5d ago · Video

Our Portfolio Returned 26%. Here’s What We Did - An Honest Review

📊 The Art of Investing Survey – Fill in the form here, we’d love your feedback: https://forms.office.com/e/tCyxzN48Ks 📈 Download the full Portfolio Performance Slides View the portfolio breakdown: here 📧 Get in touch: theartofinvesting@ig.com📱 Behind the scenes: @_theartofinvesting on TikTok🎧 Listen on: Apple, Spotify, YouTube This week on The Art of Investing, it’s the end-of-year exam as the portfolio officially reaches its first anniversary. With the portfolio finishing the year up 26.0% since inception, Rich puts Mark and Chris in the hot seat to assess how much of that performance came from good portfolio management, where they got it wrong, and the lessons they’re taking into year two. The team revisit some of the biggest investment calls of the past 12 months, from avoiding government bonds and maintaining exposure to commodities, to navigating the Iran conflict and buying back into US equities following the sell-off. They also look ahead to the next 12 months, debating whether the AI investment boom can continue to drive US earnings, what could finally challenge US market leadership, and why rising bond yields and a changing Federal Reserve could become increasingly important for investors. Alongside the annual review, Mark unpacks another busy week across markets, with AI investment continuing at extraordinary levels, oil prices climbing and the portfolio ending its first year with another positive weekly return. This Week’s Highlights: 🎂 One Year of the Portfolio The team mark 52 weeks of the portfolio, finishing its first year with a total return of +26.0%. 📝 The End-of-Year Exam Rich grills Mark and Chris on their best calls, biggest mistakes and whether the portfolio’s performance really came down to skill or a favourable year for markets. 🤖 The AI Investment Boom Continues Huge financing and capital expenditure commitments keep flowing into AI and data centres, but the team debate whether investors are becoming too reliant on the same story. 🇺🇸 US Bull Case Put to the Test Mark explains what would genuinely make him rethink his bullish stance on US equities and why earnings growth remains central to his outlook. 📉 Why the Team Avoided Bonds Staying away from government bonds is identified as one of the portfolio’s defining calls of the year, differentiating it from a traditional 60/40 approach. 🌍 Where Could Returns Come From Next? The team assess the outlook for the US, Japan, emerging markets, the UK, Europe, India and China as they consider positioning for year two. 🏦 A Changing Fed Could Change the Rules Chris explains why the Federal Reserve’s approach to supporting markets could become one of the most important risks to watch over the coming months. Portfolio Snapshot - Week 52: 📊 Weekly portfolio performance: +0.5%📈 Total return since inception: +26.0%📅 2026 year-to-date return: +13.5% Top Performers:📈 BlackRock World Mining Trust PLC: +3.3%📈 iShares Nikkei 225 ETF: +2.7%📈 Vanguard FTSE 250: +1.0% Underperformers:📉 iShares MSCI India ETF: -1.4%📉 WisdomTree Copper ETF: -1.0%📉 iShares Core FTSE 100 ETF: -0.5% Portfolio Changes: No portfolio changes this week. The portfolio closes out its first year with 14 holdings, including 10% in cash, as the team maintain their existing positioning heading into year two. Big Questions This Week: • How much of the portfolio’s 26% return came from good management versus rising markets?• What were the team’s best decisions, and biggest mistakes, of the past year?• What would make Mark finally change his bullish view on US equities?• Can the enormous investment in AI and data centres ultimately justify current expectations?• Could higher bond yields eventually pull capital away from equities?• Where could the strongest and weakest investment opportunities emerge over the next 12 months? What You’ll Learn: ✔️ Why avoiding government bonds became one of the portfolio’s most important calls✔️ How the team assess performance beyond simply looking at headline returns✔️ Why earnings growth remains key to the US equity bull case✔️ How experienced investors respond when markets move sharply against them✔️ What could trigger a major change in the portfolio’s asset allocation✔️ Which markets and asset classes the team are watching as they enter year two Disclaimer: This 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.

