The Art of Investing

September is here - historically the worst month for markets - and the team are all over the risks. Rich McDonald, Chris Fellingham and Mark “Spice” Holden dig into bond yields spiking to 25-year highs, gold smashing new records, and why Apple is cashing $20bn a year from Google.With the model portfolio up 1% since launch, this week is all about risk vs reward: which assets are fragile, which are anti-fragile, and how do you actually balance them?What’s Hot This EpisodeBonds Bite Back: UK 30-year yields near 6% – why that matters for equitiesGold Hits Record Highs: Silver and copper follow as commodities shineApple + Google Deal: $20bn payments that move tech stocksGoogle Antitrust Case: Why a judge ruled new AI search engines mean no monopolyNon-Farm Payrolls + CPI: Big data drops set to shape the Fed’s next movePortfolio UpdateCurrent performance: +1.02% since inception (up 0.4% this week)Winners: Gold ETF +5.4%, Copper +3.3%, BlackRock World Mining +1.8%Losers: DAX -1.1%, Nikkei -1%, Russell 2000 -1%Fragile vs Anti-Fragile: ~78% fragile assets (equities), ~22% anti-fragile (gold, commodities, crypto hedge)Your Questions AnsweredCurrency Risk 101: How GBP vs USD can turn a 20% gain into an 8% lossWhich Account, Which Risk? ISA vs General Investment Account – where should your higher-risk holdings sit?Diversification Hacks: Why correlations matter and how to balance assetsShould You Hedge? When to use GBP-hedged ETFs to control FX exposure📣 Coming Next WeekWe’re joined by Charles Hall, Head of Research at Peel Hunt, to talk UK equities and what it will take to make the UK market investable again.📄 Download the Portfolio ETFs List here: Here 📧 Get in touch: theartofinvesting@ig.comIG Free Share Bundle OfferIG is giving away up to £200 free share bundle when you invest at least £50. Until 30th September. Available when making first investment in a new or existing ISA, GIA or SIPP. Find out more at https://www.ig.com/uk/invest-campaign. T&Cs found here Disclaimer:This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute 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 a reliable indicator of future results. Your capital is at risk.

Rich McDonald, Chris Fellingham and Mark "Spice" Holden debate whether Jackson Hole’s dovish vibes can offset Trump’s Fed takeover plans. Spoiler alert: they disagree. A lot.This week’s drama includes French governments falling faster than their bond prices, Nvidia disappointing despite making buckets of cash, and our first portfolio shake-up as the team goes hunting for Russell 2000 gains.Plus: your burning questions on profit-taking, currency hedging, and why global ETFs are basically just expensive ways to buy American stocks.What’s Hot This EpisodeThe Spice Market Update: S&P 500 hits all-time highs while French politicians practice musical chairsAI Revolution 2.0: Snowflake surges 15% as companies finally figure out what to do with all that dataNvidia Reality Check: $38bn guidance gap sends shares on a rollercoaster (spoiler: they recovered)Fed Independence Crisis: Trump’s chess moves to stack the FOMC and what it means for your moneyThe One Big Beautiful Bill: Manufacturing jobs vs. AI job losses in the ultimate economic cage matchPortfolio ActionOur first live trade! The team dumps 5% of gilts to buy Russell 2000 exposure.Mark gets his way on US small caps while Chris mutters about political risks from the sidelines.Current performance: Up 0.59% (crypto leads the charge, India gives back last week’s gains)Your Questions AnsweredPortfolio Building 101: The three factors that actually matter for the next five yearsCurrency Headaches: Why your dollar ETF isn’t matching the S&P 500 (hint: sterling happened)Profit vs. Loss Paranoia: When to cut and run vs. diamond hands strategy2008 PTSD: What the team learned from Lehman’s collapse and Mario Draghi’s “whatever it takes” momentBook RecommendationThe Art of Execution by Lee Freeman-Shor – discover whether you’re a rabbit, assassin, hunter, raider, or connoisseur (spoiler: we’re all rabbits at heart). 📧 Get in touch: theartofinvesting@ig.comDisclaimer:This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute 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 a reliable indicator of future results. Your capital is at risk.

Welcome to Episode 7 of The Art of Investing – This week, Rich McDonald, Chris Fellingham, and Mark Holden dive into the strength of U.S. equities and ask the big question: can the S&P 500 keep climbing, or is a correction on the horizon? With U.S. indices testing record levels, shifting rate expectations, and mixed signals in global markets, the team break down what it all means for investors.This week’s highlights include:Market update: S&P 500 nearing highs, Fed policy expectations, and global equity performance.Portfolio review: The latest allocation moves and how the team are balancing growth and caution.Risk & discipline: Why diversification and risk awareness are critical in bullish conditions.Investor psychology: How sentiment can distort decision-making when markets approach peaks.Practical investing takeaways: What this all means for positioning in 2025.📄 Download ETF list and performance here:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1R3LEKkNo4M6UDaw4eyeBdBeaV7aH_fvL?usp=drive_link👉 Download supporting slides from this episode:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1YDv9-F6Tm4-41XqjWvlZnxTw5eJOPZRd?usp=drive_link📧 Get in touch: theartofinvesting@ig.comYour 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.Disclaimer: 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.Subscribe ► https://www.youtube.com/IGUnitedKingdom?sub_confirmation=1Start your investing journey here: https://upl.inc/the-world-of-ig

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.

