Wealth in the news

Are you a magpie investor? 

Almost one in ten (9%) adults are. These so-called magpie investors buy luxury items hoping for an increase in value and an attractive return, according to new research1. The assets invested in include jewellery, watches, collectibles, classic cars, art, wine, whisky, and accessories such as clothes and handbags. Magpie investors favour jewellery most, with almost half (46%) saying they’ve invested in jewellery in the hope it will increase in value. Wise investors insure their valuable items. 

Record inflows to equities 

There was a record surge of interest in equity funds in the weeks leading up to the end of the tax year. According to a recent fund flow index, 2024’s ISA season was the best in the 10 years the index has produced its data. The index2 recorded inflows from the middle of February to the end of the tax year, revealing that equity funds absorbed £5.17bn, representing more than five times as much as during the same period in 2023 (£981m). 

1Investec, 2024, 2Calastone, 2024 

The value of investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. The past is not a guide to future performance and past performance may not necessarily be repeated. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) does not regulate Will writing, tax and trust advice and certain forms of estate planning.