Opinion  

'Building a resilient portfolio: volatility doesn’t mean vulnerability'

Jake Webster

Jake Webster

We’re at a time of increasing economic uncertainty and unpredictability. Geopolitical tensions and economic fluctuations have transformed markets into a high-stakes arena.

However this turbulence isn’t only a challenge, it’s an opportunity. 

For savvy investors and their advisers, these conditions make it prime time to construct a portfolio that not only withstands market pressures but capitalises on them.

Article continues after advert

It’s time to shift perspective: volatility doesn’t mean vulnerability. In fact, it’s the landscape in which smart investments thrive.

Embracing opportunity in a volatile market 

In such an environment, diversification becomes more crucial than ever. By spreading investments across different asset classes, sectors, and geographies, investors can reduce exposure to any single risk and create a more resilient portfolio. 

Diversification helps mitigate the impact of market downturns in one area by balancing it with gains in others, providing a buffer against volatility.

This strategy not only protects against potential losses but also positions investors to seize opportunities across a wider spectrum of the market.

Take the housing market, for instance. As landlords panic and exit the Buy-to-Let game, smart investors are cashing in. Real estate investment trusts, property funds, and fixed income bonds are all offering investors an opportunity to diversify and lower their risk profiles. 

It’s all about adapting, diversifying, and seeing opportunities where others don’t. That’s what separates the pros from the amateurs: turning market turbulence into an advantage.

Crafting a strong portfolio

An area in which we are active is short-term holiday lettings in the UK.

Post-Covid there has been a huge surge in demand for domestic holidays in the UK. We’ve adapted our approach from long-term lettings, which have become an increasingly difficult area in which to operate.

Investors shouldn’t be afraid to mix it up. It's about constructing a financial fortress that can withstand, and even thrive in, turbulent times.

Crafting a robust portfolio requires a strategic blend of diverse assets. Fixed income bonds serve as stability anchors, providing reliable returns in uncertain times. Private equity funds inject growth potential and exclusivity into the mix. 

But don’t overlook the power of alternatives – hedge funds, commodities, venture capital – they provide sophisticated strategies for navigating market complexities. 

Another area in which our resources arm has been active is gold, but not focusing on the commodities markets but the production of gold, making explorative acquisitions in Guinea and Canada. 

The power of strategic portfolio construction lies in its ability to spread risk and capitalise on varying market conditions. It’s crucial to understand how different assets perform under various economic and global market conditions.

The upcoming Budget, for example, shouldn’t impact your business. The Budget creates distress in the market, but will not have a major impact on the economy. Embracing this mindset allows us to turn what others see as challenges into stepping stones for growth, reinforcing the notion that in a world of uncertainty, adaptability is key.