On our YouTube channel you can now see a video of our Chief Investment Officer, Richard Stott, talking about how Connectum uses index funds and ETFs to help our clients build successful portfolios.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAqP4QfEVkM&context=C3fe32bdADOEgsToPDskLwRYYaj7aaaNEH1xN9ZHjw

For further information please follow this link to the Facebook page for the event or alternatively contact us should you like to attend: http://www.facebook.com/events/143585849089419/

Photography by: Hans Hekneby Reinertsen

At this time of year the financial press and other forms of media roll out ‘experts’ to make predictions about what the coming 12 months hold in store for the financial markets. As usual the vast majority of these predictions will be WRONG!  The predictive ability of economists, analysts, strategists or whatever you want to call them is no better than a fairground gypsy gazing into her crystal ball.  For these so called ‘experts’ to be able to predict the future and how it might affect our investments returns they would have to have perfect advanced knowledge of not only financial but also social, political and technological events and developments to name but a few.  One of the ways to ensure failure as an investor is to be preoccupied with these elements and to try and react to them.  Markets are incredibly quick when it comes to assimilating news that may move prices and do so far quicker than individual investors.  To illustrate how these predictions are usually unhelpful for investors, here is a link to an article for the Daily Telegraph looking at their own share tips for 2011: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/markets/questor/8984906/How-Questors-2011-share-tips-fared.html

Once we learn to stop worrying about short term market movements and take a longer term view focussing on our overall investment strategy we increase our chances of investment success dramatically.  As we discuss in ‘The 7 Secrets of Money’ mastering the way we react to outside events is crucial and often just sticking to your strategy and not reacting is the best course of action.

Whatever this year may bring we wish all of our clients and friends a happy and prosperous 2012.

Connectum has invited clients, partners and friends to celebrate two major events.

The first, is the Honorary Doctorate awarded to partner, Nils-Odd Tønnevold by the Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland last week.

The second, is to mark the publication of a special little black book co-authored by partner, Richard Stott.

Called “The 7 Secrets of Money: The insider’s guide to personal investment success”, the book has been written by four finance professional who could be seen as competitors in the field of financial advice. Richard and co-authors Simon Brown, Ben Sherwood and Bruce Wilson have all come together with one voice to share a common belief – that there is a better way to manage and protect your money. They felt it important to pool their expertise and uncover some hidden truths. They say:

At a time of deep financial crisis our most cherished institutions have been found wanting. We know that there is a desperate need for knowledge and confidence to navigate this and future financial storms. We want to give you the inside track so you can make sound financial choices and build a secure financial future for yourself and your family.

Visit The 7 Secrets of Money website

Nils-Odd Tønnevold was presented with an Honorary Doctorate at a Graduation Ceremony at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland on 17 November 2011. This was in recognition of his outstanding entrepreneurial achievement and leadership in the field of investment management.

It was also for Nils-Odd’s philanthropic work as an inspirational role model for individuals overcoming disability.

Alongside his exceptional commitment to providing top class business and investment advice to individuals and organisations, Nils founded a charity called Momentum for limbless people in Norway. This was the first of its kind in order to inspire and support amputees and their families to turn adversity into advantage.

In his acceptance speech, now both graduate and honorary graduate of Heriot-Watt University, Dr Nils-Odd Tønnevold turned his attention to fellow graduates and other members of the audience. He urged:

Work hard and achieve the best you are capable of. You will face difficulties – we all do from time to time. Don’t let it get the better of you. Never, never, never give up. Don’t grumble, don’t be bitter but forgive and be positive, look on the bright side and stay the course, true to your beliefs and values. Also … think about what YOU CAN DO to give something back that will help others to have a great life.