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In recent years, a noticeable trend has emerged among high-net-worth individuals and family offices: a growing movement away from traditional public markets and towards private assets such as private equity, venture capital, and direct investments. This shift reflects both changing market dynamics and evolving investor priorities.

With the public markets offering fewer new listings and greater short-term volatility, many long-term investors are increasingly drawn to the potential for stronger returns, diversification, and influence that private markets can offer. But what’s behind this trend – and what does it mean for your own investment strategy?

Why Are Investors Looking Beyond the Stock Market?

Public markets have long been the cornerstone of investment portfolios, offering liquidity, transparency, and broad access. Yet for many wealthier investors, public equities no longer hold the same appeal they once did.

Several factors are driving the shift:

Fewer public listings:

Many fast-growing companies are choosing to stay private for longer. This means that by the time they do go public, much of the early-stage growth – and its associated returns – has already been captured.

Market volatility:

Geopolitical tension, interest rate uncertainty and inflation pressures have contributed to more volatile public market performance, making long-term planning more difficult.

Access to innovation:

Some of the most exciting developments in technology and sustainability – from artificial intelligence to clean energy – are happening in the private space. Investors who want early access to these trends increasingly need to look beyond the public stock exchange.

Opportunities in AI, Clean Energy, and Beyond

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a prime example of a sector where private investment is flourishing. From start-ups developing next-generation language models to businesses using AI to transform healthcare, logistics and finance, the real momentum is happening well before these companies reach the IPO stage.

Similarly, the renewable energy sector is seeing substantial private capital inflows, driven by global decarbonisation targets, government incentives, and technological innovation. Private infrastructure projects, battery storage developments and clean energy platforms are all examples of investments where private capital is leading the way.

By allocating capital to these kinds of ventures, investors can align their portfolios with long-term structural trends – and potentially gain exposure to returns not available in public markets.

What Are the Benefits of Private Market Investing?

For those with sufficient wealth, knowledge and access, private investments can provide a number of advantages:

Potential for higher returns:

Private equity, in particular, has historically outperformed public markets over longer time horizons, though it does carry higher risk.

Diversification:

Adding private assets to a traditional portfolio can reduce correlation and offer greater resilience in market downturns.

Control and influence:

Direct investments allow for a level of engagement not possible through public equities – something that can be especially appealing for family offices or entrepreneurial investors.

Access to early-stage innovation:

Investing in earlier funding rounds can offer access to disruptive ideas long before they become mainstream.

Important Considerations and Risks

Private market investments are not suitable for everyone. They tend to involve longer lock-in periods, less liquidity, and more complexity than traditional investments. Due diligence is critical, and the ability to assess risk – often with incomplete information – is essential.

It’s also important to recognise that not all private opportunities deliver outsized returns. Many ventures fail, and capital can be at risk for years before any outcome is known.

This is where experienced, objective advice plays a vital role. At Fogwill & Jones, we work with clients to assess whether private market exposure fits within their overall investment strategy, risk appetite and long-term goals.

What This Means for Your Financial Plan

The rise of private markets is not a passing trend – it’s a structural shift that is likely to reshape how many investors build and manage wealth. But the right approach depends on your individual circumstances.

For some, incorporating private equity or venture capital may enhance diversification and open up new opportunities. For others, focusing on traditional asset classes within a robust, tax-efficient framework may remain the most effective path forward.

The key is to ensure that every investment – public or private – is aligned with a clear strategy, and that it serves your broader life and financial objectives.

Final Thought

As the investment landscape evolves, so too must the strategies we use to preserve and grow wealth. Whether you’re considering your first private market allocation or simply want to understand your options, we’re here to help you navigate the possibilities with clarity, caution and confidence.

Let’s explore what’s right for you – now and in the years ahead.

As the UK’s tax environment continues to shift, staying informed is essential to making confident, forward-thinking financial decisions. Recent proposals around pension tax relief, inheritance tax (IHT), and other key areas may significantly influence how individuals and families approach long-term planning. While nothing is final until legislation is enacted, it’s wise to understand what’s on the horizon – and how best to prepare.

