Since AI stormed into mainstream media, we’ve witnessed a major shift in both the way information is created and how it’s consumed. We find ourselves questioning the validity, origin, and intention behind what we read and watch.
Sometimes, it’s harmless or even humorous, like the viral deepfake of Trump and Biden acting like lifelong friends. Other times, it’s more calculated – content created to mislead or manipulate. And then there’s the growing wave of content that, while factually correct, lacks any real substance or soul. AI-generated articles passed off as original thought dilute the media landscape. What appears to be expert commentary is often just cold computation – no personality, no lived experience, no real-world judgment, no emotional intelligence.
This is especially apparent in financial commentary, where AI is increasingly used to comment on market updates and investment opinions. On the surface, it looks sharp, full of historical references and technical accuracy. But when you actually read it, you’re left with nothing. No edge, no real insight, and no conviction. And for investors searching for guidance or clarity in volatile times, this kind of content is close to useless.
This past week, market sentiment has shifted dramatically due to US tariffs, and with it came a wave of recycled analysis: comparisons to the 1929 crash, the 2008 financial crisis, the COVID downturn. But here’s the thing, none of those events are truly comparable. The causes were different. The contexts were different. The players were different. The only constant in financial markets is human behaviour, and even that evolves under pressure. It shifts with the changing landscape of our external environment: what’s trending on social media, the narratives people most latch onto, and the conversations that gain momentum.
So no, you can’t predict what happens next just because X happened after Y in a different decade. That kind of hindsight-based analysis might impress at a dinner party, but it does little to help investors navigate what’s happening now. What’s missing, what investors truly need, is clear, decisive action and forward-looking insight.
Let’s talk about that.
What Actually Happened
This week, markets weakened sharply on fears surrounding the global impact of US tariffs. Bonds sold off. Equities sold off. The usual safe haven of bonds failed to deliver, much like during the 2020 “dash for cash”, but again, for very different reasons.
So what now?
What investors need right now is reassurance that there’s a strategy in place. That their adviser or investment manager has already acted to protect on the downside and is positioned to seize the eventual upside.
That’s exactly what we did.
What We Did. And Why.
As discretionary investment managers, we’re not tied to rigid mandates or forced to stay fully invested. We have the flexibility to respond in real time. And when we saw early signs of overextension: a weakening tech sector, overheated US.equities, and political signals pointing toward protectionist policy, we acted.
Trump made tariffs a central pillar of his original campaign. He had to deliver on it. And now, with talk of a third term and a need to galvanise middle America, the “bring manufacturing home” narrative is back in full force. Even if it’s economically unrealistic, it’s politically powerful. So by mid-March, we’d moved predominantly to cash.
That decision, to step to the sidelines, allowed us to preserve capital during the selloff. And now? We’re in a strong position to start redeploying into quality equities at discounted valuations, building the portfolio for the next chapter of this market cycle.
No one can say with certainty when the rebound will happen, but what matters is being prepared, being tactical, and knowing why you’re doing what you’re doing.
Why This Matters
There are plenty of advisers who will tell you that “it’s time in the market, not timing the market”. That if you miss the 40 best days, you’ll underperform. But what they really mean is: stay invested so we can keep collecting our fees.
We’ve long rejected that dogma. As we highlighted in the Kerry Balenthiran article originally published in Investors Chronicle, which you can read on our site here, missing the worst 40 days is far more powerful than capturing the best. Risk management matters more than passive optimism.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t the time for recycled headlines or backward-looking analysis. It’s not the time to pretend this time is just like last time. It’s the time for clear strategy, regular reviews, and meaningful decisions.
So rather than commentate on the past, we focus on action and long-term returns: Do we rebalance? Hold? Build new positions? What do we need to do now to maximise long-term returns?
In a world drifting toward artificiality: artificial content, artificial opinions, artificial reality, it’s time to bring back substance. To act on the facts, not just reference them. To offer perspective, not just output. That’s our responsibility. And it’s what we’ll continue to do.
Middleton Private Capital Adaptable. Active. Transparent.
With over 40 years of experience managing investments for private and institutional clients, Middleton Private Capital delivers expert, highly personalised portfolio management that offers real value, not vague promises.
Our Edge: We Don’t Outsource. We Outperform. Unlike most wealth managers who delegate investment decisions to third-party fund managers, we stay in control. That means every investment is selected by us, giving us the power to adapt quickly to shifting markets, and to build portfolios that are as individual as your needs.
Adaptable
We don’t follow rigid models or benchmark-chasing strategies. Our flexible, bespoke approach allows us to respond to ever-changing market conditions and to your unique goals. No generic portfolios. Just intelligent, responsive investing.
Active
We aim to outperform markets, not just track them. Through hands-on portfolio management, led by in-house research and selective external insight, we make every investment decision count, always aligned with your risk appetite and preferences.
Transparent
We invest directly in shares and bonds, using funds or derivatives only when essential. You’ll always know what you own, why you own it, and how it’s performing, line by line. With clarity comes accountability, and we take that seriously.
Who We Work With
Private Clients – High net worth individuals, business owners, retirees and their families.
Professional Clients – Institutional investors, pension schemes, IFAs, accountants and legal professionals.
Looking for clear, confident investment management or a second opinion on your portfolio? Let’s talk.
DISCLAIMER This article is for information purposes only and no part of it or its contents are deemed to be nor should be taken as advice. It does not constitute recommendations to buy or sell any securities or funds mentioned. Past performance is no guide to future returns, and you may get back less than you invested. Capital at Risk.
Middleton Private Capital Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, No. 804197. Middleton Private Capital Ltd is registered in England and Wales, No. 11148660. Registered Office: Cavendish House, Welbeck, Worksop, Nottinghamshire, S80 3LL.
Middleton Private Capital (Head Office) Cavendish House Welbeck, Nottinghamshire S80 3LL Telephone: 01909 261071 info@middletonprivatecapital.co.uk
Middleton Private Capital (London Office) 8 St James’s Square London SW1Y 4JU London Office: 020 3137 5121 info@middletonprivatecapital.co.uk
Capital at risk.