Aug 7 · Video

How Excessive Leverage brought down Wall Street’s Golden Boy

📈 Download the full Portfolio Performance Slides: Here📧 Get in touch: theartofinvesting@ig.com📱 Behind the scenes: @_theartofinvesting on TikTok | @theartofinvestingpod on Instagram🎧 Listen on: Apple, Spotify, YouTube This week on The Art of Investing, after a sharp reversal across AI-linked stocks, the team explain how Leopold Aschenbrenner’s highly leveraged AI trade became one of the biggest stories in markets, why crowded positioning matters, and how forced selling helped shape the latest moves across tech, software, commodities and emerging markets. They also look at the parallels with previous market excesses, including 1929, ask whether AI could be disinflationary, and debate whether markets can keep running into Jackson Hole before investors need to think about taking risk down. This Week’s Highlights: 📈 Portfolio Jumps +4.2%A strong week takes the portfolio to +25.5% since inception, with no changes made this week.⚠️ Leopold and LeverageThe team unpack how leverage works, why margin calls can force selling, and why a “one big trade” portfolio can unravel quickly. ⚒️ Miners Lead the WayBlackRock World Mining Trust tops the portfolio, up +10.4% on the week as gold, silver and copper strength feed through to mining shares. 🇯🇵 Japan Bounces HardThe Nikkei position rises +9.5%, helped by currency intervention and a stronger week for Japanese equities. 🌏 Emerging Markets RallyMSCI Emerging Markets gains +6.5%, supported by Korea’s sharp rebound, a weaker US dollar and renewed appetite for growth. 🤖 Nasdaq Reverses HigherThe Nasdaq position rises +5.9% as money flows back into AI and tech after weeks of pressure. 📉 1929 LessonsChris draws on Andrew Ross Sorkin’s 1929 to compare today’s market risks: leverage, speculative new technology, retail risk-taking and policy error. 🏦 Jackson Hole in FocusThe team debate whether the Fed is “running the economy hot” and why late August could be important for market direction. Portfolio Snapshot – Week 51: 📊 Weekly portfolio performance: +4.2%📈 Total return since inception: +25.5%📅 2026 year-to-date return: +13.0% Top Performers: 📈 BlackRock World Mining Trust PLC: +10.4% WoW📈 iShares Nikkei 225 ETF: +9.5% WoW📈 iShares Core MSCI EM IMI ETF: +6.5% WoW📈 Invesco EQQQ Nasdaq 100 UCITS ETF: +5.9% WoW📈 XLI SPDR US Industrials ETF: +5.3% WoW Underperformers: 📉 iShares Core FTSE 100 ETF: -0.1% WoW📈 Cash: +0.1% WoW📈 iShares UK Gilts 0-5yr ETF: +0.5% WoW📈 iShares MSCI India ETF: +1.3% WoWPortfolio Decision: No changes were made to the portfolio this week. The team remain positioned for the current market rally, while noting they may look to reduce some risk later in August if markets continue to run strongly. Big Questions This Week: • What is leverage, and why can it be so dangerous?• How can a hedge fund lose control of a winning trade?• Are AI stocks back in charge, or is this just a relief rally?• Why does a weaker dollar help commodities and emerging markets?• Are there real parallels between today’s market and 1929?• Could AI improve margins without reigniting inflation?• Should investors enjoy the August rally, or prepare to reduce risk before September? What You’ll Learn: ✔️ How leverage magnifies gains and losses✔️ What margin calls mean in real market conditions✔️ Why crowded trades can reverse violently✔️ How AI is affecting earnings, margins and market leadership✔️ Why commodities, Japan and emerging markets performed strongly this week✔️ Why the team are watching Jackson Hole before making the next portfolio move Disclaimer: This 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.

