The Art of Investing

Merry Christmas and welcome to a special Best Bits episode of The Art of Investing.To round off 2025, we’re revisiting some of the most memorable moments from 2025, the bold calls, the big debates, the lessons learned the hard way, and the moments that genuinely made us laugh.From investor psychology and AI optimism, to Budget chaos, bond market nerves and why selling well matters more than buying smart, this episode is a reminder of what really drives long-term returns.Whether you’re catching up over the holidays or revisiting your favourite moments, this is The Art of Investing at its best.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:🧠 Investor Psychology with Lee Freeman-ShorWhy great investors aren’t defined by how many winners they pick, but by what they do when things go wrong.Rabbits, Assassins, Hunters and the hard reality of cutting losses before they cut you.❤️ Falling in Love with Your WinnersSpice tells the story of his best ever investment, and why selling 20% down after a 20-fold gain was the right decision.🤖 AI, Circular Deals & Déjà VuWhy self-funding loops in tech can be a warning sign, and why markets have “seen this film before”.🏛️ Inside the Truss Mini-BudgetAdam Smith pulls back the curtain on the chaos, the ignored process, and the moment markets lost confidence, including the phone call Jeremy Hunt thought was a prank.📉 Why Every Institution Wants an Economist (Even When They’re Wrong)Stu Thompson explains the political pressure behind forecasts, and why being wrong doesn’t always carry consequences.📈 The Goldilocks SetupSpice lays out why the next 12–18 months could be a sweet spot for markets: falling rates, easing inflation and strong growth.🇬🇧 The Rise, and Decline, of the UK Stock MarketA hard look at how pensions, policy and decades of selling pressure reshaped UK equities.💵 Bonds, Nervy Middles & Getting Paid to WaitChris Bowie explains why the best bond opportunities appear when everyone else is uncomfortable.🎄 Why This Episode Matters✔️ Markets reward behaviour, not predictions✔️ Psychology matters more than ideas✔️ Crises create opportunity — if you can stay disciplined✔️ The “nervy middle” is where real returns are made📧 Get in touch: theartofinvesting@ig.com📈 Subscribe for weekly investing insights and to follow the live portfolio in real time.DisclaimerThis 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.December Incentive – Get 5% cashback on your investments:FOR A LIMITED TIME WE’VE DOUBLED OUR OFFER:  GET 10% CASHBACK UP TO £200. Open a new account and invest a minimum of £50 by 31 December, and keep at least £50 invested until March.You’ll receive 5% cashback on your invested value from 21 November to 31 December (max payout £100).Your capital is at risk. New customers only.Offer valid until 31/12/2025 on ISA, GIA or SIPP accounts. T&Cs apply.📄 Full details & T&Cs: https://www.ig.com/uk/5-percent-cashback-nov-25

This week’s episode is the Christmas Party Special. The tone is festive, but the market conversation is anything but fluffy.Rich McDonald, Mark “Spice” Holden and Chris Fellingham reflect on a volatile end to the year, asking whether the long-awaited Santa Rally is simply late… or quietly getting back on track. With US markets lagging, tech wobbling, commodities rallying and rate cuts finally landing, the team cut through the noise to focus on one thing: how investors should be positioning for 2026, and what actually matters from here.Expect market history, sharp portfolio insight, a few war stories from the trading floor, and more than a few Christmas crackers.This Week’s Highlights🎅 Santa Rally WatchMarkets wobble into year-end, but improving inflation and rate cuts raise hopes of a late festive surge.📉 Tech Reality CheckAI poster children stumble as capital spending rises faster than revenues, raising questions about valuation and patience.🇺🇸 US Market LagFor once, the US underperforms global peers, forcing investors to rethink weightings and concentration risk.⛏️ Commodity ComebackGold, copper and mining stocks shine as rate cuts, a softer dollar and China stimulus expectations lift hard assets.🏦 Rates Finally FallingThe Bank of England cuts rates as inflation cools, while US data strengthens the case for further easing in 2026.🎄 Year-End GamesThe team lift the lid on how professional investors manage portfolios, and sometimes “massage” prices, into year-end.Portfolio SnapshotWeekly performance: -0.89%Total return since inception: +10.06%Top Performers: 🥇 iShares Physical Gold ETC: +2.53% 🥈 BlackRock World Mining Trust: +2.26% 🥉 Vanguard FTSE 250 ETF: +1.64% Underperformers: 🪙 VanEck Crypto & Blockchain Innovators ETF: –15.34% 📉 Invesco EQQQ NASDAQ-100 ETF: –3.59% 🇯🇵 iShares Nikkei 225 ETF: –2.67%Big Questions the Team Debate• Is the Santa Rally delayed, or quietly forming?• Are tech valuations finally being stress-tested?• Should investors reduce US concentration after years of dominance?• Is copper now more compelling than gold?• How should portfolios really be reviewed at year-end?What You’ll Learn✔️ Why markets often rally after bad news, not before✔️ How professional investors think about year-end positioning✔️ Why commodities thrive when rates fall and currencies weaken✔️ How to audit your portfolio properly over Christmas✔️ Why long-term investors shouldn’t fear all-time highs📈 Download the full Portfolio Performance SlidesView the portfolio breakdown: here📧 Get in touch: theartofinvesting@ig.comSubscribe for weekly investing insight and to follow the live portfolio in real time.DisclaimerThis 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.December Incentive – Get 5% cashback on your investments:FOR A LIMITED TIME WE’VE DOUBLED OUR OFFER:  GET 10% CASHBACK UP TO £200. Open a new account and invest a minimum of £50 by 31 December, and keep at least £50 invested until March.You’ll receive 5% cashback on your invested value from 21 November to 31 December (max payout £100).Your capital is at risk. New customers only.Offer valid until 31/12/2025 on ISA, GIA or SIPP accounts. T&Cs apply.📄 Full details & T&Cs: https://www.ig.com/uk/5-percent-cashback-nov-25

