The Art of Investing

IG UK

Looking to turn Market Chaos into Investing Clarity? Welcome to The Art of Investing - a brand new podcast that transforms market noise into clear investing strategies. Brought to you by IG, global investing platform, FTSE 250 and over 50 years in the markets. This isn't your typical finance show. Whether you're taking your first steps into the investment world or you're a seasoned investor looking to sharpen your edge, you've found your new secret weapon. Every Friday, join hosts Rich McDonald, Mark Holden & Chris Fellingham – three investing legends bringing you a combined century of market wisdom. They'll decode the week's biggest moves, reveal the hot topics that could make or break a portfolio, and share the insights that separate winners from wishful thinkers. But here's where we blow every other podcast out of the water: Introducing our live Model Portfolio. With IG's access to thousands of global markets, you'll watch our strategy unfold in real-time, unfiltered investment action, that you can follow. Every week, we'll pull back the curtain on exactly how the portfolio is performing. The wins, the losses, the lessons learned – it's all here. This is investing education with skin in the game. Are you ready to master the art of investing? 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.

  1. AI CapEx and Rate Rises - The Double Trouble Hitting Big Tech

    2d ago

    AI CapEx and Rate Rises - The Double Trouble Hitting Big Tech

    Can’t get enough of The Art of Investing? Take a look here for even more content! https://youtu.be/B0FzP8sjd_w  📈 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 This week on The Art of Investing, host James “Jimmy” Ovenden steps in for Richard McDonald, joined by Mark “Spice” Holden and Chris “CJ” Fellingham. It’s been a tough week for the portfolio, with markets taking a hit as strong US economic data reshapes interest rate expectations. The team break down a staggering $400 billion in capital raise announcements from the world’s biggest tech companies, explore what new Fed Chair Kevin Warsh’s first meeting might signal, and ask the question on every investor’s mind: why is the oil price falling even as bombs fly in the Middle East? This Week's Highlights: 📉 Markets Pull BackUS equities suffer their worst week of the year as the Nasdaq falls 6% and the semiconductor index tumbles 11%. 💰 $400 Billion Capital GrabOracle, Meta, OpenAI, Anthropic, Amazon and Space-X collectively announce hundreds of billions in fresh capital raises - raising the question of who is actually funding the AI boom. 🚀 Space-X Goes PublicHighly anticipated IPO prices at $135/share with 4x oversubscription, entering the Nasdaq and Russell indices but not the S&P 500. 📊 Rate Rise Fears ReturnStrong US non-farm payrolls trigger a repricing of rate expectations - with up to three hikes now on the table and Kevin Warsh’s first Fed meeting closely watched. 🛢️ The Oil Price ParadoxDespite ongoing Middle East tensions, the oil price falls - the team explore why markets are ignoring the disaster narrative. 🇮🇳 India’s Unlikely ComebackAfter weeks of underperformance, iShares MSCI India ETF is this week’s best performer, up 0.5% - just ahead of a deep-dive episode with JP next week. Portfolio Snapshot – Week 43: No changes were made to the portfolio this week. 📊 Weekly portfolio performance: –2.55%📈 Total return since inception: +20.83%📅 2026 year-to-date return: +8.30% Top Performers:📈 iShares MSCI India ETF: +0.5% WoW📈 Cash: +0.1% WoW📈 iShares UK Gilts 0–5yr ETF: +0.1% WoW Underperformers:📉 BlackRock World Mining Trust PLC: –10.6% WoW📉 iShares Nikkei 225 ETF: –6.5% WoW📉 iShares Core MSCI EM IMI ETC: –6.3% WoW Big Questions This Week: • Is $400bn in tech capital raises the peak of AI fundraising, or is there more to come?• Will Kevin Warsh’s first Fed meeting signal rate rises or hold the line?• Why is the oil price falling when the Middle East is at its most volatile?• Is the portfolio’s low AI exposure a vulnerability or a hidden strength?• Is India finally turning a corner - or was this week a one-off? What You’ll Learn: ✔️ Why good economic news became bad news for markets this week✔️ How $400bn in capital raises is reshaping global equity flows✔️ What Space-X’s IPO means for investors using Nasdaq ETFs✔️ Why the oil price is defying Middle East conflict - and what it signals✔️ How the portfolio’s AI exposure stacks up against global indices 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.

