However, it is important to note that past performance is not a guide to the future.
So why would you include a cash element in your portfolio? The answer is that you need to have funds for short- and medium-term emergencies, and have the flexibility to access those funds without penalty or damaging the return of your overall portfolio.
It will be different for every individual, but a typical rule of thumb is to retain three times your annual needs in cash as a ‘rainy day’ fund.
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Did you know: that if you start saving at 40, you’ll need to save a considerable amount more than if you started at 20, to achieve the same retirement goals?
When should you start saving for your retirement? The answer is as soon as possible, because the later you leave it, the more of your income you will have to put by to ensure you have a comfortable retirement.
Did you know: that based on historical data, if you held a portfolio of stocks and shares for one year, there is a 68% chance of making money? But, if you held them for 20 years, you increase your chances to 100%.
People tend to believe that the short-term volatility of the stock market makes it a risky investment, but here is an important fact:
Did you know: that investing in stocks and shares can produce higher returns than cash in 90% of cases?
In the 30 years between 1992 and 2022, the FTSE 100 outperformed the returns on cash investments by more than 4% annually – if you compound that growth, it amounts to a very significantly higher return over the long-term.