Rich McDonald, Mark “Spice” Holden and Chris Fellingham are joined once again by economist Stu Thompson for a wide-ranging episode that uncovers why QE and the Fed Cuts might just be kicking off the Santa Rally, and how it's multiplying your portfolio returns.From blockbuster takeover bids and trillion-dollar IPO rumours, to a surprise return of quantitative easing and rising long-dated bond yields, the team unpack a week full of “toppy” signals, and explain why the bond market may be quietly flashing warning lights beneath the surface.Along the way, they dig into the Fed’s latest rate cut, what’s really driving equity markets higher, and why Santa’s rally might not be as smooth as investors are hoping.This Week’s Highlights📉 Fed Cuts - But Changes the GameThe Federal Reserve cuts rates by 25bps, but quietly reintroduces QE at the short end of the bond market, earlier and more aggressively than expected.📊 Bond Market Warning SignsUS, Japanese and global long-dated bond yields rise despite rate cuts, raising questions about inflation, credibility, and future growth.🎥 Mega Deals & Market FrothA $75bn+ bidding war for Warner Bros and rumours of a SpaceX IPO at a $1.5tn valuation spark debate about market peaks.📈 Rotation Under the SurfaceWhile big tech cools, the Russell 2000 hits fresh highs, signalling rotation into smaller US companies.🤖 AI Reality CheckOracle disappoints, Nvidia cools, and capital expenditure concerns resurface, reminding investors that AI profits still need to show up in cash flows.🎄 Is the Santa Rally at Risk?With central banks, payroll data, inflation prints and global bond markets all in focus, the team debate whether year-end optimism can survive.Special Guest – Stu Thompson (Economist)Stu helps decode what’s happening beneath the headlines:📌 Why rising long-dated bond yields matter more than rate cuts📌 What QE vs QT actually means for markets📌 Why the yield curve is quietly steepening, and why that matters📌 How AI productivity is changing growth and employment forecastsPortfolio SnapshotWeekly performance: +1.15%Total return since inception: +10.95%Top performers: 🥇 VanEck Crypto & Blockchain Innovators ETF: +7.22% 🥈 BlackRock World Mining Trust: +7.20% 🥉 iShares Russell 2000 ETF: +1.52%Underperformers: 📉 WisdomTree Copper ETF: –0.90% 📉 Vanguard FTSE 250 ETF: –0.67%What You’ll Learn✔️ Why equity markets can rise even as bond markets flash warnings✔️ How QE can return without anyone ringing the alarm bell✔️ Why the bond market sets the “price of risk” for everything else✔️ What rising yields really say about inflation and credibility✔️ How to spot market “froth” without panicking✔️ Why catalysts matter more than valuation alone📈 Download the full Portfolio Performance SlidesView the portfolio breakdown: here📧 Get in touch: theartofinvesting@ig.comSubscribe for weekly investing insights and to follow the live portfolio in real time.DisclaimerThis 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.December Incentive – Get 5% cashback on your investments:FOR A LIMITED TIME WE’VE DOUBLED OUR OFFER:  GET 10% CASHBACK UP TO £200. Open a new account and invest a minimum of £50 by 31 December, and keep at least £50 invested until March.You’ll receive 5% cashback on your invested value from 21 November to 31 December (max payout £100).Your capital is at risk. New customers only.Offer valid until 31/12/2025 on ISA, GIA or SIPP accounts. T&Cs apply.📄 Full details & T&Cs: https://www.ig.com/uk/5-percent-cashback-nov-25