At Fogwill & Jones, we believe smart planning is about staying ahead of change, not reacting to it. Here’s what you need to know about potential tax changes, and how a well-structured financial plan can help you adapt with clarity and confidence.

1. Pension Tax Relief: Changes Could Be Ahead

The government is reportedly reviewing the current system of pension tax relief, with speculation around whether it may move towards a flat rate for all taxpayers. Currently, higher and additional-rate taxpayers benefit more generously, receiving tax relief at their marginal rate. A shift to a flat rate could reduce the incentive for some to save into pensions – but it could also improve fairness for lower earners.

What this means for you:

If you’re a higher-rate taxpayer, now may be a prudent time to review your pension contribution strategy. Maximising contributions while the current relief structure remains in place could enhance your retirement savings. For those earning close to key tax thresholds, especially the £100,000 mark where personal allowances taper, pension contributions can still serve as a powerful tool for reducing effective tax rates.

 

2. Inheritance Tax: A Changing Conversation

The Autumn Statement introduced proposals to adjust the scope of inheritance tax, particularly around the treatment of pension death benefits and business or agricultural property reliefs. While full details are pending, one significant proposal is that from April 2027, unspent pension pots may be counted within a person’s estate for IHT purposes. Historically, pensions have been a highly efficient vehicle for passing on wealth outside the IHT net.

What this means for you:

This change, if implemented, could shift how pensions are used in legacy planning. Reviewing your beneficiary nominations is now more important than ever. You may also wish to reconsider whether it is more tax-efficient to leave pensions to a spouse or civil partner, given their exemption from IHT.

Moreover, if you’ve previously relied on business or agricultural reliefs to manage IHT liability, these proposals may require a review of your estate plan to ensure it remains effective under future rules.

 

3. Annual Allowances: Use Them or Lose Them

In times of change, the fundamentals still matter. Making full use of annual tax allowances – including pensions, ISAs, and capital gains exemptions – remains one of the most consistent ways to reduce tax exposure.

With the capital gains tax (CGT) exemption now only £3,000 and further reductions being considered, reviewing any non-ISA investments becomes a more urgent task. Similarly, regular gifting and use of income exemptions within IHT can help reduce the future size of your estate.

What this means for you:

Efficient use of allowances is a key pillar of sound financial planning. These opportunities reset each tax year and can be lost if not used. For couples, combining allowances can create significant tax savings across income, gains, and inheritance.

 

4. The Value of Forward-Looking Advice

Tax rules will continue to evolve, often in unpredictable ways. That’s why we encourage clients not to anchor their decisions solely to what is, but also to what could be. Proactive planning ensures your finances are resilient in the face of change.

At Fogwill & Jones, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all advice. Whether you’re building wealth, preparing for retirement, or considering how to support the next generation, your strategy should reflect both current legislation and your long-term goals.

 

Key Actions to Consider:

• Review pension contributions and reliefs, particularly if you’re a higher or additional-rate taxpayer.
• Revisit your estate plan, with a specific focus on pension beneficiary nominations and IHT exposure.
• Use your annual allowances for ISAs, pensions, and capital gains before the tax year ends.
• Stay informed, but avoid knee-jerk reactions. Legislative proposals often take time to finalise.
• Seek professional advice to ensure your plan remains fit for purpose.

Final Thought

In an evolving landscape, the most valuable asset is not a product or a portfolio, but a plan – one that’s tailored, responsive, and underpinned by expert advice.

At Fogwill & Jones, we help clients move forward with clarity, not complexity. If you’re unsure how potential tax changes may affect your financial future, now is the right time to speak with us.

Let’s make sure your plan is working as hard as you are.

The information in this article is intended for guidance only and does not constitute personal advice. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may be subject to change. Please get in touch to chat with one of our qualified financial advisers before taking action.

