This week, Rich McDonald, Mark “Spice” Holden and Chris Fellingham unpack one of the most volatile macro weeks of the year, from Japan’s bond market shock to Trump’s Davos comments, rising geopolitical tension, and a sharp shift in momentum across assets.With Japanese yields spiking to multi-decade highs, markets wobbling on Greenland headlines, and gold once again leading the leaderboard, the team debate whether this is a temporary scare… or the early warning signs of something bigger. Crucially, they also make a major portfolio decision, raising cash and reassessing risk after a strong run of returns.Expect macro depth, proper portfolio debate, and a real-time look at how professional investors react when markets move fast.This Week’s Highlights:🇯🇵 Japan Bond Shock40-year Japanese government bond yields spike, triggering global bond and equity volatility.🌍 Geopolitics ReturnsGreenland, NATO tensions and Trump’s Davos comments briefly rattle markets before a sharp relief rally.📉 Momentum RotatesGold and mining stocks surge while crypto and copper lag as capital chases safety and trend.🪙 Crypto vs GoldBitcoin slides while gold hits new highs, reigniting the “digital gold” debate.🏦 Central Bank PowerThe Bank of Japan draws a clear line in the sand, reminding markets who’s really in control.Portfolio Snapshot:Weekly performance: –0.7%Total return since inception: +15.5%Top Performers (WoW)🥇 iShares Physical Gold ETC: +4.83%🥈 BlackRock World Mining Trust: +2.54%🥉 iShares Core MSCI EM IMI ETF: +1.14%Underperformers (WoW)📉 VanEck Crypto & Blockchain Innovators ETF: –4.66%📉 WisdomTree Copper ETF: –4.15%📉 iShares MSCI India ETF: –3.49% Big Decisions This Week:🔄 Raising CashThe team reduce exposure to gold and US equities, moving 10% of the portfolio into cash to reassess risk after strong gains.💬 Live DebateShould profits be locked in after a big run, or is stepping aside the biggest risk of all?What You’ll Learn:✔️ Why Japan’s bond market matters far beyond Tokyo✔️ How central banks really control market stress✔️ Why momentum dominates during uncertain periods✔️ When raising cash is smart, and when it’s costly✔️ How professionals manage portfolios during fast-moving macro shocks📈 Download the full Portfolio Performance SlidesView the portfolio breakdown: here📧 Get in touch: [email protected] for weekly investing insight and to follow the live portfolio in real time.Disclaimer:This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only. The content presented is not intended as personal investment advice or a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any particular securities or investments. All discussions regarding the model portfolio are illustrative and for educational purposes.Your capital is at risk. The value of shares, ETFs and ETCs can fall as well as rise, which could mean getting back less than you originally put in.January IncentiveMove your investment portfolio to IG and you’ll get up to £2,000 cashback. Simply open a general investment account, ISA, or SIPP by 30 January and get 1% cashback on your transferred investments.1% cashback on the total Qualifying Transfers initiated between 1 January and 30 January 2026The maximum payout is £2,000.Your capital is at risk. New customers only. Offer valid until 30/01/2026 on ISA, GIA or SIPP accounts. T&Cs apply.📋T&Cs: https://www.ig.com/uk/transfer-1-percent-cashback-jan-26

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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