🏆 NOW AN AWARD-WINNING PODCASTHuge thank you to everyone who voted! TAOI just won Best Financial Podcast, Best Financial Analysis, and Best Investing Education at the Good Money Guide Awards.This week, Rich McDonald, Chris Fellingham and Mark “Spice” Holden break down one of the most complex macro weeks of the year. From Japan’s shock rate-rise chatter to a crypto wipeout, a commodities surge, and the portfolio’s push toward being fully invested for the potential Santa Rally…yes, we’ve added more copper!We answer a few listener questions;1. Should all investors be using a stop loss? 2. How to manage positions when taking profits and managing the downside risk?3. Should we all have an annual target return for our ISAs and how to manage investments when you hit your target early?This Week’s Highlights💥 Crypto Rollercoaster - Bitcoin dumps 10% right after last week’s episode… then rips back. China’s clampdown on illegal exchanges sparks volatility.💵 Dollar Weakness = Commodity Strength - A 1.5% fall in the dollar boosts metals across the board. Silver hits a new all-time high, gold approaches one and copper posts a new post-crash high.🇯🇵 Japan Shocks Markets - The Bank of Japan hints at a rate hike (from 0.5% to 0.75%), sending JGB yields to 1.9%, the highest in years.🎅 Santa Rally… Incoming? - December is typically strong, but Japan’s sudden move could complicate things.🇺🇸 US Markets Stay Resilient - The S&P 500 notches its 7th straight monthly gain.📉 Oil Wobbles - Tensions with Venezuela move prices, but weak structural supply keeps oil struggling.Macro Deep Dive: Japan, Yields & Why It MattersThe team translate Japan’s bond market into plain English:What a “30-year vs 10-year implied 20-year rate” actually tells usWhy the market is already pricing Japanese rates rising to ~4% over timeHow a rising yen hurts Nikkei earningsWhy Japan’s decades of deflation explain their ultra-cautious approach nowPortfolio Snapshot(as referenced in-episode — not final weekly numbers)Weekly Performance: +0.68%Total Return Since Inception: +9.8%Top Performers: 🥇 BlackRock World Mining Trust: +5.4% 🥈 WisdomTree Copper ETF: +3.34% 🥉 VanEck Crypto & Blockchain Innovators ETF: +2.55%Underperformers:🇮🇳 iShares MSCI India ETF: –2.94%🌏 iShares Core MSCI EM IMI ETF: –0.93%🇯🇵 iShares Nikkei 225 ETF: –0.64%Actions Taken:We are now fully invested heading into year-end. • +2.5% WisdomTree Copper ETF • Cash now fully deployed, with Gilts acting as defensive ballastWhat You’ll LearnHow Japan’s bond market can move global stocksWhy a weak dollar supercharges metalsWhy India suddenly fell this weekHow professionals think about risk once they’ve hit a return targetThe psychology of selling winners and losersWhy copper may be the portfolio’s secret weapon for 2026📈 Download the full Portfolio Performance SlidesView the portfolio breakdown: here📧 Get in touch: theartofinvesting@ig.comSubscribe for weekly investing insights and to follow the live portfolio in real time.DisclaimerThis 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.December Incentive – Get 5% cashback on your investments:Open a new account and invest a minimum of £50 by 31 December, and keep at least £50 invested until March.You’ll receive 5% cashback on your invested value from 21 November to 31 December (max payout £100).Your capital is at risk. New customers only.Offer valid until 31/12/2025 on ISA, GIA or SIPP accounts. T&Cs apply.📄 Full details & T&Cs: https://www.ig.com/uk/5-percent-cashback-nov-25

🏆Enjoying the show? Cast your vote for us in the Good Money Guide Awards: https://goodmoneyguide.com/awards/finfluencer-awards/This week on The Art of Investing, Rich McDonald, Mark “Spice” Holden and Chris Fellingham break down one of the most dramatic weeks since the portfolio launched – a UK Budget that surprised market and confused economists.With the FTSE wobbling, the pound drifting, and US markets powering ahead, the team get into a heated (and very funny) debate about what the UK actually needs…and why investors are quietly moving their money elsewhere.Expect strong views, deeper macro insight than ever, and the biggest disagreement we’ve had on the show.This Week’s Highlights💥 Budget Blowback: Long-dated gilts jump, the pound slips and the market’s verdict is… not good. 🇺🇸 US Market Strength: S&P and Nasdaq continue pushing upwards as US data surprises on growth.📉 Crypto Volatility: Bitcoin chops sideways after last week’s selloff. 💷 UK in the Hot Seat: Does this Budget help growth or just recycle old problems?📈 Santa Rally Setup: Why the team thinks US equities could accelerate into year-end (despite the noise).🥊 The Big Argument: Rich and CJ clash on whether the UK is investable right now.Special Segment - The Budget Deep DiveThe team unpack the biggest Budget talking points:📊 Growth Forecast Confusion: Why the OBR and Treasury can’t agree on the 2026/27 outlook. 💸 Tax Tangle: Freezes, thresholds, and the hidden hikes no one talks about.🏛️ Credibility Check: Why gilt markets reacted sharply — and why it matters. 🏠 Housing Impact: Stamp duty chatter, ISA tweaks and who actually benefits. ⚠️ Is the UK Becoming a Value Trap? The debate gets lively.Portfolio SnapshotWeekly performance: +1.8%Total return since inception: +9%Top Performers: 🥇 iShares Russell 2000 ETF: +5.82% 🥈 VanEck Crypto & Blockchain Innovators ETF: +4.8% 🥉 iShares S&P 500 GBP Hedged ETF: +2.92%Underperformers: 🇮🇳 iShares MSCI India ETF: –1.58% 🌏 iShares Core MSCI EM IMI ETF:  –0.27% 💷 Cash: +0.08%Actions Taken:• –5% Vanguard FTSE 250 ETF• +2.5% FTSE 100• +2.5% S&P 500 Hedged​What You’ll Learn How markets really price a Budget within minutes Why gilt yields are the UK’s “truth serum” Why higher taxes don’t always mean more revenue How sentiment flips between global markets Why the Santa Rally is a real thing (and when it fails) Why discipline, not prediction, drives portfolio returns📈 Download the full Portfolio Performance SlidesView the portfolio breakdown: here📧 Get in touch: theartofinvesting@ig.comSubscribe for weekly investing insights and to follow the live portfolio in real time.🏆 Vote for UsWe’ve been nominated in the Good Money Guide Finfluencer Awards – if you’re enjoying the show, we’d love your support. Vote here: https://goodmoneyguide.com/awards/finfluencer-awards/DisclaimerThis 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.November Incentive – Get 5% cashback on your investments:Open a new account and invest a minimum of £50 by 31 December, and keep at least £50 invested until March.You’ll receive 5% cashback on your invested value from 21 November to 31 December (max payout £100).Your capital is at risk. New customers only.Offer valid until 31/12/2025 on ISA, GIA or SIPP accounts. T&Cs apply.📄 Full details & T&Cs: https://www.ig.com/uk/5-percent-cashback-nov-25

