Wot?! Trump's Tariffs Send Investors Scrambling Like Teddy at the Seaside!

Oh Dear! The S&P 500 is a Bit of a Damp Squib

Right so apparently things are a bit topsy turvy in the world of money. You see this chap Mr. Trump (not as funny as my friend Rupert mind you) has been fiddling about with something called 'tariffs.' Sounds a bit like traffic which I know all about after *that* incident with the Mini and the armchair. Anyway because of this tariff business all the clever money people are saying that investing in things *outside* of America is suddenly all the rage. The S&P 500? A bit like my attempt at painting – marginally positive at best.

China and Europe? More Like 'Ching Ching' and 'Euro Yeah!'

Now I don't usually dabble in this sort of thing but even *I* could see that some of these 'ETFs' (sounds like a type of biscuit) are doing rather well. China and Europe are apparently scoring big like when I finally managed to get that turkey on my head during Christmas. Double digit returns they say! It's enough to make even Teddy consider putting his pocket money in. I say! What would Mrs. Wicket say?!

Mexico and Canada Join the Party – Ay Caramba!

Not to be left out Mexico and Canada are also doing the cha cha with their investments. More double digit returns! It's a veritable fiesta of financial gains. Now where did I put my sombrero and maracas? Oh bother.

A Valuable Lesson from Mr. Bean – Sorry the News!

So what's a Bean to do? Well even I can tell you it might be a good idea to spread things around a bit. Apparently putting all your eggs in one basket (or all your sprouts on one plate) isn't the best idea. "U.S. companies have been the cream of the crop," but conditions change! Like when I tried to paint my flat for the house inspection. Things didn't quite go according to plan did they now?!

Diversification – It's Not Just for My Sock Drawer!

Apparently Americans have a 'home bias.' Sounds a bit like I only ever eat beans on toast! But just like I should probably try some cheese sandwiches (or maybe even a sardine) investors should spread their money around a bit. So you don't have one thing getting too big. And always look at how the cake is cut. Because if you are last in line you might just end up with the smallest piece. It's all relative innit.

Broad Strokes Are Best – No Painting by Numbers Here!

The clever money people reckon you shouldn't try to be too clever and guess which countries are going to win. Instead go for broad exposure. Like when I tried to play the piano and ended up hitting all the keys at once! A broad diversified ETF is the way to go. It's all about being sensible... which admittedly isn't always my forte. Now where did I put that rubber chicken?