Jul 31 · Video

Is The Fed Credibility Cracking? And What Earnings Season Tells Us

📊 The Art of Investing Survey – Fill in the form here, we’d love your feedback: https://forms.office.com/e/tCyxzN48Ks📈 Download the full Portfolio Performance Slides View the portfolio breakdown: here📧 Get in touch: theartofinvesting@ig.com📱 Behind the scenes: @_theartofinvesting on TikTok🎧 Listen on: Apple, Spotify, YouTube This week on The Art of Investing, the team assess the latest Federal Reserve decision and the key takeaways from earnings season, examining what both could mean for the market outlook. The team unpack a volatile market backdrop as the AI trade begins to unwind, bond markets take centre stage, and central bank credibility comes into question. A sharp sell-off in semiconductor and AI-linked stocks has driven significant moves across global markets, particularly in Japan and emerging markets, while rising bond yields are beginning to challenge equity valuations. The episode explores whether investors truly understand their exposure, particularly within popular themes like AI and emerging markets, and how concentration risk can quietly build within diversified portfolios. Alongside this, the team break down another week of portfolio performance and a major shift in positioning, as they debate whether this market correction presents a buying opportunity or a warning sign of deeper structural change. This Week’s Highlights: 📉 Portfolio Pulls BackA difficult week sees the portfolio fall -1.7%, driven largely by weakness in AI-linked markets. 🤖 AI Trade UnwindsSemiconductors and AI stocks come under pressure, with sharp declines across global tech markets. 🇯🇵 Japan & Emerging Markets HitNikkei and EM equities lead losses as tech exposure and global positioning unwind. 📈 UK Markets Show StrengthFTSE 100 reaches new highs, highlighting ongoing rotation into value-led markets. 🏦 Central Banks in FocusThe Federal Reserve, Bank of England, and Bank of Japan all take centre stage in a pivotal week for policy. 📊 Bond Yields Rise SharplyMarkets begin to question central bank credibility, pushing yields higher and tightening financial conditions. 🔄 Rotation AcceleratesCapital continues to shift away from growth and into value, changing the leadership within markets. Portfolio Snapshot – Week 50: 📊 Weekly portfolio performance: -1.7%📈 Total return since inception: +21.4%📅 2026 year-to-date return: +8.8% Top Performers: 📈 iShares MSCI India ETF: +2.2% 📈 iShares Core FTSE 100 ETF: +1.6% 📈 Vanguard FTSE 250: +0.3% Underperformers: 📉 iShares Nikkei 225 ETF: -6.7% 📉 iShares Core MSCI EM IMI ETC: -5.3% 📉 BlackRock World Mining Trust PLC: -4.7% Portfolio Changes: A significant shift this week as the team deploy capital back into equities: Reduce UK Gilts (0–5yr) by 7.5%Add 2.5% to JapanAdd 2.5% to NasdaqAdd 2.5% to FTSE 250 The move reflects a view that recent market weakness may present selective opportunities, while also maintaining diversification across regions and styles. Big Questions This Week: • Has the Federal Reserve lost credibility with markets?• Are rising bond yields a bigger threat to equities than expected?• Is the AI trade undergoing a healthy correction, or something more structural?• Can value continue to outperform growth in this new environment?• Does this sell-off present a buying opportunity, or signal further downside? What You’ll Learn: ✔️ Why bond markets are now driving equity market direction ✔️ How rising yields impact growth vs value investing ✔️ What’s really behind the recent AI and semiconductor sell-off ✔️ How professional investors navigate earnings season volatility ✔️ Why diversification matters more than ever in shifting market regimes Disclaimer: This 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.