Social media has transformed how we consume information. From the way we learn new skills to the products we buy, digital platforms have become part of everyday life. But when it comes to financial advice, the rise of online influencers raises important questions – and real concerns…

A recent article by Investment Week revealed that nearly 40% of UK investors have turned to social media platforms for financial advice in the past two years. YouTube and Facebook were the most commonly used platforms, with many also relying on influencers, search engine results, and even AI tools like ChatGPT.

We understand why people are drawn to content that feels quick, accessible, and relatable. But we also believe strongly that when it comes to your financial wellbeing, advice should come from a place of expertise, accountability, and personal understanding – not from someone looking to build a following.

Here’s why turning to professional, regulated advisers still matters – and why now, more than ever, it’s worth thinking twice before acting on something you saw in a viral video.

The Finfluencer Phenomenon: A Growing Trend

The term “finfluencer” refers to individuals on platforms like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube who share money-related content. They may talk about saving strategies, investing tips, crypto trends, or even early retirement hacks. Some are genuinely passionate about financial education – and some even have qualifications. But many do not.

According to research by Fidelity International, 12% of investors have acted on advice from influencers, and even more are turning to content from internet searches or AI. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has flagged serious concerns, noting that many of these sources are “unregulated and unverified”. Alarmingly, the FCA has already taken enforcement action against rogue influencers in the UK – with arrests made and criminal proceedings under way.

The risks here are not hypothetical. Taking advice from a stranger on social media – someone who doesn’t know your circumstances and is not held accountable for what they say – can have very real financial consequences.

When “Advice” Isn’t Advice At All

One of the key distinctions between an influencer and a professional financial adviser is regulation. At Fogwill & Jones, we’re authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. This means we are legally obliged to give advice that is suitable for you, based on a detailed understanding of your circumstances, goals, and risk tolerance.

Influencers, by contrast, are not held to these standards. Most don’t know you, and they’re not required to consider your best interests. Many are paid to promote certain products or platforms, and those incentives aren’t always clear.

Your financial journey is unlike anyone else’s. Whether you’re building a career, supporting a family, preparing for retirement or planning your legacy, you deserve advice that is built around you – not around a generalised audience.

The danger here is subtle but serious. It’s not just about bad advice; it’s about advice that sounds good, feels intuitive, or seems to work for someone else – but could lead to real consequences for your finances if applied without context.

We work closely with our clients to shape a financial roadmap that reflects what matters most to them – whether that’s peace of mind, future security, or greater flexibility in later life.

Confidence, Not Clicks

At Fogwill & Jones, our goal is not to chase followers but to build long-term relationships. We want to equip you with clarity, insight, and confidence – so you can make informed decisions, protect what matters, and plan your future on solid ground.

Financial planning is about more than money. It’s about feeling secure, having choices, and knowing you’re prepared for what’s ahead – that’s not something you’ll find in a trending reel or a quick tip on your feed.

If you’re ready for advice that’s grounded in experience, tailored to your life, and built to last, we’re here to help.

As political landscapes shift, so too do the financial markets that respond to them. With Donald Trump’s policy direction once again making waves globally, many investors are questioning whether their current investment strategy remains fit for purpose. 

While it’s completely natural to feel unsettled by political uncertainty, now is precisely the time to return to one of the fundamental principles of sound investing: diversification. 

Understanding Diversification: More Than Just Spreading Risk 

Diversification is the process of spreading your investments across a variety of assets, such as equities, bonds, property, and cash, as well as across different sectors and geographies. The aim is simple but powerful: to reduce exposure to any single area of risk. 

By not relying on the performance of one type of investment, diversification provides a measure of protection against the unexpected. When one market dips, another might remain stable or even rise. It’s a way to smooth the investment journey, potentially reducing volatility and improving long-term returns. 

However, diversification is not about chasing trends or making reactive decisions. It’s about creating a robust and resilient structure that can adapt to change, without being shaken by it. 

Why Political Events Prompt Investment Review 

We are living through a period of significant geopolitical flux. The resurgence of Donald Trump as a political force is having a tangible impact on markets, particularly in areas such as trade relations, technology regulation, energy policy, and tax structures. Some investors are understandably looking to reposition their portfolios in light of these developments. 

