There might be no 'beta' time to look at your portfolio

In yesterday’s Press & Journal, Barry O’Neill, Investment Director at Carbon Financial Partners discusses the different types of investment approach you have to consider in today’s market. In particular, Barry explains the increasingly topical ‘smart beta’ approach.

In the article, Barry goes back to basics to explain that the term ‘beta’ indicates a level of risk, or volatility, compared to the market as a whole.

Barry also highlights some issues to be aware of regarding traditional index tracker funds and how the performance can be skewed by the small number of very large companies that make up the bulk of the index . Traditional index investing often provides less exposure to mid-size or smaller firms that make up the rest of the market.

The more expensive option of actively managed funds is also an option, however Barry highlights inherent difficulties in selecting funds which could consistently beat the market.

The ‘smart beta’ option is an attempt to address some of the issues with traditional index tracking, but at the same time remain a cheaper , more reliable option than actively managed funds.

It is another interesting article which highlights the important issues you must consider when selecting the right investment approach, and as Barry suggests, there might never be a ‘beta’ time to put your portfolio to the test!

You can read Barry’s full article here, or by clicking on the image below.

If you would like to discuss your financial planning options, please contact us with any questions you might have. You can do this by calling our head office on 0131 220 0000, or by emailing us at enquiries@carbonfinancial.co.uk. or you can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

You can view Barry O’Neill’s profile here.