The Art of Investing

Welcome to Episode 6 of The Art of Investing – our deep dive into the UK market.Rich MacDonald, Chris Fellingham, and Mark Holden explore why the FTSE 100 has underperformed for years, the key factors driving its performance, and whether the tide might finally be turning. With 12 new all-time highs this year, could a catalyst spark a comeback?We also answer listener Matt Carter’s question: “I’ve got cash ready to invest – how do I start?” Expect a simple, step-by-step guide to opening an account, funding it, and choosing investments.This week’s highlights include:Market update: S&P 500, NASDAQ, Nikkei and Bitcoin hitting new highs; UK interest rate cut; US rate cut expectations.FTSE 100 deep dive: Why it’s dominated by financials, consumer staples, and energy – and what that means for investors.Value vs. growth: How the UK’s sector mix compares to the US, and why “cheap” isn’t always enough.Catalysts to watch: Banks’ re-rating, falling bad debts, and the potential impact of the UK budget.When the FTSE outperforms: Lessons from 2008, Brexit, and the Russia–Ukraine conflict.Investing 101: How to open and fund an account, choose an ISA or SIPP, and start building a diversified ETF-based portfolio.Explore accounts with IG: https://www.ig.com/uk/investments/share-dealing📄 Download the Portfolio ETFs List here📧 Get in touch: theartofinvesting@ig.comDisclaimer:This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended as personal investment advice, financial planning guidance, or a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any securities. All portfolio discussions are for educational purposes only. Past performance is not an indication of future results.

Welcome to episode 5 of The Art of Investing, entitled "Live Portfolio Launch" - the moment when real-life investment decisions meet real-life consequences. Join Rich McDonald, Chris Fellingham, and Mark Holden as they launch their live model portfolio, unveiling the asset allocation for a targeted 10% annual return. This episode kicks off with a market update, including the recent 4% fall and quick recovery of US equity markets, impacts from new tariffs on countries like India and Switzerland, and notable corporate earnings from Amazon, Apple, and more.This week’s discussion also covers the US non-farm payroll data, shifts in interest rate expectations, and a deep dive into portfolio construction. The team debates the ideal equity allocation, discusses inflation and AI productivity impacts, and considers risks like rising bond yields and seasonality effects in August and September. The portfolio emphasizes a 75% equities and 25% other assets split for long-term investors aged 30-40, with adjustments for risk appetite and market timing.What you'll learn in this episode:How recent market volatility and tariff changes are impacting global equities and commodities.The rationale behind the live portfolio’s 60% equity allocation and its geographic diversification, including US, UK, Japan, Germany, and India.The role of inflation, AI productivity gains, and US political risks in shaping investment strategy.The importance of balancing equities with real assets like gold, copper, and blockchain ETFs for portfolio stability.Why holding 20% in short-term gilts provides dry powder for opportunistic buying.Next week:More insights and portfolio updates following the launch, plus a continued exploration of how market themes evolve.Download the Portfolio ETF's list hereThe Portfolio:Equities S&P 500 Hedged (GBP) – 10%German DAX – 10%Japanese Nikkei – 10%Nasdaq 100 – 10%FTSE 100 – 10%India Sensex – 5%BlackRock Mining – 5%Commodities Gold Physical – 10%WisdomTree Copper – 5%Fixed IncomeUK Gilts 0–5 Year – 20%Cryptocurrency VanEck Bitcoin – 5%Get in touch with the show:theartofinvesting@ig.comDisclaimerThis podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only. The content presented is not intended as personal investment advice, financial planning guidance, or a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any particular securities or investments. All discussions regarding the model portfolio are for educational purposes only. Past performance is not an indication of future results.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.

Dive into the fascinating world of commodities, where gold, oil, and copper take center stage. Discover how tariffs and market dynamics influenced a record-breaking week for major indices. Learn about the staggering supply limits of gold, rolled alongside a cautionary tale of past sales. Bitcoin emerges as a contender for wealth preservation in this volatile landscape, showcasing its ties to inflation. The conversation also guides listeners through the intricacies of constructing a savvy investment portfolio, adapting to ever-changing market conditions.

