The start of a new year is always filled with fresh speculation on what we’ll see in the year ahead for markets — from predictions on if the AI bubble will burst to which stocks, sectors and markets will do best in 2026.
However, while predictions can be exciting, for the most part they’re still just best guesses. What’s much more interesting is to see where people are actually putting their money and investing in 2026.
Here’s how our InvestEngine staff are investing in 2026 and beyond.
Remember, while it’s interesting to see where others are investing in 2026, this isn’t a recommendation on where or how to invest.
Adam Lees, Head of Marketing
“My approach to investing is nice and simple. I use InvestEngine’s Savings Plan to invest weekly into a diversified investment portfolio through my Stocks and Shares ISA and Self-Invested Personal Pension.
Automating my investments helps me take a hands-off approach and cuts out the emotion that comes with trying to ‘find the right time to invest’.
I also benefit from something called pound-cost averaging.
Investing every week means when stock market prices are low, my money buys me more. When prices are higher, my money buys less. So, over time I average out the cost of my investments, no matter how much markets swing.
Investing in a well-diversified portfolio that includes stocks, bonds and commodities like gold means I avoid putting all my eggs in one basket.
I invest in hundreds of different companies, bonds, sectors and regions from around the world through exchange traded funds (ETFs), while making the most of my tax-free ISA and pension allowances.
I’m not investing to get rich quick, I’m thinking about building my wealth over the long term by staying consistent and focusing on years, not weeks and months.”
Rich Brain, Business Development Lead
“In 2026, I’ll be sticking to a long-term, equity-first approach.
I’ll be using a core-satellite approach, investing the core of my portfolio in globally diversified ETFs, using MSCI ACWI weightings as a guide. I’ll then be investing the smaller satellites of my portfolio into ETFs that focus on factor investing.
I’ll be investing in growth-oriented factors, opting for momentum, value, and small cap factors. I don’t use minimum volatility, or quality as factors. That’s because my investing time horizon is over decades, so I’m looking for long-term growth over trying to shelter my portfolio from shorter-term ups and downs.”
What is core-satellite investing?
Merrley Yokalingham, Marketing Executive
“So far my approach to investing has been fairly light-touch. I have a DIY portfolio within my InvestEngine Stocks & Shares ISA and follow a ‘set and forget’ approach — investing anywhere between £20 and £200 per month — whatever feels comfortable whenever my paycheck hits my bank account. I’ll be looking at starting an InvestEngine Savings Plan so I can continue a hands-off approach to investing.
I prefer to have a widely diversified portfolio, with the majority of my portfolio following an all-world index ETF and a small holding in a gold ETF to help balance out any market shocks.
Looking ahead to 2026, I’m adjusting my DIY portfolio weights as I’m willing to take on more risk and ride out volatility in the long-term. I have a lengthy time horizon and don’t plan to touch this money for at least another 20 years. I intend to make the most of the one-click rebalancing feature, making sure my investments are weighted correctly, a couple of times a year.
Using a core-satellite approach, I’ve added smaller satellite holdings that an all-world index ETF might not cover. This includes an emerging market ETF for more exposure to regions with higher potential economic growth. I have added a thematic ETF that focuses on aging populations too as I believe we could see interesting technological advancements and public sector investment here over the next several decades.
I’ve also invested a small amount in a dividend-paying ETF to try and benefit from any well-performing tech companies in the shorter term. That being said, the majority of my portfolio is still weighted towards the all-world index ETF, as this is the core of my portfolio.”
Lucy Terry, Head of Brand and Content
“My approach to investing is simple. I use InvestEngine’s Savings Plan to invest £100 a month into my Stocks and Shares ISA. This is set up automatically so it simply goes out after I get paid each month.
The majority of my investments are in an all-world index ETF, and an S&P 500 index ETF. All-world trackers are great as a one-stop shop for instant diversification. S&P 500 trackers give you access to the top 500 companies in the US — the biggest economy in the world.
I also have holdings in Nasdaq 100, FTSE 100, gold and emerging markets. I’m investing for the long term (20 years+), so I’m happy for my portfolio to be 90% stocks.
My plan for 2026 is more of the same, but increasing my investment amounts in the months where I can.”
Charlie Sammonds, Senior Content Manager
“My approach to investing has always been to make it as simple and hands-off as possible — it’s the only way I can guarantee I’ll keep it up over the long term.
I use an InvestEngine Savings Plan and prefer to invest monthly, so that my top ups go out alongside all my other monthly outgoings like bills and rent payments. I do adjust the amount every so often — expensive summer holidays or Christmas shopping make it a necessity at times. Generally, though, I put between £100 and £200 a month into my InvestEngine Stocks and Shares ISA.
As for the portfolio itself, it’s a global blend. For the most part, my investments are in broad ETFs like the S&P 500, S&P Europe and the MSCI World, with some UK and global bonds in there for stability. I’m investing for the medium to long term, so a balance suits me best.
In 2026, I plan to increase my contributions — I find myself putting the same amount into cash savings as I do investing, but I’m just not seeing the growth there. I also plan to start taking my pension investing more seriously — the tax benefits, like tax relief, are too good to pass up.
One thing I won’t be changing is my hands-off approach. I’m too much of a worrier and a tinkerer to be too hands-on.”
How to invest like a CFA Charterholder in 2026
Looking for investment inspiration in 2026?
2025 has had its fair share of ups and downs for investors, but what’s moved markets most and where did InvestEngine investors put their money in 2025?
Important information
Capital at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up, and you may get back less than you put in. Past performance isn’t a guide to future returns. ETF costs also apply.
This content is for information only and is not financial advice. If in doubt you may wish to consult a professional adviser for guidance.