Jul 24 · Video

The AI Rally's Weak Spot: Oracle's Warning Sign

📊 The Art of Investing Survey – Fill in the form here, we’d love your feedback: https://forms.office.com/e/tCyxzN48Ks 📈 Download the full Portfolio Performance Slides View the portfolio breakdown: here 📧 Get in touch: theartofinvesting@ig.com📱 Behind the scenes: @_theartofinvesting on TikTok🎧 Listen on: Apple, Spotify, YouTube Overview: This week on The Art of Investing, the team unpack a market where volatility is building beneath the surface, with credit markets, AI spending, and rising oil prices all contributing to a more fragile backdrop. While headline equity performance remains relatively steady, attention is turning to credit default swaps (CDS) as a key signal of risk, particularly in companies heavily exposed to the AI boom. From Oracle’s growing debt pile to increasing competition across AI models, this episode explores whether the market may be overestimating the returns from AI investment, and what that could mean for both equities and credit markets. Alongside this, the team break down another week of portfolio performance and the broader macro picture, including rising bond yields, commodity strength, and continued sector rotation. This Week’s Highlights: 📈 Portfolio Edges Higher A steady week sees the portfolio rise +0.4%, continuing its strong long-term performance. ⚒️ Commodities Continue to Lead Copper and mining equities outperform, supported by supply constraints and ongoing demand linked to AI infrastructure. 🛢️ Oil Prices Push Higher Brent crude continues its upward move, adding pressure to global markets and import-heavy economies. 💳 CDS Back in Focus Credit default swaps re-emerge as a key market signal, highlighting growing concerns around corporate debt levels. 🤖 AI Trade Under Pressure Rising costs and increasing competition begin to challenge the assumption of dominant, high-margin AI winners. 📉 Rotation Away from Tech Semiconductor and AI-linked stocks face renewed pressure as capital rotates elsewhere. Portfolio Snapshot – Week 49: No changes were made to the portfolio this week. 📊 Weekly portfolio performance: +0.4%📈 Total return since inception: +23.1%📅 2026 year-to-date return: +10.5% Top Performers: 📈 BlackRock World Mining Trust PLC: +3.3% WoW📈 WisdomTree Copper ETF: +3.1% WoW📈 Vanguard FTSE 250: +2.3% WoW Underperformers: 📉 iShares Nikkei 225 ETF: -2.7% WoW📉 iShares MSCI India ETF: -1.2% WoW📉 XLI SPDR US Industrials ETF: -0.5% WoW Big Questions This Week: • Are credit markets signalling deeper risks beneath the surface of equity markets? • Can AI investment deliver the returns needed to justify rising debt levels? • Is the shift from “winner takes all” to a more competitive AI landscape underway? • How are rising oil prices and bond yields impacting global growth expectations? • What does increasing volatility mean for portfolio positioning going forward? What You’ll Learn: ✔️ What credit default swaps (CDS) reveal about market risk✔️ Why AI competition could reduce pricing power and returns✔️ How rising debt levels are impacting key AI-linked companies✔️ What higher oil prices and bond yields mean for investors✔️ How the team are navigating volatility within the portfolio Disclaimer: This 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.

Jul 15 · Video

British Bargain Basement: Why UK companies are selling out?

