November 2025 Investment Summary

A negative month for the Passive range with returns ranging from -0.06% for Passive 1 to -0.57% for Passive 5.
*P Acc share class with data sourced from FE analytics as at 30 November 2025.

November 2025 was a turbulent month for both markets and the portfolios, in absolute terms.

Major equity markets experienced volatility, following a significant tech sell-off seen intra month, fuelled by concerns over AI valuations and spending plans. A late month rally saw markets recover some of their losses, due to rising expectations of a US Federal Reserve rate cut. Emerging market equities saw mixed returns but were led by solid performance in Latin America, specifically in Brazil and Mexico that have traded at attractive valuations and demonstrated political and economic stability. Japanese stock performance continued to make gains, despite speculation of increased interest rates contrary to market expectations and slowing tech sector momentum dampening sentiment. The FTSE 100 returned +0.4% in total return terms, while the Stoxx 600 gained +1.0%, despite broadly weaker sector performance, top contributors were Energy, Financial Services and Basic Materials. The S&P 500 edged up +0.2% but Nasdaq fell -1.4%, with simmering worries over inflated tech stock valuations. At a sector level, Energy, Utilities and Basic Materials were the primary contributors, while Technology, Communication Services and Industrials saw larger declines.

From a trade tariffs perspective, the US lifted 40% import duties on certain Brazilian agricultural products, including coffee, beef and fruits in the administration’s attempt to bring down domestic food prices. Talks continued between the EU and US at a meeting in Brussels whereby the US commerce secretary called for a “balanced approach” where the EU must loosen tech regulations if it wants the US to lower tariffs on its steel and aluminium. Meanwhile the US and UK agreed to a zero-tariff deal on pharmaceutical and medical products for at least the next three years. The UK is the only country to have secured a 0% rate with the US, but will see the UK agree to increase the price the NHS pays for new, innovative medicines.

UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered her second budget, reiterating her commitment to financial discipline and setting the tone for the remainder of the current parliament. While the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) upgraded growth expectations for 2025 to 1.5%, growth forecasts for 2026 onward were downgraded, with the UK’s net financial debt set to reach 2.6 trillion this year. Across the pond, the Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates for the third time this year in December, to 3.50-3.75%. Dovish comments from Federal officials and accumulating evidence of a cooling labour market has futures pricing an 80+% probability of a cut next month.

Investors remain reactive to a mix of economic and geopolitical signals, generating volatility around key data points and announcements, while questions are beginning to be asked of Tech valuations and Private Credit stability. As inflation trends diverge and labour markets evolve, central banks may take increasingly different paths – raising the potential for greater dispersion across asset classes and regions in the period ahead.

WS Prudential Risk Managed Active - Tactical asset allocation activity

The Fund Managers increased their equity overweight to +2.25%, made up of a basket of US (including a position in the Nasdaq, which is the position they have added to this week), Asia, Europe and GEM. We hold overweight positions in US Treasuries and UK Gilts with underweights in US and European Corporate bonds.

Emerging Markets

The fund invests in emerging markets. Generally less well regulated than the UK. There is an increased chance of political and economic instability with less reliable custody, dealing and settlement arrangements. The market(s) can be less liquid. If a fund investing in markets is affected by currency exchange rates, the investment could either increase or decrease. These investments therefore carry more risk.

High Yield Bonds

The fund invests in high yield bonds. High yield bonds carry a greater risk of default than investment grade bonds, and economic conditions and interest rate movements will have a greater effect on their price. Income levels may not be achieved and the income provided may vary.

Value of Investments

The value of investments, and any income can fall, as well as rise, so you could get back less than you invested. Neither capital nor income is guaranteed.

Investments Long Term

Investments should be regarded as long term and are not suitable for money which may be needed in the short term, you should always have a sufficient cash reserve.

Property

The fund invests in Property funds, property shares or direct property. In particular the following risks will apply:- The property market is illiquid and this can, in exceptional circumstances, lead to times in which clients are unable to dispose of part or all of their holding. Property valuations are made by independent agents but are ultimately subjective and a matter of judgement. Property transaction costs are high (typically around 7% due to legal costs, valuations and stamp duty)

Derivative Exposure

The fund invests in derivatives as part of its investment strategy, over and above their use for Efficient Portfolio Management (EPM). Investors should be aware that the use of these instruments can, under certain circumstances, increase the volatility and risk profile of the Fund beyond that expected of a fund that only invests in equities. The fund may also be exposed to the risk that the company issuing the derivative may not honour their obligations which in turn could lead to losses arising.

Umbrella Liabilities

If the liabilities of one fund were to exceed its assets, the other funds within the scheme might have to transfer across money to cover the liabilities.

New Fund

The charges and expenses may make up a higher proportion of a newly launched fund than initially estimated.

Solvency of Bond Issuers

If the fund you choose invests in bonds there is a risk that the issuer may default, resulting in a loss to the portfolio.

Returns Are Not Guaranteed

What you receive when you sell your investment is not guaranteed; it depends on how your investments perform.

Inflation

Inflation will reduce the real value of your investments in future.

Taxation and Tax Relief

Levels of taxation and tax relief are subject to change.