shares in forward partners group plc fell in early trading monday after the company said that it expects to report a decline in the value of its ventures portfolio in the first half of 2022 as downward pressure on valuations continue throughout the year shares at 0841 gmt were down 60 pence or 10 at 5350 pence the londonbased investment firm said that it now expects to report a midtohigh twenties percentage point fall in its ventures portfolio valuation at the halfyear down from previous guidance of around 117 million pounds 143 million however forward partners said that it remains confident in the longterm growth of its portfolio significant turmoil in public markets marked by weakening consumer confidence and significant macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty are combining to depress valuations and delay funding rounds the company said ratings of technology stocks have been particularly affected and that the board expects its portfolio valuation to remain affected throughout the year it said