Graham Bentley: Fool's gold

Allure depends on demand

clock • 4 min read

Graham Bentley counsels advisers to be careful about buying into the current trend for gold and, to support that warning, offers a brief recap of its investment attributes - or lack of them

In spite of the constant reminders that we are in a ‘low return environment', investors and their advisers may find themselves looking back over the last eight years and wondering what all the gloom was about. It has been pretty difficult to lose money. It is now more than 100 months since the Bank of England introduced quantitative easing (QE) in March 2009 and remarkable annualised returns have been enjoyed by every Investment Association fund sector. At the same time, the risk was way below historic averages - the average global equity fund volatility over the period equates to a r...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Investment

PA Awards 2025: Why MyFolio Index came out top as Best Risk Targeted Range of Funds

PA Awards 2025: Why MyFolio Index came out top as Best Risk Targeted Range of Funds

Aberdeen Investments Senior Investment Director and Head of Managed & Model Solutions Justin Jones shares what sets MyFolio Index apart following its Best Risk Targeted Range of Funds award win at the Professional Adviser Awards 2025.

Professional Adviser
clock 19 August 2025 • 3 min read
Woodford IM hits back at FCA's enforcement action including £46m in fines

Woodford IM hits back at FCA's enforcement action including £46m in fines

WIM said it 'strongly disagrees' with the regulator's decision

Cristian Angeloni
clock 05 August 2025 • 3 min read
Regulator bans and fines Neil Woodford and Woodford IM £46m

Regulator bans and fines Neil Woodford and Woodford IM £46m

Woodford has appealed the decision to the Upper Tribunal

Cristian Angeloni
clock 05 August 2025 • 3 min read