Welcome to Episode 17 of The Art of Investing – brought to you by IG, the global investing platform.

Rich McDonald, Mark “Spice” Holden and Chris Fellingham are joined by special guest Chris Bowie, one of the UK’s leading bond managers, to demystify the world of corporate bonds - what they are, how they fit into a portfolio, and when they shine. As markets hit fresh highs, the team unpack the latest Fed rate cut, Trump’s “taco trade” tour of Asia, Nvidia’s record-breaking $5 trillion valuation, and why Japan’s bond market may just reshape global liquidity. Then, Bowie takes us deep into credit markets, from investment grade to high yield and explains why short-dated bonds might be today’s smartest income play.

This Week’s Highlights:

• 💵 Corporate Bonds: Understanding credit spreads, yields, and why timing matters.
• 📊 Bull Market Lives On: Nvidia soars, Nasdaq climbs, and the FTSE hits new highs.
• 🇯🇵 Japan’s Yield Curve Twist: What rising JGB yields mean for global money flows.
• 🏛️ Fed Cuts Rates Again: Powell pushes back on December expectations.
• 📉 Private Debt Watch: Why Bowie warns that illiquidity and opacity are rising risks
• 🗳️ Budget Preview: Will Rachel Reeves cut the North Sea windfall tax and finally back growth?

Portfolio Snapshot:

• Weekly Performance: +3.1 %
• Total Return Since Inception: +10.6 %

Top performers:

• 🪙 VanEck Crypto & Blockchain Innovators ETF +12.7 %
• 🥉 WisdomTree Copper ETF +6.5 %
• 📈 Invesco EQQQ Nasdaq-100 ETF +6.0 %
• 🇯🇵 iShares Nikkei 225 ETF +5.9 %

Underperformers:

• 🇮🇳 iShares MSCI India ETF -0.3 %
•  🇬🇧Vanguard FTSE 250 -0.3 %

What You’ll Learn:

• What corporate bonds are and how they differ from government debt.
• Why “short-dated investment grade” can deliver higher yield with low risk.
• How liquidity and transparency set public bonds apart from private credit.
• What “duration,” “spread,” and “Sharpe ratio” actually mean.
• How Rachel Reeves’ budget and UK tax policy could move the gilt market.
• Why the team still believes the bull market isn’t done yet.

📈 Download the full Portfolio Performance Slides

View the portfolio breakdown: here

📧 Get in touch: theartofinvesting@ig.com

Subscribe for weekly investing insights 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, 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.

November Free Share Bundle:

Grow your portfolio with IG. Invest £50 with IG and get a free share bundle worth between £40 and £200. 

Make your first investment into an ISA, GIA or SIPP account before the 30th November and benefit from Commission-Free Investing as well as 4% Variable Interest on Cash. 

Other fees may apply, T&Cs found here or on ig.com/uk

Welcome to Episode 16 of The Art of Investing - brought to you by IG, the global investing platform.

Rich McDonald, Mark “Spice” Holden and Chris Fellingham dig into a rollercoaster week for markets as crypto sells off, AI stocks wobble, and the FTSE 100 pushes back toward record highs. The trio debate whether this is just another healthy correction, or the first cracks in the bull market. And, the team add Vanguard FTSE 250 to the portfolio, listen to find out what changes we’ve made to the portfolio this week.

This Week’s Highlights

 🐻 Revenge of the Bears: Are tech valuations finally starting to bite?

💥 Earnings Season Heats Up: 86 % of US companies are beating expectations - but can it last?

📉 Crypto Correction: Bitcoin and blockchain names take another leg down.

🏦 UK Banks Shine: Barclays and HSBC post strong results, boosting the FTSE.

⚙️ Rotation Watch: Money begins to flow from mega-cap tech into smaller stocks.

Portfolio Snapshot

• Weekly Performance: –1.3 %
• Total Return Since Inception: +7.5 %
• Added Vanguard FTSE 250 (VMIG) 

Top Performers:

🪷 India ETF +3.7 %

🇯🇵 Nikkei 225 +1.1 %

🏦 FTSE 100 +1.1 %

Underperformers:

💎 Gold –3.8 %

⛏️ World Mining Trust –7.4 %

🪙 VanEck Crypto & Blockchain ETF –15.9 %

What You’ll Learn:

• How strong earnings and a US shutdown can coexist and why markets still rise.
• Why AI and quantum-computing stocks fell 33 % and what that means for investor sentiment.
• The difference between Brent and WTI oil and how OPEC and supply controls set prices.
• Why the team thinks oil may be at the start of a new run-up.
• The case for FTSE 250 mid-caps in a changing UK policy landscape (and how they’re funding it).
• How central-bank gold buying and AI efficiency link back to portfolio strategy.

