We believe that investment should cover all major markets, and at 4 Shires we have the experience of investing and working in international markets.

It is clear that tomorrow’s opportunities may lie in Asia or Latin America as much as they are in the developed markets.

However, it is often the case that the cheapest way to access global investment exposure are companies listed in developed markets.For example, Vodafone’s exposure to the UK is less than 20% of its total business, and Tesco has over 50% of its sales in international markets, with strong market positions in Eastern Europe, Thailand and Korea.

We also like to access theses overseas markets via Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) or Investment Trusts. This diversifies the risk across the whole market.

We may also hold direct equities in foreign markets, if we view the risk/reward worthwhile to do so, dependent on a client’s risk appetite.