🏆Enjoying the show? Cast your vote for us in the Good Money Guide Awards: https://goodmoneyguide.com/awards/finfluencer-awards/This week on The Art of Investing, Rich McDonald, Mark “Spice” Holden and Chris Fellingham are joined by Adam Smith, former Special Advisor to the Chancellor, for the most inside-Treasury Budget preview we’ve ever recorded.With Rachel Reeves’ first Budget just days away, Adam explains how decisions really get made — the politics, pressure, fiscal rules, OBR scrutiny and the moments where things nearly go off the rails.Meanwhile, markets have been wild:• Bitcoin drops 35% from the highs• Nvidia posts one of the biggest earnings beats in history• The Fed cools December cut expectations• Long gilts sell off on credibility worries• And Rich… turns fully bullishThis Week’s Highlights💥 Crypto Crash: Bitcoin down another 10%; record ETF outflows📈 Nvidia Surge: A huge quarter steadies the NASDAQ🏦 Fed Cuts on Hold: Shutdown delays key data🇬🇧 Gilt Volatility: Income-tax U-turn sends yields 30bp higher⚡ AI Power Rush: 10 new US nuclear reactors approved🥊 Portfolio Debate: Rich buys the dip; Spice agrees; CJ isn’t sure🎩 Fantasy Budget: Adam, CJ, Spice & Rich pitch their own BudgetsSpecial Guest - Adam SmithAdam Smith, former Special Advisor to the Chancellor, reveals the real mechanics behind the Budget:📊 The Scorecard — every tax & spend decision in one spreadsheet🧮 Fiscal Rules — how they’re bent, stretched and stress-tested🏛️ OBR Checks — what survives scrutiny (and what doesn’t)🔥 Mini-Budget Lessons — why credibility beats headlines🔮 Next Week’s Budget — freezes, pension tweaks, revenue raisersPlus: the late-night calls, panic moments and political chaos behind every fiscal event.Portfolio Snapshot:Weekly performance: – 2.6%Total return since inception: +7.20%Top Performers:🥇 iShares MSCI India ETF – +1.07%🥈 Cash – +0.08%🥉 iShares UK Gilts 0–5yr ETF – –0.13%Underperformers:🪙 VanEck Crypto & Blockchain ETF – –14.74%🇯🇵 iShares Nikkei 225 ETF – – 4.94%🇺🇸 iShares Russell 2000 ETF – – 4.27%Actions Taken:Adding to portfolio:+2.5% NASDAQ 100+2.5% VanEck Crypto ETFWhat You’ll LearnHow Budgets are really builtWhy credibility matters more than the policyWhich tax levers actually raise moneyWhat drives crypto deleveragingWhy AI infrastructure is a new macro themeHow markets price Budget moves instantlyWhy too much cash destroys long-term returns📈 Download the full Portfolio Performance SlidesView the portfolio breakdown: here📧 Get in touch: theartofinvesting@ig.comSubscribe for weekly investing insights and to follow the live portfolio in real time.Vote for Us 🏆We’ve been nominated in the Good Money Guide Finfluencer Awards - if you’re enjoying the show, we’d love your support.Vote here: https://goodmoneyguide.com/awards/finfluencer-awards/DisclaimerThis 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.November Incentive – Get 5% cashback on your investments:Open a new account and invest a minimum of £50 by 31 December, and keep at least £50 invested until March.You’ll receive 5% cashback on your invested value from 21 November to 31 December (max payout £100).Your capital is at risk. New customers only.Offer valid until 31/12/2025 on ISA, GIA or SIPP accounts. T&Cs apply.📄 Full details & T&Cs: https://www.ig.com/uk/5-percent-cashback-nov-25

🏆Enjoying the show? Cast your vote for us in the Good Money Guide Awards: https://goodmoneyguide.com/awards/finfluencer-awards/Welcome to Episode 19 of The Art of Investing - brought to you by IG, the global investing platform.This week, the team hand over the mic to Lee Freeman-Shor, fund manager turned author of The Art of Execution - the book that proves great investors aren’t defined by their ideas, but by what they do when those ideas go right…or wrong.Rich McDonald, Mark “Spice” Holden and Chris Fellingham dive into the psychology behind winning (and losing) in the markets. Expect honesty, humour and a full audit of everyone’s personal investing “tribe” - Rabbit, Assassin, Hunter, Raider or Connoisseur.This Week’s Highlights:💥 Markets: US narrowly avoids a shutdown, the dollar softens 1%, and commodity strength pushes the FTSE 100 to another all-time high.📉 Crypto Cool-off: Bitcoin recovers slightly but remains 5% below last week’s lows.🤖 Tech Watch: Nvidia earnings ahead - and SoftBank trims its stake ahead of the event.🏦 UK Macro: GDP flat at 0.1% as unemployment rises to 5%, fuelling December rate-cut speculation.⛏️ Commodity Rally: Gold +4.9%, copper +2.5% as a weaker dollar lifts real assets.Special Guest - Lee Freeman-Shor:Key Behavioural Traits That Could Kill a Portfolio:Holding onto LosersSelling Winners Too EarlyLack of Conviction/ActionLee breaks down the five “investor tribes” from his research:🐇 Rabbits - freeze when underwater🗡️ Assassins - cut losers fast🎯 Hunters - double down intelligently⚔️ Raiders - take profits too soon🏆 Connoisseurs - hold winners properlyPlus: why even elite fund managers only get 3/10 stock picks right, and what the top performers actually do differently.Portfolio Snapshot:Weekly performance: +0.4%Total return since inception: +9.8%Top Performers:🥇 BlackRock World Mining Trust — +5.54%🥈 iShares Physical Gold ETC - +4.66%🥉 WisdomTree Copper ETF - +2.56%Underperformers:🪙 VanEck Crypto & Blockchain Innovators ETF - -16.80%📉 Invesco EQQQ NASDAQ-100 ETF - -1.23%🇯🇵 iShares Nikkei 225 ETF - -0.70%Actions Taken:No new trades this week.Team reviewing potential adjustments next week based on the quarterly review.What You’ll Learn:Why psychology drives returns more than stock pickingHow to identify your investing tribeWhy “hope” is the most dangerous investment strategyWhy disciplined selling beats clever buyingWhat separates the top 2% of investors from everyone else📈 Download the full Portfolio Performance SlidesView the portfolio breakdown: here📧 Get in touch: theartofinvesting@ig.comSubscribe for weekly investing insights and to follow the live portfolio in real time.Vote for Us 🏆We’ve been nominated in the Good Money Guide Finfluencer Awards - if you’re enjoying the show, we’d love your support.Vote here: https://goodmoneyguide.com/awards/finfluencer-awards/DisclaimerThis 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.November Free Share Bundle:Grow your portfolio with IG. Invest £50 with IG and get a free share bundle worth between £40 and £200. Make your first investment into an ISA, GIA or SIPP account before the 30th November and benefit from Commission-Free Investing as well as 4% Variable Interest on Cash.  Other fees may apply, T&Cs found here or on ig.com/uk

