The economist named the key investment instruments of 2026

The beginning of the year is traditionally a time for reviewing investment strategies. In 2026, with a projected reduction in the key rate to 12-13%, the main task of investors remains to protect capital from inflation. On February 25, financial expert, economist and founder of the Financial Literacy School Olga Gogaladze told Izvestia about which tools are able to preserve the purchasing power of funds.

According to her, the basic structure of investments is generally preserved. At the beginning of the year, the focus can still be on bonds and liquidity funds. The most reliable instrument remains federal loan bonds, which provide predictable income and form the foundation of a conservative portfolio. Additionally, investors can consider corporate bonds of large first-tier companies: they potentially allow for higher-than-inflation returns with a moderate level of risk.

Individual investment accounts also remain relevant. An individual investment account (AIS) makes it possible to receive a tax deduction, which increases the final return: depending on the personal income tax rate, the refund can reach 88 thousand rubles per year. Deposits and savings accounts also remain in demand, but more often they perform the function of temporary "parking" of funds. Their profitability usually does not exceed long-term inflation, except for short-term promotions for new customers.

The effectiveness of investments, according to the expert, does not depend directly on the size of capital. Large capital affects only the absolute amount of income, whereas the principles of operation of the instruments are the same for everyone. It is important for novice investors to form the habit of regular investments, even with small amounts, gradually building up the base. Owners of more significant funds can expand their diversification, including alternative assets, but the portfolio structure must remain conscious.

"Basic diversification is built around simple and understandable instruments — bonds, stocks, currencies and defensive assets. For example, the combination of bonds and stocks in the Russian and foreign markets already provides a good balance. It is appropriate for investors to add gold to the portfolio as protection against inflation and crises — usually we are talking about 5-10% of the portfolio, less often up to 15%," the economist explained.

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The real estate market deserves special attention, Gogaladze added. In the long term, housing is traditionally viewed as a protective asset, but a high key interest rate makes mortgages expensive. Market programs start at about 20% per annum, which restrains demand. The expert calls the use of preferential programs, including family mortgages, if they are available, a rational option. Otherwise, it is advisable to form an initial payment using reliable tools and wait for a reduction in rates.

Cryptocurrency, according to the economist, remains a high-risk and volatile asset. It is suitable for investors who are prepared for significant fluctuations in value and possible losses. Even in a diversified portfolio, its share should not exceed 5-10%, with a maximum of 15% with informed risk acceptance.

Shares of commodity companies in the current environment are also considered high-risk instruments due to dependence on commodity prices and the geopolitical situation. It makes sense to invest in them primarily for the sake of dividends, carefully analyzing the financial condition of the issuers. An easier way to participate in the commodity sector is to invest in gold through exchange—traded funds.

The expert considers alternative assets, including art, collectibles and jewelry, rather as niche investments for investors with already formed capital. They are characterized by low liquidity and high dependence on expert assessment, so they require a long investment horizon.

"A financial strategy should be based on a clear understanding of goals: closing mandatory payments, generating passive income, or saving for a large purchase require a different approach. These include an assessment of personal risk levels and a constant rebalancing of the portfolio," the economist concluded.

The information in the material is not an investment recommendation.

On January 29, Mikhail Kostromin, co-owner of AKTIVO, named the main steps for the first investments to Izvestia. According to him, first of all it is necessary to assess the personal financial situation: analyze income and expenses, take into account future large expenses and determine the amount that can be invested regularly without prejudice to the usual standard of living. In parallel, goals and deadlines for savings should be formulated. So, different tasks, such as creating retirement capital and raising funds for the purchase of real estate, require separate strategies and accounts.

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