
Strategic Insights | Staying safe online
May 5th, 2022
Keep washing your hands – virtually Email scams and bogus websites Use strong passwords and protect your devices The cloud is safer than you think Shopping online is not without risk Be naturally sceptical Keep washing your hands – virtually Over the last couple of years, we have spent a great deal of time […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
April 28th, 2022
Stress and tension exacerbated by geopolitics A worsening Russian economy Asia and Big Tech have their own problems to content with Now is a good time to grab cheap stock If your investments are sound… then you need do nothing Stress and tension exacerbated by geopolitics Global stock markets have shown further signs of stress […]


The Ukraine tragedy: a shot in the arm for sustainable investing?
April 21st, 2022
What does the conflict mean for energy policy? Rising raw material prices – an additional factor Now is the time for sustainable investing The political will is there We have a key role to play in the energy transition As the cost of living crisis worsens and energy security takes pole position on many countries’ […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
April 14th, 2022
Monetary policy will need to be tightened What can the International Energy Agency do about rising oil prices? Gold shines bright in an inflationary world The direction for financial markets remains unclear But that does not mean zero attractive investment opportunities Monetary policy will need to be tightened We are now in a period of […]


Strategic Insights | What is the Metaverse and are we in it yet?
April 6th, 2022
Can we agree on what it means, if anything? Its worth will be measured in terms of the disruption it causes The Metaverse has its detractors and sceptics Lots of investment will be needed – what’s not to like? Exposure to companies with sound business models and fundamentals Can we agree on what it means, […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
April 1st, 2022
Global markets to 2 April 2022 Mixed performance and even some rallies The west needs to find alternatives to Russian energy supplies Retail sales slip as inflation rises Covid is not done with us yet Some changes in our asset allocations Mixed performance… and even some rallies Global stock markets have delivered mixed performances, but […]


Strategic Insights | Teaching your children to be financially literate
March 24th, 2022
Teach them the basics Delayed gratification Encourage them to make smart decisions The value of giving Money can grow Set a good example As an ambitious professional, you want what is best for your money. And as a parent and spouse, you want what is best for your children and family. That does not mean […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
March 18th, 2022
Global markets to 18 March 2022 World reaction to Putin’s brazen “military exercise” Central banks move to tackle inflation An early end to the asset purchasing programme in the EU Equity markets creep back up It’s those unknown unknowns again World reaction to Putin’s brazen “military exercise” Financial markets continue to be rocked by events […]


Strategic Insights | Tax year end is nigh
March 10th, 2022
Volatility in the markets: the tax year continues regardless Don’t lose your ISA allowance Different types of ISA Other ways to reduce tax Further changes afoot Volatility in the markets: the tax year continues regardless Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a watershed moment in European politics. But it is also a turning point for the […]


Strategic Insights | Digitalisation
March 3rd, 2022
Everything is changing Success is not guaranteed Embrace technology, sure – but understand who you are embracing it for Introducing IQ Wealth We’re not just innovating for the sake of it Everything is changing Future generations will doubtless characterise the start of the 21st-century as the point at which the twin green and digital transitions […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
February 25th, 2022
Global markets to 25 February 2022 First inflation… now an invasion How much will sanctions really hurt Russia? Bear market or recession? Corrections are just… part of life But the markets will endure First inflation… now an invasion On Thursday morning, the world awoke to the news that President Putin – despite numerous assertions that […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
February 17th, 2022
Global markets to 19 February 2022 Nerves are still running high The world waits for invasion A change of plan for interest rates Strong corporate earnings means no need for bond buying programmes Find your inner Warren Buffett Nerves are still running high The financial markets remain nervous as fears rise over tighter monetary policy, […]


Strategic Insights | Planning for tax year end
February 7th, 2022
Don’t sit on cash Income tax and pensions Capital gains tax Inheritance tax Savings and investments ISAs EISs/VCTs Gift Aid The Bottom Line Rising geopolitical tensions… continuing economic fallout from Covid and Brexit… and the onset of a Spring of Discontent as inflation nudges north, pushing up energy prices and the cost of living more […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
February 4th, 2022
Global markets to 4 February 2022 A challenging start to 2022 Inflation – our new long-term guest How can we hedge against it? Regular interest rate hikes from the Fed in the offing Steady the Buffs A challenging start to 2022 It would be no exaggeration to say that the first month of 2022 has […]