Welcome to Episode 18 of The Art of Investing - brought to you by IG, the global investment platform.Rich McDonald, Mark “Spice” Holden, and Chris Fellingham take a trip through financial history to explore one of the most important questions facing the UK government right now: what happens when a budget goes wrong?With just weeks until Rachel Reeves delivers her first budget, the team looks back at past fiscal failures - from the 1976 IMF bailout to the Liz Truss “mini-budget” meltdown - and discusses what lessons markets (and investors) can learn from both.This Week’s Highlights💥 Crypto Correction: Bitcoin slides into a bear market, down 20% from its highs. The team unpack what a dip, correction, and bear market really mean - and why investors still “buy the dip.” 📉 AI Fatigue: Meta’s 17% post-earnings drop sparks debate over whether tech valuations are finally stretched. 🏦 Rate Cut Watch: The Bank of England holds at 4% in a tight 5-4 vote - but hints of a cut in December. 📊 Bonds & Bubbles: Deutsche Bank hedges AI exposure as echoes of 2008 resurface. 💷 Budget Breakdown: Why the upcoming UK budget could define the next decade - and the two moments in history that show what happens when fiscal policy goes off the rails.Portfolio SnapshotWeekly performance: -1.2%Total return since inception: +9.4%Top performers:🥇 Gold - +1%🇬🇧 FTSE 100 - +0.1% (helped by weaker sterling)💰 Cash position - held steadyUnderperformers:🪙 VanEck Crypto & Blockchain ETF - -4% (crypto slide)⚙️ Copper ETF - -4%⛏️ World Mining Trust - -3.5%Action Taken:DAX position (5%) sold, moving funds into cash to reduce overall equity exposure.Total cash & equivalents: 17.5%, providing flexibility for future corrections.What You’ll Learn:Market Jargon Explained: What defines a dip, correction, or crash - and why investors need to know the difference.Is AI the New Bubble? The team debate whether recent gains signal irrational exuberance or just strong fundamentals.Lessons from History:1976 IMF bailout - when UK debt and inflation forced an emergency rescue.2022 Truss mini-budget - how ignoring the bond market triggered chaos.Why the Gilt Market Matters: How confidence (or lack of it) in government borrowing drives rates, markets, and mortgage costs.📈 Download the full Portfolio Performance SlidesView the portfolio breakdown: here📧 Get in touch: theartofinvesting@ig.comSubscribe for weekly investing insights and to follow the live portfolio in real time.DisclaimerThis 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.November Free Share Bundle:Grow your portfolio with IG. Invest £50 with IG and get a free share bundle worth between £40 and £200. Make your first investment into an ISA, GIA or SIPP account before the 30th November and benefit from Commission-Free Investing as well as 4% Variable Interest on Cash.  Other fees may apply, T&Cs found here or on ig.com/uk

Welcome to Episode 17 of The Art of Investing – brought to you by IG, the global investing platform.Rich McDonald, Mark “Spice” Holden and Chris Fellingham are joined by special guest Chris Bowie, one of the UK’s leading bond managers, to demystify the world of corporate bonds - what they are, how they fit into a portfolio, and when they shine. As markets hit fresh highs, the team unpack the latest Fed rate cut, Trump’s “taco trade” tour of Asia, Nvidia’s record-breaking $5 trillion valuation, and why Japan’s bond market may just reshape global liquidity. Then, Bowie takes us deep into credit markets, from investment grade to high yield and explains why short-dated bonds might be today’s smartest income play.This Week’s Highlights:💵 Corporate Bonds: Understanding credit spreads, yields, and why timing matters.📊 Bull Market Lives On: Nvidia soars, Nasdaq climbs, and the FTSE hits new highs.🇯🇵 Japan’s Yield Curve Twist: What rising JGB yields mean for global money flows.🏛️ Fed Cuts Rates Again: Powell pushes back on December expectations.📉 Private Debt Watch: Why Bowie warns that illiquidity and opacity are rising risks🗳️ Budget Preview: Will Rachel Reeves cut the North Sea windfall tax and finally back growth?Portfolio Snapshot:Weekly Performance: +3.1 %Total Return Since Inception: +10.6 %Top performers:🪙 VanEck Crypto & Blockchain Innovators ETF +12.7 %🥉 WisdomTree Copper ETF +6.5 %📈 Invesco EQQQ Nasdaq-100 ETF +6.0 %🇯🇵 iShares Nikkei 225 ETF +5.9 %Underperformers:🇮🇳 iShares MSCI India ETF -0.3 % 🇬🇧Vanguard FTSE 250 -0.3 %What You’ll Learn:What corporate bonds are and how they differ from government debt.Why “short-dated investment grade” can deliver higher yield with low risk.How liquidity and transparency set public bonds apart from private credit.What “duration,” “spread,” and “Sharpe ratio” actually mean.How Rachel Reeves’ budget and UK tax policy could move the gilt market.Why the team still believes the bull market isn’t done yet.📈 Download the full Portfolio Performance SlidesView the portfolio breakdown: here📧 Get in touch: theartofinvesting@ig.comSubscribe for weekly investing insights and to follow the live portfolio in real time. Disclaimer: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.November Free Share Bundle:Grow your portfolio with IG. Invest £50 with IG and get a free share bundle worth between £40 and £200. Make your first investment into an ISA, GIA or SIPP account before the 30th November and benefit from Commission-Free Investing as well as 4% Variable Interest on Cash.  Other fees may apply, T&Cs found here or on ig.com/uk

