Investors' Chronicle

Valeria Martinez, a finance commentator specializing in utilities, dives into SSE's ambitious £33bn investment plan, revealing why it excited investors. Alex Newman highlights the plan's market implications and regulatory aspects. Mike Fairhear analyzes Volex's robust performance and its strategic pivot towards data centers under new leadership. Mark Robinson discusses the newly listed auditor MHA, assessing its growth prospects amid market challenges. Together, they unravel the intricate dynamics of infrastructure investments and market reactions.

Lord John Lee of Trafford, an experienced investor and UK equities commentator, shares insights on his portfolio and the upcoming Autumn Budget. He discusses the ups and downs of stocks like Treatt and STV, and praises Goodwin as an exciting engineering player. John elaborates on the cautious appeal of small-cap Venture Life and reliable income from James Halstead. He also touches on Primary Health Properties' attractive yield and MS International's defense sector potential. Lastly, he offers a forecast on budget-related tax measures.

Mark Robinson, a financial journalist, dives into Marks & Spencer's latest half-year results, revealing the impact of a recent cyber attack on profits and performance. James Norrington, a technology commentator, explores groundbreaking advances in quantum computing, discussing their implications for markets and AI. Finally, investment expert Val Cipriani reviews the performance of key UK-listed healthcare trusts and highlights innovative strategies aimed at attracting investors. Tune in for insights on retail resilience, quantum stock speculation, and healthcare trust dynamics!

Hugh Moorhead, a banking analyst, explores the UK banking sector's outlook, focusing on provisions for motor finance and regulatory impacts. He highlights Barclays’ significant private credit exposure. Valeria Martinez, a financial journalist, analyzes Next 15’s recent struggles, including a major client loss and management shake-up, and discusses its restructuring efforts to regain market confidence. They also look into Kitwave's resilient growth despite a recent profit warning and how it's navigating domestic challenges.

In this insightful discussion, Dr. Ylva Baeckström, a Senior lecturer in finance at King's Business School, explores the crucial intersection of psychology and investing. She highlights how emotions can cloud financial judgment, especially during market downturns, and discusses gender differences in investment behavior. Dr. Baeckström advocates for better financial education and representation of women in finance, pointing out that women often have more successful portfolios despite facing systemic biases. She also offers practical tips to empower all investors.

Gold’s recent super rally has left investors wondering what’s coming next. Alex Hamer breaks down what is driving the surge, and the recent sell-off, whether volatility is now the norm, and what analysts’ outlook is for the yellow metal. It’s then on to the credit scoring business Experian (EXPN). The US credit scoring market has come under scrutiny recently, and Valeria Martinez unpacks how exposed the company is and what it's doing in response.Continuing in the US, concerns persist over the world's largest economy and its reliance on tech stocks. Mark Robinson looks at what point AI needs to start delivering actual productivity gains before a correction occurs, and compares the AI boom to the dotcom era. Timestamps 1:16 Gold 12:34 Experian21:13 US bubbleHow to spot the gold price topWhy a US credit score overhaul actually helps Experian Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The FCA’s long-awaited motor finance redress scheme landed with a lower overall compensation figure than expected. Mark Robinson explores how Lloyds (LLOY) and Close Brothers (CBG) have responded, why both plan to challenge the proposals, and whether the scheme risks turning into another PPI-style saga.Our Big Read is next. The future of cities is shifting as travel and office attendance continue to climb back slowly. Michael Fahy, author of the feature, looks at the steady uptick in London office occupancy, trends between the UK and US markets, and how Reits are reshaping portfolios.Last up, Whitbread (WTB) reported results slightly ahead of estimates, yet shares fell amid rising costs and lease charges. Erin Withey analyses how the Premier Inn owner continues to gain UK market share in a slower economy, and how its accelerated growth plan could unlock long-term value.Timestamps 1:15 Motor finance12:15 The future of cities23:08 WhitbredRead the stories mentioned in the show:Banking shares rise on lower-than-expected motor finance costsMega-cities need to grow – here’s how investors can take advantageWhitbread hit by planned UK restaurant closures and softer demand Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

RIT Capital Partners is one of the UK’s largest investment trusts with over £4bn in assets under management. Maggie Fanari joined its investment manager, J. Rothschild Capital Management, as CEO in 2024. Her goal is to compound growth for investors without the risk that equity markets carry. In the episode, Dan Jones and Fanari discuss the structure of the trust, which is split between private assets, listed equities and ‘uncorrelated’ assets, and the trust’s thus-far unsuccessful attempts to narrow the discount on which it trades. Fanari also shares the qualities she looks for when seeking out private assets (one recent addition being Elon Musk’s SpaceX) as well as the recent changes to the trust’s portfolio and her take on the AI market.  Timestamps 00:45 The structure of the trust 02:53 The discount 10:23 RIT’s dividend11:26 Private assets18:19 Recent asset allocation changes 22:22 Discerene 25:42 US tech32:42 European markets34:11 Asia34:52 UK equities 35:41 AI37:38 Overall investment picture Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

British business Volution (FAN) provides ventilation and air systems, and its shares have increased by a fifth thanks to the acquisition of an Australian business Fantech. Michael Fahy unpacks how investors reacted to the latest results, what is driving demand, and its broad geographical spread. The CMA investigation into the veterinary market is still ongoing, and CVS (CVS) has paused its UK acquisition programme while it ticks on. Julian Hofmann examines the company’s results, its strategies for maintaining business growth, and its current valuation. Last up, Alex Newman delves into the world of bitcoin, the topic of this week’s Big Read. From the FCA’s reversal on DIY investors buying and selling crypto exchange traded notes (ETNs), to the eligibility in Isas and Sipps, listen to find out everything you need to know about bitcoin buying.Timestamps  01:14 Volution07:17 CVS15:49 BitcoinCVS pivots to Australia as UK expansion stalls amid CMA probeThere’s a new way to buy bitcoin – but is it safe? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Julian Hofmann, a seasoned pharmaceuticals expert, shares insights on AstraZeneca's potential blockbuster breast cancer drug, Enhertu, and the company’s strategic shifts. Val Cipriani, a business journalist, discusses the 'Great Wealth Transfer' and offers advice on gifting and inheritance tax, emphasizing planning for family wealth. Finally, Mark Robinson analyzes Ceres Power's disappointing interim results, Bosch’s exit, and the company's pivot toward growing tech markets, specifically data centers. Tune in for valuable insights!