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

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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.

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Investing in Emerging Markets, & The Canary in the Gold Mine

The Art of Investing