    52 min
  2. Bitcoin Drops, AI Soars: Is Your Portfolio Ready?

    Jun 5

    Bitcoin Drops, AI Soars: Is Your Portfolio Ready?

    📈 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 & YouTube This week on The Art of Investing, Rich McDonald, Mark “Spice” Holden and Chris “CJ” Fellingham are joined by Katy Forbes (CIO at North Capital), bringing over 100 years of combined experience across wealth and hedge fund management to unpack another evolving week in global markets. Markets continue to push higher, driven by relentless AI momentum, but beneath the surface, cracks are beginning to appear. The team explore whether capital is being aggressively reallocated into AI at the expense of other asset classes, why bonds, gold and crypto are struggling, and what this means for the broader investment landscape. With guest insight from a leading wealth manager, the conversation also dives into portfolio construction, bond market risks, and how professionals are navigating this environment. This Week’s Highlights: 📈 Markets Hold Firm Global equities continue to perform, with Japan and emerging markets leading gains. 🤖 AI Dominance Continues AI demand remains the key driver of markets, with capital flowing aggressively into the sector. 💸 Capital Rotation Intensifies Money is being pulled from crypto, gold, bonds and private markets to fund AI growth. 📉 Crypto & Alternatives Under Pressure Bitcoin falls sharply while gold and private equity struggle for momentum. ⚠️ Bond Market Concerns Rising issuance and demand for capital raise questions about long-term bond attractiveness. 🇮🇳 India Under Scrutiny India continues to lag, prompting discussion around whether to exit the position. Portfolio Snapshot – Week 42:No changes were made to the portfolio this week. Weekly portfolio performance: +0.7%Total return since inception: +23.4%2026 year-to-date return: +10.9% Top Performers:🥇 iShares Nikkei 225 ETF: +4.5% WoW🥈 WisdomTree Copper ETF: +2.8% WoW🥉 BlackRock World Mining Trust PLC: +2.6% WoW Underperformers:📉 iShares MSCI India ETF: –2.6% WoW📉 iShares Core FTSE 100 ETF: –1.6% WoW📉 Invesco Stoxx Europe 600 UCITS ETF GBP: –1.4% WoW Big Questions This Week: • Is AI pulling capital away from the rest of the market? • Are bonds becoming structurally unattractive? • Is the current AI rally sustainable or overheating? • What’s gone wrong with India’s investment case? • Where should investors look next as capital rotates? What You’ll Learn: ✔️ Why AI is dominating global capital flows ✔️ How portfolio diversification is protecting returns ✔️ The risks facing bonds in today’s environment ✔️ What’s driving weakness in crypto, gold and India ✔️ How professional investors think about asset allocation 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.