📈 Download the full Portfolio Performance Slides

View the portfolio breakdown here: Portfolio

📧 Get in touch: theartofinvesting@ig.com

Subscribe for weekly investing insights 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, 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.

October Free Share Bundle:

Grow your portfolio with IG. Invest £50 with IG and get a free share bundle worth between £40 and £200.*

*New customers only. Make your first investment of at least £50 into an ISA, GIA, or SIPP account by 30 October 2025. Must remain invested until 31 November 2025. Other fees may apply.

T&Cs found: Here

Welcome to Episode 15 of The Art of Investing - brought to you by IG, the global investing platform.

Rich McDonald, Mark “Spice” Holden and Chris Fellingham are joined by behavioral economist Stuart Thompson to unpack one of the biggest questions in finance right now: are we in a market bubble?

From crypto crashes and record equity highs to the psychology driving investor behaviour, the team takes a hard look at what’s behind today’s market confidence - and whether it’s justified.

This Week’s Highlights

💥 Crypto Volatility: Bitcoin drops sharply in a flash selloff - what triggered it, and what comes next?

📈 Equities on Edge: Global indices remain near record highs despite softening data.

💬 Behavioral Economics: Guest Stuart Thompson explains why fear and greed still move markets faster than any algorithm.

🏦 Central Banks: Investors continue to price in more rate cuts as data weakens.

📊 Portfolio Review: The team weigh the balance between risk assets and defensive plays amid talk of overheating markets.

Portfolio Snapshot:

Weekly performance: +0.5%

Total return since inception: +8.8%

Top performers:

• 🪙 VanEck Crypto & Blockchain ETF - +4.4% this week
• 🥇 Gold - +4%
• ⛏️ World Mining Trust - +3.5%

Underperformers:

• 🇩🇪 DAX - -1.2%
• 🇬🇧 FTSE 100 - -1.2%
• 🇺🇸 S&P / NASDAQ - slightly weaker amid mixed macro data

Positioning:

The team discusses trimming crypto exposure, staying long gold, and holding steady on equities as valuations stretch.

Key Takeaways:

• “Bad news is still good news” - weak data keeps the rate-cut optimism alive.
• Behavior drives markets: emotion outweighs logic in bubble phases.
• Crypto remains volatile: sharp moves highlight risk and opportunity.
• Gold and miners continue to perform strongly as defensive assets.
• Portfolio discipline: staying diversified while sentiment runs hot.

📈 Download the full Portfolio Performance Slides

View the portfolio breakdown

📧 Get in touch: theartofinvesting@ig.com

Subscribe for weekly investing insights 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, 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.

October Free Share Bundle

Grow your portfolio with IG. Invest £50 with IG and get a free share bundle worth between £40 and £200.*

*New customers only. Make your first investment of at least £50 into an ISA, GIA, or SIPP account by 30 October 2025. Must remain invested until 31 November 2025. Other fees may apply.

T&Cs found: Here

Welcome to Episode 14 of The Art of Investing - brought to you by IG, the global investing platform.

This week, Rich McDonald, Mark “Spice” Holden and Chris Fellingham tackle the markets head-on - from new all-time highs and a stronger dollar, to Japan’s new Prime Minister and China’s next big play.

It’s also decision week for the team as they decide whether to trim, add, or double down in their live portfolio after another strong run. With 8% total returns in just eight weeks, the bulls and bears are locking horns.

This Week’s Highlights

• 💹 Global Highs: S&P 500, DAX, Nikkei and even the FTSE hitting record levels
• 🏦 Central Banks: Hawk vs Dove - who’s really calling the shots now?
• 🇯🇵 Japan’s “New Thatcher”: Sanae Takanichi becomes Japan’s first female PM and markets love it
• 📉 Private Debt Warning: Is the next crisis hiding outside the banks?
• 📊 Emerging Markets Deep Dive: China, India, and the rise of the middle class
• 🪙 Portfolio Moves: Cutting crypto, adding to miners, and a 5% play on emerging markets

Portfolio Update

• Current portfolio return: +8.2% since inception
• Top performer: VanEck Crypto & Blockchain Innovators ETF (+50%)
• New allocations:
• -2.5% from VanEck Crypto
• +5% into BlackRock World Mining Trust
• +5% into Emerging Markets ETF
• Cash reduced accordingly

The team debate whether to take profits, raise targets, or brace for a correction — as the “Goldilocks economy” keeps investors dancing while the music’s still playing.

📈 Download the full portfolio performance slides here

Quarterly Performance & Allocations

What You’ll Learn

• Why AI-linked “circular deals” could be a red flag
• The real risks and rewards in emerging markets (China vs India)
• Why private credit might be the next bubble
• How to balance fragile vs anti-fragile assets in your portfolio

Next Week:

The team answers the big question: What do you do when you’re ahead of your targets? - a full episode on portfolio management psychology.