Strategic Insights | Smart Health
January 28th, 2022
New normal also means new healthcare On-demand healthcare is like on-demand everything else Big data – already being used to improve healthcare Virtual reality is already being used to treat patients Wearable tech and medical devices – this is just the beginning Artificial intelligence and healthcare Embedded digitalisation New normal also means new healthcare One […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
January 21st, 2022
Global markets to 21 January 2022 Inflation rises across the developed world World Bank slashes global growth forecasts Risks galore for financial markets US stocks are particularly expensive Don’t panic, Mr Mainwaring Concerns persist over rising inflation, but fundamentals should dominate the markets in the second half of 2022 The year has not […]


Strategic Insights | Can you Outrun Inflation?
January 14th, 2022
Time to take stock Forget high-street savings accounts Invest in companies with pricing power Keep your money away from HMRC The bottom line Time to take stock The start of a new year is a time to stop, take stock and set yourself new goals. And since as a nation we have squirrelled away more […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
January 7th, 2022
Global markets to 7 January 2022 Global markets continued on their upwards trajectory… . … until Omicron and inflation reared their heads A once-in-a-generation investment in core infrastructure priorities Wholesale prices continue to climb steeply Predictions for the future Global markets continued on their upwards trajectory… Over the fourth quarter of the year, the developed […]


Another momentous year draws to a close
December 27th, 2021
It’s been another busy twelve months for Investment Quorum and as the end of the year approaches, I would like to share some of the highlights and thank you for your unswerving support in these challenging and interesting times. Effecting positive change Investment Quorum is growing and continues to build on the achievements of previous […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
December 9th, 2021
Global markets to 10 December 2021 It’s not just seasonal Still too many unknowns Embedded inflation and the end of bond-buying? Might strategic oil reserves come into play? Pricing power and healthy gross margins – always It’s not just seasonal Much of what is currently happening on the financial markets can be classed as seasonal. […]


Strategic Insights | Millennials in the Workplace
December 3rd, 2021
A societal force Engagement and values Millennials and technology Loyalty and careers The future Never has a generation been subject to so much pushing and prodding. But then… there are so many of them to push and prod: in fact, millennials make up the largest generation in the history of humanity. The corollary of this […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
November 25th, 2021
Global markets to 26 November 2021 Nearly two years of Covid Doing battle with the “Triple H” effect Healing wounds UK share prices are low, but corporate earnings take a hit Disruption will continue: best get on board Nearly two years of Covid It is now almost two years since the pandemic gripped the world, […]


Strategic Insights | The Health & Social Care Levy
November 18th, 2021
Good intentions when it comes to reforming social care £12 billion annually over the next three years The tax itself What will the tax support? How this will affect you Investment Quorum is proud of the track record it has of honouring its commitments: the commitments it has made to safeguarding the future with its […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
November 11th, 2021
So far this month, three burning issues have been dominating the news headlines: central bank policy, inflation and climate change.


Strategic Insights | Chic happens (deal with it)
November 5th, 2021
The pandemic has demonstrated that very few companies are completely immune to large-scale disruptions. Indeed, several companies in the luxury goods sector suffered falls in their sales. But thanks to a number of unique factors, the luxury goods sector was not quite so hard-hit as many others were.


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
October 29th, 2021
Global markets to 30 October 2021 Onwards and upwards… but for how long? Inflation to rise to 5% Gen Z, tech and the way we work Robotics and automation Pricing power will see us through Onwards and upwards… but for how long? The world’s financial stock markets have continued to rise in recent weeks with […]


Strategic Insights | Funding your retirement
October 21st, 2021
Retire from work – not from life Will what you have saved provide you with the income you need? How much do you think you will need in retirement? Take stock of your current wealth Maximise your pension savings Adjust your investment strategy You don’t have to retire completely Uncertainty about retirement Retire from work […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
October 15th, 2021
Global markets to 16 October 2021 Growth on the wane, inflation on the rise Any sign of a taper? What happens in China affects the whole world What do the central banks think? Quality… always quality Scotland plays host to… the world Growth on the wane, inflation on the rise Global equity markets seem to […]


Strategic Insights | Engaging with millennials
October 8th, 2021
Tech savvy digital natives China – again Physical fitness and mental wellness Sustainability across the board A new paradigm has dawned, has it not? Millennials… Generation Y… Gen Y – whatever you want to call them, they have come of age. Born between the mid-90s and the early 2000s, they’re the first truly global generation, […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
October 1st, 2021
Weekend of 2/3 October 2021 Seasonal anxiety Bond markets are fretting Inflation jitters What’s pushing prices up? A well-diversified portfolio Seasonal anxiety Autumn is getting underway, and we are entering a period of the year during which investors are sometimes prone to anxiety. To make matters worse this year, the news is brimming with […]


