Defence and emerging markets implications

The first episode of 2026 kicks off with a bang as Rich McDonald, Mark “Spice” Holden and Chris Fellingham review a late but powerful Santa Rally, a standout quarter for commodities, and one of the strongest periods of performance since the portfolio launched. Listen to find out why we are cashing out our best performer!

With markets pushing to new highs and geopolitics back in focus, the team break down what’s really driving returns, and make their first meaningful portfolio changes of the year as they position for a potentially more volatile 2026.

This Week’s Highlights:

📈 Santa Rally (Finally)

Equities and commodities surge into year-end, with global markets hitting fresh highs.

🇬🇧 FTSE 100 Above 10,000

A major milestone for UK markets despite years of investor outflows.

⛏️ Commodity Leadership

Gold, copper and mining stocks dominate as rate cuts and geopolitics collide.

🪙 Crypto Whiplash

Sharp moves in crypto-linked equities underline fast-changing sentiment.

🏦 Rates & Bonds

Cooling US inflation steadies bonds, while Japan bucks the global trend.

🌍 Geopolitics Returns

Defence spending, elections and global tensions shape the 2026 outlook.

Portfolio Snapshot - Week 21:

Weekly performance: +4.23%

Total return since inception: +14.29%

Top Performers

🥇 VanEck Crypto & Blockchain Innovators ETF: +12.10%

🥈 BlackRock World Mining Trust: +10.66%

🥉 WisdomTree Copper ETF: +8.11% 

Steadier Contributors

• iShares MSCI India ETF: +2.52%

• iShares Physical Gold ETC: +2.42%

• iShares UK Gilts 0-5 Year ETF: +0.36%

Q4 Quarterly Review (Oct–Dec):

A standout quarter driven by real assets and diversification.

📊 Best Q4 Performers

• BlackRock World Mining Trust: +29.38%

• WisdomTree Copper ETF: +20.51%

• iShares Physical Gold ETC: +15.94%

• Nikkei 225 ETF: +9.60%

📉 Weak Spots

• VanEck Crypto & Blockchain Innovators ETF: –12.42% (Q4)

The quarter reinforces a key theme: commodities and diversification mattered more than mega-cap tech.



Actions Taken – Portfolio Changes:

• - 5% BlackRock World Mining Trust
• - 10% UK Gilts 0-5 years (all of position)
• +15% iShares $ Treasury Bond 7-10yr ETF 

Current positioning:

• ~67.5% equities

• ~22.5% commodities

• ~10% bonds & defensive assets

What You’ll Learn:

✔️ Why commodities dominated Q4

✔️ How professionals trim winners

✔️ Why bonds still matter

✔️ How geopolitics feeds into markets

✔️ Why diversification is back

📈 Download the full Portfolio Performance Slides

View the portfolio breakdown: here

📊 Download the full Quarterly Review Slides

View the Quarterly Review: here

📧 Get in touch: theartofinvesting@ig.com

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Disclaimer:

This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only. The content presented is not intended as personal investment advice or a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any particular securities or investments. All discussions regarding the model portfolio are illustrative and for educational purposes.

Your capital is at risk. The value of shares, ETFs and ETCs can fall as well as rise, which could mean getting back less than you originally put in.

January Incentive:

7.5% AER variable interest on cash balance up to £10,000.

Promotion from 1 January 2026 until 16 January 2026. First trade must be made before 16 January. Interest boosted from First Trade until 31 March 2026.

Your capital is at risk.

New customers only. Offer valid until 16/01/2026 on ISA, GIA or SIPP accounts. T&Cs apply.