How we invest

Spread widely, keep costs low, stay at the level you chose.

Five rules we invest by

They are written into every client agreement, so you can hold us to them.

Your level comes first

The portfolio stays at the risk level you agreed. We do not move it up because markets look good.

Spread, not stories

Each portfolio holds funds covering thousands of companies and bonds in many countries, not a few bets.

Costs matter

We choose low-cost index funds where they do the job, and show every fund charge on your statement.

Cash for what you need

Money for withdrawals and fees sits in cash, so nothing is sold in a hurry.

Plain reporting

Statements show what you hold, what it cost and every trade, in words as well as figures.

What is inside a portfolio

Every portfolio is built from the same three parts. The level on the scale decides how much of each it holds; rebalancing keeps it there.

Part-ownership of companies, through funds that hold hundreds of them. Shares move the most, up and down, and are the main reason a portfolio sits higher on the scale.

Bonds

Loans to governments and large companies that pay interest. They usually move less than shares and often steady a portfolio when shares fall, though not always.

Cash

Deposits and very short-dated bonds, kept for withdrawals and fees so we never have to sell at a bad moment to pay them.

Rebalancing

Markets pull a mix away from its level. Twice a year we sell a little of what has grown and buy what has fallen behind, so the portfolio stays where you agreed.

The investment committee

Three portfolio managers and an outside member meet monthly. Minutes are kept, and clients can ask what was decided.

Chair

Helen Marsh (sample)

Members

David Okoye, Priya Natarajan (sample)

Outside member

A retired fund analyst (sample)

Meets

First Tuesday of the month

Start with an introductory meeting

An hour at our office or by video, free and without obligation. Bring a recent statement for any savings or pensions you would like to talk about.