June 2025 Investment Summary

A positive month for the Active range with returns ranging from +0.87% for Active 1 to +1.17% for Active 5.
*P Acc share class with data sourced from FE analytics as at 30 June 2025.

June 2025 was a positive month for markets and the portfolios, in absolute terms.

Most major equity markets continued their recovery, driven by tech strength and easing geopolitical tensions. Emerging Markets strong performance continued, supported by a weaker US dollar. Latin American equities, specifically Mexico and Brazil outperformed after resilient domestic economic data. FTSE 100 returns flatlined at 0.05%, subdued by weaker domestic data, with lower retail sales and economic growth. Higher exposure to underperforming sectors such as healthcare and energy also provided headwinds. The Stoxx 600 fell around 1.5%, as investors rotated back into US stocks, while advancements in US-EU trade talks stalled ahead of the July deadline. Top performing sectors included energy, technology and industrials with consumer defensive the lowest. The S&P 500 increased over 4.9% and Nasdaq climbed 6.6% with technology, energy and communication services sectors the top performers, the largest fall came from consumer defensive. A US and China trade truce has been ‘signed’ according to President Trump to de-escalate global trade tensions, although details of the deal are still to be confirmed.

US stocks reached new record highs, bouncing back from Trumps tariff shock. The S&P has increased more than 23% since its 15-month low on April 7. The Federal Reserve held interest rates in June, as Fed chair Jay Powell stated “for the time being, we are well positioned to wait to learn more about the likely course of the economy before considering any adjustment to our policy stance”. 10 year US Government bond yields decreased, yields closed at 4.24%, from 4.41% reaching highs of 4.51%.

June’s US labour market data showed payrolls increased by 147,000, above forecasts highlighting continued resilience from the jobs market, however a slowdown could happen with uncertainty surrounding tariffs, trade and immigration policies where employers could adopt a more cautious hiring stance. Unemployment edged down to 4.1%. US consumer confidence rose for the first time in six months, but households remain worried over tariffs, inflation and persistently high prices.

The Middle East conflict intensified, with Israel and Iran trading missiles across borders, before US intervention in striking Iranian nuclear facilities led to a ceasefire being brokered. It was immediately broken, before relative calm was restored to the situation. Conflicting reports have followed regarding the amount of damage US strikes have caused on Iranian nuclear facilities. Market reaction was relatively considered, but crude oil prices were volatile with Iran a key exporter of oil across the globe. Prices rose from $63 a barrel pre conflict, to almost c.$90 at the height of the tensions before falling back to around $68.

The economic environment has remained resilient, but rising geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainty may begin to weigh on sentiment. The recent escalation between Iran and Israel has heightened global risk, with legal challenges to the U.S. administration’s proposed tariffs have slowed their rollout. This delay offers a temporary reprieve for policymakers and trade partners, but markets remain sensitive to developments.

WS Prudential Risk Managed Active - Tactical asset allocation activity

We maintain a small equity overweight of +1.5%, made up of a basket of US, Europe, Asia and GEM. We hold overweight positions in US Treasuries, UK Gilts and Real Estate (REITs), 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.

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.