Why should you set up a trust?
September 23rd, 2021
What is a trust? Who are the people involved in a trust? Trusts and tax The different types of trust Why should you set one up? The next step The answer is probably quite simple: because you want to make absolutely sure that your money is being managed in the best, most efficient way possible […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
September 17th, 2021
Global markets to 16 September 2021 Inflation is back in town What about central bank support? Brave new post-Covid world… A pandemic with a long tail Still worth sticking with equities Inflation is back in town Global equity markets have been retreating throughout September on renewed fears of inflation and uncertainty over whether […]


Investing with a goal in mind
September 10th, 2021
“The biggest risk of all is not taking one.” — Mellody Hobson Why do you want to invest in the first place? There’s no time like the present Goals Payments Investment risk Timescale What you’ll get back A diversified portfolio Be tax-efficient Check in with us Why do you want to invest in […]


The Lowdown on the Post-Lockdown Chinese Tech Crackdown
September 3rd, 2021
Japan, make way for… China Why decimate the tech sector? It’s getting geopolitical China’s unregulated Silicon Valley An end to behemoths riding roughshod… All-powerful, brazen Chinese communism A post-crackdown slowdown? Japan, make way for China Remember the days when Japan was synonymous with high-tech and innovation? Remember when we oo-ed and ahh-ed at the […]


S/he who dares… wins?
August 22nd, 2021
The word risk Risk tolerance – what you are comfortable with Risk tolerance is not the same as risk capacity Sticking to your roadmap An investment strategy tailored for your risk tolerance The word risk What does the word “risk” do to you? Does it make you quiver and shiver with excitement? Does it […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
August 15th, 2021
Global markets to 13 August 2021 Mixed economic data but Wall Street powers on China signals crackdown on privacy, data, monopolies to continue Good news for retail and travel… finally! Growth: not the rate that was expected, but growth nonetheless What changes will the forthcoming European elections bring? Mixed economic data but Wall Street powers […]


Strategic Insights | The Belt and Road Initiative
August 8th, 2021
The centrepiece of the Chinese Communist Party’s foreign policy and Xi Jinping’s modern take on the Silk Road Actually, the BRI is nothing new It’s big… really big The world is brimming with untapped potential Better infrastructure will mean better connectivity Complex policy issues – reforms are needed Risks with major infrastructure projects Macro […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
August 1st, 2021
Global Markets to 29 July 2021 Strong global equity market returns – a market boom? Euphoria in the UK and Europe A more interventionist approach in China China is still a hotbed of innovation Inflation has not benefited the bond markets A positive investment backdrop Strong global equity market returns – a market boom? Although […]


Strategic Insights | Cash Flow Modelling
July 25th, 2021
Our goal is to help you achieve financial freedom We need to involve YOU – throughout the whole process Cash flow modelling… and you Peace of mind Check in with us on a regular basis Our goal is to help you achieve financial freedom If we at Investment Quorum are to help you achieve your […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
July 18th, 2021
Global Markets to 2 July 2021 Healthy corporate earnings figures… but rising Delta variant numbers The 10-year US Treasury bond falls… and inflation takes off More job vacancies now than before pandemic Tokyo Games to have a very different feel Emissions targets tightened across the EU… … and in China It’s going to be all […]


Strategic Insights | Disruptive Technologies
July 11th, 2021
Making mischief Disruption has to be the norm What this means for investors A knock-on effect When it comes to disruptors, timing the market is practically impossible Targeting the industries that are leading disruption is key Disruptors in a post-Covid world Making Mischief Right across the board – in everything from agriculture and health care […]


Investment Quorum Becomes a Sequoia Patron
July 6th, 2021
Investment Quorum Becomes a Sequoia Patron The average UK person’s lifetime CO2 footprint is 520 tonnes. And despite various countries’ commitment to carbon neutrality, net zero and a whole host of other initiatives, the world is still producing and burning fossil fuels on a massive industrial scale. At Investment Quorum, we know that we […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
July 4th, 2021
Global Markets to 2 July 2021 More good news for global investors? Strong corporate earnings ahead How transitory is the current inflationary increase? Interest rates left unchanged in the UK – again Little prospect of monetary policy changes What road doesn’t have bumps? Growth should remain strong More good news for global investors? We are […]


Strategic Insights | Changing Jobs
June 26th, 2021
You’ve got a new job… great!It’s about more than just salaryBorrow before you switchTake stock of the pastLook to the futureStress-testing your new compensation package Decide who your beneficiaries are Your financial roadmap You’ve got a new job… great! The concept of a job for life appears to be long dead. Nowadays, it is not […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
June 20th, 2021
Global Markets to 18 June 2021 The Fed makes an announcement The Treasury yield curve flattens out Commodities find themselves under pressure Has anything really changed yet? Good times for equities The Fed makes an announcement … and turmoil ensues The financial markets reacted less than positively to this week’s announcement that the Federal Reserve […]


