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.
Shares
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.