Stocks V Blocks: City Life seminar to explore investment options

05 March 2014

Irish property has fallen by about 70% since the peak in 2007, with the world stock market crashing at the same time, falling by a similar amount. However, the stock market has now recovered and is back to 2007 levels; with property prices still about 45% below 2007 levels.  So the question is… where should one invest right now?

On Tuesday March 11th, ‘Stocks V Blocks’, a seminar hosted by City Life: Wealth Advisors, will look at what the best option to deliver returns an investment currently is - property or shares? The seminar, taking place from 11.30am – 1pm at the Clarion Hotel, Cork will see experts in their respective fields speak about the merits, and pitfalls, of investing in their specialist areas.

Ken Nicholson, who manages the highly successful European Smaller Companies Fund for Standard Life, will give an overview of the European market, as well as talking specifically about his style of investing. The European Smaller Companies Fund invests in developed European companies where Nicholson looks for companies which are able to grow their earnings organically at a faster level than that of the underlying economy. He takes an active approach to meeting management, visiting company premises in assessing businesses, in other words, good old-fashioned stock picking.

Fergus Dowd, Irish Commercial Property Fund Manager with Irish Life will give an overview on property investment. His work with Irish Life has ranged from property valuations to the purchase, letting and sale of commercial property. He has been responsible for the development of office, retail and industrial properties and was involved in Irish Life's acquisition and development programme in Holland and Germany.

Commenting on the calibre of guest speakers lined up, Eamon Dwyer, Managing Director of City Life said “Asking the question, ‘Which is a better investment – stocks or blocks?’ is like asking whether soccer or rugby is better, or if red apples or green apples are tastier. There isn’t a conclusive answer because a lot of it comes down to the individual’s personality and preferences. It also comes down to the specifics of the individual investment. We are lucky to have two highly regarded professionals on hand, who will share their personal experiences and expertise on the subject of shares and property, helping attendees to make an informed decision when it comes to their investments.”

Eamon, himself, advocates a diversified approach between the two asset classes: “As with all investments, your portfolio should be diversified. A balanced portfolio should include property and equities, because by diversifying your investment portfolio, not alone do you reduce risk to any one section of your portfolio, you will also give yourself a smoother investment journey than by just investing in one asset class alone.”

A limited number of spaces are available for the free seminar on March 11th. Those interested in registering should email Susan Cunningham at scunningham@citylife.ie or call City Life on (021) 4358533.