    1h 10m
  3. How The Semiconductor Super Cycle is Sparking Stocks Surge

    May 29

    How The Semiconductor Super Cycle is Sparking Stocks Surge

    This week on The Art of Investing, Rich McDonald, Mark “Spice” Holden and Chris “CJ” Fellingham draw on over 100 years of combined wealth and hedge fund management experience to unpack another powerful week in markets, as equities push to fresh highs despite ongoing geopolitical tension and macro uncertainty. With US markets now climbing for eight consecutive weeks and AI-driven momentum accelerating, the team explore whether this rally still has room to run, how far the semiconductor supercycle can go, and why investors may be underestimating just how broad this market move is becoming. This Week’s Highlights: 📈 Markets Keep ClimbingUS equities extended their winning streak to eight consecutive weeks, with the S&P 500, Nasdaq and Dow all hitting fresh all-time highs. 🤖 Semiconductor Supercycle AcceleratesAI demand continues to drive explosive growth across chipmakers, with momentum now spreading beyond Nvidia into broader semiconductor names. 🌍 Market Breadth ImprovingStrength is no longer limited to mega-cap tech, with the Russell 2000 and equal-weight indices also pushing higher - a positive signal for broader market health. 🛢️ Oil Drops, Markets RallyDespite geopolitical tensions, oil prices fell sharply, easing inflation concerns and supporting risk assets globally. 🏦 Bonds StabiliseAfter recent volatility, bond markets recovered as yields pulled back, helping to ease pressure on equities. ⚖️ AI vs Macro: A Two-Speed MarketThe team debate the growing disconnect between traditional macro-driven markets and the powerful AI-driven growth cycle reshaping global investing. Portfolio Snapshot - Week 41: No changes were made to the portfolio this week. Weekly portfolio performance: +2.4%Total return since inception: +22.7%2026 year-to-date return: +10.2% Top Performers 🥇 iShares Nikkei 225 ETF — +5.6% WoW 🥈 iShares Russell 2000 ETF — +5.1% WoW 🥉 iShares Core MSCI EM IMI UCITS ETF — +4.9% WoW Underperformers 📉 iShares MSCI India ETF — +1.8% WoW 📉 WisdomTree Copper ETF — +0.4% WoW 📉 iShares UK Gilts 0–5yr ETF — +0.6% WoW Portfolio Highlights • Strong gains driven by Japan, US small caps and emerging markets• Broadening market leadership beyond mega-cap tech• Falling oil prices and stabilising bonds supported equities• Defensive assets lagged as risk appetite returned• Portfolio continues to benefit from diversified global exposure Big Questions This Week: • How long can the AI-driven rally continue?• Is this still a narrow tech-led move, or a broader bull market?• What happens if bond yields rise again?• Are investors underestimating how dominant AI has become? What You’ll Learn: ✔️ Why market leadership is starting to broaden✔️ How AI is driving global equity performance✔️ The relationship between oil, bonds and equities✔️ Why diversification still matters in concentrated markets 📈 Download the full Portfolio Performance Slides View the portfolio breakdown: here 📧 Get in touch: theartofinvesting@ig.com 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. May Incentives: Transfer Cashback Get up to £5,000 cashback when you transfer £10,000+ to IG before 31st May 2026.Code: TRANSFER5000PODT&Cs 📋 ig.com/uk/invest-campaign/transfer-cashback-value-apr-26 Free Shares Get £50–£1,000 in free shares when you invest £1,000+ before 31st May 2026.Code: MAYSHARESPODT&Cs 📋 ig.com/uk/invest-campaign/free-shares-may-26 Cashback Offer Earn 2% cashback (up to £200) when you deposit and invest £1,000+ before 31st May 2026.Code: MAYDEPOSITPODT&Cs 📋 ig.com/uk/invest-campaign/cashback-may-26

