Episode Details

This week on The Art of Investing, Rich McDonald, Mark “Spice” Holden and Chris “CJ” Fellingham break down a more volatile week in global markets, as rising bond yields, geopolitical tensions and shifting expectations begin to test the strength of the recent rally.

With over 100 years of combined experience across wealth and hedge fund management, the team explore whether markets are entering a more uncertain phase, what higher-for-longer rates mean for investors, and why cash is starting to look increasingly attractive in the short term.

This Week’s Highlights:

📉 Markets Pause After Strong Run
 After seven consecutive weeks of gains, US equities pulled back as rising bond yields and inflation concerns weighed on sentiment.

📊 Bond Yields Surge Globally
 US 30-year yields hit their highest level since 2007, with similar moves seen across Japan and Europe, putting pressure on risk assets.

🛢️ Oil Prices Climb Again
 Brent crude surged to new highs amid geopolitical tensions, reinforcing inflation concerns and adding further uncertainty to markets.

🤖 AI & Earnings Still in Focus
 Strong earnings continue across tech and AI-driven companies, with Nvidia results expected to be a key catalyst for markets this week.

🌍 Global Growth Divergence
 Japan delivered stronger-than-expected GDP growth, while China data disappointed, highlighting diverging global economic momentum.

⚡ The Hidden AI Infrastructure Boom
 Massive investment into data centres and energy infrastructure continues, with utilities and industrial players positioning for long-term demand.

Portfolio Snapshot – Week 46:

Weekly portfolio performance: –1.6%
Total return since inception: +20.3%
2026 year-to-date return: +7.8%

Top Performers

🥇 iShares MSCI India ETF: +0.6% WoW
🥈 Invesco Stoxx Euro 600 UCITS ETF GBP: +0.2% WoW
🥉 iShares Core FTSE 100 ETF: +0.1% WoW

Underperformers

📉 BlackRock World Mining Trust: –8.2% WoW
📉 Wisdom Tree Copper ETF: –4.5% WoW
📉 iShares Nikkei 225 ETF: –2.6% WoW

Big Questions This Week:

• Are rising bond yields the biggest risk to equities right now?
• Is this just a healthy pullback or the start of something bigger?
• How sustainable is the AI-driven growth story?
• Should investors be increasing cash positions in this environment?

What You’ll Learn:

✔️ Why bond markets are driving global asset prices
✔️ How rising yields impact equities and valuations
✔️ The role of cash in uncertain markets
✔️ Key signals to watch for a potential market shift

📈 Download the full Portfolio Performance Slides
 View the portfolio breakdown: here 

📧 Get in touch: theartofinvesting@ig.com

Disclaimer:

This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only. The content presented is not intended as personal investment advice or a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any particular securities or investments. All discussions regarding the model portfolio are illustrative and for educational purposes.

Your capital is at risk. The value of shares, ETFs and ETCs can fall as well as rise, which could mean getting back less than you originally put in.

May Incentives:

Transfer Cashback

Get up to £5,000 cashback when you transfer £10,000+ to IG before 31st May 2026.
Code: TR