Strategic Insights | Battery technology
June 13th, 2021
What you need to juice up your investment portfolio?The path to net zero and the importance of battery technologyGovernments may be supporting the EV transition, but what about the automotive industry itself?What is stopping widespread rollout of electric vehicles? As ESG-aware investors, the social and environmental impacts of battery technology are important.What about ethically sourcing […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
June 6th, 2021
Global Markets to 4 June 2021 Good numbers… but travel chaos Rich nations back deal to tax multinationals Biden scraps proposed corporate tax hike Covid-19 has caused a global microchip shortage Global equity markets are still strong Good numbers… but travel chaos … and the airline industry is hit hard In the UK, there is […]


5k May
June 3rd, 2021
Thank You! Thank you so much for donating to our 5km fundraising campaign in support of PAPYRUS. We are absolutely delighted to have raised a whopping £2762. This will go a very long way towards enabling the charity to continue with the vital work that it does – providing confidential support and advice to […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
May 23rd, 2021
Global Markets to 21 May 2021 IQ news2030? We’re already thinking about it When things get bumpy… do nothing! Inflation: it’s back… … but it’s not all bad Innovation saves the day IQ news On Wednesday evening last week, the entire Investment Quorum staff shuffled and wheezed their way through the City in their plimsolls […]


Strategic Insights | The Positives of the Pandemic
May 14th, 2021
Things have been bad Maybe not all bad? A nation of chefs and DIY enthusiasts Not skiving A healthier lifestyle A vaccinated future Things have been bad It is no exaggeration to say that the last 12 months have been… challenging. And that really is putting it mildly. The high fatality rates across the […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
May 9th, 2021
Global Markets to 7 May 2021 Mixed messages about US jobs leave economists and Wall Street baffled Commodity prices are booming: not just copper and iron ore Biden unveils an ambitious infrastructure spending programme with an EV promise Post-pandemic recovery set to break records The Bank of England revises its growth predictions upwards As the […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
April 25th, 2021
Global Markets to 23 April 2021 The global economic recovery is under way Vaccine rollout is working well in the UK, but other countries are still suffering Biden convenes his virtual climate change summit and unveils corporate tax reforms Electric vehicles and their possible effects on inflation Corporate earnings season begins in the US […]


Strategic Insights | Should you get high on the hydrogen hype?
April 18th, 2021
There’s loads of the stuff Cometh the hour, cometh… one of the cleanest energy solutions available An US$11 trillion market Hydrogen stocks Some major companies are in on the game Who’s putting the brakes on? The future or a bubble fit to burst? Less risky ways to play the hydrogen theme There’s loads […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
April 11th, 2021
Global Markets to 9 April 2021 Rising bond yields and a rotation into the more cyclical end of the stock market The pandemic has increased the pace of change A fifth industrial revolution? End-of-lockdown euphoria Government bond markets are nervous Sit tight; do nothing Rising bond yields … and a rotation into the more […]


Strategic Insights | Death… again
March 28th, 2021
Gearing up for the big send-off Such a quarrelsome bunch… Reasons to make a will What you want and who carries out your wishes Make sure it’s valid! Make a plan Get it written Lasting power of attorney Such a quarrelsome bunch… Your family is that which is most precious to you. The […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
March 21st, 2021
Global Markets to 19 March 2021 Highlights A turbulent start to the year Inflation will rise, won’t it? Will it? Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Post-Covid investment opportunities More financial and economic challenges lie ahead Don’t forget to subscribe to your ISA or pension – there are only days to go! Global Market Summary […]


Strategic Insights | Investment portfolios – they’re just like Rome
March 14th, 2021
Strategic Insights | Investment portfolios – they’re just like Rome Give it to a robot! Visit the App Store on your mobile phone, and you’ll find a plethora of robo wealth managers and robo advisers that can take a lot of the heavy lifting out of the process. In five minutes, you can put together […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
March 7th, 2021
Global Markets to 5 March 2021 Highlights Turmoil in the bond markets triggers a negative response from global investors. Nerves run high on the back of the threat of higher inflation and a possible central bank error. In the UK, Chancellor Sunak delivers his “spend now, tax later” budget. China unveils its next five-year […]


Strategic Insights | Do I need life assurance?
February 28th, 2021
Strategic Insights | Do I need life assurance? Let’s talk about death Life is full of nasty surprises: tax bills, tooth decay, jury service, dry rot, subsidence… the list is long and harrowing. Worse, many of those nasty surprises often involve hefty financial outlays or loss of income. So people are always pleased to […]