    59 min
  4. SpaceX on Launchpad While Bonds Dampen Risk Sentiment

    May 20

    SpaceX on Launchpad While Bonds Dampen Risk Sentiment

    This week on The Art of Investing, Rich McDonald, Mark “Spice” Holden and Chris “CJ” Fellingham break down a more volatile week in global markets, as rising bond yields, geopolitical tensions and shifting expectations begin to test the strength of the recent rally. With over 100 years of combined experience across wealth and hedge fund management, the team explore whether markets are entering a more uncertain phase, what higher-for-longer rates mean for investors, and why cash is starting to look increasingly attractive in the short term. This Week’s Highlights: 📉 Markets Pause After Strong Run After seven consecutive weeks of gains, US equities pulled back as rising bond yields and inflation concerns weighed on sentiment. 📊 Bond Yields Surge Globally US 30-year yields hit their highest level since 2007, with similar moves seen across Japan and Europe, putting pressure on risk assets. 🛢️ Oil Prices Climb Again Brent crude surged to new highs amid geopolitical tensions, reinforcing inflation concerns and adding further uncertainty to markets. 🤖 AI & Earnings Still in Focus Strong earnings continue across tech and AI-driven companies, with Nvidia results expected to be a key catalyst for markets this week. 🌍 Global Growth Divergence Japan delivered stronger-than-expected GDP growth, while China data disappointed, highlighting diverging global economic momentum. ⚡ The Hidden AI Infrastructure Boom Massive investment into data centres and energy infrastructure continues, with utilities and industrial players positioning for long-term demand. Portfolio Snapshot – Week 46: Weekly portfolio performance: –1.6%Total return since inception: +20.3%2026 year-to-date return: +7.8% Top Performers 🥇 iShares MSCI India ETF: +0.6% WoW🥈 Invesco Stoxx Euro 600 UCITS ETF GBP: +0.2% WoW🥉 iShares Core FTSE 100 ETF: +0.1% WoW Underperformers 📉 BlackRock World Mining Trust: –8.2% WoW📉 Wisdom Tree Copper ETF: –4.5% WoW📉 iShares Nikkei 225 ETF: –2.6% WoW Big Questions This Week: • Are rising bond yields the biggest risk to equities right now?• Is this just a healthy pullback or the start of something bigger?• How sustainable is the AI-driven growth story?• Should investors be increasing cash positions in this environment? What You’ll Learn: ✔️ Why bond markets are driving global asset prices✔️ How rising yields impact equities and valuations✔️ The role of cash in uncertain markets✔️ Key signals to watch for a potential market shift 📈 Download the full Portfolio Performance Slides View the portfolio breakdown: here  📧 Get in touch: theartofinvesting@ig.com 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. May Incentives: Transfer Cashback Get up to £5,000 cashback when you transfer £10,000+ to IG before 31st May 2026.Code: TRANSFER5000PODT&Cs 📋 ig.com/uk/invest-campaign/transfer-cashback-value-apr-26 Free Shares Get £50–£1,000 in free shares when you invest £1,000+ before 31st May 2026.Code: MAYSHARESPODT&Cs 📋 ig.com/uk/invest-campaign/free-shares-may-26 Cashback Offer Earn 2% cashback (up to £200) when you deposit and invest £1,000+ before 31st May 2026.Code: MAYDEPOSITPODT&Cs 📋 ig.com/uk/invest-campaign/cashback-may-26

    56 min
  5. Taking Profits on Portfolio as Bonds Sound Alarm Bells

    May 15

    Taking Profits on Portfolio as Bonds Sound Alarm Bells

    This week on The Art of Investing, Rich McDonald joins Mark “Spice” Holden and Chris “CJ” Fellingham, bringing over 100 years of combined experience across wealth and hedge fund management, to unpack another fascinating week in global markets. US equities pushed higher as investors piled back into AI, technology and cyclical trades, while copper and mining stocks extended their rally. The team debate whether markets are becoming too complacent, why copper remains a major long-term investment theme, and whether investors are underestimating ongoing economic risks. This Week’s Highlights: 📈 Markets Continue Higher US equities extended gains as optimism around AI, earnings and future rate cuts continued to support risk assets globally. ⚒️ Copper Leads The Charge Copper and mining-related holdings delivered another strong week as the team revisit the long-term electrification and AI infrastructure story. 🤖 AI Momentum Remains Strong Technology and AI-linked investments continue driving market performance as investors rotate back into growth assets. ⚠️ Are Investors Too Comfortable? The team discuss whether markets are becoming overly optimistic despite ongoing geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainty. 🇯🇵 Japan Still Performing Japanese equities remained one of the strongest regions within the portfolio as international investors continue increasing exposure. 🪙 Crypto Volatility Returns Crypto and blockchain-linked holdings remained highly reactive as sentiment swings continue across digital assets. Portfolio Snapshot – Week 39: Three positions were trimmed this week, with proceeds moved into cash. The team sold 5% VanEck Crypto ETF, 5% Vanguard FTSE 250, and 5% Xtrackers DAX ETF - raising the portfolio's cash position by 15%. Weekly portfolio performance: +0.5% Total return since inception: +21.9% 2026 year-to-date return: +9.4% Top Performers: 🥇 WisdomTree Copper ETF: +8.5% WoW 🥈 BlackRock World Mining Trust PLC: +7.8% WoW 🥉 iShares Nikkei 225 ETF: +1.6% WoW Underperformers: 📉 iShares MSCI India ETF: –4.6% WoW 📉 Xtrackers DAX ETF: –3.5% WoW 📉 Invesco Stoxx Euro 600 ETF GBP: –1.7% WoW Big Questions This Week: • Is the AI rally overcrowded? • Why is copper such an important long-term theme? • Are markets underpricing economic risks? • Can mining stocks keep outperforming? What You’ll Learn: ✔️ Why copper is linked to AI and electrification ✔️ How sentiment is driving markets ✔️ Why mining stocks remain strong ✔️ Warning signs investors should watch 📈 Download the full Portfolio Performance Slides View the portfolio breakdown: here 📧 Get in touch: theartofinvesting@ig.com 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. May Incentives: Transfer Cashback Get up to £5,000 cashback when you transfer £10,000+ to IG before 31st May 2026. Code: TRANSFER5000POD T&Cs 📋 ig.com/uk/invest-campaign/transfer-cashback-value-apr-26 Free Shares Get £50–£1,000 in free shares when you invest £1,000+ before 31st May 2026. Code: MAYSHARESPOD T&Cs 📋 ig.com/uk/invest-campaign/free-shares-may-26 Cashback Offer Earn 2% cashback (up to £200) when you deposit and invest £1,000+ before 31st May 2026. Code: MAYDEPOSITPOD T&Cs 📋 ig.com/uk/invest-campaign/cashback-may-26