We know that many of our clients will be considering diversifying their holdings in response to these changes; while the instinct to reassess your investments is a healthy one, it is important to pause before acting. 

Rash Decisions Can Be Costly 

In times of uncertainty, one of the biggest risks is the temptation to make hasty decisions. While diversification is a prudent strategy, it must be part of a carefully considered plan – not a spur-of-the-moment reaction to a headline. 

Restructuring your portfolio without a full understanding of the implications can lead to over-concentration in unfamiliar areas, increased exposure to hidden risks, or even tax inefficiencies. Making changes for the sake of change can ultimately be more damaging than doing nothing at all. 

This is why calm, measured advice is so essential. 

Thoughtful Diversification Is a Process, Not a Panic Response 

At Fogwill & Jones, we encourage clients to focus on their long-term goals rather than short-term noise. Diversification should be a forward-thinking strategy, tailored to your risk tolerance, time horizon, and personal circumstances. 

This may involve reviewing the balance between growth and defensive assets, considering overseas exposure to hedge against localised risk, or exploring alternative investments where appropriate. But every decision should be grounded in a clear rationale, not political emotion. 

The Role of a Trusted Adviser 

Investing isn’t about predicting the next political move. It’s about building a plan that can stand the test of time, regardless of who holds office. That’s where professional financial advice becomes invaluable. 

A good adviser doesn’t just react to the news – they help you understand it in the context of your broader financial picture. They ask the right questions, offer perspective, and work with you to make decisions that are truly in your best interest. 

At Fogwill & Jones, our approach is personal, not transactional. We take the time to understand what matters to you and offer clear, jargon-free guidance that supports your financial goals through all market conditions. 

Final Thoughts: Don’t Go It Alone 

Markets will always respond to politics – but your financial plan should respond to your life. Diversification remains one of the most effective tools for managing investment risk, but only when applied with care, purpose and professional insight. 

If you’re wondering how recent events might affect your portfolio, we invite you to speak to one of our experienced advisers. Let’s have a calm, constructive conversation about your next steps – one that puts your long-term security first. 

We’re here when you need us. Reach out today and take the next step towards a more confident financial future. 

In an age where headlines are delivered instantly and market updates arrive by the second, it’s easy for investors to feel overwhelmed by the noise. Whether it’s tariff negotiations, geopolitical tensions, or unexpected economic reports, short-term market disruptions can shake even the most seasoned investor’s confidence. 

Most recently, the announcement of the 2025 Trump tariffs – targeting key international goods – has reignited concerns about global trade tensions and their potential impact on markets. Investors saw an immediate reaction: stock market volatility, headlines forecasting economic slowdowns, and renewed anxiety about inflation. It’s a perfect example of how quickly sentiment can shift in response to a single event. 

But successful wealth building isn’t about chasing headlines or reacting to every twist and turn. It’s about staying disciplined, mentally grounded, and committed to your long-term goals – even when markets get turbulent. 

Understanding the Psychological Impact 

When events like the 2025 tariffs hit the news cycle, they often trigger a powerful emotional response. Fear and anxiety can dominate, and the urge to “just do something” can be overwhelming. This is a natural reaction – our instincts are wired to avoid perceived danger. In investing, that might mean pulling money out of the market at the first sign of trouble. 

However, acting on these impulses often leads to poor decision-making. Selling during a downturn and buying back after the market recovers is a costly pattern. It turns short-term volatility into long-term losses. 

Being aware of these psychological triggers is the first step in avoiding them. By understanding that these feelings are normal and common (and often counterproductive), you can train yourself to pause, reflect, and resist knee-jerk decisions. 

The Power of a Disciplined Plan 

At Fogwill and Jones, we believe that a well-constructed investment plan is your solution to maintaining focus on your long-term goals. Your strategy should be based on your unique goals, risk tolerance, time horizon, and financial situation – not the headlines of the day. 