📧 Get in touch: theartofinvesting@ig.com

Subscribe for weekly investing insights and to watch the team’s live portfolio evolve in real time.

Disclaimer

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.

October Free Share Bundle

Grow your portfolio with IG. Invest £50 with IG and get a free share bundle worth between £40 and £200.*

*New customers only. Make your first investment of at least £50 into an ISA, GIA, or SIPP account by 30 October 2025. Must remain invested until 31 November 2025. Other fees may apply.

T&Cs found here: https://www.ig.com/uk/bonus-shares-promotion-oct-25

This week, the team face a packed agenda: a looming US government shutdown, soaring global markets, and the first part of their quarterly portfolio review. Rich McDonald, Chris Fellingham, and Mark “Spice” Holden dig into everything from pharma stocks to sovereign wealth funds - before voting on whether the Chairman should keep his crown for another quarter.

What’s Hot This Episode

• Best September since 2020: Global equities up 4% despite seasonal headwinds.
• All-Time Highs Everywhere: S&P 500, Nasdaq, Russell 2000, and FTSE 100 all setting new records.
• Gold Breakout: Precious metals hit multi-year highs.
• Biggest Buyout in History: $55bn leveraged buyout of Electronic Arts.
• Trump’s Busy Week: From drug price deals with Pfizer to a new sovereign wealth fund push.
• Europe’s Inflation Relief: Eurozone inflation hits 2.2%, while the UK lags at 3.8%.
• ADP Jobs Shock: Weak data spooks markets but fuels optimism for more Fed cuts.
• Shutdown Showdown: 800,000 US government workers furloughed, and markets asking: how long will it last?

Portfolio Review (Part 1)

• Performance to Date: Portfolio up +5.3% since inception.

• Star Performers:
• VanEck Blockchain ETF +32%
• Gold +13%
• Copper +7%
• BlackRock World Mining Trust +19%

• Laggards: DAX the weakest, India softens.

• Debates:
• Should winners like gold and crypto carry bigger weightings?
• Is 25% in cash too cautious or smart optionality?
• Risk appetite vs. sensible allocation.

📊 Quarterly Performance Slides:

We’ve pulled together the full set of portfolio performance slides so you can see exactly how the model portfolio has done over the past quarter - winners, laggards, and everything in between.

👉 View the Quarterly Performance Slides here

❓ Listener Takeaways

• How to think about quarterly reviews: scoring holdings A–E.
• The role of risk appetite in portfolio sizing.
• Why gold remains the “ultimate scarce asset.”
• What the US shutdown means (and doesn’t mean) for investors.
• Early signs of rotation: are US small caps finally worth a look?

📄 Download the Portfolio ETFs list: here

📄 Download the Portfolio Quarterly Review list: here

📧 Get in touch: theartofinvesting@ig.com

Disclaimer:

This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute investment advice, financial planning guidance, or a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any securities. All portfolio discussions are for educational purposes only. Past performance is not a reliable indicator 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.

October Free Share Bundle:

Grow your portfolio with IG. Invest £50 with IG and get a free share bundle worth between £40 and £200.*

*New customers only. Make your first investment of at least £50 into an ISA, GIA, or SIPP account by 30 October 2025. Must remain invested until 31 November 2025. Other fees may apply.

T&Cs found here: https://www.ig.com/uk/bonus-shares-promotion-oct-25

Rich McDonald, Chris Fellingham and Mark “Spice” Holden get their hands dirty with a deep dive into mining and metals - from copper powering AI data centres to uranium’s surprising comeback. Along the way, they tackle your big questions: is long-term investing really just about “time in the market,” or can timing it make all the difference?

This week’s market action:

• Rate cuts + record highs: S&P 500, Nasdaq, Dow, and Russell all at fresh peaks
• Gold shines: hits new all-time highs, silver not far behind
• AI arms race: Nvidia pours $100bn into OpenAI, while Apple’s iPhone 17 defies the critics
• EV shake-up: Porsche pivots back to petrol after weak electric sales
• TikTok deal drama: Oracle, Dell and Murdoch in the mix for control in the US
• Debt ceiling déjà vu: the US faces another potential government shutdown

Special Topic - Metals & Mining Deep Dive:

• Why copper is king in the AI era
• Uranium’s revival as a “clean” energy play for data centres
• How China still calls the shots on global commodities
• BlackRock World Mining Trust breakdown: exposure to Rio, BHP, Glencore, Anglo American & more
• The wild world of mining IPOs - and why some deals age better than others

Portfolio Action:

• Up 5.04% after seven weeks
• Taking some profits: trimming Nasdaq and gold holdings, parking 10% in cash (earning 4%)
• Strategy check: balancing “time in the market” with smart top-slicing

Your Questions Answered:

• Timing vs. Time in the Market: which really wins in the long run?
• Portfolio review habits: how often should you really check your investments?
• Why we prefer “quarterly check-ups” to over-trading

📄 Download the Portfolio ETFs list: 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, 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.

