In this engaging discussion, investment analyst Lyn Alden delves into the history and future of money, highlighting insights from her book, "Broken Money." She analyzes the significance of Bitcoin and the evolution of financial systems, debating the impact of technology on money perception, especially in unstable economies. John Stepek offers reflections on these topics, stressing the importance of energy investments as a hedge against inflation and the transformative potential of decentralized finance. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of how money's evolution shapes today’s economic landscape.

Alec Cutler, a portfolio manager at Orbis Investments, reveals the secrets behind his fund's impressive decade-long performance and shares his contrarian investment strategies. Joining him is John Stepek, a Bloomberg senior reporter, who discusses the financial implications of potential political changes in the U.S., especially under a Trump presidency. They explore market dynamics, the rising interest in UK small-cap stocks, the contrasting roles of gold and Bitcoin as investments, and the challenges of green energy initiatives in the UK.

The podcast discusses the Chancellor's Budget highlights, including tax cuts and child benefit reform. Analysis from experts on economic implications and political responses. Exploration of government policies, capital gains tax changes, and their impact on voters and property markets.

Join John Stepek, a seasoned financial journalist and author of the Money Distilled Newsletter, as he unpacks the complexities of UK wage inflation and its unexpected drawbacks. He highlights the buoyant optimism in the US stock market, contrasted with market caution. Stepek also sheds light on the evolving role of investment trusts, discussing their potential challenges and opportunities. Additionally, he dives into undervalued Renewable Energy Investment Trusts, examining how they could flourish in improving market conditions.

Join John Stepek, a savvy senior reporter and author of the Money Distilled newsletter, as he dives into the shifting tides of the financial landscape. They discuss how London's prominence as an IPO hub is waning, with countries like Oman emerging as new leaders. The conversation tackles why pension funds are increasingly attracted to private assets and throws in a light-hearted look at the financial perks of marriage. Plus, they highlight challenges in the UK market and the looming tax hikes that could impact many.

Dan Hanson, Bloomberg's Chief UK Economist, and John Stepek, 'Money Distilled' columnist, dive into the landmark budget delivered by Chancellor Rachel Reeves. They discuss significant tax changes, including increases in national insurance and capital gains tax, and their implications for businesses and individuals. The pair highlights a massive £100 billion commitment to capital spending, focusing on green initiatives and healthcare. They also analyze the potential effects on small businesses and the economy, while discussing NHS funding increases and fiscal strategies.

John Stepek, a senior reporter and author of the Money Distilled newsletter, joins to discuss Japan's recent elections, which resulted in political uncertainty for the first time since the 1990s. They explore the potential market impacts of this instability and draw parallels with global trends. Additionally, they dive into Japan's declining fertility rates, examining how social and economic factors shape family dynamics, and reflect on implications for housing and population shifts in both Japan and the UK.

Join John Stepek, a senior reporter and author of Money-Distilled, as he shares his insights on saving for kids using Junior ISAs. They discuss the benefits of these UK-specific savings accounts, focusing on tax advantages and contribution limits. John emphasizes the importance of parents' financial security before investing in their children's futures. They also tackle the significance of understanding costs associated with savings products, ensuring that parents make wise, affordable choices for long-term financial growth.

In this engaging discussion, John Stepek, Senior Reporter at Bloomberg and author of Money Distilled, dives into the potential impact of increased employer National Insurance contributions. He explains the recent drop in UK inflation and how one volatile component skewed the data. The conversation also touches on the sustainability of pension policies amid an aging population and contrasting motivations behind economic forecasts. With a mix of humor, they even relate celebrity news to rising inflation trends, making complex topics accessible and entertaining.

Andrew J Scott, an economist and author focusing on longevity, joins senior reporter John Stepek to discuss the evolving landscape of retirement. They tackle how increasing life expectancy reshapes financial planning and the implications for pensions. Emphasis is placed on the need for systemic changes to support an aging workforce and the adoption of health technology. The conversation also explores financial strategies like delayed annuities, the debate between gold and Bitcoin, and the importance of adopting healthy habits at any age.