Welcome to episode 4 of The Art of Investing, entitled "All That Glitters" - our commodity special exploring various forms of gold, from black gold (oil) and green gold (copper) to traditional gold and digital gold (Bitcoin). Join Rich McDonald, Chris Fellingham and Mark Holden as they complete their deep dive into asset classes ahead of next week's big portfolio launch.This week covers a massive avalanche of company earnings, with 25% of the S&P 500 reporting results that pushed NASDAQ and S&P 500 to new all-time highs. The FTSE 100 also hit record highs for the second week running. However, copper experienced its biggest single-day fall ever - dropping over 20% after Donald Trump modified tariff policies for raw versus manufactured copper imports.Discover the fundamentals of commodity investing, from supply and demand dynamics to storage costs and the crucial role of China, which buys over 50% of all global commodities. Learn why it takes 25 years to bring a new copper mine online and how mining companies have become more disciplined with capital expenditure, creating supply constraints.Explore the precious metals market, where gold makes up three-quarters of the sector, with 45% going to jewellery and 25% to investment demand. Hear the cautionary tale of Gordon Brown's gold sales at $220 per ounce - now trading at $3,300. Understand why India and China account for over 55% of global gold demand and the surprising fact that all gold ever mined would only fill 3.5 Olympic swimming pools.Get introduced to Bitcoin as "digital gold" - from the famous $1 billion pizza transaction (10,000 Bitcoin for two pizzas in 2010) to its limited supply of 21 million coins and potential role as an inflation hedge and store of value.What you'll learn in this episode:Commodities Are Dollar-Denominated: All commodities are priced in US dollars, making the dollar's strength a crucial factor in commodity performance. When the dollar falls, commodity prices typically rise, making currency views essential for commodity investing.China Dominates Commodity Demand: China purchases over 50% of all global commodities, with even higher percentages for specific materials like iron ore (75%). Understanding China's economic health and stimulus policies is critical for commodity investment decisions.Supply Constraints Drive Long-Term Pricing: Mining companies learned from previous over-investment cycles and now exercise capital discipline. With no major new copper mines expected for decades due to 19-25 year development timelines, supply constraints support higher prices.Gold Remains Scarce and Valuable: All gold ever mined throughout history would only fill 3.5 Olympic swimming pools or half of St Paul's Cathedral dome, highlighting its extreme scarcity and enduring value as a store of wealth.Bitcoin Offers Digital Scarcity: With only 21 million Bitcoin ever to be created and 19.7 million already mined, Bitcoin provides programmable scarcity that could serve as "digital gold" - offering protection against currency debasement and inflation like traditional gold.Next week: The live portfolio launch where the team will construct their target 10% annual return portfolio using ETFs across all the asset classes covered in recent episodes.Download the Portfolio ETF's list here.Get in touch with the show by emailing theartofinvesting@ig.comIG 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...

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...

After last week’s launch episode, The Art of Investment is back!Brought to you by IG, global investing platform, FTSE 250 and over 50 years in the markets. Every Friday, hosts Rich McDonald, Mark Holden & Chris Fellingham – three investing legends bring you a combined century of market wisdom. This is your go-to podcast for inspiration and insights on the latest market movements with one goal - to make you a better investor. 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.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.In this episode we give you a rundown on the pressing issue of market uncertainty, examining how political risks and economic factors like tariffs shape the financial landscape. Despite global uncertainties, the equity markets continue to show resilience, and cryptocurrencies are growing in significance as a promising asset class, supported by recent legislative developments in the U.S.Our hot topic for the next few episodes is asset classes, and today we turn our attention to the fundamentals of equities and their varying investment strategies, including the stability of dividend-paying consumer staples with the high-growth potential of tech giants.What you’ll learn in this episode -Portfolio Construction and Understanding Risk: Building an investment portfolio requires a clear understanding of risk tolerance and financial goals. Setting benchmarks and diversifying across asset classes - such as equities, bonds, and cash - is essential for managing long-term risks effectivelyThe Role of Economic and Political Factors in Market Performance: Economic elements like inflation, interest rates, and tariffs, along with political risks, significantly influence financial markets. Investors must stay informed about these factors to better navigate volatile market conditions.Cryptocurrencies as a Potential Asset Class: Cryptocurrencies are gaining traction as a promising investment, partly due to recent legislative support in the U.S. Investors should evaluate their potential while staying cautious about volatility and regulatory changes.Exploring Different Investment Strategies: Investing involves balancing stability and growth. Dividend-paying companies in consumer staples, like Tesco, offer steady returns, while high-growth tech innovators such as NVIDIA present opportunities with higher risks and potential rewards.The Psychological Aspects of Recovery After Financial Losses: Recovering from financial setbacks requires understanding the psychology of loss aversion and maintaining a long-term perspective. Learning to manage wealth responsibly and maintaining a disciplined approach can support recovery and growth.Community and Knowledge Sharing for Growth: Engaging with fellow investors to share strategies, insights, and experiences fosters a sense of community. Collaboration and learning from others can provide valuable perspectives and tips for navigating the complex world of...

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