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FAS Investment Committee Performance Update

Prudent investment advice and management have been the cornerstone of the service FAS have provided clients for more than 30 years. Our advisory proposition, where bespoke investment portfolios are created to suit individual clients’ needs and objectives, has been developed and refined over decades, with the same principles providing the foundation for the range of CDI discretionary managed portfolios. These portfolios are exclusively available to clients of FAS/MGFP and have proved a popular solution for individuals, trustees and businesses alike.

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Why Bond Yields matter

Amidst growing concerns over Government debt levels, UK Gilt yields have remained stubbornly high so far this year, despite moves by the Bank of England to reduce overnight interest rates. We look at the implications of higher Gilt yields on investors and public finances.

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Why investors need to be aware of currency risk

Changing travel money for holidays abroad may be the only direct interaction many will have with currency exchange rates on a day-to-day basis; however, exchange rates between currencies have far reaching implications for investment markets, the prospects for the global economy and our financial prosperity.

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Testing times for ethical investment strategies

Ethical investment strategies have seen significant growth over recent years, as more investors aim to align investments with their own values. According to data from Morningstar, total assets in global sustainable funds have climbed to US$3.2 trillion at the end of 2024, almost double the total assets held in similar funds at the end of 2020.

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The benefits of regular investment

One of the simplest ways of investing for the longer term without committing a lump sum is to make regular investments. In fact, many of us do this without thinking, as employer and employee contributions are paid into personal pension plans monthly via payroll.

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The evolving outlook for Japan

We previously cast the spotlight on Japanese Equities late in 2023, at a time when the region was seeing a sharp rally in values, which extended through to the start of this year. Recent performance has, however, been disappointing, as investors become wary of the impact of tariffs imposed by the US. Despite these challenges, Japan remains an interesting opportunity for investors.

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Five themes for 2025

Many investors will look back at 2024 and be satisfied with returns from investment markets. Whilst pockets of positivity remain, 2025 may well be a year when investors are likely to face more testing conditions than the calm waters seen last year. We look at five themes that could shape market direction over the next twelve months.

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Changes to the Concepts Discretionary Investments (CDI) Socially Responsible Investment range

The last decade has seen an increase in availability of investment funds that aim to meet a social, ethical or sustainable objective. In response to the rapid expansion of the sector, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which regulates financial services companies in the UK, has introduced a series of new measures which will change the way funds, and other products and services making sustainability related claims, can be marketed to investors.

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Why the US election matters

The US election in November is currently too close to call, with the polls showing Kamala Harris and Donald Trump neck and neck. It is likely that polls will remain close until polling day and bearing in mind the fallout from the 2020 election, markets could be more volatile as we head towards the vote on November 5th, and immediately beyond.

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