In our latest video podcast episode of our ‘In Conversation With’ series, MASECO’s Chief Investment Officer, Damian Barry, and Senior Wealth Manager, George King, unpack the key themes that shaped the second quarter of 2025.

Within this video podcast (which can be watched on YouTube or listened to on Apple and Spotify podcast channels), Damian and George explore the significant market volatility experienced over the quarter, largely driven by policy uncertainty from the US administration and increasing geopolitical tensions across regions such as the Middle East. While this created a sense of unease, markets ultimately remained resilient, with a recovery that highlights the importance of staying focused on long-term fundamentals.

The conversation also covers the weakening of the US dollar, which was down around 10% in the first 6 months of the year against the euro and sterling, and what that has meant for client performance when translated into different currencies.

Damian and George reflect on how diversification and a long-term perspective helped navigate the chaos and deliver positive client outcomes. In addition to this, they also delve into the psychological side of investing and touch on behavioural finance, including how investors typically respond to market highs and lows, and the dangers of attempting to time the market. The episode offers timely reminders on why staying invested, especially during volatile periods, often leads to better long-term results.

Please read this page before proceeding – The Legal Stuff:

Information accessed on our website is subject to our Terms & Conditions.

• Nothing in the podcast constitutes investment, tax, or any other type of advice and should not be construed as such.
• The information in this video is not intended to be relied upon as a forecast or research. The podcast is provided for information purposes only.
• Although the information is based on data which MASECO considers reliable, MASECO gives no assurance or guarantee that the information is accurate, current, or complete and it should not be relied upon as such.
• This podcast does not constitute a recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell any products or to adopt an investment strategy.
• All investments involve risk and may lose value. The value of investments can go down depending on market conditions and you may not get back the original amount invested. Your capital is always at risk. Fluctuation in currency exchange rates may cause the value of an investment to go up or down.
• Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

MASECO LLP (trading as MASECO Private Wealth and MASECO Institutional) is established as a limited liability partnership under the laws of England and Wales (Companies House No. OC337650) and has its registered office at The KODAK Building | 11 Keeley Street | London | WC2B 4BA. The individua...

In this episode, Chief Investment Officer Damian Barry and Senior Wealth Manager George King provide a nuanced analysis of the evolving global economic landscape and its implications for investors. From geopolitical developments in Ukraine to shifts in US trade policy under Trump, they explore the broader macroeconomic forces shaping markets today.

With ongoing speculation around the risk of a recession, they examine how market sentiment has evolved, why historical perspective is key, and how inflationary pressures continue to influence global economies. They also break down the shifting performance of US equities, including the "Magnificent 7", which rode the AI boom but have since seen a decline. What does this mean for investors, and how does passive investing fare in an increasingly concentrated market?

Damian and George also reflect on the resilience of European markets and the growing role of smaller and mid-sized companies in shaping the next phase of economic growth. With trade and security dynamics shifting, the importance of diversification has never been greater.

Tune in for a thoughtful and timely discussion on navigating volatility, maintaining a balanced investment approach, and the strategic insights guiding MASECO’s portfolio positioning.

Please read this page before proceeding – The Legal Stuff:

Information accessed on our website is subject to our Terms & Conditions.

• Nothing in the podcast constitutes investment, tax, or any other type of advice and should not be construed as such.
• The information in this video is not intended to be relied upon as a forecast or research. The podcast is provided for information purposes only.
• Although the information is based on data which MASECO considers reliable, MASECO gives no assurance or guarantee that the information is accurate, current, or complete and it should not be relied upon as such.
• This podcast does not constitute a recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell any products or to adopt an investment strategy.
• All investments involve risk and may lose value. The value of investments can go down depending on market conditions and you may not get back the original amount invested. Your capital is always at risk. Fluctuation in currency exchange rates may cause the value of an investment to go up or down.
• Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

MASECO LLP (trading as MASECO Private Wealth and MASECO Institutional) is established as a limited liability partnership under the laws of England and Wales (Companies House No. OC337650) and has its registered office at The KODAK Building | 11 Keeley Street | London | WC2B 4BA. The individua...

Within this episode MASECO's Senior Wealth Manager, George King, and Chief Investment Officer, Damian Barry, provide an insightful review of the year’s investment landscape, breaking down the effects of major macroeconomic events and policy shifts on global markets.

Damian and George also discuss MASECO’s investment philosophy and explore the balance between active and passive investing to meet long-term goals. The conversation spanned a broad range of topics including China's recent stimulus measures and their immediate and potential long-term impact on the Chinese economy, as well as MASECO’s focused strategies in ETF selection, portfolio allocation, and sustainable investing

Tune in for this thought-provoking and reflective discussion filled with valuable strategies and perspectives as we enter the final months of 2024!

Please read this page before proceeding – The Legal Stuff:

Information accessed on our website is subject to our Terms & Conditions.

• Nothing in the podcast constitutes investment, tax, or any other type of advice and should not be construed as such.
• The information in this video is not intended to be relied upon as a forecast or research. The podcast is provided for information purposes only.
• Although the information is based on data which MASECO considers reliable, MASECO gives no assurance or guarantee that the information is accurate, current, or complete and it should not be relied upon as such.
• This podcast does not constitute a recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell any products or to adopt an investment strategy.
• All investments involve risk and may lose value. The value of investments can go down depending on market conditions and you may not get back the original amount invested. Your capital is always at risk. Fluctuation in currency exchange rates may cause the value of an investment to go up or down.
• Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

MASECO LLP (trading as MASECO Private Wealth and MASECO Institutional) is established as a limited liability partnership under the laws of England and Wales (Companies House No. OC337650) and has its registered office at The KODAK Building | 11 Keeley Street | London | WC2B 4BA. The individua...