AJ Bell Money & Markets

In this week’s Money and Markets podcast, Tom Sieber and Charlene Young discuss the latest twist in the tariffs saga as the US and Japan announce a deal and explore the early results from the US earnings season, with updates from JPMorgan, Citi, Coca-Cola and Netflix [04:04].   They also look ahead to what investors can expect from the big tech names due to report next week, including Microsoft, Apple, Amazon and Meta [10:12].  They also discuss a major proposal from the London Stock Exchange to introduce 24-hour trading and what that could mean for retail investors [12:20] and there’s boardroom news at BP as the energy giant appoints a new chair [14:04].  Back in the UK, the government has announced the final proposals around pensions and inheritance tax [16:08], and the State Pension age is also under review again [24:02].  This week’s episode also features two interviews: Martin Gamble speaks to Jacopo di Nardo from Latitude Investment Management about Diageo and the impact of the recent CEO departure [27:27], and Dan Coatsworth talks to Schroder Asia Pacific portfolio manager Abbas Barkhordar about the vibe in Asia around those US tariffs [40:44].  Finally, with summer holidays in full swing, Tom and Charlene look at a story involving Ryanair, oversized luggage, and a rather inventive employee bonus scheme [51:47].  Note: The podcast is taking a short summer break and will return in early September. 

Lynda Shillaw, CEO of Harworth Group, shares insights on the thriving property development sector, elaborating on their impressive rise to the FTSE 250. She discusses trends in urban regeneration and the crucial relationship between job creation and housing. Lynda also highlights how strategic planning is vital in navigating current construction challenges and adapting to economic uncertainties. Her expertise sheds light on the importance of sustainable growth and community impact in today's evolving market.

In this week’s AJ Bell Money and Markets podcast, Charlene Young and Danni Hewson dive into the latest financial news, from Trump’s latest tariff manoeuvres [02:00] to Elon Musk’s surprise announcement of a new US political party and what that could mean for Tesla [08:47]. They explore how markets are responding to these unpredictable headlines, including the impact on copper prices [06:00] and the so-called "TACO trade." Back in the UK, there have been some big developments affecting housebuilders [12:57], an underwhelming preview from Shell [14:58], and pressure mounting on the government’s finances [17:39] — particularly the ballooning cost of the State Pension triple lock. The episode also sheds light on a worrying HMRC issue: over 600,000 people have been fined for not filing tax returns despite owing no tax [21:31]. Later in the show, Shares magazine’s Tom Sieber spotlights his investment trust dividend heroes [24:51], and James Flintoft joins Danni to analyse AJ Bell fund performance in Q2 and what may shape markets in the second half of 2025 [29:13].

It’s time for your monthly bonus episode of the AJ Bell Money & Markets podcast all about investment trusts. Kicking off the show is Tom Sieber on the wave of trust takeovers. [01:25] We’re going big on income in this episode of the podcast. Dan Coatsworth talks to Joe Dowling from the Invesco Global Equity Income Trust on how he finds opportunities to help generate a steady trickle of cash for shareholders. [04:17] Dan also talks to Iain Pyle from Shires Income on alternative ways of generating an income than simply having a portfolio of dividend-paying shares. [18:15] Laith Khalaf and Tom talk about trends with premiums and discounts in the investment trust world. [30:47] Finally, Dan talks to Richard Staveley from Rockwood Strategic on what it takes to find stocks that make you five to 10 times your money. [39:53]

This week’s episode of the Money & Markets podcast explains why Sainsbury’s and Greggs are experiencing different fortunes. [00:48] Charlene Young addresses the latest rumours about income tax and a potential cut to Cash ISA allowances. [06:12] Dan Coatsworth explains why Lifetime ISAs are back on the political agenda. [13:36] New data suggests there is a serious problem of takeover news being leaked before official announcements. Dan dives into this topic. [18:55] If you’re one of the growing number of people selling goods on Vinted or Ebay, Charlene considers the level of sales that attract the tax man’s attention. [22:40] As schools prepare to break up and people take time off work for their summer break, the podcast reveals a worrying scam aimed at holidaymakers. [25:50] The clock is ticking on the end of Trump’s 90-day tariff negotiations, so Dan considers what could happen next and how markets might react. [28:59] This week’s special guest is someone directly impacted by the new tariff regime. Greg Eckel invests in Canada and he talks to Tom Sieber about the impact of Trump’s policies and the long-term prospects for Canadian stocks. [32:46]

