Featured and Latest Posts

Property or Investment Portfolio? A Deep Dive into UK Buy-to-Let vs Stocks and Bonds
Investment Theory Kieran Cook Investment Theory Kieran Cook

Property or Investment Portfolio? A Deep Dive into UK Buy-to-Let vs Stocks and Bonds

‘If I won the lottery, I’d spend a bit and invest the rest in property.’ That was a friend of mine recently—and it’s a mindset shared by many in the UK. Property feels safe, tangible, and tried-and-true. But is it actually the best place for long-term wealth?

In this post, I break down the reality of buy-to-let investing: the true returns after costs, the friction involved, and how it stacks up against a globally diversified stock and bond portfolio. We crunch the numbers, compare outcomes for a £500,000 investment, and explore why property feels safer—even if it isn’t.

Whether you’re a seasoned landlord or simply wondering what to do with a hypothetical windfall, this deep dive might change how you see the choices.

Read More
Private Equity and Private Credit: The Private Markets Mirage?
Investment Theory Kieran Cook Investment Theory Kieran Cook

Private Equity and Private Credit: The Private Markets Mirage?

Private equity and private credit have long promised higher returns, exclusivity, and access to opportunities beyond the public markets. But once fees, illiquidity, and access barriers are factored in, the reality is often far less compelling. Whilst gross returns may shine, net returns frequently disappoint. This post explores the data, challenges the hype, and asks whether recent policy moves—like the Mansion House reforms—risk putting pension savers on the hook for complex, costly strategies that may benefit fund managers more than investors.

Read More
Is Day Trading Stocks a Viable Strategy?
Investment Theory Kieran Cook Investment Theory Kieran Cook

Is Day Trading Stocks a Viable Strategy?

Day trading is often seen as a fast-paced path to financial freedom, but the reality is far more challenging—especially when factoring in trading costs. In the UK, the absence of a pattern day trader rule makes entry easier, yet most traders still lose money over time. Drawing on studies from the US, UK, and Taiwan, this post explores why only a small fraction of day traders manage to stay profitable after costs. Discover the skills, risks, and psychological resilience required to beat the odds, and why the allure of quick profits often masks a grueling reality.

Read More
How Often Should You Rebalance Your Portfolio?
Investment Theory Kieran Cook Investment Theory Kieran Cook

How Often Should You Rebalance Your Portfolio?

How often should you rebalance your portfolio? While many investors treat rebalancing as routine, research by Jeremy Siegel suggests that leaving portfolios untouched—particularly when it comes to broad indices like the S&P 500—can actually lead to superior long-term returns. This post explores the trade-off between managing risk and letting winners run, and asks whether doing less might sometimes achieve more.

Read More