How US Stocks Have Behaved in an Election Month

Historically, there is a correlation between presidential elections and stock market performance. However, it’s important to note that many factors influence the stock market, and elections are just one of them. Here are some key takeaways: Historically, stock (equity) and bond markets exhibit more restrained performance in the year leading up to a presidential election. […]
Our relationship with money

You probably need less money than you think for retirement. One of the biggest problems with money is that our feelings about it are always relative. Many assume that once they hit a certain level of income or net worth, all of their problems will magically vanish. Unfortunately, what typically happens when you make and […]
Fitch Ratings has caused a stir in the financial world

Recent downgrade of the US government’s credit rating. The recent downgrade of the US government’s credit rating by Fitch Ratings from AAA to AA+ has caused a stir in the financial world. This decision was influenced by several factors, such as the debt ceiling debate, increasing US government debt, and governance concerns. However, in the […]
Don’t be too quick to assume that stocks are overvalued

Remember, stocks are priced to deliver a positive return for investors. It’s a common misconception among investors that a market high signifies overvalued stocks. But interestingly, historical data suggests that average returns one, three, and five years following a new month-end market high are similar to those after months ending at various levels.
A retirement crisis in the making

The amount of money required to retire at a minimum living standard has seen a surge. The cost of living crisis is rapidly morphing into a retirement crisis. An escalating increase in food and energy prices means that the amount required to retire at a minimum living standard has seen a surge of nearly £2,000 […]
The Power of Pension Planning

A Tale of an £11 Million Retirement Pot. A Freedom of Information request to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed that a pension saver has amassed a staggering £11 million retirement pot. Further, 46,000 investors have pension pots exceeding £3 million, and 128,000 have nest eggs valued between £2 million and £3 million.
It’s time in the market, not timing the market!

The potential pitfalls of mistiming the market can be significant. Market timing is a strategy that involves determining the optimal times to buy or sell assets to maximise profit. It’s based on predictive methods and often uses technical indicators or economic data. However, this strategy can be risky and difficult to execute effectively.
Market Update – August 2023

August saw the global equity markets pull back slightly after the prolific performance they have delivered thus far in 2023, with losses in the major indices across the US, UK, Europe, Japan and China. This is not unexpected as historically, August has been shown to be one of the weaker months for equity market performance […]
August Newsletter

August saw many of the team take some well-earned R&R, returning in time for the new school year. For many of us, the end of August and the sighting of the Suhail star feels like the commencement of a new chapter and cooling temperatures; the team returns with fresh ideas and excitement for what is […]
Are stock markets stacked against the little guy?

Making it difficult to make informed investment decisions. Stock markets have long been hailed as a gateway to wealth and financial independence. With the potential for significant returns, it’s no wonder many aspire to invest in stocks. However, there is an ongoing debate about whether stock markets are genuinely fair for the average investor or […]