 Sticking to this plan, even when markets get rocky, is often what separates successful investors from the rest. Historically, markets have proven resilient. They’ve weathered wars, recessions, trade disputes, and global pandemics – and still delivered long-term growth for patient investors. 

If your plan was designed to get you through a 20 or 30-year retirement, a single week or month of volatility shouldn’t prompt a radical shift. Staying focused on your goals allows you to rise above the noise and avoid unnecessary detours. 

Rebalancing vs. Reacting 

Of course, staying the course doesn’t mean standing still. There’s a big difference between reacting emotionally and rebalancing strategically. 

Rebalancing is a thoughtful, periodic adjustment to ensure your portfolio remains aligned with your original asset allocation. It might mean trimming positions that have grown disproportionately or reallocating based on a significant change in your financial goals. This is proactive, not reactive. 

Reacting, on the other hand, is often impulsive – like selling off stocks because of a news story or buying into a trending sector without considering your broader strategy. These types of decisions are driven by emotion, not logic, and can derail your long-term progress. 

When markets are volatile, that’s the perfect time to revisit your goals – not abandon them. Are your objectives still the same? Has your risk tolerance shifted? If not, your plan likely doesn’t need to change either. 

Final Thoughts: Trust the Process 

We understand that market swings can be unsettling. But as your wealth management partner, we’re here to help you maintain perspective and make decisions that serve your long-term interests. 

If you’re looking for a deeper dive into the 2025 Trump tariffs, we covered this in our recent blog post: A Tumultuous Start to Q2: Navigating Uncertainty in Global Markets – it’s a helpful complement to this broader discussion. 

At Fogwill and Jones, we don’t just manage portfolios – we guide investors through uncertainty with clarity and confidence. If recent headlines have made you question your financial path, let’s have a conversation. A moment of uncertainty is often the best time to reaffirm your strategy – not abandon it. 

 If you’d like some guidance on maintaining focus on your long-term goals or creating your own financial plan, call us today on 01142 588899 or email info@fogwilljones.co.uk.  

By the Investment Committee at Fogwill & Jones 

While this commentary includes insights from the first few weeks of the second quarter (beginning in April), the events that have unfolded since January 20th have been, at best, tumultuous. 

The global population was given early warning signs on January 20th. However, what transpired on April 2nd came as a complete surprise. Many countries had braced themselves for bad news around tariffs, yet the scale and swiftness of the measures announced by President Trump caught the world off guard. Few publications have taken an “I told you so” tone – because, in truth, the sheer magnitude of the percentage tariffs imposed, and the economic implications, stunned markets worldwide. 

Here at Fogwill & Jones, our Investment Committee is paying close attention to the potential long-term effects. One key concern is how these tariff policies could edge global economies toward recession. 

The path ahead will likely involve significant rebalancing in trade, particularly in exports and imports, if nations are to negotiate reduced tariffs. This will demand considerable diplomatic effort, arguably playing into the hands of the U.S. administration unless affected countries can secure alternative, tariff-free markets for their goods. 

The U.S.’s blunt and sweeping approach has, understandably and rightfully, unsettled global markets. Much of the world now faces an ambiguous economic landscape. Markets can digest good news, and even bad news, but what they struggle with most is uncertainty. And right now, uncertainty reigns. 

That said, we anticipate this uncertainty will gradually ease in the coming weeks and months. By summer, we expect markets to begin stabilising, giving global economies a chance to recalibrate and stay on course. 

As with many politically driven shocks to financial markets, this period of disruption also brings opportunity. It’s clear that some of Trump’s policy moves are strategically pro certain regions and anti others – though discerning the winners requires reading between the lines. While market recovery won’t begin until uncertainty recedes, our Investment Committee has already identified a few promising opportunities for the short to medium term. These would, of course, require extensive research and due diligence before being incorporated into portfolios. 

In summary, April 2nd delivered an unexpected jolt to the system. It’s essential for investors to remain aware of the heightened volatility in today’s market. While these conditions are unsettling, history suggests that this volatility should subside over the coming months. Patience and perspective are key – now is the time to hold steady and wait for recovery to unfold.