Why you need to invest at least some of your money outside the UK

Most investors tend to have a bias to their home market. But that’s a mistake, says Rupert Hargreaves. Investing in international stocks can help diversify your portfolio and protect your wealth from unnecessary risks.

World stockmarket indices display in Tokyo
Private investors can invest anywhere in the world
(Image credit: © SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

When the UK voted to leave the European Union in June 2016, it had one very obvious and dramatic effect – the drop in the value of sterling. Whatever your view on Brexit or its potential long-term disadvantages and advantages, the immediate impact on investors (sterling’s collapse) was pretty clear.

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Rupert Hargreaves
Contributor and former deputy digital editor of MoneyWeek

Rupert is the former deputy digital editor of MoneyWeek. He's an active investor and has always been fascinated by the world of business and investing. His style has been heavily influenced by US investors Warren Buffett and Philip Carret. He is always looking for high-quality growth opportunities trading at a reasonable price, preferring cash generative businesses with strong balance sheets over blue-sky growth stocks.

Rupert has written for many UK and international publications including the Motley Fool, Gurufocus and ValueWalk, aimed at a range of readers; from the first timers to experienced high-net-worth individuals. Rupert has also founded and managed several businesses, including the New York-based hedge fund newsletter, Hidden Value Stocks. He has written over 20 ebooks and appeared as an expert commentator on the BBC World Service.