The Value Perspective: This year, forget forecasts

An 'anti-forecast' for 2018

clock • 4 min read

It is a continuing curiosity of investing, writes Andrew Williams, that people can be so obsessed about trying to predict the future yet at the same time find it so difficult to think beyond the present

January traditionally sees many investors trying to fill the blank slate the new year represents with forecasts of what the coming months will bring. Ever the contrarians, a more recent tradition has seen The Value Perspective offering up our own new year ‘anti-forecast', which is intended to illustrate the dangers and indeed utter pointlessness of trying to predict the future. As 2018 begins, then, we find ourselves looking backwards rather than forward - and specifically to 2013, when we built up stakes in Microsoft and a number of other technology names that are not usually associated...

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

Watch Professional Adviser's Working Lunch with Baillie Gifford - Enduring Growth in a Changing World

Watch Professional Adviser's Working Lunch with Baillie Gifford - Enduring Growth in a Changing World

Catch up on the discussion

Professional Adviser
clock 21 August 2025 • 1 min read
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