September Free Share Bundle:

Grow your portfolio with IG. Invest £50 with IG and get a free share bundle worth between £40 and £200.*

*New customers only. Make your first investment of at least £50 into an ISA, GIA, or SIPP account by 30 September 2025. Must remain invested until 31 October 2025. Other fees may apply. T&Cs found here.

For more info: IG Investment Campaign

This week, it’s all about monetary policy madness. With the Fed cutting rates for the first time in a year, the Bank of England holding fire, and central banks from Canada to Japan making moves, Rich McDonald, Chris Fellingham and Mark “Spice” Holden dive into what interest rate decisions really mean for markets.

From Fed independence under Trump to the risks of policy mistakes, the team debate whether we’re seeing the start of a full rate-cutting cycle, or just an insurance tweak. Plus: Elon Musk regains the top spot as the world’s richest man, Alphabet joins the $3 trillion club, and TikTok gets a last-minute reprieve in the US.

What’s Hot This Episode

• Fed Cuts Rates: First move since Dec 2024 – is it the start of a cycle?
• Bank of England Watch: Inflation keeps UK policymakers on edge
• Elon Musk Strikes Back: Tesla up 30% after a $1bn buy-in
• Alphabet Joins $3 Trillion Club: Only the fourth company ever to do it
• TikTok Survives: What it means for US tech giants
• Policy Mistakes Through History: From the Great Depression to the GFC

💼 Portfolio Update

• Performance: +3.46% in six weeks (vs 10% annual target)
• Big Winner: VanEck Blockchain ETF up 25% since purchase (but is it time to take profits?)
• Other Moves: Nikkei +1.9%, India +1.55%, S&P 500 (GBP-hedged) +1%
• Laggard: DAX down 3% since initiation

❓ Your Questions Answered

• When to Take Profits: How the team think about trimming winners
• Fragile vs Anti-Fragile Assets: Why diversification matters more than ever
• Currency Risk: Hedged vs unhedged ETFs explained in plain English
• Is Monetary Policy Broken? Why rate cuts might not hit the economy like they used to

📄 Download the Portfolio ETFs List: here

📧 Get in touch: theartofinvesting@ig.com

Disclaimer:

This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute investment advice, financial planning guidance, or a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any securities. All portfolio discussions are for educational purposes only. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Your capital is at risk.

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.

September Free Share Bundle 

Grow your portfolio with IG. Invest £50 with IG and get a free share bundle worth between £40 and £200.*

*New customers only. Make your first investment of at least £50 into an ISA,
GIA or SIPP account by 30 September 2025. Must remain invested until 31 October 2025. Other fees may apply. T&Cs found here - https://www.ig.com/uk/autumn-welcome-share-promotion-terms-sep-25

For more info: https://www.ig.com/uk/invest-campaign

This week marks a first: our debut guest, Charles Hall, Head of Research at Peel Hunt, joins Sophie (making her own debut as host) alongside Chris Fellingham and Mark “Spice” Holden. Together, they tackle one of the hottest topics in finance right now: what happened to the UK stock market, and can it make a comeback?

From pensions and regulation to stamp duty and sovereign wealth funds, this episode dives into the structural challenges holding the UK back – and the changes needed to make London a top-tier market again.

What’s Hot This Episode

• Global Markets: S&P 500, NASDAQ, Dow Jones and Nikkei all hitting new highs
• China Stimulus Hopes: Hong Kong and EMs at multi-year highs
• Gold & Silver: Back at record levels (14-year high for silver)
• Non-Farm Payrolls: Data issues, Trump drama, and what it means for Fed policy
• OPEC Moves: Supply increase offsets Middle East tensions

Guest Spotlight: Charles Hall

• Why UK pensions stopped funding UK equities
• How regulation, taxation, and passive investing reshaped the market
• The shrinking pool of UK-listed companies – and why that matters
• Steps that could make Britain investable again: regulation reform, tax incentives, and financial education
• The case for a British sovereign wealth fund

Portfolio Update

• Performance: +2.59% since launch (up 1.5% this week)
• Winners: VanEck Blockchain ETF +6.3%, BlackRock World Mining +4.7%, Japan +4%
• Laggards: Copper -0.6%, DAX -0.3%
• Debate of the Week: Should the team take profits on gold after a 40% run, or hold on?

❓ Listener Takeaways

• Why all-time highs are normal – not a sell signal
• Cash ISAs vs Stocks & Shares ISAs – what’s better for long-term wealth
• Why UK investors are (unknowingly) funding the US economy
• How better financial education could change investment behaviour

📄 Download the Portfolio ETFs List here

📧 Get in touch: theartofinvesting@ig.com

Disclaimer:

This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute investment advice, financial planning guidance, or a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any securities. All portfolio discussions are for educational purposes only. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Your capital is at risk.

