Thursday 23 March 2017

Article 50 countdown? Oh, investors need to prepare!

Who says? 'Yeah, who says, boss?' Er, not me. Although I would give the same advice. No, it's Nigel Green. 'Nigel Green? You mean the founder and CEO of the Bubbles deVere Group?' That's the guy, Voice. You remember him. 'How could I forget our Nigel?' Well, it wouldn't be easy. / Anyway ...

Investors need to prepare now for three key issues ahead of Britain formally starting divorce proceedings with the EU next Wednesday, affirms the boss of one of the world's largest independent financial advisory organizations.

Yeah, PR email, dear reader(s). So?

The comments from Nigel Green, Bubbles deVere Group's founder and CEO, come as the countdown begins for the UK Prime Minister, Theresa May, to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty on Wednesday 29 March.

Okay. What does our Nigel say, then? 'State.' Yeah, state.

Mr Green states: "By this time next week Britain will have officially started the process of unravelling itself from the European Union. This is one of the most complex negotiations in political history with global consequences, and as with most divorce proceedings, it is unlikely to be completely smooth sailing. As such, investors need to ensure their portfolios are Brexit-proofed."

Fine. But I'm sure he's got more to state than that. 'Boss - !'

He continues: "With the clock ticking on the starting pistol being fired, investors need to prepare now for three key issues. First, be prepared for increased market volatility. Uncertainty creates tidal waves of volatility across financial markets - and the Brexit negotiations represent a huge unknown. Against a backdrop of growing volatility, investors need to ensure that their portfolios are truly diversified. This means investing across geographical regions, sectors and asset classes. Those with a well-diversified portfolio are always best-placed to mitigate risk in times of market turbulence, and best-placed to take advantage of the opportunities. UK assets, are likely to feel the heat. Investors should consider taking precautions against the potentially significant adverse effects of Brexit on UK assets, which they can do by increasing exposure to overseas investments."

Hang on! Overseas investments?! Would that be patriotic? 'No.' Well, never mind.

"Second, be prepared for sterling to experience further swings. The pound fell 10 per cent against the dollar in the week after the referendum to leave the EU. Similarly, it dipped this week when Theresa May confirmed the trigger date of Article 50. Sterling is currently considered cheap, considering the underlying buoyancy of the British economy, now forecast to grow 2 per cent in 2017. This is a buying opportunity for some investors. However, with an enormous question mark hanging over the negotiations, and the creeping inflation, the pound's current low value might not last."

Okay. And third? 'Give him a chance, boss!' I am giving him a chance. I'm just saying - and third? That's all.

"And third, be prepared for the far-reaching impact of higher UK inflation and higher interest rates. This week, inflation hit its highest level in more than three years - and smashed the Bank of England's official target. This has raised expectations that interest rates could be hiked sooner rather than later. This new landscape will present a new set of winners and losers for investors. A good financial adviser will help them select the right investments and, crucially, at the right time."

Right. That's it, then. 'Boss - !' Christ!

Mr Green concludes: "A lot has happened since the EU referendum in June 2016, and today the economy is facing a very different set of issues. The economic landscape will continue to shift significantly during the two-year negotiation period. Investors need to remain aware and agile and ensure their portfolios are Brexit-proofed."

Okay. Our Nigel is basically saying that the UK is doomed, and it's every investor for himself, herself now. So be it!

...

Anything else? Music? No! As you may be aware, dear reader(s), this is a finance blog. I can't talk about music no more. 'Ha!' It wouldn't be right, man.

Have a nice weekend, reader(s)! Laters.