The Three-legged Horse

Have you ever placed a bet on a horse simply because you recognised the jockey’s name, liked the trainer, or perhaps preferred the colours?

Most of us have. Very few people truly study the form - how the horse performs on soft ground, over distance, or under certain conditions. And that’s perfectly fine when it’s simply a bit of fun! Even if your selection finishes last, you can laugh it off and blame it on the horse “only having three legs”. If you have a pension or investments, think of your funds as the horses in the race. These investments represent years of hard work and disciplined saving. They’re there to support your lifestyle, your family, and your plans for the future. Yet many investors treat their funds in much the same way as that Saturday flutter - sticking with familiar names or making changes only when prompted at an annual review. Given the choice, most people would prefer to be on the horse that’s leading the field, or at least the one showing the strongest form under current conditions.

More often than not, adjustments happen at a scheduled annual review, when an adviser recommends switching horses - forgive me, funds. By that stage, others who had their meeting earlier may already have made the move. You can find yourself joining the charge just as the early momentum has passed, effectively setting off in pursuit rather than from the front.

Equally, markets do not wait politely for review dates. If conditions shift shortly after your meeting and you have just changed position, you may remain in what has become the less suitable fund for many months before it is reconsidered.

At Beacon Wealth Management, we believe investment management should be more dynamic than that. For nearly 20 years, we have actively monitored and adjusted client portfolios when conditions warrant it - not simply when the calendar says it’s time for a meeting. If the ground changes, we don’t wait to move. 

Behind the scenes, our in-house, full-time investment team continually analyses market trends, fund performance, and economic data. We study the “form” so our clients don’t have to. Importantly, when our clients’ portfolios grow, we benefit too - so our interests remain closely aligned. 

So, here’s the question: when was the last time your portfolio was reviewed because markets changed rather than because your annual meeting was due? If you’re unsure, or if you suspect your investments may not be positioned for today’s conditions, it may be time for a fresh conversation. You can’t control the markets. But you can make sure you’re not riding a three-legged horse.

Speak with our local experts by calling us on 01480869466 for a free initial, no obligation chat. For more information and useful content, visitwww.beaconwm.co.uk.

Future fees may apply. Registered and regulated by the FCA No. 526604.