The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
February 22nd, 2021
Global Markets to 21st February 2021 Highlights A year after the start of the pandemic, the vaccination programme is well underway. While 90% of the world’s economies fell into recession in 2020, global stock markets have been very resilient. In the UK, the success of the vaccination programme has pushed sterling back up to […]


Strategic Insights | Bitcoin and blockchain: a bubble about to burst?
February 15th, 2021
Strategic Insights | Bitcoin and blockchain: a bubble about to burst? Crypto volatility Like Brexit and bottled beer, Bitcoin is another one of those things beginning with the letter “B” that gets people hot under the collar and sparks frenzied debate. And that debate will continue for years to come. Volatility and cryptocurrencies […]


Strategic Insights: Tax year end is nigh
February 8th, 2021
Strategic Insights | Tax year end is nigh The media lens may be focused almost exclusively on vaccinations, lockdowns and Brexit fallout, but it would probably take an extinction level event for HMRC to disregard the end of the tax year. February and March are important months in the tax calendar. It’s never […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
February 1st, 2021
Global Markets to 29th January 2021 Highlights Traders and investors grapple with elevated valuations, mixed news on the vaccine front and corporate earnings figures. Users of Reddit and Robinhood drive the share prices of GameStop and AMC up, sparking a short squeeze on hedge funds. In Davos, President Xi Jinping sets out his vision […]


What you need to know about long-term investing
January 24th, 2021
“If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs” – Rudyard Kipling Reviewing the last twelve months Picture the scene. It’s 2005 and world champion poker player Phil Ivey arrives at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Vegas, settling himself down to play a table at the World […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
January 18th, 2021
Global Markets to 15th January 2021 Highlights A mixed week on the COVID front: good news on vaccines, but concerns over new variants. Biden pledges a further COVID stimulus package, but tells wealthy individuals and corporations to pay their fair share. The Democrats win the Senate: Wall Street is already experiencing the “blue wave” […]


Strategic Insights | Commodities
January 11th, 2021
Strategic Insights | Commodities There is solid ground beneath the ether So much of our time nowadays is spent scrutinising pixels on screens as we Zoom, WhatsApp and Skype our way through modern life that it’s easy to forget that we still actually make things. Indeed, we are sometimes so focused on gigabytes, bandwidth […]


Looking back on 2020
January 6th, 2021
What a year 2020 turned out to be. No-one could possibly have suspected what it had in store for us when I wrote my end-of-year message back in December 2019. Two years have now passed since our management buyout, and as a company we continue to confound the increasingly stringent regulatory framework – as […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
January 4th, 2021
Global Markets to 1st January 2021 Highlights Global equity markets soar in 2020 – despite the pandemic. Wall Street records impressive returns throughout the year, with technology leading the way. The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is approved just as Covid cases surge and more regions move into Tier 4. After years of negotiation, Boris “gets Brexit […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
December 21st, 2020
Global Markets to 20th December 2020 Highlights Global equities hit record highs with the MSCI World Index reaching a new peak The UK government announces new tier 4 measures in response to a new variant of Covid-19; the furlough scheme is extended, and the date of the next budget announced Still no post-Brexit trade […]


Strategic Insights | Smart Cities
December 14th, 2020
Strategic Insights | Smart Cities Five minutes into the future… Imagine waking up in your fully Internet-enabled home, just a few years from now. Before you have even opened your eyes, a digital assistant has already gleaned weather information from sensors all over the city and determined how much your home needs to draw […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
December 6th, 2020
Global Markets to 5th December 2020 Highlights Global equity markets continue to rally as the end of the year approaches. The financial markets react well to positive vaccination news and Joe Biden’s staff nominations. The UK Chancellor issues a downbeat statement. Meanwhile, Brexit negotiations continue, but an agreement currently seems out of reach. Our […]


Strategic Insights | Splashing Out On Water Stocks
November 30th, 2020
Strategic Insights | Splashing out on water stocks “Thousands have lived without love, not one without water.” — W. H. Auden The choppy waters ahead Once we’ve wrapped up Brexit and seen off Covid, we won’t quite be able to put our feet up and relax: don’t forget that we’ll still have climate […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
November 23rd, 2020
Global Markets to 22nd November 2020 Highlights Global equity markets remain upbeat on hopes of an effective and successful global vaccine deployment programme In the US, President Trump still refuses to concede the election, creating political turmoil In the UK, the Chancellor asserts that the country will not be bullied into a bad Brexit […]


