Some Popular Posts of 2016 & a Final Farewell

Its been another quite unpredictable year in retrospect. The FTSE slipped to 5,600 in February but apart from a blip after the referendum result in June, the markets have been trending upwards and look set to finish the year above 7,000.

Writing my blog records my personal journey over the past 4 years as I try to navigate the ups and downs of the investing cycles. It helps me to focus, as well as holds me to account for the decisions I take. Sometimes I get it right and sometimes I get it wrong but this year has been mostly positive.

In 2016, once again, my main focus has been to continue the move towards more simplicity, more diversity and less volatility.

Here are a few of the more popular posts over the past year :

1. Vanguard LifeStrategy - A One-Stop Solution
Far and away the most viewed post this year (and last year) - currently approaching 10,000 page views. Some thoughts on helping friends with a simple, no frills investment plan.

2. Asset Allocation Revisited
I took the opportunity to update and expand upon my original article from 2013. Asset allocation is one of the most important decisions every investor needs to consider if they are to be successful.

3. Vanguard LifeStrategy 5 Yr Performance
As these popular index funds now have a 5 yr track record, I compare performance against other funds and also some of my investment trusts.

4. Selecting Your DIY Online Broker
Again, an update to my first article in 2013

5. Vanguard LS 60 - Year 1 Update
How has my largest holding performed since my initial purchase in 2015?


Just to say thanks to everyone who has followed my journey over the past year and special thanks to those who have taken the time to leave a comment. Total page views has just passed the half million mark which is quite a milestone.

Lets hope 2017 is another good one!    

Goodbye

Finally, a sad farewell to some people who have inspired and/or entertained over the years and who passed away in 2016

               

David Bowie

                   Terry Wogan

                                                         Frank Kelly (Father Jack)  

               Zaha Hadid (Architect)

           

Johan Cruyff

                                          Martin Crowe (NZ Cricket)

Alan Rickman  

That's it then. Cancel the kitchen scraps for lepers and orphans, no more merciful beheadings, and call off Christmas

                                                                                         
                                                                                                                          Victoria Wood

                     Ronnie Corbett

Prince

  Tony Cozier (WI Cricket Commentator)                                                         Carla Lane


                                                                                   

Jo Cox MP                                                                                                   Dave Swarbrick

Caroline Aherne

                                                       
 Ken Barrie (voice of Postman Pat)

                                                               Gene Wilder                             Arnold Palmer

Jean Alexander

                                                                                                                         Gary Sprake

                     Jimmy Perry  

                                                Bobby Vee

Andrew Sachs 

                                                                                                 Carlos Alberto (Brazil Football)                                                                      
               
                       Jimmy Young

           

Leonard Cohen

                  Fidel Castro

                                                               Rick Parfitt                                          George Michael

 gone but not forgotten - RIP.