📊 The Art of Investing Survey – Fill in the form here, we’d love your feedback: https://forms.office.com/e/tCyxzN48Ks 📈 Download the full Portfolio Performance Slides View the portfolio breakdown: here📧 Get in touch: theartofinvesting@ig.com📱 Behind the scenes: @_theartofinvesting on TikTok🎧 Listen on: Apple, Spotify, YouTube This week on The Art of Investing, the team navigate a shortened trading week where, despite markets feeling under pressure, the portfolio continues to edge higher, now up +22.6% since inception and +10.1% year-to-date. But beneath the surface, things are shifting quickly. With oil surging nearly 20% in just a few days, bond yields climbing, and AI continuing to redirect capital across the global economy, the team unpack a market that feels increasingly volatile, even when headline performance looks steady. From strong moves in commodities to sharp declines in legacy tech, and a wave of takeover activity across the UK, this episode explores where capital is flowing, and what that means for investors right now. This Week’s Highlights: 📈 Portfolio Pushes Higher A positive start to the week sees the portfolio rise +1.1%, continuing its strong long-term performance. ⚒️ Copper Leads the Charge WisdomTree Copper ETF tops the leaderboard, up +4.1%, driven by falling inventories and strong demand signals. 🛢️ Oil Jumps Sharply Oil prices surge nearly 20%, lifting commodities and adding pressure across global markets. 🤖 AI Reshaping Markets Capital continues to rotate into AI, with traditional software names like IBM falling sharply as spending shifts. 📊 Volatility Around Earnings Large swings in individual stocks highlight a market increasingly driven by expectations vs reality. 🇬🇧 UK Takeover Activity Surges A wave of M&A activity points to potential undervaluation, with significantly more takeovers than new listings. 📉 Bond Yields Climb Rising yields suggest markets are beginning to price in the possibility of higher interest rates. Portfolio Snapshot – Week 48: No changes were made to the portfolio this week. 📊 Weekly portfolio performance: +1.1%📈 Total return since inception: +22.6%📅 2026 year-to-date return: +10.1% Top Performers: 📈 WisdomTree Copper ETF: +4.1% WoW📈 BlackRock World Mining Trust PLC: +2.0% WoW📈 iShares Nikkei 225 ETF: +2.0% WoW Underperformers: 📉 iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF: +0.3% WoW📉 iShares Core FTSE 100 ETF: +0.3% WoW📉 iShares UK Gilts 0–5yr ETF: 0.0% WoW Big Questions This Week: • Is the surge in oil prices sustainable, or just a short-term shock?• Are bond markets signalling that interest rates could move higher again?• How much disruption is AI really causing across traditional industries?• Why are UK companies being taken over at such a high rate?• What does continued volatility mean for portfolio positioning? What You’ll Learn: ✔️ What’s driving the latest moves in commodities and oil✔️ Why AI is pulling capital away from legacy sectors✔️ How takeover activity reveals hidden value in markets✔️ What rising bond yields mean for investors✔️ How the team are thinking about volatility right now Disclaimer: This 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.

Jul 10 · Video

Do You Really Know What You’ve Invested In?

📊 The Art of Investing Survey – Fill in the form here, we’d love your feedback: https://forms.office.com/e/tCyxzN48Ks📈 Download the full Portfolio Performance Slides here📧 Get in touch: theartofinvesting@ig.com📱 Behind the scenes: _theartofinvesting on TikTok | @theartofinvestingpod (Instagram)🎧 Listen on: Apple, Spotify, YouTube Happy Birthday to us! This week on The Art of Investing, the team mark one year of the portfolio with a more volatile week in markets, as geopolitical tensions, oil price moves and continued rotation across equities begin to test performance. While the portfolio takes a step back, the broader conversation focuses on what’s really driving markets right now - from renewed pressure in commodities and emerging markets, to ongoing shifts within equities and growing dispersion across global indices. The team also explore two key themes this week: the hidden concentration within ETFs - comparing cap-weighted vs equal-weighted investing - and the rise of thematic investing, including how to think about geographic and sector diversification. This Week’s Highlights: 📉 Markets Pull Back A weaker week across global markets sees broad-based declines, with most asset classes finishing in negative territory. 🛢️ Oil Volatility Returns Geopolitical tensions push oil prices higher again, reversing recent declines and adding pressure across sectors like airlines and transport. 🔄 Rotation Continues Ongoing shifts within equities, with capital moving between sectors and regions rather than leaving markets entirely. 🤖 AI & Tech Volatility Continued swings across semiconductor and AI-linked stocks, highlighting the fragility of recent momentum. 🇯🇵 Japan Under Pressure After a strong run, rising bond yields raise questions around sustainability and potential profit-taking. 📉 Commodities Pause A cooling period for commodities, with weaker China demand and a stronger dollar weighing on prices. 📊 Concentration Still Matters Single stock moves continue to have an outsized impact on indices, reinforcing the importance of understanding what you own. Portfolio Snapshot – Week 47: No changes were made to the portfolio this week. Weekly portfolio performance: -2.2%Total return since inception: +21.5% 2026 year-to-date return: +9.0% Top Performers: 📈 Cash: +0.1% WoW📈 iShares Core FTSE 100 ETF: -0.0% WoW📈 iShares UK Gilts 0–5yr ETF: -0.3% WoW Underperformers: 📉 iShares Nikkei 225 ETF: -5.9% WoW📉 BlackRock World Mining Trust PLC: -5.3% WoW📉 iShares Core MSCI EM IMI ETF: -4.0% WoW Big Questions This Week: • Is this pullback a short-term reaction or the start of a broader slowdown?• How sustainable is the recent strength in oil prices?• Are commodities simply pausing, or is the cycle turning?• What does rising bond yield pressure mean for Japan and global markets?• Is market concentration still a hidden risk for investors? What You’ll Learn: ✔️ What’s driving the latest bout of market volatility✔️ Why oil prices are back in focus✔️ How rotation is shaping equity performance✔️ What’s happening in Japan and why it matters✔️ Why understanding index composition is key✔️ What the team are watching next in the portfolio Disclaimer: This 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.

