What investments are best in high inflation?

Hi Alex,

Your question is a good one from several different angles. After 35 years working in financial services, I know that nothing is really ‘free’ so how do Trading212 make their money – because it sounds too good to be true? Doing a bit of digging I learn that they make their money from the spreads between the buying (bid) and selling (offer) prices of shares. To create sufficient income for them you’re likely to be sold securities close to the highest offer price, and they’ll buy back securities close to the lowest bid price, and on some shares those spreads can be very wide. If you’re a buy-and-hold investor it probably doesn’t matter, but if you’re a frequent trader it is a significant hurdle to get over. It’s not a criticism of Trading212, but something to be aware of.

On the topic of inflation, for every economist who says higher inflation is on the way I can find another who says the opposite. They’ve been talking about steeper inflation since the credit crisis of 2008, and apart from a short blip in 2011 when it hit 5% it has remained steadfastly low. I don’t believe in forecasting, and there’s no evidence to suggest we are any good at it, so I won’t be betting my savings on inflation rising. Instead, I look for diversification both globally and across all stocks to give me a decent long-term return. If I want to take more risk to get a better return, I invest in smaller companies. Having said all of that if you’re wedded to the idea of investments to buy or avoid in a period of high inflation then look to invest in those companies that drive inflation the most. Food production, commodities and energy tend to be big inflation drivers so think about fertiliser manufacturers, energy companies and mining companies. Avoid luxury goods, airlines and hotel groups.