AJ Bell Money & Markets

AJ Bell
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Jun 20, 2025 • 55min

A peek inside the minds of expert investors and where next for AIM as it turns 30

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]
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Jun 13, 2025 • 42min

UK tech takeover targets, a weakening labour market and the winter fuel payment u-turn

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]
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Jun 6, 2025 • 50min

How much money you need in retirement and brighter prospects for UK commercial property

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]
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10 snips
Jun 2, 2025 • 1h 10min

Investment Trust show: AI stock picking, Fundsmith’s small cap strategy, and an alternative spin on the defence sector

In this engaging discussion, Simon Barnard, Fund Manager at Smithson Investment Trust, shares insights on small-cap investment strategies and the importance of focusing on high-potential growth companies. Mark Boggett from Seraphim Space reveals unique opportunities at the intersection of space exploration and defense. Muzo Kayacan from BlackRock highlights how AI is revolutionizing stock-picking methods. Martin Gamble rounds it off by diving into Pershing Square Holdings and diverse investment strategies. A treasure trove for market enthusiasts!
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May 30, 2025 • 1h 2min

Trumps pause on EU tariffs, UK growth back in the spotlight and how to prep for a meaningful retirement

This week on the AJ Bell Money and Markets podcast, Charlene Young and Tom Sieber unpack Trump’s latest tariff U-turn [02:10] and UK growth forecasts from the IMF that also came with a warning for the Chancellor about her fiscal rules [04:25]. The energy price cap is falling and the Prime Minister says he wants more people to get the winter fuel payment. But as Charlene explores, there is little detail about how and when, and the options on the table might not be a silver bullet [07:05]? Tom reviews Tesla's struggles in Europe [11:28], and why the market reacted negatively to Games Workshop’s rising profits [14:10]. Dan Coatsworth interviews Ian Lance from Temple Bar Investment Trust on UK stocks and BP takeover talk[18:07], and Tom Sieber sits down with Ian Conway of Shares magazine to discuss the whispers that London Stock Exchange is considering an overseas listing [32.33]. In our second interview, Charlene talks to financial planner, podcaster and author Pete Matthew as he shares insights on retirement planning from his new book [45.01].
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May 22, 2025 • 54min

Counting the cost of Marks & Spencer’s cyber-attack, and AstraZeneca versus GSK

On this week’s AJ Bell Money & Markets podcast, Dan Coatsworth and Tom Sieber explore some big names on the UK and US stock market following a spate of corporate updates over the past week. They chat about Guinness maker Diageo, sausage roll giant Greggs, and a trio of American firms which have given us a fascinating insight into the state of the US consumer. [6:05] Marks & Spencer has laid out the potential hit to profits from its recent cyber-attack and it’s a hefty sum. Dan has all the details and he talks to fund manager Ian Lance from Temple Bar Investment Trust to get a shareholder’s perspective on the incident. [14:30] Hear about the new threat to Next and Dunelm as a US home furnishings giant prepares to make its UK debut. [21:15] Dan chats about an important development in the buy now, pay later industry [25:20] and why there is some relief for certain victims of scams. [29:20] Tom has a fascinating insight into the UK property market as more Americans look to move to the UK. [32:05]. Tom also talks about big moves in the cash savings market. [34:50] Finally, don’t miss the second part of our interview with Edinburgh Investment Trust’s Emily Barnard who explains how AstraZeneca differs from GSK, key achievements from both companies, and where they might go next. [37:30]
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May 15, 2025 • 53min

