Invested in the FTSE 100? I think you should also invest in this index

FTSE 100 (INDEXFTSE: UKX) investors could be at risk of low returns going forward, says Edward Sheldon.

The content of this article was relevant at the time of publishing. Circumstances change continuously and caution should therefore be exercised when relying upon any content contained within this article.

When investing, your capital is at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you put in.

Read More

The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be, nor does it constitute, any form of personal advice. Investments in a currency other than sterling are exposed to currency exchange risk. Currency exchange rates are constantly changing, which may affect the value of the investment in sterling terms. You could lose money in sterling even if the stock price rises in the currency of origin. Stocks listed on overseas exchanges may be subject to additional dealing and exchange rate charges, and may have other tax implications, and may not provide the same, or any, regulatory protection as in the UK.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More.

There are many advantages of investing in a FTSE 100 tracker fund. For example, through a related ETF you’ll get exposure to 100 large-cap stocks, meaning you’ll instantly have a degree of diversification within your portfolio. The Footsie also has a fairly impressive dividend yield, meaning you’ll collect healthy dividend cheques too.

The FTSE 100 isn’t perfect

Yet the index also has its flaws. For example, I see the FTSE 100 as a rather backward-looking index. What I mean by this is that the index contains a number of companies that have been extremely successful in the past, yet may not enjoy the same success in the future.

Take oil giants Shell and BP, for instance. In the past, the world ran on oil so these companies benefitted, but will that still be the case in 20 years’ time? Similarly, there are the big tobacco stocks, which are struggling as smoking rates decline. Even banking stocks such as HSBC face challenges, the way FinTech is progressing and impacting the banking industry. The bottom line here is that, going forward, I don’t think you should assume the FTSE 100 will generate the same returns it has in the past.

For this reason, I believe it’s essential UK investors give some thought to the US’s S&P 500 index as well as the FTSE 100. Here’s a concise look at this powerhouse index.

The champions of tomorrow

Relative to the FTSE 100, I see the S&P 500 as a much more forward-looking index, simply because it contains a much a higher weight to the technology sector.

For example, at the top, there’s Microsoft, which is a huge player in the software and cloud industries. There’s Apple, Warren Buffett’s top holding, whose products can be found in the majority of households these days. There’s Amazon, which continues to transform the way we shop. And there’s Google, which is at the heart of the internet. Can you afford to have no exposure to these kinds of stocks in your portfolio?

Growth theme

Yet this is just the beginning. In the S&P 500, you’ll also find world-class payments companies such as PayPal, Visa, and Mastercard, cybersecurity stocks such as Fortinet and Symantec, as well as video gaming (a huge growth industry) stocks such as Activision Blizzard. There’s also Netflix, which has transformed the way we watch television over the last decade. 

Additionally, the index is also home to a number of well known, world-class companies. For example, there’s Nike – one of the largest sporting brands in the world. There are beverage giants Coca Cola and PepsiCo, and there’s Colgate-Palmolive, which owns Colgate toothpaste.

Overall, the S&P 500 index is far more diversified than the FTSE 100 and it also has far more truly world-class stocks, in my opinion.

Impressive performance

Since the Global Financial Crisis, the S&P 500 has outperformed the FTSE 100 significantly, returning around 230% over the last 10 years, versus 80% for the FTSE 100 (not including dividends). That’s a big difference.

And I think there’s a chance the S&P 500 could continue to outperform due to its technology exposure. For this reason, I think UK investors should definitely consider an allocation to this index within their portfolios, whether that’s through an ETF or a US-based or global fund.

An allocation to the S&P 500 could add diversification for UK investors, and also potentially boost overall portfolio returns.

Should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice.

Edward Sheldon owns shares in Royal Dutch Shell, Apple, and Alphabet. John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Teresa Kersten, an employee of LinkedIn, a Microsoft subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. The Motley Fool UK owns shares of and has recommended Alphabet (C shares), Amazon, Apple, Mastercard, Microsoft, Netflix, Nike, PayPal Holdings, and Visa. The Motley Fool UK has the following options: long January 2020 $150 calls on Apple and short January 2020 $155 calls on Apple. The Motley Fool UK has recommended HSBC Holdings. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.

More on Investing Articles

Person holding magnifying glass over important document, reading the small print
Investing Articles

The market is wrong about this FTSE 250 stock. I’m buying it in April

Stephen Wright thinks investors should look past a 49% decline in earnings per share and consider investing in a FTSE…

Read more »

Black father and two young daughters dancing at home
Investing Articles

1 FTSE 250 stock I own, and 1 I’d love to buy

Our writer explains why she’s eyeing up this FTSE 250 growth phenomenon, and may buy more shares in this property…

Read more »

View of Tower Bridge in Autumn
Investing Articles

The FTSE 100 is closing in on 8,000 points! Here’s what I’m buying before it’s too late!

As the FTSE 100 keeps gaining momentum, this Fool is on the lookout for bargains. Here's one stock he'd willingly…

Read more »

Investing Articles

3 ideas to help investors aim for a million-pound Stocks & Shares ISA

The UK has a growing number of Stocks and Shares ISA millionaires, and this plan may be one of the…

Read more »

Illustration of flames over a black background
Investing Articles

2 red-hot UK growth stocks to consider buying in April

These two growth stocks are performing well, but can they continue to deliver for investors through 2024 and beyond?

Read more »

Charticle

Is JD Sports Fashion one of the FTSE 100’s best value stocks? Here’s what the charts say!

The JD Sports Fashion share price remains a wild ride during the first quarter. Could it be one of the…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Could the JD Sports Fashion share price double in the next five years?

The JD Sports Fashion share price has nearly halved in the past five years. Our writer thinks a proven business…

Read more »

Bus waiting in front of the London Stock Exchange on a sunny day.
Investing Articles

If interest rate cuts are coming, I think these UK growth stocks could soar!

Falling interest could be great news for UK growth stocks, especially those that have been under the cosh recently. Paul…

Read more »