As we reflect on 2021 and look forward to 2022, investor mood and expectations continue to exert their influence over the markets. 

The property sector has suffered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there are also new opportunities and funds that have proved resilient. Property remains an important consideration for a balanced, diversified portfolio.

It’s been a challenging 18 months for income investors. Dividend payouts were hit hard by COVID-19 lockdowns and market uncertainty.

Over recent months we have seen the investing pendulum swing from growth to value, with signs that it may be swinging back again. How do the changing fortunes of these two styles fit with investing our way out of the pandemic?

As nations and economies start to recover from the fall-out of COVID-19, investment professionals must focus on the longer-term and the challenges which lie ahead.

If the past year hasn’t been unpredictable enough already, the prospect of rising inflation may now pose fresh questions for investor portfolios.

In some ways, creating a portfolio that reflects an investor’s appetite for risk, goals and circumstances is the easy part. Maintaining that over the long-term can be much more complex thanks to macro events, changing circumstances and investor behaviours or emotions. Regular reviews are one way you can help clients to keep on the right track.

Far-reaching technological developments have opened up investing, attracting a younger market and enabling more investors to go direct. Amid all this change though, financial advice still has a crucial role to play.

Advisers and investors have long paid close attention to the impacts of geopolitical events on investment markets and portfolios. But such impacts can be complex and even counterintuitive, requiring advisers to both guide investors and calm their nerves.