Strategic Insights | Investing for Positive Change
November 16th, 2020
Strategic Insights | Investing for Positive Change The state of the world One of the themes to which we return on a regular basis in our Strategic Insights is – quite simply – the state of the world in which we live. It is quite possible that this period at the start of […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
November 9th, 2020
Global Markets to 8th November 2020 Highlights The Democrats win the election and Joe Biden readies himself to become the 46th president of the US. Kamala Harris will become the first female vice president and the first black South Asian to hold the title. The Democrats may have won the White House, but the […]


Strategic Insights: Smart Agriculture
November 2nd, 2020
Strategic Insights | Smart Agriculture Demographic change Climate change and the environmental challenges facing us are the perennial issues on which all of us are focused. But there is another – just as deadly – menace in the offing: population growth and changes in the composition of our society’s age structure. In short: […]


IQ Strategic Insights: The clocks go back, but we look forward
October 25th, 2020
Strategic Insights | The clocks go back, but we look forward A different flavour of winter The nights may be getting darker as the clocks go back, but we at Investment Quorum are looking forward. As we enter the final few months of 2020, we don’t just have the usual winter flu season […]


IQ Strategic Insights: Being a client of IQ
October 18th, 2020
Strategic Insights | Being a client of IQ – What makes us different What you should expect from us The answer is – at least in part – quite straightforward: our clients want a premium wealth management service comprising detailed financial planning that takes all their aspirations, goals and values into account. But really… […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
October 12th, 2020
Global Markets to 11th October 2020 Highlights President Trump is declared Covid-free as the election draws nearer. The World Health Organisation reports a record one-day increase in global cases. In China, huge tourism revenue and optimistic news on the Covid front benefit both the currency and the stock market. It’s the final quarter of […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
September 28th, 2020
Global Markets to 27th September 2020 Highlights Increasing Covid numbers, lingering uncertainties regarding a new fiscal stimulus bill and ongoing Brexit negotiations affect market sentiment The Chancellor announces a new wage subsidy as the current furlough scheme ends Governments and central banks remain accommodative Higher fiscal spending should provide investors with attractive investment opportunities […]


Strategic Insights | Covid and the Spectre of Inflation
September 20th, 2020
Strategic Insights | Covid and the Spectre of Inflation If the experts are to be believed, we are only just getting started with Covid and it will be many months or even years before we have a clear idea of the damage it has done to the world economy. There is currently very little […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
September 14th, 2020
Global Markets to 13th September 2020 Highlights Last week’s pullback in technology stocks was inevitable after such an extraordinary rally New government socialising rules in a bid to tackle rising Covid case numbers In the US, Trump enjoys a surge in the polls: the election is not a done deal The UK government and […]


Strategic Insights | Happiness in a Covid World
September 6th, 2020
Strategic Insights | Happiness in a Covid World We do not yet know exactly what the mental health impacts of COVID-19 will be. There are many factors to consider, including the impact of the lockdown and ongoing restrictions such as social distancing and self-isolation. Some employees are worried about contracting the virus, others are […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
August 24th, 2020
Global Markets to 23rd August 2020 Highlights Global equity markets suffer a volatile week, responding to mixed economic data Many of Wall Street’s leading indices hit new, all-time highs, despite market volatility In just two decades, Apple has gone from near-bankruptcy to being the most valuable company in the world Covid causes national debt […]


Strategic Insights | Cloud Computing
August 21st, 2020
What is cloud computing? There appears to be no end to the lessons that we are being taught by Covid-19. One of the most salient ones is that the centralised business model – everybody hunkering down together physically under the same roof – is not the only one… and is not even necessarily the […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
August 10th, 2020
Global Markets to 9th August 2020 Highlights The Covid-19-catalysed innovation tidal wave is creating many investment opportunities. This structural transition is nothing new: it has been under way since the global financial crisis: Covid-19 has simply accelerated it. Low interest rates and bond yields have created a world of muted economic growth. The new […]


Strategic Insights | The Future of Financial Planning
July 30th, 2020
The Future of Financial Planning As the world population grows and ages, we are going to have to assume more and more responsibility for making financial provision for our future. This means that increasing numbers of people are going to require access to affordable advice. But in this technology-driven age, can traditional financial advisory […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
July 26th, 2020
Global Markets to 26th July 2020 Highlights Global equity markets have delivered extraordinary returns since the end of March, but storm clouds are gathering. US corporate earnings results and the Federal Reserve Bank’s predictions about the US economy will influence the markets over the coming weeks. Covid-19 cases are on the rise in a […]


Strategic Insights | Winning at a Zero-Sum Game
July 19th, 2020
Strategic Insights | Winning at a Zero-Sum Game In 2014, in one of the most radical changes to private pensions for a generation, the government announced, “pension freedom”, enabling anybody aged 55 and over to take the whole of their pension as a lump sum. And by 2021, people in the 55 to 59 […]