September is here - historically the worst month for markets - and the team are all over the risks. Rich McDonald, Chris Fellingham and Mark “Spice” Holden dig into bond yields spiking to 25-year highs, gold smashing new records, and why Apple is cashing $20bn a year from Google.

With the model portfolio up 1% since launch, this week is all about risk vs reward: which assets are fragile, which are anti-fragile, and how do you actually balance them?

What’s Hot This Episode

• Bonds Bite Back: UK 30-year yields near 6% – why that matters for equities
• Gold Hits Record Highs: Silver and copper follow as commodities shine
• Apple + Google Deal: $20bn payments that move tech stocks
• Google Antitrust Case: Why a judge ruled new AI search engines mean no monopoly
• Non-Farm Payrolls + CPI: Big data drops set to shape the Fed’s next move

Portfolio Update

• Current performance: +1.02% since inception (up 0.4% this week)
• Winners: Gold ETF +5.4%, Copper +3.3%, BlackRock World Mining +1.8%
• Losers: DAX -1.1%, Nikkei -1%, Russell 2000 -1%
• Fragile vs Anti-Fragile: ~78% fragile assets (equities), ~22% anti-fragile (gold, commodities, crypto hedge)
• 
  

Your Questions Answered

• Currency Risk 101: How GBP vs USD can turn a 20% gain into an 8% loss
• Which Account, Which Risk? ISA vs General Investment Account – where should your higher-risk holdings sit?
• Diversification Hacks: Why correlations matter and how to balance assets
• Should You Hedge? When to use GBP-hedged ETFs to control FX exposure

📣 Coming Next Week

We’re joined by Charles Hall, Head of Research at Peel Hunt, to talk UK equities and what it will take to make the UK market investable again.

📄 Download the Portfolio ETFs List here: Here

📧 Get in touch: theartofinvesting@ig.com

IG Free Share Bundle Offer

IG is giving away up to £200 free share bundle when you invest at least £50. Until 30th September. Available when making first investment in a new or existing ISA, GIA or SIPP. Find out more at https://www.ig.com/uk/invest-campaign. T&Cs found here 

Disclaimer:

This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute investment advice, financial planning guidance, or a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any securities. All portfolio discussions are for educational purposes only. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Your capital is at risk.

Rich McDonald, Chris Fellingham and Mark "Spice" Holden debate whether Jackson Hole’s dovish vibes can offset Trump’s Fed takeover plans. Spoiler alert: they disagree. A lot.

This week’s drama includes French governments falling faster than their bond prices, Nvidia disappointing despite making buckets of cash, and our first portfolio shake-up as the team goes hunting for Russell 2000 gains.

Plus: your burning questions on profit-taking, currency hedging, and why global ETFs are basically just expensive ways to buy American stocks.

What’s Hot This Episode

• The Spice Market Update: S&P 500 hits all-time highs while French politicians practice musical chairs
• AI Revolution 2.0: Snowflake surges 15% as companies finally figure out what to do with all that data
• Nvidia Reality Check: $38bn guidance gap sends shares on a rollercoaster (spoiler: they recovered)
• Fed Independence Crisis: Trump’s chess moves to stack the FOMC and what it means for your money
• The One Big Beautiful Bill: Manufacturing jobs vs. AI job losses in the ultimate economic cage match

Portfolio Action

• Our first live trade! The team dumps 5% of gilts to buy Russell 2000 exposure.
• Mark gets his way on US small caps while Chris mutters about political risks from the sidelines.
• Current performance: Up 0.59% (crypto leads the charge, India gives back last week’s gains)

Your Questions Answered

• Portfolio Building 101: The three factors that actually matter for the next five years
• Currency Headaches: Why your dollar ETF isn’t matching the S&P 500 (hint: sterling happened)
• Profit vs. Loss Paranoia: When to cut and run vs. diamond hands strategy
• 2008 PTSD: What the team learned from Lehman’s collapse and Mario Draghi’s “whatever it takes” moment

Book Recommendation

The Art of Execution by Lee Freeman-Shor – discover whether you’re a rabbit, assassin, hunter, raider, or connoisseur (spoiler: we’re all rabbits at heart).

📧 Get in touch: theartofinvesting@ig.com

Disclaimer:

This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute investment advice, financial planning guidance, or a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any securities. All portfolio discussions are for educational purposes only. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Your capital is at risk.

Welcome to Episode 7 of The Art of Investing –

This week, Rich McDonald, Chris Fellingham, and Mark Holden dive into the strength of U.S. equities and ask the big question: can the S&P 500 keep climbing, or is a correction on the horizon? With U.S. indices testing record levels, shifting rate expectations, and mixed signals in global markets, the team break down what it all means for investors.

