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.com

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.