Strategic Insights | Bio-Technology
July 17th, 2020
Strategic Insights | Bio-Technology Covid-19 and biotech By the time Covid-19 is done with us, the global economic landscape will have changed almost beyond recognition. The high street is being decimated as BigTech cleans up, and biotech innovators are leading the charge against coronavirus. Buying biotechnology funds therefore seems like an […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
July 12th, 2020
Global Markets to 12th July 2020 Highlights Global equity and bond markets have a good week as governments across the world continue to ease the lockdown. Sovereign bonds and gold continue to benefit from an appetite for safe-haven assets. The US sees its biggest ever single-day rise in Covid-19 cases. The UK Chancellor unveils […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
July 6th, 2020
Global Markets to 5th July 2020 Highlights The second quarter of the year sees an extraordinary rally in global equity and credit markets. Governments and central banks remain steadfast in their drive to beat the virus and get the global economy back on track. While the economic data remains very weak, some green shoots […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
June 21st, 2020
Global Markets to 21st June 2020 Highlights Global equity markets experience another mixed week as they continue to be buffeted by Covid-19 and economic data Weaker predicted global economic data for the second quarter could mean that the bottom has been reached Further central bank stimulus is announced by the Bank of England and […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
June 8th, 2020
Global Markets to 7th June 2020 Highlights Global equity markets rally strongly throughout the week, boosted by some surprising data Global economic data remains mixed, but the situation in the US is looking better European Central Bank president Christine Lagarde announces a further stimulus push, indicating that more needs to be done A forceful […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
June 1st, 2020
Global Markets to 29th May 2020 Highlights For the second consecutive month, the majority of global equity markets rally strongly. Lockdown measures are eased, although fatalities continue to rise and anxieties persist over the possibility of a second wave. Additional support measures are announced by the European Union in the shape of a €750 […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
May 18th, 2020
Global Markets to 18th May 2020 Highlights The Covid-19 pandemic and intervention from authorities create volatile and unpredictable markets for investors. The global economic and corporate earnings backdrop looks dreadful over the short term, but global investors are beginning to look beyond this in the hope of better times ahead. Governments and central banks […]


Money Matters | Episode 2
May 12th, 2020
Money Matters Investment Quorum’s CEO, Petronella West provides three tips for financial housekeeping that are useful during the Coronavirus lockdown. Our CEO, Petronella West, continues to provide practical advice around important financial matters. This week Petronella is providing tips and insight on the following topics: 1. Tax planning 2. Protection 3. Cybercrime […]


Covid-19 Update: A note from Investment Quorum about Coronavirus
May 7th, 2020
In light of the recent Government guidance, and to ensure the well-being of our staff and clients, our staff continue to work from home until further notice. In addition, to safeguard our clients, all external meetings are being conducted via telephone or video conference. We appreciate that these are uncertain times but we want to […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
May 4th, 2020
Global Markets to 4th May 2020 Highlights Investors buy into optimism rather than sell into pessimism, pushing global equity markets higher. The S&P 500 Index and the Dow Jones Industrial average surge. But data remains grim: unemployment rises, economies shrink and Q2 corporate profitability looks poor. The technological revolution accelerates on the back of […]


Investment Quorum Awarded Chartered Financial Planner Status
April 30th, 2020
Investment Quorum Awarded Chartered Financial Planner Status Investment Quorum are delighted to announce that the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) has awarded Investment Quorum the prestigious ‘Chartered Financial Planners’ title—the profession’s gold standard for Financial Planners. To achieve this designation, Investment Quorum demonstrated an advanced level of qualification, a commitment to professional development and […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
April 27th, 2020
Global Markets to 27th April 2020 Highlights Financial markets are dominated by the unprecedented collapse in the crude oil price as the May contract for physical deliveries collapses, sapped by a total lack of global demand. As long as the majority of the world remains in lockdown, any change in oil prices remains unlikely, […]


The 2.6 Challenge
April 22nd, 2020
The 2.6 Challenge The Covid-19 pandemic has had a catastrophic effect with the cancellation of thousands of events and the loss of billions in income through fundraising events. The Virgin Money London Marathon alone, which should have taken place on Sunday 26 April, is the world’s biggest one-day fundraising event, which raised more than […]