    1h 18m
  6. Global Tech Surges as FTSE Suffers Political Uncertainty

    May 8

    Global Tech Surges as FTSE Suffers Political Uncertainty

    This week on The Art of Investing, Rich McDonald is joined by Mark “Spice” Holden, Chris “CJ” Fellingham, who together bring over 100 years of combined experience across wealth and hedge fund management. They’re joined by special guest Adam Smith, former Chief of Staff to Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, to unpack another huge week in global markets. US equities pushed to fresh all-time highs as AI and semiconductor stocks surged higher, while falling oil prices and improving risk sentiment helped fuel a broad market rally. The team also debate whether signs of a bubble are beginning to emerge in parts of the technology market. This Week’s Highlights: 📈 Markets Hit Fresh Highs US indices including the Nasdaq, Russell 2000 and S&P 500 all reached new all-time highs as oil prices fell more than 10% this week. 💻 AI & Semiconductor Boom Accelerates AMD, TSMC, Samsung and Intel all surged after another wave of blockbuster technology earnings and AI demand. ⚠️ Bubble Warning Signs Emerging? The team discuss whether investors are now “buying names they like” regardless of valuation, with comparisons made to previous speculative bubbles. 🇬🇧 Can The UK Compete In AI? Adam Smith shares insights from Westminster on Britain’s AI ambitions, and why the UK still has a chance to become a major global AI hub. 🛢️ Oil Falls As Ceasefire Hopes Grow Markets welcomed signs of easing tensions in the Middle East, helping drive risk assets higher globally. Portfolio Snapshot – Week 38: No changes were made to the portfolio this week. Weekly portfolio performance: +4.5% Total return since inception: +21.4% 2026 year-to-date return: +8.9% Top Performers 🥇 VanEck Crypto & Blockchain Innovators ETF: +21.6% WoW 🥈 BlackRock World Mining Trust PLC: +7.8% WoW 🥉 iShares Nikkei 225 ETF: +6.5% WoW Underperformers 📉 Cash: +0.1% WoW 📉 iShares UK Gilts 0–5yr ETF: +0.4% WoW 📉 iShares MSCI India ETF: +1.5% WoW Big Questions This Week: Is the AI rally becoming a bubble?Why are markets ignoring valuation concerns?Can the UK become a serious AI player?Is “Sell in May and Go Away” finally relevant again?Are investors underestimating how strong the US economy remains? What You’ll Learn: ✔️ Why expectations matter more than earnings alone ✔️ How AI demand is reshaping global markets ✔️ Why semiconductor stocks are leading the rally ✔️ What warning signs investors should watch for in bull markets ✔️ How politics and policy could influence the next phase of AI investing 📈 Download the full Portfolio Performance Slides View the portfolio breakdown: here 📧 Get in touch: theartofinvesting@ig.com Subscribe for weekly investing insight 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 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. Beat The Street Competition: More Info here: https://bts.ig.com/uk/beat-the-street/home 📋 T&Cs: The “Beat the Street” competition is open to UK legal residents aged 18+ and there’s a limit of one registration per person. The promoter is IG Trading and Investments Ltd and you can enter and find full T&C’s at ig.com/uk/beat-the-street. 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.

