Investment Advice in Reading
Unlocking financial success with evidence-based investing.
A well-structured investment portfolio is a key element of a successful retirement plan. We build disciplined portfolios for clients across Reading and Berkshire, informed by decades of empirical data, not intuition or speculation.
Our investment philosophy
Solid empirical research. Long-term discipline.
Our commitment to evidence-based investing is at the heart of everything we do. Rather than chasing market trends, we rely on independent, peer-reviewed academic research and Nobel Prize-winning principles to build diversified portfolios, keep costs low, and take a long-term view tailored to your personal financial goals and risk tolerance.
Four principles that keep your investment strategy resilient
Evidence over opinion
Our approach is built on long-standing academic insights and empirical data. Rather than chasing market fads or predicting short-term fluctuations, we focus on what evidence shows works.
Global diversification
The UK represents just 4% of global markets. Your portfolio holds over 10,000 companies across 40+ countries. As Markowitz proved, diversification is the only "free lunch" in investing.
Low costs matter
Research shows high costs are the strongest predictor of poor fund performance. Most active managers fail to beat the market after fees. Our fund costs are typically 0.2-0.4%; FCA data shows the average active fund charge is 0.89%.
Stay the course
Since 1926, markets have experienced 7 major declines averaging 35%. Every single one was followed by a recovery. The average recovery took just 1.5 years. Patience is rewarded.
Watch our documentary
Investing: The Evidence
Our own documentary, Investing: The Evidence, dissects active, passive and factor investing to show how each approach affects your long-term financial success - and why the world's most successful investors favour evidence-based strategies.
Why evidence beats emotion
Most investors underperform the market because of emotional decisions - buying high when confident, selling low when scared. Our systematic approach removes emotion from investing, whether you're building towards early retirement or growing long-term wealth.
We use the same evidence-based principles employed by the world's largest pension funds and endowments. Combined with transparent fixed-fee pricing, it's not exciting, but it works.
Common investment questions
What do you invest in?
We build globally diversified portfolios using low-cost, evidence-based funds. You'll own thousands of companies across developed and emerging markets, tilted towards factors that research shows drive higher expected returns. This forms a key part of your long-term financial plan.
Why don't you pick stocks?
Because it does not work reliably. The evidence shows that after costs, the vast majority of stock pickers underperform broad market alternatives. We would rather give you broad, diversified market exposure at sensible cost than gamble on short-term predictions. Research such as the SPIVA scorecards shows how difficult consistent outperformance is.
How do you manage risk?
Through proper diversification and asset allocation. We match your portfolio's risk level to your capacity and need to take risk, then rebalance regularly to maintain your target allocation. This is especially important when building a retirement income strategy.
What are your fees?
We charge transparent fixed fees for advice, agreed upfront. Underlying fund costs are typically 0.2-0.4%; FCA data shows the average active fund charge is 0.89%. See our full adviser fee structure for details.
What our clients say
Start with clarity, scale with confidence
rockwealth helps families across Reading and Berkshire build financial security - with evidence-based investing, fair fixed fees, and advice that puts your life first.