Jul 6 · Bonus Video

Jeremy Hunt on UK Investing, CGT, and the £100k Cliff Edge

📊 The Art of Investing Survey – Fill in the form here, we’d love your feedback: https://forms.office.com/e/tCyxzN48Ks🏆 Competition: win Jeremy Hunt’s book via Instagram @theartofinvestingpod📧 Get in touch: theartofinvesting@ig.com📱 Behind the scenes: @_theartofinvesting (TikTok) | @theartofinvestingpod (Instagram) 🎧 Listen on: Apple, Spotify, YouTube In this special episode, we sit down with former Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, for a rare, behind-the-scenes look at one of the most volatile periods in recent UK economic history, the 2022 mini-budget crisis. From an unexpected call while on holiday to becoming Chancellor within hours, Jeremy shares what it was really like taking over during a market crisis, why governments don’t control the economy as much as we think, and the uncomfortable truth about why Brits are falling behind when it comes to investing. Jeremy also gives a clear and timely view on Capital Gains Tax, arguing that higher CGT risks discouraging investment and ultimately holding back long-term growth, particularly at a time when the UK needs to be attracting capital, not pushing it away. In this conversation, we discuss with Jeremy: Why “markets always win” and what happens when governments lose credibilityThe moment he was called to become Chancellor and what markets were really reacting toWhy the UK doesn’t have a savings problem, but an investing problemHow complexity in ISAs and pensions is holding people backWhy Australia’s pension system is miles ahead of the UKHow tax, incentives and policy shape investor behaviourWhy British capital isn’t backing British companiesThe role of inflation and why getting it wrong breaks everythingThe real risks facing global markets todayWhy long-term thinking is the only real investing edgeWant more like this? For weekly market breakdowns, portfolio updates and expert insights, follow The Art of Investing:🎧 Listen on: Apple, Spotify, YouTube Disclaimer: This 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.

