What funds are you investing in, and why?

Bluebluetuesday · 17/10/2025 10:30

Silver, gold, uranium mining, S&P, digital security. Feels like a good spread, performing well at present.

YourPeppyAmberTraybake · 17/10/2025 17:29

I have Bitcoin, TSLA and Barclays.

Kosenrufugirl · 17/10/2025 17:31

I have an account with AJ Bell which had been recommended by Which. AJ Bell have a selection of their own funds, for various levels of risk tolerance. I am pleased with my return.

Hitchens · 18/10/2025 08:14

Just in invest in a global tracker like VWRP or the Vanguard Global All Cap. No idea why people make it any more complicated than that. Do you have some specialist knowledge which means you think you can outperform the market?

It's volatile because if you are invested in a tech focused version of the S&P 500 then that is volatile.

If you are investing for the long term (10+ years) then what the market does today, next week or for the rest of the year shouldn't matter to you.

DeafLeppard · 18/10/2025 08:23

Hitchens · 18/10/2025 08:14

Just in invest in a global tracker like VWRP or the Vanguard Global All Cap. No idea why people make it any more complicated than that. Do you have some specialist knowledge which means you think you can outperform the market?

It's volatile because if you are invested in a tech focused version of the S&P 500 then that is volatile.

If you are investing for the long term (10+ years) then what the market does today, next week or for the rest of the year shouldn't matter to you.

This. The DC portion of my pension is all in a global all cap fund, that rebalances every 6 months. I’m 20+ years away from retirement so anything else would be crazy.

logplant · 19/10/2025 22:42

i have a lot in global index stock but I’m concerned about the lack of diversification within them too much in the US and I’m v concerned that’s increasingly looking like a disaster waiting to happen. I have invested in index stocks around the world and we are carrying a lot in bonds and savings. So hard atm, inflation is high, interest rates that frequently fail to match inflation - holding money in cash is a fools game, it’s value is dropping through the deadly combo of inflation and taxes and the stock market is looking toppy - hard to know which way to fall.

logplant · 20/10/2025 09:19

DeafLeppard · 18/10/2025 08:23

This. The DC portion of my pension is all in a global all cap fund, that rebalances every 6 months. I’m 20+ years away from retirement so anything else would be crazy.

Show quote history

Why do I keep feeling Global index fund investors sound like a cult. 😂

Halfquarterbag · 21/10/2025 10:30

user593 · 17/10/2025 10:19

My stocks and shares ISA is mostly S&P 500 Tech. I’ve now invested a little bit in gold as well. I’ve got a bit more I need to put somewhere and I’m not sure what to do - everything seems so volatile at the moment. What are you investing in, and why?

“I’ve now invested a little bit in gold as well.”

From some angles it looks like you’re trying to buy gold at the top of the market.

BorgQueen · 21/10/2025 14:16

Global index funds : DH - HSBC ftse All world index. Me - Fidelity index world.
One mixed asset fund : HSBC Global strategy dynamic.
A small Gilt ladder that will start to collapse/ pay out in 2034 for 5 years, average of 4.2% a year coupons and two of the Gilts bought well under face value so a bit of capital gain there too. Hopefully will match inflation.
A big chunk in a short term money market fund to cover 5 years income for early retirement.

Most is in our Sipps although I’m draining mine into ISAs, should be able to get the lot out tax free over the next 7 years.
My S+S ISA has Fidelity index world holdings.

Original poster

user593 · 21/10/2025 17:35

Halfquarterbag · 21/10/2025 10:30

“I’ve now invested a little bit in gold as well.”

From some angles it looks like you’re trying to buy gold at the top of the market.

Show quote history

I agree but it’s a long term investment so I think it will be OK in the long run.

OP posts:

BorgQueen · 21/10/2025 18:03

If I was investing in Gold/Silver, I would want physical holdings.
I see it as a SHTF thing when cash would be worthless, as are investments.