The Art of Investing is back for episode 3, and this week we’re exploring another asset class - how bonds serve as a powerful tool for diversification, offering a counterbalance to equities in your portfolio. Join Rich McDonald, Chris Fellingham and Mark Holden to discover the secrets hidden in the attributes of bonds - issuer, interest rate, and maturity. Hear about the recent highs in global stock markets powered by rising copper prices, the ripple effects of international trade negotiations, including Japan's successful tariff deal with the U.S., and market reactions to earnings reports from Netflix and General Motors.The intimidating power of the bond market is explained with a Thames Water 6.75% 2030 bond as an example, as we explore capital structure hierarchy, highlighting the prioritisation of bondholders over equity holders in financial distress scenarios. Explore the fascinating relationship between bond prices and yields, likened to a seesaw where rising prices mean falling yields. Often perceived as lower-risk investments compared to equities, factors influencing longer-dated bond prices include inflation, interest rates, and economic growth. What you’ll learn in this episodeBonds Have Key Attributes: Bonds are financial instruments characterised by three attributes: an issuer, an interest rate, and a payback date. They represent a form of borrowing where the bondholder earns interest over time and is repaid the principal amount at maturity.Market Sentiment Can Drive Share Performance: Even when companies like Netflix report strong financial results, share prices can fall if market expectations have been set too high. This highlights the importance of understanding investor sentiment and expectations when analysing stock movements.Global Trade Negotiations Impact Markets: Trade agreements and tariffs between countries, such as those involving Japan, Europe, and the U.S., can significantly influence stock market performance. For example, Japan securing better-than-expected tariff terms resulted in a boost for its stock market.Commodity Prices Can Influence Indexes: The performance of certain stock indexes, like the FTSE 100, can be closely tied to commodities such as copper. The FTSE 100, with its significant number of mining companies, benefits from higher commodity prices.Technology and Market Evolution: Companies that once dominated markets can decline dramatically over time. Nokia, once the largest company in Europe, has seen its shares fall 87% in the past 25 years, illustrating the rapid evolution of technology and market dynamics.Get in touch with the show by emailing theartofinvesting@ig.com IG New Customer OfferUntil 15th August 2025, IG is giving away a free UK share bundle to all new customers, worth up to £100 when you invest just £20. Sign up for a general investment account, stocks and shares ISA or a SIPP and make your £20 investment to get started.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 put in. New customers only. Offer valid until 15 August for ISA, GIA, and SIPP accounts. Other fees may apply. T&Cs apply.This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only. The content presented is not intended as personal investment advice, financial planning guidance, or a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any particular securities or investments. All...

This conversation dives into managing market uncertainties and how political and economic factors affect equities. The hosts discuss the rise of cryptocurrencies and their new potential as an asset class. They unpack the implications of inflation and interest rates, especially during quarterly reporting seasons. The benefits of a diversified portfolio and the risks of holding cash are highlighted, along with insights on stock valuations like NVIDIA versus Tesco. Finally, they explore the importance of management quality and learning from investment mistakes.

Welcome to the launch episode of The Art of Investment, a brand new podcast that transforms market noise into clear investing strategies. Brought to you by IG, global investing platform, FTSE 250 and over 50 years in the markets. This isn't your typical finance show.Whether you're taking your first steps into the investment world or you're a seasoned investor looking to sharpen your edge, you've found your new secret weapon.Every Friday, hosts Rich McDonald, Mark Holden & Chris Fellingham – three investing legends bring you a combined century of market wisdom. They'll decode the week's biggest moves, reveal the hot topics that could make or break a portfolio, and share the insights that separate winners from wishful thinkers.In this episode we look ahead at potential impacts of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, monetary policy shifts in Europe and the UK, and the profound effects that Trump's tariffs are expected to have on global markets, especially the automotive sector. Whether you're planning for retirement or seeking to grow your wealth, we discuss the importance of long-term investment strategies, the power of compounding returns and the critical role of early financial planning.What you’ll learn in this episode -Understanding the Risks of Holding Cash Over Stocks: Learn how choosing cash investments over stocks can result in lost opportunities for higher returns.How Supply and Demand Influence Prices: Learn how market forces affect asset prices, such as corporate values increasing when demand exceeds supply.Strategies for Building a Diversified Portfolio: Explore practical techniques to design well-balanced investment portfolios across various asset classes.Effective Retirement Planning: Understand how to prepare financially for long-term retirement needs, including strategies for wealth creation and sustainability.The Power of Financial Markets for Wealth Creation: Discover how financial markets help create wealth and why long-term investment strategies are essential for life aspirations like retirement planning.Framework for Personal Investment Management: Explore how individuals can take control of their investment strategies and create a sustainable financial future by learning market mechanisms and trends.Get in touch with the show by emailing theartofinvesting@ig.com This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only. The content presented is not intended as personal investment advice, financial planning guidance, or a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any particular securities or investments. All discussions regarding the model portfolio are for educational purposes only. Past performance is not an indication of future results.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.Resources - JP Morgan - The UK’s savings opportunity