Trade deals, rate cuts and filling Warren Buffett’s shoes

On this week’s episode of the AJ Bell Money and Markets podcast Danni Hewson and Charlene Young take stock of which trade deals have been struck in the wake of Donald Trump’s tariff policies and assess how markets and some of those big US stocks like Nvidia have performed.[2:09]   A week after the Bank of England cut its base rates they consider where interest rates are likely to go next and whether the cut has been passed on in the form of mortgage and savings rates. [11:58]  Latest data shows the UK labour market is showing further signs of strain but the weather’s given consumer spending a boost with positive updates from Wickes, Marston’s, On the Beach and Next. [18:27] Marks and Spencer has updated markets on the cyber-attack which is still preventing online deliveries from the high street stalwart but can it keep customers on side? [26:08]  Dan Coatsworth talks to Emily Barnard from Edinburgh Investment Trust about tariffs on the pharmaceutical sector and where AstraZeneca and GSK stand with weight-loss drugs [29:53]  And Tom Sieber from Shares Magazine has been talking to fund managers about the surprise retirement of investing legend Warren Buffett. [45:40]
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May 9, 2025 • 58min

How tariffs are impacting companies and why activist investors aren’t necessarily villains

Danni Hewson and Dan Coatsworth go deep into the world of tariffs on this week’s episode of the AJ Bell Money & Markets podcast. They’ll discuss the latest movements, the latest industries in the firing line, and what companies are now saying about the impact of tariffs on earnings and their outlook. [4:20] While it might feel as if the business world is trying to catch its breath amid the tariff chaos, mergers and acquisitions are still being announced and Dan talks through some of the big ones that involve sliced bread, trainers and takeaways. [20:26] Warren Buffett’s decision to step down as the boss of Berkshire Hathaway was headline news around the world and the team explain exactly why that’s a significant move. [29:40] There’s some worrying news about many people not having enough money in retirement to enjoy even the most basic pleasures [34:49]. Danni also discusses why the bank of mum and dad are becoming even more important in the quest to get on the housing ladder. [39:50] Finally, the podcast features an activist investor who has been involved in several campaigns involving the likes of logistics provider DX Group, polling specialist YouGov and luxury goods retailer Watches of Switzerland. Liad Meidar from Gatemore Capital puts forward his argument as to why activists aren’t the villain some members of the public make them to be. [44:40]
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May 6, 2025 • 1h 1min

Investment Trust Show: how trusts fared in the market sell-off and recovery, opportunities in Asia, and the boring side of tech

Get the latest on takeovers, wind-downs and manager changes in the world of investment trusts on this month’s special edition of the AJ Bell Money & Markets podcast. [1:25]. Dan Coatsworth chats about which trusts were in demand from AJ Bell customers during the past month’s mark turmoil. [9:15] Martin Gamble reveals which investment trusts were in and out of favour on a broader basis during this period. [13:09] Dan talks to Ryan Lightfoot-Aminoff from Kepler Partners. about opportunities in Asia amid chatter that investors are looking for ways to dial down exposure to the US. [27:50] Finally, Tom Sieber talks to Jim Strang from HgCapital Trust about the impact on tariffs on the tech companies and why Hg is focused on the more boring side of tech. [44:30]
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May 1, 2025 • 48min

Market rebounds, first 100 days of Trump’s second term and State Pension underpayment scandal.

This week’s episode of the AJ Bell Money & Markets podcast starts with some positive news for investors who managed to hold their nerve through the Liberation Day sell-off [01:32]. But Dan Coatsworth also has a stream of gloomy corporate updates from big firms cutting earnings guidance, seeing sales hit by tariffs, or just feeling the pinch as American consumers tighten their purse strings [05:39].  Russ Mould joins us to analyse the first 100 days of President Trump’s second term, with a focus on how markets have performed in that time compared to previous presidents [10:25].  Charlene Young looks at the £800 million state pension benefit scandal and explains who’s affected, and what you can do if you think you or someone you know might be owed money [19:59]. House prices dipped in April, after the changes to stamp duty went live and cost of living pressure rose [17:40]  You might have run into bother trying to shop with Marks and Spencer recently. Dan covers the cyber incident that has taken the spark out of the retailer [27:28]. And to round things off, the Shares Magazine team bring us the latest update from streaming giant, Spotify [34:29].

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