Rising interest rates and inflation have been huge drivers of the sector rotation to value-based shares, away from growth (i.e. tech. and innovation) shares, which has seen tech. shares down more than 30% from their highs in November 2021. We analyse this important market change affecting portfolios and set out the key differences between value and growth investing.

There are many aspects to consider when creating a comprehensive financial plan. The most common area of focus is generally related to the structure, returns and tax efficiency of investments during one’s lifetime, but with little emphasis on what happens to the investments upon death.

As the global inflation cycle turns up, how will this affect you and how can you guard against falling behind this silent assassin eroding your wealth. Inflation is the increase in the price of goods and services which ultimately reduces your purchasing power. To maintain or increase your wealth, you need to grow your assets at or above the inflation rate. If not, you are getting poorer as inflation erodes your purchasing power.

Trusts can form a valuable part of your financial plan, but they can be complex and are more suited to wealth already accrued, and to protect family legacies. They are used to transfer assets out of your personal estate and control, for the benefit of others, either during or after your lifetime. Trusts are separate…

2022 started with optimism for a more stable investment environment after COVID, but then to the markets’ surprise, Russia invaded Ukraine. This is the 2nd black swan event within two years, which is unprecedented.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is the second “Black Swan” event within two years, which most investors find difficult to plough through as emotions run high. We look at the investment cycle driving different emotions through periods of fear and greed. History shows that investors who did not panic and remained rational during similar major crisis events were rewarded with good inflation-beating long-term returns.