Planck · 21/10/2025 18:16

BorgQueen · 21/10/2025 14:16

Global index funds : DH - HSBC ftse All world index. Me - Fidelity index world.
One mixed asset fund : HSBC Global strategy dynamic.
A small Gilt ladder that will start to collapse/ pay out in 2034 for 5 years, average of 4.2% a year coupons and two of the Gilts bought well under face value so a bit of capital gain there too. Hopefully will match inflation.
A big chunk in a short term money market fund to cover 5 years income for early retirement.

Most is in our Sipps although I’m draining mine into ISAs, should be able to get the lot out tax free over the next 7 years.
My S+S ISA has Fidelity index world holdings.

This is roughly what I am working towards- majority in a global index fund, couple of smaller holdings in funds doing something a bit different (mixed asset, defensive), then over the next four years I will build up my cash or cash-equivalent (gilts or STMM) equivalent to five years' spending or so.

This is with a view to retiring early at the end of 2029.

I would like to hold some gold as well- maybe 5%- but I've basically spent all year thinking I've missed the boat while watching it keep climbing 😂

washinwashoutrepeat · 21/10/2025 18:38

Interested. I have never bought any shares and am now would like to start. Do you buy online directly or through an advisor? (Sorry, am absolutely clueless!)

Hanschristiananderson · 21/10/2025 18:41

I am clueless too. How would someone go about investing in gold? How much is safe to invest in a global tracker?

BrickBiscuit · 21/10/2025 18:43

Planck · 21/10/2025 18:16

This is roughly what I am working towards- majority in a global index fund, couple of smaller holdings in funds doing something a bit different (mixed asset, defensive), then over the next four years I will build up my cash or cash-equivalent (gilts or STMM) equivalent to five years' spending or so.

This is with a view to retiring early at the end of 2029.

I would like to hold some gold as well- maybe 5%- but I've basically spent all year thinking I've missed the boat while watching it keep climbing 😂

Show quote history

Gold won't help with those retirement plans! However, if you want some as a nice bit on the side, how about pound cost averaging? Start now, buy regular small quantities at whatever price and build up. I'd go over-the-counter at a non-chain jeweller, preferably one of the centres like Birmingham J. Quarter or Hatton Garden for lower margins, and hold it physically. Read up about CGT, security etc. Look at the charts for 10, 20, 50 years and 'all time' to see where it might be going. And hold.

verybighouseinthecountry · 21/10/2025 18:48

BrickBiscuit · 21/10/2025 18:43

Gold won't help with those retirement plans! However, if you want some as a nice bit on the side, how about pound cost averaging? Start now, buy regular small quantities at whatever price and build up. I'd go over-the-counter at a non-chain jeweller, preferably one of the centres like Birmingham J. Quarter or Hatton Garden for lower margins, and hold it physically. Read up about CGT, security etc. Look at the charts for 10, 20, 50 years and 'all time' to see where it might be going. And hold.

Show quote history

Why wouldn't gold be able to help with retirement? Golds track record is historically good. I bought a half sovereign recently and the broker told me that the previous customer brought in gold sovereigns that they bought off him for £37k, which he was using for retirement.

BrickBiscuit · 21/10/2025 19:03

verybighouseinthecountry · 21/10/2025 18:48

Why wouldn't gold be able to help with retirement? Golds track record is historically good. I bought a half sovereign recently and the broker told me that the previous customer brought in gold sovereigns that they bought off him for £37k, which he was using for retirement.

Show quote history

The poster I was replying to's retirement is planned for 2029. Gold now will be no help with that. You're right though, in general 1% - 5% in prescious metals is OK for long-term retirement.

logplant · 21/10/2025 19:08

We have both coins we hold personally and shares in gold we hold via our business. I prefer shares - easier to sell and don’t have the security issues, dh’s likes having the gold because its under our control - we bought it during lockdown when it felt a bit Madmax at times. The gold is in a safe.

Planck · 21/10/2025 19:33

BrickBiscuit · 21/10/2025 18:43

Gold won't help with those retirement plans! However, if you want some as a nice bit on the side, how about pound cost averaging? Start now, buy regular small quantities at whatever price and build up. I'd go over-the-counter at a non-chain jeweller, preferably one of the centres like Birmingham J. Quarter or Hatton Garden for lower margins, and hold it physically. Read up about CGT, security etc. Look at the charts for 10, 20, 50 years and 'all time' to see where it might be going. And hold.

