147. Investing in “compelling” UK, welcome rate rises and steering clear of Bitcoin

In an investment version of the game “Would you rather…”, Darius McDermott, managing director of FundCalibre and Chelsea Financial Services, gives his views on the current opportunities in the market. Discussing interest rates, China, absolute return funds, bonds, Bitcoin and more.

Darius McDermott tells us why investors should not shun China, despite its recent challenges, and why the UK is a compelling investment on a five-year view. He also explains why he’d welcome a reasonable rise in interest rates and why he would not invest in Bitcoin. Darius also explains his preference for small and medium-sized companies and why he’d choose an absolute return fund over a bond in the current market environment.

What’s covered in this podcast:

  • Why a happy balance on inflation and interest rates would benefit low risk investors [0:13]
  • Why China is a more attractive investment play than Brazil [1:36]
  • Darius tells us why the UK is a compelling investment proposition on a five-year basis [3:04]
  • Targeting the best of both worlds when it comes to performance and being ethically invested [4:24]
  • Why investors will have to make big calls on their homes to support their retirement [6:16]
  • His slight preference for absolute return funds over bonds as a defensive investment in the current environment [7:47]
  • Darius tells us why he prefers small and mid-sized companies to their larger peers – and why the US is an outlier in this scenario [9:45]
  • His preference for fine wine over Bitcoin [11:14]
This article is provided for information only. The views of the author and any people quoted are their own and do not constitute financial advice. The content is not intended to be a personal recommendation to buy or sell any fund or trust, or to adopt a particular investment strategy. However, the knowledge that professional analysts have analysed a fund or trust in depth before assigning them a rating can be a valuable additional filter for anyone looking to make their own decisions.Past performance is not a reliable guide to future returns. Market and exchange-rate movements may cause the value of investments to go down as well as up. Yields will fluctuate and so income from investments is variable and not guaranteed. You may not get back the amount originally invested. Tax treatment depends of your individual circumstances and may be subject to change in the future. If you are unsure about the suitability of any investment you should seek professional advice.Whilst FundCalibre provides product information, guidance and fund research we cannot know which of these products or funds, if any, are suitable for your particular circumstances and must leave that judgement to you. Before you make any investment decision, make sure you’re comfortable and fully understand the risks. Further information can be found on Elite Rated funds by simply clicking on the name highlighted in the article.