Jul 3

Q2 Portfolio Review: Winners, Losers & What We're Buying

📊 The Art of Investing Survey – Fill in the form here, we’d love your feedback: https://forms.office.com/e/tCyxzN48Ks 📈 Download the full Portfolio Performance Slides View the portfolio breakdown: here 🏆 Competition: win Jeremy Hunt’s book via Instagram @theartofinvestingpod 📧 Get in touch: theartofinvesting@ig.com 📱 Behind the scenes: @_theartofinvesting (TikTok) | @theartofinvestingpod (Instagram) 🎧 Listen on: Apple, Spotify, YouTube Overview:This week on The Art of Investing, Rich McDonald, Mark “Spice” Holden and Chris “CJ” Fellingham come together in the studio for a full Q2 portfolio review. We’re up +12.6% over the quarter, with returns now sitting at +23.8% since inception and +11.3% year-to-date. We got the war completely wrong. We got the markets completely right. Listen for a break down of everything that worked, everything that didn’t, and the two new trades they’re putting on right now - while asking a much bigger question: are markets becoming too comfortable? With copper and mining stocks continuing to lead performance - with holdings like BlackRock World Mining Trust and the WisdomTree Copper ETF among the standout contributors - the team explore why this theme remains central to the portfolio, how AI and electrification are reshaping demand, and whether investors are underestimating the risks still present in the global economy. Meanwhile, the portfolio continues to deliver strong long-term returns, but with pockets of volatility emerging across emerging markets, crypto-linked assets and commodities - particularly with weakness in areas like India and continued dispersion between global regions. This Week’s Highlights 📈 Portfolio Edges Higher The portfolio rose +0.1%, with returns at +23.8% since inception and +11.3% YTD. ⚒️ Copper & Mining Still Leading Copper remains a core theme, supported by AI and electrification demand. 🤖 AI & Electrification Demand Infrastructure buildout continues driving commodity demand. ⚠️ Are Markets Too Relaxed? Markets remain strong, but risks may be underpriced. 🇯🇵 Japan & Global Equities Perform Developed markets continue to support overall returns. 📉 Weakness in Emerging Markets & India Emerging markets remain volatile, with India lagging. 📈 Q2 Performance Highlights Portfolio up 12.6% in Q2 and 11.3% year to dateBest performer: Nikkei 225 up 33% over the quarterKorea up 57% and Taiwan up 54% (within Emerging Markets)S&P 500 hedged up 16.2% for the quarterEmerging Markets up 20% - second best performerBlackRock World Mining Trust the biggest disappointment - giving back Q1 gains as gold and silver sold offNasdaq (not held directly) up nearly 29%Quarterly Portfolio Snapshot Top Performers: 🥇 BlackRock World Mining Trust PLC: +59.4% 🥈 iShares Nikkei 225 ETF: +55.1% 🥉 WisdomTree Copper ETF: +33.4% Underperformers: 📉 iShares MSCI India ETF: –2.7% (–9.2% YTD) 📉 iShares UK Gilts 0–5yr ETF: –0.8% YTD 📉 Emerging Markets ETF: lagging Portfolio Changes This Week Weekly performance: +0.1%Total return since inception: +23.8%2026 YTD return: +11.3% Two new positions added, funded from cash: 1. FTSE 250 – 5% allocation UK mid-caps at attractive valuations Potential beneficiaries of falling rates and regional growth Policy and M&A activity highlighting underlying value 2. State Street Sector ETF – XLI Industrials – 5% allocation New asset class exposure Includes GE Aerospace, Raytheon, Uber, Caterpillar, Honeywell Benefiting from reshoring and lower energy prices Part of rotation into cyclical “old economy” sectors Big Questions This Week • Why is copper such a critical long-term theme?• Are markets underpricing economic risks?• Can mining stocks continue to outperform?• How should investors think about volatility? What You’ll Learn ✔️ Why copper is central to AI and electrification✔️ How sentiment is driving markets✔️ Why mining remains a key driver✔️ What risks investors should be watching Disclaimer This 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.

The Art of Investing

Our Portfolio Returned 26%. Here’s What We Did - An Honest Review

How Excessive Leverage brought down Wall Street’s Golden Boy

Is The Fed Credibility Cracking? And What Earnings Season Tells Us

The AI Rally's Weak Spot: Oracle's Warning Sign

British Bargain Basement: Why UK companies are selling out?

Do You Really Know What You’ve Invested In?

Jeremy Hunt on UK Investing, CGT, and the £100k Cliff Edge

Q2 Portfolio Review: Winners, Losers & What We're Buying

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The Art of Investing

Episodes

Our Portfolio Returned 26%. Here’s What We Did - An Honest Review

How Excessive Leverage brought down Wall Street’s Golden Boy

Is The Fed Credibility Cracking? And What Earnings Season Tells Us

The AI Rally's Weak Spot: Oracle's Warning Sign

British Bargain Basement: Why UK companies are selling out?

Do You Really Know What You’ve Invested In?

Jeremy Hunt on UK Investing, CGT, and the £100k Cliff Edge

Q2 Portfolio Review: Winners, Losers & What We're Buying

About

Information

More From IG UK

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