Money Matters | Financial Housekeeping
April 20th, 2020
Money Matters Investment Quorum’s CEO, Petronella West provides three tips for financial housekeeping that are useful during the Coronavirus lockdown. This is the first in a series of videos providing you with clear and sensible advice about money management, specifically during these uncertain times. It’s easy to stick your head in the sand and […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
April 20th, 2020
Global Markets to 20th April 2020 Highlights Global equity markets register their second week of gains, despite some awful economic data and corporate earnings reports. Year-on-year, China’s economy shrinks for the first time in four decades. But shops, restaurants and some small businesses are beginning to reopen (with safety measures in place). Early indications […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
April 6th, 2020
Global Markets to 6th April 2020 Highlights The last two months have been a rollercoaster ride for financial markets and global investors: euphoria at the start of the year has given way to despair Data released over the coming weeks will show just how severe the effects of coronavirus will have been on the […]


The Lowdown 30th March 2020
March 29th, 2020
Your Questions, Our Answers As we approach the end of the tax year for 2020, we are still experiencing the most extraordinary circumstances. The IQ team is well and is now fully accustomed to working from home. We use videoconferencing facilities to hold regular team meetings and are keeping up-to-date with our clients […]


IQ Update
March 24th, 2020
Following recent government guidance and to ensure the well-being of our staff and clients, we have asked our staff to work from home until further notice. Furthermore, to safeguard our clients, all external meetings will now be conducted via telephone or video conference. We appreciate that these are uncertain times but we want to reassure […]


The Lowdown on Markets
March 23rd, 2020
Global Markets to 22nd March 2020 After another tough week for clients and staff alike, we would like to thank you all for your patience and support. Our advisers are doing their very best to make sure that we have continued and regular contact with you. Following Petronella’s message last Monday, I am writing […]


IQ Private briefings – A summary of 2019 in pictures
March 13th, 2020
In 2019 our private briefing events brought together our peer group of professional connections spanning financial services, law and accountancy. We take great pleasure in selecting and inviting key experts to share their insights on hot topics such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Blockchain. We typically host these events over a sit-down breakfast in central […]


The Budget 2020
March 13th, 2020
Click to download our guide: The Budget 2020 The new Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, delivered his inaugural Budget to parliament on 11 March 2020, amid the backdrop of a growing threat to the economy from the global outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) – this Budget he announced aims to bring ‘stability and security’. […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
March 9th, 2020
Global Markets to 9th March 2020 Highlights It’s another difficult week for global stock markets as uncertainty over the coronavirus continues to affect sentiment towards risk assets. The Federal Reserve Bank cuts interest rates by 0.50 basis points, with the central banks of Australia and Canada taking similar action. The 10-year Treasury benchmark yield […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
March 2nd, 2020
Global Markets to 2nd March 2020 Highlights Global stock markets aggressively correct as the coronavirus spreads throughout the world and US Treasury yields hit all-time lows as global investors seek safe-haven asset classes Brent crude oil prices continue to fall, while the fear gauge index climbs to its highest level since 2018 Governments, central […]


Client Event : “Lunch with a side of knowledge”
February 27th, 2020
At IQ we believe in keeping our clients regularly informed on a range of topics that impact global markets. On the 26th February, the whole IQ team welcomed seventy clients for delicious food and lovely drinks at the prestigious Merchant Taylor’s Hall for “Lunch with a side of Knowledge”. Our guest speaker was the highly […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
February 24th, 2020
Global Markets to 24 February 2020 Highlights Downbeat economic data, partly linked to the coronavirus, takes its toll on global equity markets. In the US, the technology-heavy NASDAQ index falls following Apple’s warning that it will not meet its financial guidance for the current quarter because of Covid-19. The search for safety by investors […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
February 10th, 2020
Global Markets to 10 February 2020 Highlights While the coronavirus continues to make the headlines, the world’s financial markets – with the exception of China’s – seem to have emerged unscathed. Hopes that the central banks will remain sympathetic and implement further monetary actions, China’s announcement of a reduction in US tariffs and President […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
February 3rd, 2020
Global Markets to 03 February 2020 Highlights Global equity markets suffer the effects of the coronavirus as the epidemic spreads beyond China. The UK finally leaves the European Union. The task for London and Brussels now is to carve out a trade deal before the end of the transition period. Governor of the Bank […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
January 20th, 2020
Global Markets to 20 January 2020 Highlights Washington and Beijing sign a historical “phase one” interim trade agreement, but the deal fails to tackle some of the more contentious issues, making phase two interesting. Britain’s retail sector contracts in December, resulting in the longest spell of zero growth since records began. Will this lead […]


The Lowdown from Investment Quorum
January 6th, 2020
Global Markets to 06 January 2020 Highlights Many investors were expecting 2019 to be volatile and unrewarding, particularly after the flash crash that hit the global equity markets in December 2018. If there were ever a time when the global stock markets would be more uncertain and unpredictable, it was surely going to be […]