Welcome to Episode 16 of The Art of Investing - brought to you by IG, the global investing platform.Rich McDonald, Mark “Spice” Holden and Chris Fellingham dig into a rollercoaster week for markets as crypto sells off, AI stocks wobble, and the FTSE 100 pushes back toward record highs. The trio debate whether this is just another healthy correction, or the first cracks in the bull market. And, the team add Vanguard FTSE 250 to the portfolio, listen to find out what changes we’ve made to the portfolio this week.This Week’s Highlights 🐻 Revenge of the Bears: Are tech valuations finally starting to bite? 💥 Earnings Season Heats Up: 86 % of US companies are beating expectations - but can it last? 📉 Crypto Correction: Bitcoin and blockchain names take another leg down. 🏦 UK Banks Shine: Barclays and HSBC post strong results, boosting the FTSE. ⚙️ Rotation Watch: Money begins to flow from mega-cap tech into smaller stocks.Portfolio SnapshotWeekly Performance: –1.3 %Total Return Since Inception: +7.5 %Added Vanguard FTSE 250 (VMIG) Top Performers: 🪷 India ETF +3.7 % 🇯🇵 Nikkei 225 +1.1 % 🏦 FTSE 100 +1.1 %Underperformers: 💎 Gold –3.8 % ⛏️ World Mining Trust –7.4 % 🪙 VanEck Crypto & Blockchain ETF –15.9 %What You’ll Learn:How strong earnings and a US shutdown can coexist and why markets still rise.Why AI and quantum-computing stocks fell 33 % and what that means for investor sentiment.The difference between Brent and WTI oil and how OPEC and supply controls set prices.Why the team thinks oil may be at the start of a new run-up.The case for FTSE 250 mid-caps in a changing UK policy landscape (and how they’re funding it).How central-bank gold buying and AI efficiency link back to portfolio strategy.📈 Download the full Portfolio Performance SlidesView the portfolio breakdown here: Portfolio📧 Get in touch: theartofinvesting@ig.comSubscribe for weekly investing insights and to follow the live portfolio in real time.Disclaimer: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.October Free Share Bundle:Grow your portfolio with IG. Invest £50 with IG and get a free share bundle worth between £40 and £200.**New customers only. Make your first investment of at least £50 into an ISA, GIA, or SIPP account by 30 October 2025. Must remain invested until 31 November 2025. Other fees may apply.T&Cs found: Here

Welcome to Episode 15 of The Art of Investing - brought to you by IG, the global investing platform.Rich McDonald, Mark “Spice” Holden and Chris Fellingham are joined by behavioral economist Stuart Thompson to unpack one of the biggest questions in finance right now: are we in a market bubble?From crypto crashes and record equity highs to the psychology driving investor behaviour, the team takes a hard look at what’s behind today’s market confidence - and whether it’s justified.This Week’s Highlights💥 Crypto Volatility: Bitcoin drops sharply in a flash selloff - what triggered it, and what comes next?📈 Equities on Edge: Global indices remain near record highs despite softening data.💬 Behavioral Economics: Guest Stuart Thompson explains why fear and greed still move markets faster than any algorithm.🏦 Central Banks: Investors continue to price in more rate cuts as data weakens.📊 Portfolio Review: The team weigh the balance between risk assets and defensive plays amid talk of overheating markets.Portfolio Snapshot:Weekly performance: +0.5%Total return since inception: +8.8%Top performers:🪙 VanEck Crypto & Blockchain ETF - +4.4% this week🥇 Gold - +4%⛏️ World Mining Trust - +3.5%Underperformers:🇩🇪 DAX - -1.2%🇬🇧 FTSE 100 - -1.2%🇺🇸 S&P / NASDAQ - slightly weaker amid mixed macro dataPositioning:The team discusses trimming crypto exposure, staying long gold, and holding steady on equities as valuations stretch.Key Takeaways:“Bad news is still good news” - weak data keeps the rate-cut optimism alive.Behavior drives markets: emotion outweighs logic in bubble phases.Crypto remains volatile: sharp moves highlight risk and opportunity.Gold and miners continue to perform strongly as defensive assets.Portfolio discipline: staying diversified while sentiment runs hot.📈 Download the full Portfolio Performance SlidesView the portfolio breakdown📧 Get in touch: theartofinvesting@ig.comSubscribe for weekly investing insights and to follow the live portfolio in real time.DisclaimerThis 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.October Free Share BundleGrow your portfolio with IG. Invest £50 with IG and get a free share bundle worth between £40 and £200.**New customers only. Make your first investment of at least £50 into an ISA, GIA, or SIPP account by 30 October 2025. Must remain invested until 31 November 2025. Other fees may apply.T&Cs found: Here

