For my last column of the year, I decided to turn my attention further afield to the next 12 months. As we find ourselves looking out at 2024 on the horizon, I have no doubt many of us are already thinking about our New Year’s Resolutions.
According to research on the topic, the average resolution lasts less than four months. However, 38% of respondents say ‘improved finances’ are their primary resolution so, I thought I’d take a look at some Elite Rated funds investing in our resolutions to kill two birds with one stone.
Exercise more/lose weight
I’m a keen runner, which has the added benefit of no pricey gym membership. But it doesn’t mean a new outfit wouldn’t go amiss for some motivation on these cold grey mornings.
LuluLemon, a holding in abrdn SICAV I – Global Mid Cap Equity and AXA Framlington American Growth, is a personal favourite brand of mine when it comes to splurging on some motivation. If you want a one-stop shop for the whole family, a visit to JD Sports – a holding in Rathbone UK Opportunities – is perhaps an option, especially while the January sales are still on.
Investors looking to invest in the long-term theme of better health might consider the Liontrust Sustainable Future Managed fund which looks to invest in three mega trends, including improved health, with the fund currently having 13% in healthcare.
Drink less alcohol
Accordingly to a recent study by IWSR, the no- and low-alcohol industry surpassed $11 billion in value in 2022. By 2026, the research firm further predicts that no- and low-alcohol consumption will increase by a third.
While you would probably associate Pernod Ricard, a holding in Jupiter European Smaller Companies, more with alcoholic beverages, the company also has eight low- and no-ABV (alcoholic volume) brands under their umbrella. Diageo, a holding in WS Evenlode Global Equity, is another mainstream spirits brand looking to take advantage of the increased demand in this market, with the recent launch of alcohol-free Captain Morgan rum.
But if you prefer staying away from anything resembling alcohol at all, Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, the two powerhouses of the soft drink and beverage industry, would be a clear winner. Coca-Cola is a top holding in JPM Global Equity Income while the Trojan Global Income fund holds PepsiCo in its top ten.
Spending more time with the family
If spending more time with the family is on of your New Year’s resolutions for 2024, but you need some ideas as to how to spend that time, abrdn UK Mid Cap Equity and Unicorn UK Smaller Companies have a relevant holding in Hollywood Bowl.
Those looking for a more relaxed option might consider dinner and a movie at home. DoorDash, the largest food delivery company in the United States by market share, is a top ten holding in Baillie Gifford American.
Meanwhile, Uber, the second largest company in the US by market share, a holding in Invesco Global Focus, provides exposure to food delivery via the increasingly popular Uber Eats.
With streaming available at the click of a button, Netflix, a holding in Sanlam Global Artificial Intelligence fund, is a popular option.
Amazon Prime is another alternative with an increasing range of options from the Premier League to NFL and access to NBCUniversal’s Peacock service. Amazon is a top holding in CCLA Better World Global Equity.
Find a new job
Meanwhile, for those who are looking to start a new job or new career in 2024, Liontrust UK Micro Cap and IFSL Marlborough UK Micro-Cap Growth both have a holding in Mind Gym, a corporate training business which applies the principles of behavioural science to effect change within the corporate environment.
The Liontrust managers participated in the first share placing of Mind Gym in June 2018 when it debuted on the AIM stock market.
Spend less and save more
And finally, while most people try to do something about their health or well-being, by making a few small changes, the new year is also a good time to start making your bank balance healthier.
For example, by simply making a meal plan for the whole week, not only can you save on your weekly shop but you can also decrease your food waste.
So, what is your New Year’s resolution this year and how much will you invest in it?
Juliet Schooling Latter, research director at FundCalibre and Chelsea Financial Services
