A common mistake some investors make is not diversifying their portfolio enough. To make sure investments are spread across different asset classes, it could
contain a blend of equities, bonds, cash and property to benefit from their changing investment cycles. 

A common mistake some investors make is not diversifying their portfolio enough. To make sure investments are spread across different asset classes, it could
contain a blend of equities, bonds, cash and property to benefit from their changing investment cycles.

Market timing

One of the biggest dilemmas some investors face is market timing. Jumping in and out of markets on a regular basis not only requires constant monitoring of daily events but also requires expertise to act on such events.

Many investors invest in lump sums, whether it’s a few thousand hurriedly put into an Individual Savings Account (ISA) before the end of the tax year or an annual bonus or similar payment. Another approach, however, is to invest smaller amounts regularly.

Volatile times

This can be achieved by drip-feeding lump sums into the market as opposed to investing it all in one go. In fact, during volatile times, this strategy allows one to benefit from what is known as ‘pound-cost averaging’. So how does it work?

The concept involves investing on a regular basis, and most funds whether they are Open-ended Investments Companies (OEICs) or investment trusts are available through regular savings plans (such as ISA schemes) allowing you to invest on a monthly basis.

‘Pound-cost averaging’

  • It’s a good habit to get into that helps you develop discipline as a saver
  • It can help you stay focused on your long-term goals, as instead of seeing the value of your portfolio change dramatically, it ideally grows steadily over time
  • You reduce your chances of making a mistake trying to time the markets (i.e. investing all your money when prices are high and then seeing prices fall in the ensuing volatility). Instead, you invest the same amount of money monthly – when prices are low, you will acquire more units for your money, and when prices are high you will receive fewer. Over time, this can reduce risk and provide more stable returns.

Meeting your aims

This can also be a good way to invest when you’re just starting out, and you may be less likely to have a large lump sum at your disposal. But whatever your circumstances, goals or financial aspirations, you can be confident that we have the know-how to help you meet your aims. That applies today, tomorrow and for the years ahead, which is ideal when you’re thinking about building up wealth through regular, continued investments.

INFORMATION IS BASED ON OUR CURRENT UNDERSTANDING OF TAXATION LEGISLATION AND REGULATIONS. ANY LEVELS AND BASES OF, AND RELIEFS FROM, TAXATION ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

THE VALUE OF INVESTMENTS AND INCOME FROM THEM MAY GO DOWN. YOU MAY NOT GET BACK THE ORIGINAL AMOUNT INVESTED.

PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT A RELIABLE INDICATOR OF FUTURE PERFORMANCE.