This week’s highlights include:

• Market update: S&P 500 nearing highs, Fed policy expectations, and global equity performance.
• Portfolio review: The latest allocation moves and how the team are balancing growth and caution.
• Risk & discipline: Why diversification and risk awareness are critical in bullish conditions.
• Investor psychology: How sentiment can distort decision-making when markets approach peaks.
• Practical investing takeaways: What this all means for positioning in 2025.

📄 Download ETF list and performance here:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1R3LEKkNo4M6UDaw4eyeBdBeaV7aH_fvL?usp=drive_link

👉 Download supporting slides from this episode:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1YDv9-F6Tm4-41XqjWvlZnxTw5eJOPZRd?usp=drive_link

📧 Get in touch: theartofinvesting@ig.com

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 put in. New customers only. Offer valid until 15 August for ISA, GIA, and SIPP accounts. Other fees may apply. T&Cs apply.

Disclaimer:

This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended as personal investment advice, financial planning guidance, or a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any securities. All portfolio discussions are for educational purposes only. Past performance is not an indication of future results.

Subscribe ► https://www.youtube.com/IGUnitedKingdom?sub_confirmation=1



Start your investing journey here: https://upl.inc/the-world-of-ig

Welcome to Episode 6 of The Art of Investing – our deep dive into the UK market.

Rich MacDonald, Chris Fellingham, and Mark Holden explore why the FTSE 100 has underperformed for years, the key factors driving its performance, and whether the tide might finally be turning. With 12 new all-time highs this year, could a catalyst spark a comeback?

We also answer listener Matt Carter’s question: “I’ve got cash ready to invest – how do I start?” Expect a simple, step-by-step guide to opening an account, funding it, and choosing investments.

This week’s highlights include:

• Market update: S&P 500, NASDAQ, Nikkei and Bitcoin hitting new highs; UK interest rate cut; US rate cut expectations.
• FTSE 100 deep dive: Why it’s dominated by financials, consumer staples, and energy – and what that means for investors.
• Value vs. growth: How the UK’s sector mix compares to the US, and why “cheap” isn’t always enough.
• Catalysts to watch: Banks’ re-rating, falling bad debts, and the potential impact of the UK budget.
• When the FTSE outperforms: Lessons from 2008, Brexit, and the Russia–Ukraine conflict.
• Investing 101: How to open and fund an account, choose an ISA or SIPP, and start building a diversified ETF-based portfolio.

Explore accounts with IG: https://www.ig.com/uk/investments/share-dealing

📄 Download the Portfolio ETFs List here

📧 Get in touch: theartofinvesting@ig.com

Disclaimer:

This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended as personal investment advice, financial planning guidance, or a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any securities. All portfolio discussions are for educational purposes only. Past performance is not an indication of future results.

Welcome to episode 5 of The Art of Investing, entitled "Live Portfolio Launch" - the moment when real-life investment decisions meet real-life consequences. Join Rich McDonald, Chris Fellingham, and Mark Holden as they launch their live model portfolio, unveiling the asset allocation for a targeted 10% annual return. This episode kicks off with a market update, including the recent 4% fall and quick recovery of US equity markets, impacts from new tariffs on countries like India and Switzerland, and notable corporate earnings from Amazon, Apple, and more.

This week’s discussion also covers the US non-farm payroll data, shifts in interest rate expectations, and a deep dive into portfolio construction. The team debates the ideal equity allocation, discusses inflation and AI productivity impacts, and considers risks like rising bond yields and seasonality effects in August and September. The portfolio emphasizes a 75% equities and 25% other assets split for long-term investors aged 30-40, with adjustments for risk appetite and market timing.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• How recent market volatility and tariff changes are impacting global equities and commodities.
• The rationale behind the live portfolio’s 60% equity allocation and its geographic diversification, including US, UK, Japan, Germany, and India.
• The role of inflation, AI productivity gains, and US political risks in shaping investment strategy.
• The importance of balancing equities with real assets like gold, copper, and blockchain ETFs for portfolio stability.
• Why holding 20% in short-term gilts provides dry powder for opportunistic buying.

Next week:

More insights and portfolio updates following the launch, plus a continued exploration of how market themes evolve.

Download the Portfolio ETF's list here

The Portfolio:

Equities

• S&P 500 Hedged (GBP) – 10%
• German DAX – 10%
• Japanese Nikkei – 10%
• Nasdaq 100 – 10%
• FTSE 100 – 10%
• India Sensex – 5%
• BlackRock Mining – 5%

Commodities

• Gold Physical – 10%
• WisdomTree Copper – 5%

Fixed Income

• UK Gilts 0–5 Year – 20%

Cryptocurrency

• VanEck Bitcoin – 5%

Get in touch with the show:

theartofinvesting@ig.com

Disclaimer

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.