Show quote history

Sorry, you've lost me. Holding 5% in gold in retirement is a pretty standard approach. As I've said, I'm not buying now (on a PCA basis or otherwise).

verybighouseinthecountry · 21/10/2025 20:17

BrickBiscuit · 21/10/2025 19:03

The poster I was replying to's retirement is planned for 2029. Gold now will be no help with that. You're right though, in general 1% - 5% in prescious metals is OK for long-term retirement.

Show quote history

Sorry I missed that!

BrickBiscuit · 21/10/2025 21:04

Planck · 21/10/2025 19:33

Sorry, you've lost me. Holding 5% in gold in retirement is a pretty standard approach. As I've said, I'm not buying now (on a PCA basis or otherwise).

Show quote history

Yes, you are lost. First, your retirement goal of 2029 is too short for gold to be any use for that. It's too volatile or unpredicatable. If you wanted 5% retirement in gold for 2029, you should have started buying 20+ years ago. Second, if you want to hold gold alongside your non-retirement assets (5% here IS an excellent idea, if you have the stomach for the ride), you need to start building now and hold. Gold is a loooong game. If you want to play the spikes and take short-term profits when they show, you can do this but you will then be out of the asset unless you buy it back, defeating the object. Traders can succeed at this because of their spread and volumes. You can't. Buy small and buy NOW if you want to be in.

labtest57 · 21/10/2025 21:34

Global All Cap, and Developed World ex Uk

IndiaAutumn · 21/10/2025 22:34

BrickBiscuit · 21/10/2025 21:04

Yes, you are lost. First, your retirement goal of 2029 is too short for gold to be any use for that. It's too volatile or unpredicatable. If you wanted 5% retirement in gold for 2029, you should have started buying 20+ years ago. Second, if you want to hold gold alongside your non-retirement assets (5% here IS an excellent idea, if you have the stomach for the ride), you need to start building now and hold. Gold is a loooong game. If you want to play the spikes and take short-term profits when they show, you can do this but you will then be out of the asset unless you buy it back, defeating the object. Traders can succeed at this because of their spread and volumes. You can't. Buy small and buy NOW if you want to be in.

Edited

Show quote history

Sorry wrong thread

Enrichetta · 21/10/2025 22:47

washinwashoutrepeat · 21/10/2025 18:38

Interested. I have never bought any shares and am now would like to start. Do you buy online directly or through an advisor? (Sorry, am absolutely clueless!)

Keep it simple. Stick to trackers - all world/global, Europe, UK. Plus maybe an established investment trust such as Foreign & Colonial, Mercantile or similar, if they are trading at a discount.

Add a bit of spice - small cap, Asia, Japan, China, healthcare etc, if you have spare money and are willing and able to be a bit more adventurous and your time horizon is at least 10 years.

Vanguard funds are cheap. AJ Bell is a reasonably priced investor platform with an easy to use website and offering all the funds you could possibly want.

Keep an eye on performance but don’t panic about occasional downward fluctuations.

Velvet010 · 21/10/2025 22:53

Hitchens · 18/10/2025 08:14

Just in invest in a global tracker like VWRP or the Vanguard Global All Cap. No idea why people make it any more complicated than that. Do you have some specialist knowledge which means you think you can outperform the market?

It's volatile because if you are invested in a tech focused version of the S&P 500 then that is volatile.

If you are investing for the long term (10+ years) then what the market does today, next week or for the rest of the year shouldn't matter to you.

"Do you have some specialist knowledge which means you think you can outperform the market?"

quite frankly yes, by the time x company news is already aired the hedge funds have adjusted their investments, if you want to be ahead then you need to fully research all the companies you invest in, etc then discuss with your broker about what to invest in etc, after watching billions and the film the big short, doing your own investment research is a must, because once the opening bell rings you can be sure the big players in the market are already ahead of the latest developments with their investments etc