[fill in the gap!] or of course people doing their end of year capital gains tax planning. If you are invested, then it probably doesn’t really matter, unless you planned to withdraw from markets this week, last would have been better… such is life. The truth is that most people are long-term (life-long) investors, so current trouble (which is ever present) is simply something that we live with and plan for. My job is to keep you focused on what is actually important and not get distracted by the noise that fills our daily experiences.

Persistence is a key aspect of a good investment experience. Something that I was reminded of by the art dealer Paul Durand-Ruel, who was a long-term advocate or champion of impressionist artists like Monet, Pissarro, Degas, Manet and Renoir. The National Gallery put forward the argument that we wouldn’t have the impressionist art that we now know without Durand-Ruel, who was a very persistent advocate, his quotes are a great compliement to the works. Its a really good, well curated show, tucked away off Trafalgar Square in the National Gallery – called “Inventing Impressionism – The Man Who Sold A Thousand Monets” and lasts until the end of May – well worth a trip.

So I will persist, much like Mr Durand-Ruel and keep pushing the idea that markets rise and fall, attempting to time the market is a loosers game and a long term plan that is reviewed regularly is vital. We, like Mr Durand-Ruel, curate the content of a portfolio and the things that are of true value. If this is something you think someone else may need to hear or experience, then do pass on my details or perhaps point them to this weekend’s Sunday Telegraph where we will apparently feature as one of the UK’s top advisers… hopefully it will be good coverage, but if not, my belief in our approach isn’t about to change. So do look out for the 8-page supplement from VouchedFor in the Sunday Telegraph.

 

 

Dominic Thomas