Welcome to episode 4 of The Art of Investing, entitled "All That Glitters" - our commodity special exploring various forms of gold, from black gold (oil) and green gold (copper) to traditional gold and digital gold (Bitcoin). Join Rich McDonald, Chris Fellingham and Mark Holden as they complete their deep dive into asset classes ahead of next week's big portfolio launch.

This week covers a massive avalanche of company earnings, with 25% of the S&P 500 reporting results that pushed NASDAQ and S&P 500 to new all-time highs. The FTSE 100 also hit record highs for the second week running. However, copper experienced its biggest single-day fall ever - dropping over 20% after Donald Trump modified tariff policies for raw versus manufactured copper imports.

Discover the fundamentals of commodity investing, from supply and demand dynamics to storage costs and the crucial role of China, which buys over 50% of all global commodities. Learn why it takes 25 years to bring a new copper mine online and how mining companies have become more disciplined with capital expenditure, creating supply constraints.

Explore the precious metals market, where gold makes up three-quarters of the sector, with 45% going to jewellery and 25% to investment demand. Hear the cautionary tale of Gordon Brown's gold sales at $220 per ounce - now trading at $3,300. Understand why India and China account for over 55% of global gold demand and the surprising fact that all gold ever mined would only fill 3.5 Olympic swimming pools.

Get introduced to Bitcoin as "digital gold" - from the famous $1 billion pizza transaction (10,000 Bitcoin for two pizzas in 2010) to its limited supply of 21 million coins and potential role as an inflation hedge and store of value.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• Commodities Are Dollar-Denominated: All commodities are priced in US dollars, making the dollar's strength a crucial factor in commodity performance. When the dollar falls, commodity prices typically rise, making currency views essential for commodity investing.
• China Dominates Commodity Demand: China purchases over 50% of all global commodities, with even higher percentages for specific materials like iron ore (75%). Understanding China's economic health and stimulus policies is critical for commodity investment decisions.
• Supply Constraints Drive Long-Term Pricing: Mining companies learned from previous over-investment cycles and now exercise capital discipline. With no major new copper mines expected for decades due to 19-25 year development timelines, supply constraints support higher prices.
• Gold Remains Scarce and Valuable: All gold ever mined throughout history would only fill 3.5 Olympic swimming pools or half of St Paul's Cathedral dome, highlighting its extreme scarcity and enduring value as a store of wealth.
• Bitcoin Offers Digital Scarcity: With only 21 million Bitcoin ever to be created and 19.7 million already mined, Bitcoin provides programmable scarcity that could serve as "digital gold" - offering protection against currency debasement and inflation like traditional gold.

Next week: The live portfolio launch where the team will construct their target 10% annual return portfolio using ETFs across all the asset classes covered in recent episodes.

Download the Portfolio ETF's list here.

Get in touch with the show by emailing theartofinvesting@ig.com

IG New Customer Offer

Until 15th August 2025, IG is giving away a free UK share bundle to all new customers, worth up to £100 when you invest just £20. Sign up for a...

The Art of Investing is back for episode 3, and this week we’re exploring another asset class - how bonds serve as a powerful tool for diversification, offering a counterbalance to equities in your portfolio.

Join Rich McDonald, Chris Fellingham and Mark Holden to discover the secrets hidden in the attributes of bonds - issuer, interest rate, and maturity. Hear about the recent highs in global stock markets powered by rising copper prices, the ripple effects of international trade negotiations, including Japan's successful tariff deal with the U.S., and market reactions to earnings reports from Netflix and General Motors.

The intimidating power of the bond market is explained with a Thames Water 6.75% 2030 bond as an example, as we explore capital structure hierarchy, highlighting the prioritisation of bondholders over equity holders in financial distress scenarios.

Explore the fascinating relationship between bond prices and yields, likened to a seesaw where rising prices mean falling yields. Often perceived as lower-risk investments compared to equities, factors influencing longer-dated bond prices include inflation, interest rates, and economic growth.

What you’ll learn in this episode

Bonds Have Key Attributes: Bonds are financial instruments characterised by three attributes: an issuer, an interest rate, and a payback date. They represent a form of borrowing where the bondholder earns interest over time and is repaid the principal amount at maturity.

Market Sentiment Can Drive Share Performance: Even when companies like Netflix report strong financial results, share prices can fall if market expectations have been set too high. This highlights the importance of understanding investor sentiment and expectations when analysing stock movements.

Global Trade Negotiations Impact Markets: Trade agreements and tariffs between countries, such as those involving Japan, Europe, and the U.S., can significantly influence stock market performance. For example, Japan securing better-than-expected tariff terms resulted in a boost for its stock market.

Commodity Prices Can Influence Indexes: The performance of certain stock indexes, like the FTSE 100, can be closely tied to commodities such as copper. The FTSE 100, with its significant number of mining companies, benefits from higher commodity prices.

