Property or shares: where to invest?

While the stock market has recovered significantly from the global economic downturn, Irish property prices are still about 45 per cent below 2007 levels. So the question is where should you be investing – in property or shares?

A “stocks v blocks” seminar, hosted by City Life wealth advisers in Cork tomorrow, will give an overview of the European stock market, various styles of investing and what the best investment options are.

Experts from Standard Life and Irish Life will speak about the merits, and pitfalls, of investing in Irish commercial property or European shares.

"Asking the question, 'Which is a better investment – stocks or blocks?' is like asking whether soccer or rugby is better, or if red apples or green apples are tastier," according to City Life managing director Eamon Dwyer.

He says there isn’t a conclusive answer because a lot of it comes down to the individual’s personality and preferences.

“As with all investments, your portfolio should be diversified. A balanced portfolio should include property and equities, because by diversifying your investment portfolio, not alone do you reduce risk to any one section of your portfolio, you will also give yourself a smoother investment journey than by just investing in one asset class alone.”

One the subject of money and finances, Ireland’s first financial technology accelerator will be launched in Dublin tomorrow.

The first programme of its kind in Ireland, the FinTech accelerator will recruit 10 early stage financial services startups to work with over a five week period starting on May 19th.

Developed by State Street, Bank of Ireland, Mediolanum and Enterprise Ireland in conjunction with the NDRC, the programme aims to give start-ups unrivalled access to mentors from the financial services sector, the investment community and the technology community.