    1h 12m
  7. British Debt Gloom vs US Stock Euphoria — What Comes Next?

    May 1

    British Debt Gloom vs US Stock Euphoria — What Comes Next?

    This Week on The Art of Investing, Rich McDonald returns from holiday to find oil at $126 a barrel and markets at all-time highs. The team try to make sense of it - rate cut expectations have collapsed, geopolitical risk has intensified, and yet the S&P 500 and Nasdaq keep climbing. Mark "Spice" Holden and Chris "CJ" Fellingham join Rich to dig into why US markets are defying every macro headwind, what it means for a portfolio that had a tough week, and whether now is the time to act or sit on their hands. The episode also covers a deep dive into UK gilt fair value, the Bank of England rate decision, the rise of algorithmic trading and its impact on price discovery, and a listener Q&A on stop losses and what the team have genuinely learned since launching the podcast. This Week's Highlights: 🛢️ Oil at $126 — Markets Shrug Brent crude up nearly 20% in eight days on Straits of Hormuz fears, yet the S&P and Nasdaq hit all-time highs. 💻 Magnificent Seven Earnings Crunch Four Mag Seven reports in two minutes - Alphabet surged, Meta fell, and the Nasdaq pushed higher. 🔧 Chip Stocks Explode Qualcomm up 16%, Intel up 100% since April - AI chip demand is the trade of the moment. 🇬🇧 UK Gilts & the "Moron Premium" CJ breaks down gilt fair value and why 5.75% yields may still not be cheap enough to buy. 🤖 Machines Are Winning Algorithmic momentum trading is moving markets beyond rational levels and crowding out human investors. Portfolio Snapshot - Week 37 No changes were made to the portfolio this week. Weekly performance: –2.1% Total return since inception: +16.9% Top Performers: 🥇 iShares S&P 500 GBP Hedged ETF: +0.1% 🥈 Cash: +0.1% Underperformers: 📉 VanEck Crypto & Blockchain Innovators ETF: –9.5% 📉 BlackRock World Mining Trust PLC: –8.7% 📉 WisdomTree Copper ETF: –3.6% Portfolio Positioning: A tough week, with the oil price rise hitting commodities and oil-importing markets the hardest. The team agreed not to act while market direction remains unclear - CJ's view: when you're not seeing it well, making decisions is a recipe for mistakes. Watch and wait.  • US equities and AI beneficiaries remain core - justified by 13%+ earnings growth for six consecutive quarters  • UK and European exposure under review - the DAX would be first to go if forced to cut  • A move into long gilts is being considered if 30-year yields push above 6%  • Commodities suffering from oil rotation - mining and copper the biggest portfolio drags this week 📈 Download the full Portfolio Performance Slides View the portfolio breakdown: here 📧 Get in touch: theartofinvesting@ig.com Subscribe for weekly investing insight 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 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. Beat The Street Competition  More Info here: https://bts.ig.com/uk/beat-the-street/home 📋T&Cs: The “Beat the Street” competition is open to UK legal residents aged 18+ and there’s a limit of one registration per person. The promoter is IG Trading and Investments Ltd and you can enter and find full T&C’s at ig.com/uk/beat-the-street.

    1h 1m
  8. Forget Stock Picking. What Makes a Great Investor?

    Apr 24

    Forget Stock Picking. What Makes a Great Investor?

