SIF Folio Q1 2024 review: after 8 years, does the system still work?

I created the SIF model portfolio in April 2016, almost eight years ago. Since then, managing this rules-based virtual portfolio has become a regular part of my weekly investing and writing process. Throughout this period, Stockopedia has kindly allowed me to continue documenting the progress of this portfolio for subscribers. While the returns generated by this strategy have been unspectacular by the standards of US tech stocks (or indeed those of many accomplished private investors), SIF has beaten the UK market by a decent margin and created enough value to keep me investing some of my own cash alongside the virtual portfolio documented here. As the markets adjust to the new normal of higher interest rates, I’m keen to see if my rules-based system can continue to generate acceptable returns. A cautious start to the year The first quarter of 2024 was modestly positive for UK equity markets. Only the much-unloved AIM All-Share index has failed to make any progress so far this year: While expectations for interest rate cuts have been pushed back somewhat, I think there’s a general consensus that rates have peaked and inflation is…