Technology and Market Evolution: Companies that once dominated markets can decline dramatically over time. Nokia, once the largest company in Europe, has seen its shares fall 87% in the past 25 years, illustrating the rapid evolution of technology and market dynamics.

Get in touch with the show by emailing theartofinvesting@ig.com

IG New Customer Offer

Until 15th August 2025, IG is giving away a free UK share bundle to all new customers, worth up to £100 when you invest just £20. Sign up for a general investment account, stocks and shares ISA or a SIPP and make your £20 investment to get started.

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 put in. New customers only. Offer valid until 15 August for ISA, GIA, and SIPP accounts. Other fees may apply. T&Cs apply.

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...

After last week’s launch episode, The Art of Investment is back!

Brought to you by IG, global investing platform, FTSE 250 and over 50 years in the markets. Every Friday, hosts Rich McDonald, Mark Holden & Chris Fellingham – three investing legends bring you a combined century of market wisdom.

This is your go-to podcast for inspiration and insights on the latest market movements with one goal - to make you a better investor. 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.

IG New Customer Offer

Until 15th August 2025, IG is giving away a free UK share bundle to all new customers, worth up to £100 when you invest just £20. Sign up for a general investment account, stocks and shares ISA or a SIPP and make your £20 investment to get started.

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 put in. New customers only. Offer valid until 15 August for ISA, GIA, and SIPP accounts. Other fees may apply. T&Cs apply.

In this episode we give you a rundown on the pressing issue of market uncertainty, examining how political risks and economic factors like tariffs shape the financial landscape. Despite global uncertainties, the equity markets continue to show resilience, and cryptocurrencies are growing in significance as a promising asset class, supported by recent legislative developments in the U.S.

Our hot topic for the next few episodes is asset classes, and today we turn our attention to the fundamentals of equities and their varying investment strategies, including the stability of dividend-paying consumer staples with the high-growth potential of tech giants.

What you’ll learn in this episode -

Portfolio Construction and Understanding Risk: Building an investment portfolio requires a clear understanding of risk tolerance and financial goals. Setting benchmarks and diversifying across asset classes - such as equities, bonds, and cash - is essential for managing long-term risks effectively

The Role of Economic and Political Factors in Market Performance: Economic elements like inflation, interest rates, and tariffs, along with political risks, significantly influence financial markets. Investors must stay informed about these factors to better navigate volatile market conditions.

Cryptocurrencies as a Potential Asset Class: Cryptocurrencies are gaining traction as a promising investment, partly due to recent legislative support in the U.S. Investors should evaluate their potential while staying cautious about volatility and regulatory changes.

Exploring Different Investment Strategies: Investing involves balancing stability and growth. Dividend-paying companies in consumer staples, like Tesco, offer steady returns, while high-growth tech innovators such as NVIDIA present opportunities with higher risks and potential rewards.

The Psychological Aspects of Recovery After Financial Losses: Recovering from financial setbacks requires understanding the psychology of loss aversion and maintaining a long-term perspective. Learning to manage wealth responsibly and maintaining a disciplined approach can support recovery and growth.

Community and Knowledge Sharing for Growth: Engaging with fellow investors to share strategies, insights, and experiences fosters a sense of community. Collaboration and learning from others can provide valuable perspectives and tips for navigating the complex world of...

Welcome to the launch episode of The Art of Investment, 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, hosts Rich McDonald, Mark Holden & Chris Fellingham – three investing legends bring 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.

In this episode we look ahead at potential impacts of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, monetary policy shifts in Europe and the UK, and the profound effects that Trump's tariffs are expected to have on global markets, especially the automotive sector.

Whether you're planning for retirement or seeking to grow your wealth, we discuss the importance of long-term investment strategies, the power of compounding returns and the critical role of early financial planning.

What you’ll learn in this episode -

Understanding the Risks of Holding Cash Over Stocks: Learn how choosing cash investments over stocks can result in lost opportunities for higher returns.

How Supply and Demand Influence Prices: Learn how market forces affect asset prices, such as corporate values increasing when demand exceeds supply.

Strategies for Building a Diversified Portfolio: Explore practical techniques to design well-balanced investment portfolios across various asset classes.

Effective Retirement Planning: Understand how to prepare financially for long-term retirement needs, including strategies for wealth creation and sustainability.

The Power of Financial Markets for Wealth Creation: Discover how financial markets help create wealth and why long-term investment strategies are essential for life aspirations like retirement planning.

Framework for Personal Investment Management: Explore how individuals can take control of their investment strategies and create a sustainable financial future by learning market mechanisms and trends.

Get in touch with the show by emailing theartofinvesting@ig.com

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.

Resources - 

JP Morgan - The UK’s savings opportunity