    This week on The Art of Investing, Sophie Cocker steps in as host alongside Mark “Spice” Holden and Chris “CJ” Fellingham. Special guest, Claire Flynn Levy, author of “Stock Market Maestro’s” explores what truly separates top investors, and why behaviour, not stock picking, often drives long-term success.  The team use their extensive experience across wealth and hedge fund management to unpack another strong week for global markets, even as oil rises, geopolitical tensions linger and macro signals remain mixed. US equities continue to push higher, with the S&P 500, NASDAQ and small caps all hitting fresh highs. Meanwhile, emerging markets and Japan are also gaining momentum, raising the question: is this still the AI-driven rally, or something more structural? This Week’s Highlights: 🧠 Investor Behaviour Matters, From The Book ‘Stock Market Maestro’s’ Why managing losses and position sizing often matters more than picking winners. 📈 Markets Defy Expectations US equities hit new highs despite rising oil prices and ongoing uncertainty. 💻 Tech & AI Still Leading Magnificent Seven strength continues, with AI-driven productivity shaping markets. 🌏 Global Markets Broadening Out Emerging markets and Japan rally, suggesting gains are spreading beyond mega caps. 🇬🇧 UK & Europe Lag Weakness persists amid rate pressure, political uncertainty and slower AI adoption. Portfolio Snapshot - Week 36: No changes were made to the portfolio this week. Weekly performance: +1.3% Total return since inception: +19.07% Top Performers 🥇 VanEck Crypto & Blockchain Innovators ETF: +8.55% 🥈 iShares Russell 2000 ETF: +2.77% 🥉 iShares Core MSCI EM IMI ETF: +2.26% Underperformers 📉 BlackRock World Mining Trust: –1.55% 📉 iShares Core FTSE 100 ETF: –0.89% 📉 Invesco Stoxx Euro 600 ETF: –0.52% Portfolio Positioning: The portfolio remains tilted toward growth and global diversification, with: • Strong exposure to US equities and AI beneficiaries • Positions in emerging markets and Japan • Commodities exposure alongside defensive assets The team maintain conviction but acknowledge increasing uncertainty around what’s driving markets. Big Questions This Week: • Is this still the AI trade, or something else? • Why are markets rising despite macro headwinds? • Are investors underestimating US strength? • When should you act, and when should you stay patient? What You’ll Learn ✔️ Why you don’t need to be right more than 50% of the time ✔️ How top investors manage winners vs losers ✔️ Why cutting losses is critical to long-term returns ✔️ How AI is already impacting markets and productivity ✔️ Why behaviour often matters more than stock picking 📈 Download the full Portfolio Performance Slides View the portfolio breakdown: here 📧 Get in touch: theartofinvesting@ig.com Subscribe for weekly investing insight 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 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. Beat The Street Competition: More Info here: https://bts.ig.com/uk/beat-the-street/home 📋T&Cs: The “Beat the Street” competition is open to UK legal residents aged 18+ and there’s a limit of one registration per person. The promoter is IG Trading and Investments Ltd and you can enter and find full T&C’s at ...

    1h 13m

About

Looking to turn Market Chaos into Investing Clarity? Welcome to The Art of Investing - a brand new podcast that transforms market noise into clear investing strategies. Brought to you by IG, global investing platform, FTSE 250 and over 50 years in the markets. This isn't your typical finance show. Whether you're taking your first steps into the investment world or you're a seasoned investor looking to sharpen your edge, you've found your new secret weapon. Every Friday, join hosts Rich McDonald, Mark Holden & Chris Fellingham – three investing legends bringing you a combined century of market wisdom. They'll decode the week's biggest moves, reveal the hot topics that could make or break a portfolio, and share the insights that separate winners from wishful thinkers. But here's where we blow every other podcast out of the water: Introducing our live Model Portfolio. With IG's access to thousands of global markets, you'll watch our strategy unfold in real-time, unfiltered investment action, that you can follow. Every week, we'll pull back the curtain on exactly how the portfolio is performing. The wins, the losses, the lessons learned – it's all here. This is investing education with skin in the game. Are you ready to master the art of investing? 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.

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