Top Market News - December 11, 2025

Dear Reader, welcome to today’s edition! Three overlooked threats that could derail your retirement plans, the case for investing over mere saving, three smart ways to outrun inflation if retiring next year, and why Vanguard's international dividend ETF could shine again — here are the stories shaping investor thinking right now.

3 Hidden Threats to Your Retirement You Need to Prepare For

Beyond the usual suspects, rising healthcare costs (outpacing general inflation), uncertain future taxes, and persistent inflation pose stealthy risks to nest eggs; strategies include maxing HSAs, opting for Roth accounts or munis, and diversifying into growth/dividend stocks for protection.

Tip: Audit your portfolio annually for these risks — allocate 10-15% to tax-efficient vehicles like munis and aim for 40-60% equities to beat inflation, while building an HSA buffer for medical surprises.

Don't Save for Retirement. Invest.

Saving alone won't cut it against inflation's erosion — investing in stocks or funds can deliver 7-10% average returns to grow your pot, far outstripping cash ISAs; the piece urges UK savers to harness compounding via diversified portfolios despite short-term volatility.

Tip: Shift from low-yield savings to a balanced ISA mix (60% equities, 40% bonds) for real growth; start with £100/month and automate contributions to ride out dips toward a £500K+ retirement fund.

Retiring in 2026? 3 Ways to Stay Ahead of Inflation

As tariffs loom, combat rising costs by delaying Social Security to 70 for 8% annual boosts, maintaining a 50/50 stock-bond split with dividend payers for growth and stability, and supplementing with part-time gigs to cover essentials without draining savings.

Tip: Build a 2-year cash/CD ladder for liquidity, tilt stocks toward dividend aristocrats (yield 3%+), and delay benefits if healthy — this combo can preserve 20-30% more purchasing power over a 30-year retirement.

Can the Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF Outperform Again in 2026?

VYMI surged 29.6% in 2025 (beating S&P's 15.6%) thanks to European financials (42% weight), energy bets, and a weak dollar; with 4% yield, 0.17% expense, and P/E of 13, it's primed for retirement income via 1,500+ global ex-US dividend stocks.

Tip: Add 10-20% VYMI to U.S.-heavy portfolios for diversification and yield; watch currency headwinds but favor it for value plays in a high-rate world to boost overall retirement returns by 1-2% annually.