Welcome to Episode 14 of The Art of Investing - brought to you by IG, the global investing platform.This week, Rich McDonald, Mark “Spice” Holden and Chris Fellingham tackle the markets head-on - from new all-time highs and a stronger dollar, to Japan’s new Prime Minister and China’s next big play.It’s also decision week for the team as they decide whether to trim, add, or double down in their live portfolio after another strong run. With 8% total returns in just eight weeks, the bulls and bears are locking horns.This Week’s Highlights💹 Global Highs: S&P 500, DAX, Nikkei and even the FTSE hitting record levels 🏦 Central Banks: Hawk vs Dove - who’s really calling the shots now? 🇯🇵 Japan’s “New Thatcher”: Sanae Takanichi becomes Japan’s first female PM and markets love it 📉 Private Debt Warning: Is the next crisis hiding outside the banks? 📊 Emerging Markets Deep Dive: China, India, and the rise of the middle class 🪙 Portfolio Moves: Cutting crypto, adding to miners, and a 5% play on emerging marketsPortfolio UpdateCurrent portfolio return: +8.2% since inceptionTop performer: VanEck Crypto & Blockchain Innovators ETF (+50%)New allocations:-2.5% from VanEck Crypto+5% into BlackRock World Mining Trust+5% into Emerging Markets ETFCash reduced accordinglyThe team debate whether to take profits, raise targets, or brace for a correction — as the “Goldilocks economy” keeps investors dancing while the music’s still playing.📈 Download the full portfolio performance slides hereQuarterly Performance & AllocationsWhat You’ll LearnWhy AI-linked “circular deals” could be a red flagThe real risks and rewards in emerging markets (China vs India)Why private credit might be the next bubbleHow to balance fragile vs anti-fragile assets in your portfolioNext Week:The team answers the big question: What do you do when you’re ahead of your targets? - a full episode on portfolio management psychology.📧 Get in touch: theartofinvesting@ig.com Subscribe for weekly investing insights and to watch the team’s live portfolio evolve in real time.DisclaimerThis 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.October Free Share BundleGrow your portfolio with IG. Invest £50 with IG and get a free share bundle worth between £40 and £200.**New customers only. Make your first investment of at least £50 into an ISA, GIA, or SIPP account by 30 October 2025. Must remain invested until 31 November 2025. Other fees may apply. T&Cs found here: https://www.ig.com/uk/bonus-shares-promotion-oct-25

This week, the team face a packed agenda: a looming US government shutdown, soaring global markets, and the first part of their quarterly portfolio review. Rich McDonald, Chris Fellingham, and Mark “Spice” Holden dig into everything from pharma stocks to sovereign wealth funds - before voting on whether the Chairman should keep his crown for another quarter.What’s Hot This EpisodeBest September since 2020: Global equities up 4% despite seasonal headwinds.All-Time Highs Everywhere: S&P 500, Nasdaq, Russell 2000, and FTSE 100 all setting new records.Gold Breakout: Precious metals hit multi-year highs.Biggest Buyout in History: $55bn leveraged buyout of Electronic Arts.Trump’s Busy Week: From drug price deals with Pfizer to a new sovereign wealth fund push.Europe’s Inflation Relief: Eurozone inflation hits 2.2%, while the UK lags at 3.8%.ADP Jobs Shock: Weak data spooks markets but fuels optimism for more Fed cuts.Shutdown Showdown: 800,000 US government workers furloughed, and markets asking: how long will it last?Portfolio Review (Part 1)Performance to Date: Portfolio up +5.3% since inception.Star Performers:VanEck Blockchain ETF +32%Gold +13%Copper +7%BlackRock World Mining Trust +19%Laggards: DAX the weakest, India softens.Debates:Should winners like gold and crypto carry bigger weightings?Is 25% in cash too cautious or smart optionality?Risk appetite vs. sensible allocation.📊 Quarterly Performance Slides:We’ve pulled together the full set of portfolio performance slides so you can see exactly how the model portfolio has done over the past quarter - winners, laggards, and everything in between.👉 View the Quarterly Performance Slides here❓ Listener TakeawaysHow to think about quarterly reviews: scoring holdings A–E.The role of risk appetite in portfolio sizing.Why gold remains the “ultimate scarce asset.”What the US shutdown means (and doesn’t mean) for investors.Early signs of rotation: are US small caps finally worth a look?📄 Download the Portfolio ETFs list: here📄 Download the Portfolio Quarterly Review list: here📧 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. The value of shares, ETFs and ETCs can fall as well as rise, which could mean getting back less than you originally put in.October Free Share Bundle:Grow your portfolio with IG. Invest £50 with IG and get a free share bundle worth between £40 and £200.**New customers only. Make your first investment of at least £50 into an ISA, GIA, or SIPP account by 30 October 2025. Must remain invested until 31 November 2025. Other fees may apply. T&Cs found here: https://www.ig.com/uk/bonus-shares-promotion-oct-25

