Welcome to the November edition of IFA Magazine. Our focus this month is on all things investing, from the resurgence of fixed income to the opportunities emerging across equities and beyond. After a period defined by uncertainty, advisers are once again focusing on where the next wave of value might come from and what the next chapter of investing may bring.
This issue brings together expert views, timely insights and practical ideas to help you navigate that shifting investment landscape with confidence.
Fixed income back in focus
We start on page 5, where Rupert Harrison and Simon Hillenbrand of PIMCO (also featured on the front cover!) explain why bonds are making a comeback. After years of equity dominance, yields are attractive once again, and the pair shares how advisers and wealth managers can re-evaluate allocations through a truly global fixed income lens.
Selling your business?
On page 12, Alan Hudson of AFH Wealth Management explores a different side of strategy, consolidation. Drawing on findings from their landmark white paper, he examines why so many IFAs are considering a sale, and how cultural fit, communication and succession planning are just as important as valuation multiples.
From long-term vision to client outcomes
Over on page 16, Matthew Brennan of Scottish Widows discusses the value of capital market assumptions in building long-term multi-asset portfolios. In a market too often driven by headlines, he explains how CMAs provide a disciplined framework for risk and return.
Then on page 20, Brooks Macdonald’s team reveal how their Retirement Strategies are helping advisers meet regulation standards while addressing the real-world challenges of longevity, inflation and sequencing risk.
If precious metals are more your thing, turn to page 24, where we have gathered expert insight into what gold’s record-breaking run really means, and whether the next big opportunity might actually lie in copper, silver or uranium.
And on page 26, leading fund managers share why UK equities could be on the verge of a revival. From strong dividends to renewed overseas interest, the consensus is clear: the UK’s value gap is too wide to ignore.
Principles, purpose and perspective
On page 29, Dan Atkinson of Paradigm Norton makes a powerful case for having a clear investment philosophy and sticking to it.
Next, on page 32, Josh Passmore of Artemis asks a provocative question: “Do you want good companies or good investments?”
Our IFA Talk roundup on page 34 brings together highlights from our October podcasts, as well as what’s coming up over the next month.
Meanwhile, on page 36, our very own Jenny Hunter spotlights financial literacy, the essentials for young savers and considers whose job it is to prepare the next generation.
Regulation, resilience and rates
On page 40, Neil Griggs and Gavin Sharpe of RSM UK explore how targeted support could reshape the advice landscape, bringing technology and human insight closer together.
Page 42 sees Dynamic Planner’s Chris Jones close his Consumer Duty series with a focus on the Consumer Support outcome, a crucial reminder that service and sustainability go hand in hand.
Finally, the Mortgage & Property section on page 45 examines the lending market’s response to shifting rates. From recalibration to resilience, industry experts share how advisers can guide clients through a “higher for longer” environment.
As ever, we hope this issue leaves you inspired, informed and ready to help your clients make smarter investment decisions, whatever the market brings next.
Sue Whitbread
Editor, IFA Magazine
