Category: Investing

We want many things from our investments. But above all, an investment needs to be sustainable – in the broadest sense of the word.  If the instrument you’re investing in isn’t going to be there in a few years when you need it, there is a major problem.  Recent changes in Europe known as SFDR … Continued

Two banks are departing the Irish market in 2022.  That means somewhere around 10 million direct debits will need to be changed! If you bank with KBC or Ulster Bank, it’s well worth acting now before the rush to update the direct debit for your regular payment. If you’re changing bank and have a regular … Continued

One of the most popular fund ranges, from one of the most popular investment managers, just got easier to access in Ireland.  Vanguard LifeStrategy became readily available to Ireland-based investors in late 2021. Vanguard’s LifeStrategy funds have in fact been available in Ireland for some years… but only in sterling funds, with high minimum investments, … Continued

There have been some dramatic changes in financial markets – and the world in general – over the last six months.  As we approach the half-year market, it’s time to look at what has happened, how things are likely to unfold in the second half of 2022, and what it means for your investments and … Continued

I’m investing a lump sum over the next few months, and want to keep things fairly simple.  At the same time, I’m aware there’s a need to avoid putting all my eggs in one basket, and to spread my risk instead.  Is one investment fund enough?  Or how many investment funds should I hold? – TM, … Continued

Traditionally seen as a safer bet, bonds have been a loss-maker for Irish investors so far in 2022. Stock markets might grab the headlines. But the bond market is bigger, and has been experiencing tough times of its own. One major bond index, the Bloomberg Global Aggregate, is down nearly 9% for Euro investors over … Continued

My father recently sold the family home and moved into a much smaller place. By doing so, he managed to free up about €150,000, which he has sitting in his current account. He is 78 years old and in good health; he has a decent income from his pensions, good health insurance and so on. … Continued

The metaverse entered the real world in a big way in late 2021. Facebook rebranded itself as Meta Platforms, and announced it was investing $10 billion a year there, effectively staking the future of its business on the metaverse. So what is it, and how do I invest in the metaverse? What’s the metaverse? Trying … Continued

Inflation in Ireland is hard to ignore right now – a trend we identified a year ago. If you dig into the data, however, inflation is still confined to a small number of sectors.  Others are experiencing little in the way of cost increases, and at times even deflation.  Digging into the causes of inflation … Continued