Investors' Chronicle

Single women have it tough, at least from a financial perspective. From a personal perspective you may well be having a better time than being in a relationship, and especially in an unhappy and unsatisfying one, but sadly society is built for couples. In this episode of video podcast series, Women and Wealth, Val Cipriani and Madelaine Apthorpe take a look at the financial hit of staying single and how to protect yourself from it.Val, Investors' Chronicle's personal finance editor, explains to Madi, digital production journalist, how figures from Hargreaves Lansdown shows how much it costs to live, with a single person in the UK on average spending about 22 per cent more than someone in a couple on their rent or mortgage, council tax and fuel, while spending 28 per cent more on food. More depressing still, single people are taxed more than those in a couple, proportionally.But this podcast aims to provide you with practical help in making your money work harder. Val and Madi explore help such as single-occupancy discount on council tax and on water rates and how to make sure your savings account pays a decent rate.Responding to a reader's question, Madi and Val also look at how you can save and afford a home as a single person with practical advice.Women and Wealth is a six part podcast series from Investors' Chronicle. You can listen and watch the episodes, alongside our other podcasts, on Apple, Spotify and YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this engaging discussion, news editor Alex Hamer unpacks the swirling rumors of a Shell and BP merger amidst volatile oil markets, all while examining the implications for both companies. Val Cipriani dives into behavioral finance, revealing how understanding biases can significantly enhance investing strategies. The talk shifts focus to Liontrust, an asset manager facing challenges with outflows, where insights on their latest performance results provide a sobering look at the current investment landscape.

Women and Wealth takes a look at the gender pay gap, how to ask for that pay rise and how to make the most of your work benefits. In this episode of the video podcast series from Investors' Chronicle, personal finance editor Val Cipriani discusses with digital production journalist, Madi Apthorpe, how the gender pay gap should be viewed, what can be done about it as well as offering a hope that work and society are moving in the right direction - albeit too slowly.According to date from the ONS from April 2024, among those employed full time, women earn 7 per cent less than men. Across all employees, women earn 13.1 per cent less than men. But things are improving. In 1999, 25 years before the most recent release, the gender pay gap was 16.4 per cent across full time employees, and 26.9 per cent across all employees. However, there's still some way to go and in this episode, Val and Madi take a look at a reader's question to explain how women can make their pay check work harder for them.Also in this episode, The Financial Times' Working It editor, Isabel Berwick, joins Madi to talk about one of the most uncomfortable work conversations, asking for a pay increase. Isabel shares her tips for taking the emotion out of the conversation with your boss and what to remember when you're asking for that pay rise.Women and Wealth is a six part podcast series from Investors' Chronicle. You can listen and watch the episodes, alongside our other podcasts, on Apple, Spotify and YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The show starts unpacking the latest results from equipment hire company Ashtead (AHT). Mark Robinson analyses the outlook for US construction spending, the company’s sensitivity to tariffs and its valuation. It’s then on to Ashtead’s smaller rival Speedy Hire (SDY), which is closing some of its depots due to rising staff costs. Listen to find out everything investors need to know. Next up is one of the IC's Ideas of the Year, which are putting in a strong performance again in 2025. Pensions consultancy XPS Pensions (XPS) reported full-year figures earlier this week – Julian Hofmann asks if its booming business can continue.Lastly, our Big Read on the medical technology sector. Mark Robinson covers the issues facing the industry, the options for investors and a potential tariff winner.Timestamps 1:50 Ashtead9:20 Speedy Hire18:29 XPS Pensions27:36 MedtechRead more on these topics:Ashtead stymied by falling used equipment salesSpeedy Hire attempts to boost efficiencies as HMRC loads costsThe cutting-edge medtech stocks worth owningListen to more podcasts from Investors’ Chronicle on Apple, Spotify and YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dive into the intersection of love and finances as experts discuss how women can safeguard their financial future in relationships. From navigating shared expenses to tackling the complexities of cohabitation and marriage, open communication is key. Discover the ins and outs of using a lifetime ISA for home buying and the financial implications of ownership between partners. Plus, learn how wedding costs stack up against potential tax benefits, ensuring that love and money can coexist harmoniously.

Valeria Martinez, a financial analyst, dives into FirstGroup's impressive results and how rail renationalisation is reshaping the industry. She discusses increased bus fares and the competitive landscape. Next, Julian Hofmann talks about Oxford Instruments' £60 million sale of its quantum business, shifting focus amid tariff challenges. Lastly, Alex Newman sheds light on Blue Whale Growth's unconventional investment in Philip Morris, highlighting its transition to non-cigarette products and the rising complexity of ESG categorization.

Explore the staggering £678 billion gender investment gap in the UK and discover why women are less likely to invest than men. Dive into the benefits of investing versus keeping cash, highlighting how longer investment periods can reduce risk. Gain practical tips for beginner investors, emphasizing the importance of regular contributions and reliable resources. Empower yourself with insights into effective financial management and decision-making to take control of your financial future. Get ready to bridge the gap and embrace investment with confidence!

Discover the pressing investment gap between men and women and learn how to bridge it. The hosts tackle essential topics like negotiating for fair pay and the challenges single women face in finances. Dive into strategies for secure retirement and explore how motherhood impacts financial decisions. With expert insights from industry professionals, this podcast empowers women on their financial journeys and encourages them to take charge of their wealth with confidence.

Christopher Akers, a defense industry analyst, breaks down Chemring's impressive half-year performance, highlighting a record order book linked to the UK's strategic defense review. Meanwhile, Mark Robinson, the companies editor, analyses Paragon Banking's stellar financial results and unique market position. The discussion also veers into Latin America, where stock markets are rebounding, with a focus on funds capitalizing on this upward trend despite political uncertainties. It's a captivating look at current market dynamics across various sectors.

Mark Robinson and Julian Hofmann, both financial experts at Investors' Chronicle, dive into the fascinating world of market movements. They discuss Pets at Home, revealing how its veterinary services are outshining retail amid changing consumer behaviors. Julian reflects on 25 years of market volatility, highlighting crucial lessons for investors. Finally, they analyze BT's strategic shifts, including a rise in cash flow despite revenue declines, and what this means for future growth. It's a captivating exploration of resilience in a shifting economic landscape.