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Wealth management underperformance: the exposed secret that could cost you millions

Y TREE's analysis of 550 portfolios found that 84 per cent of wealth managers underperformed in 2025. Wealth management underperformance cost investors up to a third of their expected returns — and most don't even know it's happening.

Robin Powell

Tourists navigating a busy Asian street market — an analogy for factor investing in emerging markets, where knowing what to look for matters more than hiring a guide.

The case for factor investing in emerging markets

Most investors either ignore emerging markets or hand their money to active managers who underperform. Academic research points to a better approach: factor investing in emerging markets, targeting the company characteristics that have persistently driven higher returns.

Robin Powell

Feb 710 min read

Avantis Investors website announcing the firm has reached $100 billion in assets under management in six years — reflecting growing investor demand for Avantis ETFs and their systematic, evidence-based approach to factor investing

Why I invest in Avantis ETFs

Avantis ETFs give UK investors direct access to systematic factor investing for the first time. Here's why I own three of them — and what could go wrong.

Robin Powell

Jan 3011 min read

A smiling Warren Buffett: new research reveals Buffett's investment strategy was systematic rather than mystical, with 87% of returns explained by factor exposures.

Buffett's investment strategy: it was systematic all along

What if Buffett's investment strategy was never about genius? New research shows 87% of his returns came from factors anyone can access.

Robin Powell

Jan 239 min read

Close-up of two connected train buffers symbolising buffer ETFs and downside protection strategies for investors

Buffer ETFs: protection, illusion or expensive reassurance?

Buffer ETFs are designed to limit stock market losses over a set period, usually in exchange for capping potential gains. Now becoming available to UK investors, these downside protection ETFs use options to cushion falls in markets such as the S&P five hundred. This article explains how buffer ETFs work, what they cost, and whether the trade-offs are worth it for long-term investors.

Robin Powell

Jan 145 min read

Jenga tower with weight concentrated on a few coloured blocks at the base, illustrating S&P 500 concentration risk and the fragility of portfolios reliant on a small number of holdings.

S&P 500 concentration risk: is your portfolio really diversified?

S&P 500 concentration risk is at historic highs. If you own a global tracker, your portfolio may be far less diversified than you think. Here's what you can do about it.

Robin Powell

Dec 19, 20252 min read

International value has bounced back: what should investors do now?

International value is enjoying a powerful resurgence after a decade of underperformance. Driven by compelling valuations, governance reforms in Japan, and improving sentiment in Europe, the case for international value is backed by decades of academic evidence. Learn why it remains a core long-term opportunity for evidence-based investors seeking global diversification.