The Art of Investing is back for episode 3, and this week we’re exploring another asset class - how bonds serve as a powerful tool for diversification, offering a counterbalance to equities in your portfolio.

Join Rich McDonald, Chris Fellingham and Mark Holden to discover the secrets hidden in the attributes of bonds - issuer, interest rate, and maturity. Hear about the recent highs in global stock markets powered by rising copper prices, the ripple effects of international trade negotiations, including Japan's successful tariff deal with the U.S., and market reactions to earnings reports from Netflix and General Motors.

The intimidating power of the bond market is explained with a Thames Water 6.75% 2030 bond as an example, as we explore capital structure hierarchy, highlighting the prioritisation of bondholders over equity holders in financial distress scenarios.

Explore the fascinating relationship between bond prices and yields, likened to a seesaw where rising prices mean falling yields. Often perceived as lower-risk investments compared to equities, factors influencing longer-dated bond prices include inflation, interest rates, and economic growth.

What you’ll learn in this episode

Bonds Have Key Attributes: Bonds are financial instruments characterised by three attributes: an issuer, an interest rate, and a payback date. They represent a form of borrowing where the bondholder earns interest over time and is repaid the principal amount at maturity.

Market Sentiment Can Drive Share Performance: Even when companies like Netflix report strong financial results, share prices can fall if market expectations have been set too high. This highlights the importance of understanding investor sentiment and expectations when analysing stock movements.

Global Trade Negotiations Impact Markets: Trade agreements and tariffs between countries, such as those involving Japan, Europe, and the U.S., can significantly influence stock market performance. For example, Japan securing better-than-expected tariff terms resulted in a boost for its stock market.

Commodity Prices Can Influence Indexes: The performance of certain stock indexes, like the FTSE 100, can be closely tied to commodities such as copper. The FTSE 100, with its significant number of mining companies, benefits from higher commodity prices.

Technology and Market Evolution: Companies that once dominated markets can decline dramatically over time. Nokia, once the largest company in Europe, has seen its shares fall 87% in the past 25 years, illustrating the rapid evolution of technology and market dynamics.

Get in touch with the show by emailing [email protected]

IG New Customer Offer

Until 15th August 2025, IG is giving away a free UK share bundle to all new customers, worth up to £100 when you invest just £20. Sign up for a general investment account, stocks and shares ISA or a SIPP and make your £20 investment to get started.

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 put in. New customers only. Offer valid until 15 August for ISA, GIA, and SIPP accounts. Other fees may apply. T&Cs apply.

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.

After last week’s launch episode, The Art of Investment is back!

Brought to you by IG, global investing platform, FTSE 250 and over 50 years in the markets. Every Friday, hosts Rich McDonald, Mark Holden & Chris Fellingham – three investing legends bring you a combined century of market wisdom.

This is your go-to podcast for inspiration and insights on the latest market movements with one goal - to make you a better investor. Whether you're taking your first steps into the investment world or you're a seasoned investor looking to sharpen your edge, you've found your new secret weapon.

IG New Customer Offer

Until 15th August 2025, IG is giving away a free UK share bundle to all new customers, worth up to £100 when you invest just £20. Sign up for a general investment account, stocks and shares ISA or a SIPP and make your £20 investment to get started.

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 put in. New customers only. Offer valid until 15 August for ISA, GIA, and SIPP accounts. Other fees may apply. T&Cs apply.

In this episode we give you a rundown on the pressing issue of market uncertainty, examining how political risks and economic factors like tariffs shape the financial landscape. Despite global uncertainties, the equity markets continue to show resilience, and cryptocurrencies are growing in significance as a promising asset class, supported by recent legislative developments in the U.S.

Our hot topic for the next few episodes is asset classes, and today we turn our attention to the fundamentals of equities and their varying investment strategies, including the stability of dividend-paying consumer staples with the high-growth potential of tech giants.

What you’ll learn in this episode -

Portfolio Construction and Understanding Risk: Building an investment portfolio requires a clear understanding of risk tolerance and financial goals. Setting benchmarks and diversifying across asset classes - such as equities, bonds, and cash - is essential for managing long-term risks effectively

The Role of Economic and Political Factors in Market Performance: Economic elements like inflation, interest rates, and tariffs, along with political risks, significantly influence financial markets. Investors must stay informed about these factors to better navigate volatile market conditions.

Cryptocurrencies as a Potential Asset Class: Cryptocurrencies are gaining traction as a promising investment, partly due to recent legislative support in the U.S. Investors should evaluate their potential while staying cautious about volatility and regulatory changes.

Exploring Different Investment Strategies: Investing involves balancing stability and growth. Dividend-paying companies in consumer staples, like Tesco, offer steady returns, while high-growth tech innovators such as NVIDIA present opportunities with higher risks and potential rewards.

The Psychological Aspects of Recovery After Financial Losses: Recovering from financial setbacks requires understanding the psychology of loss aversion and maintaining a long-term perspective. Learning to manage wealth responsibly and maintaining a disciplined approach can support recovery and growth.

Community and Knowledge Sharing for Growth: Engaging with fellow investors to share strategies, insights, and experiences fosters a sense of community. Collaboration and learning from others can provide valuable perspectives and tips for navigating the complex world of investing.

Get in touch with the show by emailing [email protected]

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. 

Welcome to the launch episode of The Art of Investment, a brand new podcast that transforms market noise into clear investing strategies. Brought to you by IG, global investing platform, FTSE 250 and over 50 years in the markets.

This isn't your typical finance show.

Whether you're taking your first steps into the investment world or you're a seasoned investor looking to sharpen your edge, you've found your new secret weapon.

Every Friday, hosts Rich McDonald, Mark Holden & Chris Fellingham – three investing legends bring you a combined century of market wisdom. They'll decode the week's biggest moves, reveal the hot topics that could make or break a portfolio, and share the insights that separate winners from wishful thinkers.

In this episode we look ahead at potential impacts of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, monetary policy shifts in Europe and the UK, and the profound effects that Trump's tariffs are expected to have on global markets, especially the automotive sector.

Whether you're planning for retirement or seeking to grow your wealth, we discuss the importance of long-term investment strategies, the power of compounding returns and the critical role of early financial planning.

What you’ll learn in this episode -

Understanding the Risks of Holding Cash Over Stocks: Learn how choosing cash investments over stocks can result in lost opportunities for higher returns.

How Supply and Demand Influence Prices: Learn how market forces affect asset prices, such as corporate values increasing when demand exceeds supply.

Strategies for Building a Diversified Portfolio: Explore practical techniques to design well-balanced investment portfolios across various asset classes.

Effective Retirement Planning: Understand how to prepare financially for long-term retirement needs, including strategies for wealth creation and sustainability.

The Power of Financial Markets for Wealth Creation: Discover how financial markets help create wealth and why long-term investment strategies are essential for life aspirations like retirement planning.

Framework for Personal Investment Management: Explore how individuals can take control of their investment strategies and create a sustainable financial future by learning market mechanisms and trends.

Get in touch with the show by emailing [email protected]

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.

Resources - 

JP Morgan - The UK’s savings opportunity