As we approach our next Headlinemoney Investment & Pensions Masterclass, speaker Lindsay James, Investment Strategist, Quilter Investors discusses how despite general caution and volatile financial markets, with education and understanding of portfolio construction, people need not fear investing. 

Can you give a quick overview of what your Masterclass session will cover?

The presentation will give a broad overview of financial markets, starting with their significance in the global economy and the distinction between economies and markets. I’ll cover major asset classes like stocks, bonds, commodities, and forex, as well as investment vehicles such as funds, investment trusts, ETFs, and trackers, highlighting the role of multi-asset funds and managed portfolio services. 

We’ll delve into the key market participants, including retail and institutional investors, market makers, and regulators, discussing their roles and motivations. 

It will also explore market dynamics, examining factors like economic indicators, interest rates, geopolitical events, and market sentiment, and provide an overview of current market outlooks. 

What are the challenges surrounding investments and financial markets journalists should help their readers understand? How will you be discussing this at the Masterclass?

In general people in the UK under-invest and hold too much money in cash which risks eroding over time. Investment journalists, particularly in the personal finance press, are well-positioned to simplify and demystify investing for people. People are generally cautious and financial markets can be volatile, but with education and understanding of portfolio construction, people need not fear investing. 

Investment can be complex, with a lot of jargon so the sector and media have a job to keep things simple. 

Regulation around investments and financial products are constantly evolving, so the media has a key role to inform its audiences about new regulations and their potential impact. 

Any general tips for money writers covering investing sector?

• Stay Informed - keep up-to-date with market trend and economic indicators
• Focus on the ‘why’ – when reporting on market movements, always explain the reasons behind the changes to help readers understand the broader context.
• Avoid jargon – minimise the use of technical jargon or when you must use it, provide clear definitions.

What would you like to change about how journalists cover your area?

There are a lot of great investment reporters in both trade and national media. I think the challenge is in making the content as relatable as possible for people given the lack of investing by the wider public in the UK. Most people are investors via their pension and often don’t even realise it or think it’s ‘not for them’.  

Tell us about the big stories in your sector in the past few months. 

The pace at which major global economies will reduce interest rates is an ongoing hot topic, with central banks navigating a delicate balance between curbing inflation and supporting economic growth. With renewed risks to inflation from volatile oil prices and Donald Trump’s proposed trade tariffs, investors must consider both the risk that the inflationary picture has structurally shifted and the headwind that current interest rates are creating on parts of the economy. 

The debate has also continued on the relevance of AI for future corporate growth and profitability as well as it’s ensuing effect on labour demand. At each set of quarterly earnings reports, investors have weighed comments from the Magnificent Seven stocks to decipher future demand for chips amidst wavering demand signals from end consumers. This will remain an ongoing story with investors considering both the extent and impact of AI adoption against the changing competitive landscape.  

Finally, why is it important for journalists to have access to initiatives such as Headlinemoney Masterclasses?

The Headlinemoney Masterclasses are useful to offer a grounding in a subject you might be writing on, as well offering access to industry experts and peers.