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Diversity has the ‘X-Factor’

The reason behind this is that fund performance varies, depending on what is affecting the underlying assets. These include how the economy is doing, market sentiment and sectors it chooses or avoids.

The manager’s style, too, will come in and out of favour. Some managers like to pick out-of-favour companies and wait for the business to be turned around; others like stocks which pay a steady dividend for a reliable income stream.  So, if you pick a fund that has been a top performer for the past five years, it may be due a change in fortune.

When I am advising clients, I tend to look at what to recommend by using a different method than pure past performance.  Clearly, I am not going to pick poor performers thinking that they will be due an upturn.  The starting point must be an appreciation that, to get the best benefit, the investment is for the long term.  We are not looking for quick fixes but to take advantage of market fluctuations.  Therefore, picking funds is based on what I believe in for the long term.

What I am also looking for is diversity, using the investment profile that the client completes allows me to choose funds suitable for them in different sectors, regions and assets.  This allows for a more temperate approach as there will be checks and balances within the portfolio as funds rise and fall.  The adage that, it’s not timing the market, but time in the market, to get good returns still holds true. If you haven’t reviewed your investments for some time I am happy to arrange to see you to discuss what, if any, changes I would recommend.

This communication is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice, investment recommendations or investment research. You should seek advice from a professional adviser before embarking on any financial planning activity. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information contained in this communication is correct, we are not responsible for any errors or omissions.

Other News

ABI and FCA Highlight Pensions Advice Shortfall

FinanceReceiving independent, regulated financial advice on an expat retirement transfer is essential for any person who is considering the possibility of converting their existing pension scheme into a QROPS or SIPPS.

However, analysis by the Association of British Insurers (ABI) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) reveal worrying trends.

In 2018, the FCA published research findings showing that during the 12-month survey period 91% of UK adults did not obtain regulated financial advice.*

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The biggest saving regret? Not starting sooner

Hourglass“Non, je ne regrette rien”.

Expats in France may be able to translate this famous song title to “No, I regret nothing,” which is ideally what every saver wants to be able to say as they reach the end of their expat retirement planning period and look forward to moving abroad to their own personal paradise.

But not everyone has the initiative to stay on top of their pension pot, and it might be interesting for the younger generation to hear what older workers and retirees have to say about their pension saving experiences and what they would do differently if they could turn back the clock.

With this in mind, research recently released by Aegon, which asked pension savers about which decisions regarding their pensions they regretted the most, could prove very useful and serve as a firm reminder of why sufficient retirement planning isn’t something to leave until the eleventh hour.

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