This week on Money and Markets, Dan and Laura break down how Middle East tensions are shaking up oil, gold, and travel stocks [1:45], and what the latest results from FedEx and Halfords tell us about consumer confidence and global trade [7:00].  In our personal finance section, we explore the cut to Premium Bond prize rates and why loyalty to your savings account might be costing you [13:00]. We also look at the rise of companies putting Bitcoin on the balance sheet [23:50] - and share a strange new scam story you’ll want to hear [57:04].  Our interview is with the team at Evenlode, discussing why their global equity funds are cautious on the US and why they avoid the obvious bets [34:44]. And we wrap up with a spotlight on Rosebank, the Melrose spinoff that just raised £1.1 billion in one of AIM’s biggest fundraises in years [47:31]. 

Warren Buffett is the world’s best known investor, but at the tender age of 94, he’s recently announced he’ll be stepping down as CEO of his investment vehicle, Berkshire Hathaway. In this Deep Dive by AJ Bell Money and Markets, Laith Khalaf and Russ Mould discuss Buffett’s investment strategy, and how everyday investors can apply it to their portfolio. Laith and Russ talk through some of the key investing principles of Warren Buffett, delving into whether he is really a value investor, and asking if Buffett is right when he says diversification is protection against ignorance. We also look at the importance of a buy and hold strategy and staying within your circle of competence. We’re joined by Keith Ashworth-Lord, manager of the Sanford DeLand Buffettology fund, to explain what Buffettology is, and how he applies Buffett’s principles to investing in the UK stock market. Laith and Russ discuss some more of Buffett’s investing tips, such as whether most people should buy a tracker fund, and if crypto really is ‘rat poison squared’.

On this week’s episode of the AJ Bell Money & Markets podcast, Danni Hewson and Dan Coatsworth assess recent oil price moves as the conflict between Israel and Iran intensifies and consider how hikes could impact global inflation. [04:21] Could the UK be heading for “stagflation” as the economy shrinks? Danni checks out the latest growth and inflation data. [08:49] Get the latest insight on corporate news. Profits are under pressure at equipment maker Ashtead ahead of the company moving its main stock market listing to New York. The US and UK might have finally rubber stamped a deal on cars and jet engines but Jaguar Land Rover has already slashed its forecasts. With defence stocks in fashion, Dan and Danni consider why one company, RC Fornax, has issued an earnings warning. [17:53] As AIM celebrates its 30th birthday, Dan looks at companies past and present, while Tom Sieber from Shares Magazine explains why a lot of companies have become disheartened with the junior market. [25:30] Bank of America’s latest survey into how fund managers are positioning portfolios makes for fascinating reading as markets remain volatile. [32:10] Our guest interview features Emma Moriarty from Capital Gearing Trust who discusses why markets are moving higher yet economic forecasts are moving lower. [34:57] The podcast also talks about the choice of savings products hitting record highs but some rates are at a two-year low [47:30]. The team also explain why Which? is urging shoppers to consider protections when using “pay by bank”. [50:42]

In this week’s episode of the AJ Bell Money and Markets podcast, Charlene Young and Danni Hewson unpack the latest UK jobs and retail sales figures [1:45]. Tom Sieber joins the show to discuss the growing trend of companies leaving the London stock market, and what can be learned from the takeover of Alphawave [12:50]. Other big corporate stories include the resignation of WPP’s boss, M&S taking online orders again and the split of Warner Bros and Discovery [21:25]. Talking break ups, we’ve got the latest on the spat between Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Charlene looks at the detail behind the government’s announcement that 9 million pensioners will get the winter fuel payment this year [30:00] and what it might mean for future tax policy. The FCA has led an international effort to crackdown on unregulated financial influencers. [37:30]

This week’s AJ Bell Money & Markets podcast digests gloomier economic forecasts. Dan Coatsworth explains why investors are still fired up by the defence sector. [04:00] Charlene Young reveals how much you need to enjoy a certain lifestyle in retirement. [07:55]. She also goes through the mailbag to answer your questions about pensions. [14:10] Fancy some free shares? There is a growing trend for investors to be gifted stock as companies break into two. Dan Coatsworth has all the info on this week’s podcast. [28:00] The pod team talk about record inflows into Cash ISAs [33:15], and reveal which age group is benefiting the most from a drop in car insurance prices. [35:11] Finally, we’re joined by fund manager Laura Elkin who runs AEW UK REIT. Dan quizzes Laura about the latest trends in the UK commercial property market and how the investment trust has helped to bring a former Wilko store back to life. [37:35]