Markets
Global Market Performance
Index rebased in GBP Sterling
| Markets | Last Month | YTD |
|---|---|---|
| UK - FTSE 100 | -6.18% | 3.42% |
| Europe - Euro STOXX | -8.81% | -2.35% |
| USA - S&P 500 | -3.16% | -2.51% |
| Japan - Nikkei 225 | -13.19% | 1.85% |
| Emerging Markets - MSCI | -11.36% | 1.83% |
| Finex UK Property | 0.02% | 1.12% |
Recommended Strategies
Portfolio Performance
| Last Month | YTD | |
|---|---|---|
| Cautious | -4.84% | -1.38% |
| Cautious to Moderate | -5.32% | -1.35% |
| Moderate | -5.93% | -1.41% |
| Moderate to Adventurous | -6.53% | -1.43% |
| Adventurous | -7.65% | -1.46% |
| Equity Only | -7.96% | -1.48% |
| Cautious Responsible | -4.86% | -1.65% |
| Cautious to Moderate Responsible | -5.51% | -1.76% |
| Moderate Responsible | -6.13% | -1.88% |
| Moderate to Adventurous Responsible | -6.99% | -2.04% |
| Adventurous Responsible | -8.45% | -2.68% |
| Equity Only Responsible | -8.84% | -2.40% |
The YTD return stated is based on account values from the 1st of January to the end of last month. The amounts shown are approximated and should only be used as a guide. Please log into your account or contact the office for an accurate valuation.
Markets
Global Market Performance
Index rebased in GBP Sterling
| Markets | Last Month | YTD |
|---|---|---|
| UK - FTSE 100 | -6.18% | 3.42% |
| Europe - Euro STOXX | -8.81% | -2.35% |
| USA - S&P 500 | -3.16% | -2.51% |
| Japan - Nikkei 225 | -13.19% | 1.85% |
| Emerging Markets - MSCI | -11.36% | 1.83% |
| Finex UK Property | 0.02% | 1.12% |
Portfolio Performance
| Last Month | YTD | |
|---|---|---|
| Cautious | -4.84% | -1.38% |
| Cautious to Moderate | -5.32% | -1.35% |
| Moderate | -5.93% | -1.41% |
| Moderate to Adventurous | -6.53% | -1.43% |
| Adventurous | -7.65% | -1.46% |
| Equity Only | -7.96% | -1.48% |
| Cautious Responsible | -4.86% | -1.65% |
| Cautious to Moderate Responsible | -5.51% | -1.76% |
| Moderate Responsible | -6.13% | -1.88% |
| Moderate to Adventurous Responsible | -6.99% | -2.04% |
| Adventurous Responsible | -8.45% | -2.68% |
| Equity Only Responsible | -8.84% | -2.40% |
The YTD return stated is based on account values from the 1st of January to the end of last month. The amounts shown are approximated and should only be used as a guide. Please log into your account or contact the office for an accurate valuation.
April Briefing
March proved to be a challenging month for investors, with global markets moving lower and our recommended strategies declining across the range.
Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and concerns surrounding key shipping routes created renewed uncertainty. Elevated oil and broader energy prices weighed on sentiment, leading to widespread weakness across equity markets and limiting the ability of other asset classes to provide meaningful support.
In the UK and Europe, equity markets moved lower, with weaker confidence weighing most heavily on sectors tied to economic growth, particularly industrials and consumer-facing businesses.
The decline in the US was less pronounced, although this comes against the backdrop of a weaker start to 2026, with ongoing debate around inflation and the future path of interest rates continuing to weigh on confidence.
Japan experienced a more notable pullback following its strong start to the year, while emerging markets were also significantly weaker, reflecting a broader shift towards a more risk-aware environment globally.
Property was mixed, with global REITs experiencing weakness, particularly as higher interest rate expectations weighed on the sector.
Bond markets offered limited support, with yields remaining relatively elevated and moving modestly higher in some areas, reflecting ongoing concerns that interest rates may stay higher for longer.
April has been characterised by ongoing volatility, but with a degree of recovery, leaving our portfolios back in positive territory for the year.
We continue to monitor developments closely, but remain confident that a disciplined, long-term approach remains the most effective way to navigate periods such as this. Short-term volatility is often amplified by geopolitical developments, but markets have a strong track record of adjusting to new conditions, even where the “new normal” differs from the past, making patience and discipline key.
As always, please let us know if you have any questions or would like to discuss your portfolio in more detail.
Disclaimer Issued by Sterling Financial Services Ltd, which is regulated and authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority. The contents of this update do not constitute advice and should not be taken as a recommendation to purchase or invest in any of the products mentioned. Before taking decisions, we suggest you seek advice from one of our qualified and authorised financial advisers. All figures and the information provided are correct at the time of writing. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future returns, and the value of investments can fall as well as rise. You may get back less than you have invested. If you have any comments or suggestions on how to improve the monthly update or would like to be removed from our current email list, then please send an email to info@sterlingfs.co.uk or use the unsubscribe link from the Mailchimp email.