Most investment markets performed admirably in the last twelve months, particularly as economic trends have generally been uninspiring. Stock and real estate prices have certainly benefitted from the unprecedented stimulus provided by central banks and governments, in the form of extraordinarily low interest rates, and even more extraordinary money printing programs.

When asked for his views on ‘chance’, Mikhail Baryshnikov replied, “To walk across the street is a risk”. Pushed further, the great dancer may have spoken of managing risk by, for example, using designated pedestrian crossings and traffic lights.  All too obvious for pedestrians but what about the many risks that investors face? Can these be managed … and, if so, how?.

We’ve all done it. We call a service provider to confirm something or make an enquiry and, these days, the auto-response we hear goes along the lines of, “All our consultants are busy right now but your call is important to us. Please select from one of the following options …”