Three months ago, the Slow & Steady passive portfolio was weathering the storm of geopolitical uncertainty and trade tensions. Today, it has not only recovered but gained a modest 1.6% year-to-date return—proving once again that patience and discipline pay off in investing.
Quarterly Performance Breakdown
Our four equity funds delivered double-digit gains this quarter, while global property investments lagged. Meanwhile, UK gilts continue to disappoint, reinforcing why many passive investors avoid overexposure to bonds in a rising-rate environment.
Key Returns (Annualized)
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Global Equities: +12.3%
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Emerging Markets: +9.8%
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Small-Cap Value: +11.5%
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Global Property: +2.1%
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UK Gilts: -1.4%
For deeper market insights, check Morningstar’s latest analysis or The Economist’s economic outlook.
Stick or Twist? Why Passive Investing Still Wins
The financial landscape remains unpredictable—political risks, economic shifts, and market sentiment fluctuate daily. Some argue the US market is overvalued, while others see it as the last bastion of growth in the West.
But here’s the truth: Nobody knows what’s next.
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Active investors chase “the next big thing,” often falling for hype (see: crypto bubbles, meme stocks).
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Passive investors stay the course, trusting long-term compounding.
As markets grow more volatile, the case for low-cost index funds strengthens. Yet, human psychology craves “solutions”—new strategies, hot stock picks, and get-rich-quick schemes.
Sound familiar? It’s the same impulse that fuels distrust in democratic institutions—people want radical change, even when steady, proven systems work best.
For more on behavioral finance, read Nobel winner Richard Thaler’s insights or The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel.
RIP Morningstar’s Portfolio Manager
Morningstar has officially retired its Portfolio Manager tool, leaving many investors (myself included) stranded. Despite promises of data exports, the feature doesn’t work, erasing 16 years of transaction history for some users.
This is yet another example of corporations deprioritizing customer experience—choosing cost-cutting over loyalty.
What’s Next?
I’m testing alternatives, including:
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Personal Capital (for automated tracking)
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Google Sheets + ChatGPT (for a custom solution)
If you’ve found a better portfolio tracker, let me know! Meanwhile, I’ll share a free, automated spreadsheet template soon for the Monevator community.
For portfolio management tools, explore Investopedia’s recommendations or Bogleheads’ DIY spreadsheets.
Q2 2025 Portfolio Additions
As always, we deployed £1,310 across our seven-fund allocation, adhering to our 5/25 rebalancing rule (no triggers this quarter).
Latest Buys
| Fund | Allocation |
|---|---|
| Global Equity Index | 30% |
| Emerging Markets | 15% |
| Small-Cap Value | 15% |
| Global Property | 10% |
| UK Gilts | 10% |
| Corporate Bonds | 10% |
| Gold ETC | 10% |
Final Thoughts
Markets will always test investors’ resolve. But history shows that staying passive, diversified, and disciplined wins over the long run.
For more passive investing wisdom, visit Monevator’s guide or Vanguard’s research hub.