Rich McDonald, Chris Fellingham and Mark “Spice” Holden get their hands dirty with a deep dive into mining and metals - from copper powering AI data centres to uranium’s surprising comeback. Along the way, they tackle your big questions: is long-term investing really just about “time in the market,” or can timing it make all the difference?This week’s market action:Rate cuts + record highs: S&P 500, Nasdaq, Dow, and Russell all at fresh peaksGold shines: hits new all-time highs, silver not far behindAI arms race: Nvidia pours $100bn into OpenAI, while Apple’s iPhone 17 defies the criticsEV shake-up: Porsche pivots back to petrol after weak electric salesTikTok deal drama: Oracle, Dell and Murdoch in the mix for control in the USDebt ceiling déjà vu: the US faces another potential government shutdownSpecial Topic - Metals & Mining Deep Dive:Why copper is king in the AI eraUranium’s revival as a “clean” energy play for data centresHow China still calls the shots on global commoditiesBlackRock World Mining Trust breakdown: exposure to Rio, BHP, Glencore, Anglo American & moreThe wild world of mining IPOs - and why some deals age better than othersPortfolio Action:Up 5.04% after seven weeksTaking some profits: trimming Nasdaq and gold holdings, parking 10% in cash (earning 4%)Strategy check: balancing “time in the market” with smart top-slicingYour Questions Answered:Timing vs. Time in the Market: which really wins in the long run?Portfolio review habits: how often should you really check your investments?Why we prefer “quarterly check-ups” to over-trading📄 Download the Portfolio ETFs list: here 📧 Get in touch: theartofinvesting@ig.comDisclaimer: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.September Free Share Bundle:Grow your portfolio with IG. Invest £50 with IG and get a free share bundle worth between £40 and £200.**New customers only. Make your first investment of at least £50 into an ISA, GIA, or SIPP account by 30 September 2025. Must remain invested until 31 October 2025. Other fees may apply. T&Cs found here.For more info: IG Investment Campaign

This week, it’s all about monetary policy madness. With the Fed cutting rates for the first time in a year, the Bank of England holding fire, and central banks from Canada to Japan making moves, Rich McDonald, Chris Fellingham and Mark “Spice” Holden dive into what interest rate decisions really mean for markets.From Fed independence under Trump to the risks of policy mistakes, the team debate whether we’re seeing the start of a full rate-cutting cycle, or just an insurance tweak. Plus: Elon Musk regains the top spot as the world’s richest man, Alphabet joins the $3 trillion club, and TikTok gets a last-minute reprieve in the US.What’s Hot This EpisodeFed Cuts Rates: First move since Dec 2024 – is it the start of a cycle?Bank of England Watch: Inflation keeps UK policymakers on edgeElon Musk Strikes Back: Tesla up 30% after a $1bn buy-inAlphabet Joins $3 Trillion Club: Only the fourth company ever to do itTikTok Survives: What it means for US tech giantsPolicy Mistakes Through History: From the Great Depression to the GFC💼 Portfolio UpdatePerformance: +3.46% in six weeks (vs 10% annual target)Big Winner: VanEck Blockchain ETF up 25% since purchase (but is it time to take profits?)Other Moves: Nikkei +1.9%, India +1.55%, S&P 500 (GBP-hedged) +1%Laggard: DAX down 3% since initiation❓ Your Questions AnsweredWhen to Take Profits: How the team think about trimming winnersFragile vs Anti-Fragile Assets: Why diversification matters more than everCurrency Risk: Hedged vs unhedged ETFs explained in plain EnglishIs Monetary Policy Broken? Why rate cuts might not hit the economy like they used to📄 Download the Portfolio ETFs List: here 📧 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.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.September Free Share Bundle Grow your portfolio with IG. Invest £50 with IG and get a free share bundle worth between £40 and £200.**New customers only. Make your first investment of at least £50 into an ISA,
GIA or SIPP account by 30 September 2025. Must remain invested until 31 October 2025. Other fees may apply. T&Cs found here - https://www.ig.com/uk/autumn-welcome-share-promotion-terms-sep-25For more info: https://www.ig.com/uk/invest-campaign

This week marks a first: our debut guest, Charles Hall, Head of Research at Peel Hunt, joins Sophie (making her own debut as host) alongside Chris Fellingham and Mark “Spice” Holden. Together, they tackle one of the hottest topics in finance right now: what happened to the UK stock market, and can it make a comeback?From pensions and regulation to stamp duty and sovereign wealth funds, this episode dives into the structural challenges holding the UK back – and the changes needed to make London a top-tier market again.What’s Hot This EpisodeGlobal Markets: S&P 500, NASDAQ, Dow Jones and Nikkei all hitting new highsChina Stimulus Hopes: Hong Kong and EMs at multi-year highsGold & Silver: Back at record levels (14-year high for silver)Non-Farm Payrolls: Data issues, Trump drama, and what it means for Fed policyOPEC Moves: Supply increase offsets Middle East tensionsGuest Spotlight: Charles HallWhy UK pensions stopped funding UK equitiesHow regulation, taxation, and passive investing reshaped the marketThe shrinking pool of UK-listed companies – and why that mattersSteps that could make Britain investable again: regulation reform, tax incentives, and financial educationThe case for a British sovereign wealth fundPortfolio UpdatePerformance: +2.59% since launch (up 1.5% this week)Winners: VanEck Blockchain ETF +6.3%, BlackRock World Mining +4.7%, Japan +4%Laggards: Copper -0.6%, DAX -0.3%Debate of the Week: Should the team take profits on gold after a 40% run, or hold on?❓ Listener TakeawaysWhy all-time highs are normal – not a sell signalCash ISAs vs Stocks & Shares ISAs – what’s better for long-term wealthWhy UK investors are (unknowingly) funding the US economyHow better financial education could change investment behaviour📄 Download the Portfolio ETFs List here 📧 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.

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.