investment positioning. In practice, this means achieving an appropriate level of diversification and understanding how to blend investments – that’s what we do. Click here to read article in full

Winter 2023

By any comparison, the past 12 months have been tough for investors with a series of shocks impacting markets and, as 2023 dawns, uncertainties remain. One constant on the investment horizon, though, is the requirement to be strategic with your portfolio. A sound strategy based on careful planning; making purposeful decisions, based on thorough research and reliable processes, will stand you in good stead.

Last year saw markets struggle with bouts of volatility as a combination of high inflation, rising interest rates and the war in Ukraine brought about challenging headwinds and markets sought a stable footing. As a result, fund inflows slowed while cash as a percentage of investors’ portfolios rose, prompting warnings that investors need to be aware of limitations to the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) for cash balances. Identifying opportunities With large amounts of money on the sidelines, using our knowledge, we aim to identify opportunities and position portfolios to benefit from recessionresistant companies in which we have conviction. Those who still have the capacity to invest should consider adding back to their portfolios in order to take advantage of any potential low valuations. Battling inflation Investors also need to be aware of the erosive impact of inflation on cash-based savings. In the current economic climate, anyone holding a significant proportion of their assets in cash, even with savings rates improving, will inevitably see the value of their wealth decline in real terms. In essence, equities offer a better potential defence in the battle with inflation. Trust in our process Experienced investor or not, staying calm during periods of market turmoil is never easy but adapting your mindset and focusing on investment strategy rather than market sentiment is vital. Investing in the stock market does clearly involve a level of risk but the adoption of a carefully considered strategy based on sound financial planning principles undoubtedly offers investors the best chance of success. The International Monetary Fund (IMF)3 has predicted a challenging 2023, reducing growth expectations and forecasting economic contraction in a third of the world, in its latest World Economic Outlook entitled ‘Countering the Cost-of-Living Crisis.’ Click here to read article in full

Autumn Q4 2022

Summer 2022

Most people would agree that wealth is not about hoarding money but the financial freedom and flexibility it affords to help us achieve our passions and goals. Wealth essentially has the capacity to create a powerful purpose within our lives, provided we are able to unlock its true value. A good starting point for unlocking the value of wealth is to develop a clear understanding of what you want from life and what mark you want to leave. Do you want to travel; start your own business; support your family; create opportunities for others, or leave a legacy? Establishing the type of things that you really care about can provide a genuinely powerful purpose to wealth. Sharing your wealth One of the best ways to find fulfilment in your wealth is by sharing it; there is certainly no joy in holding onto wealth you will never use. Using wealth to help family, for instance, can be a particularly rewarding experience that allows you to positively change loved ones’ lives. Indeed, as the cost-of-living crisis continues to weigh heavily on household budgets, there has perhaps never been a better time to offer financial support to family members.

The ‘Big Five’ personality traits of the self-made millionaire

In the first study of its kind2 , researchers have distinguished the personality traits most common among self-made millionaires versus those who have inherited their wealth. The study analysed a sample of wealthy individuals according to the so-called ‘Big Five’ personality traits: • Openness (i.e. curious vs cautious) • Conscientiousness (i.e. efficient vs disorganised) • Extroversion (i.e. outgoing vs reserved) • Agreeableness (i.e. friendly vs uncaring) • Neuroticism (i.e. confident vs anxious) The results showed that wealthy individuals across both categories tended to show a similar personality profile, being open to new experiences, extroverted, conscientious, agreeable and demonstrating low levels of neuroticism. They were also shown to be more risk tolerant than the average population. Interestingly, the study revealed that self-made millionaires more closely match this personality profile than inheritors – and that this becomes more pronounced the wealthier they are. The report concluded that people with this unique combination of personality traits have a higher chance of becoming rich via their own means. The good news – if you don’t match this specific profile – over the years many studies have also shown that taking financial advice can result in heightened wealth accumulation. Intergenerational planning A recent report1 shows that one in three advised families now share the same financial adviser, with many turning to them for help with wealth transfers and planning. As well as cost-of-living pressures, the increasing need for intergenerational advice has also been fuelled by the Chancellor’s decision to freeze Inheritance Tax (IHT) allowances until at least 2026, which will result in a growing number of people becoming liable for death duties. Unlocking the real value of your wealth We can help you develop a clear understanding of what you want to achieve with your wealth and then provide the support and advice required to fulfil those goals. The value of investments and income from them may go down. You may not get back the original amount invested. Inheritance Tax Planning is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.