We start with Smiths Group’s (SMIN) results. The engineering giant’s figures missed expectations, but could new acquisitions and an updated cost-saving plan bring things back? Michael Fahy reports. Our Big Read this week is on pensions. We all know what they are, but there’s much more that could be done for savers and perhaps for the wider economy – Alex Hamer, author of the cover feature, gives a rundown of the reforms mentioned in the piece that could boost pots, and breathe new life into the stock market.We wrap up by touching on bid takeover activity. From Rightmove (RMV) to Advanced Medical Solutions (AMS), Jennifer Johnson unpacks everything investors need to know from the past week.Timestamps01:18  Smiths Group 09:08  Pensions23:59 Small caps28:55 Takeovers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jemma Slingo is up first to discuss the fate of NatWest (NWG). Jemma and Dan unpack how well hedged the business is against falling interest rates, its share buyback plans and more.It’s then on to one company from our Income Majors special report: British American Tobacco (BATS). Like most tobacco stocks, BAT is in the firing line from the Labour government and other leaders around the world. Michael Fahy and Dan explore what potential smoking bans would mean for investors. We finish with two deals from the financial world. Close Brothers (CBG) has sold off its asset management arm while Brooks Macdonald (BRK) is also making disposals. Julian Hofmann covers everything investors need to know. Timestamps1:29 NatWest10:50 British American Tobacco22:00 Close Brothers/Brooks Macdonald Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We begin with Trustpilot (TRST), whose shares shot up 10 per cent in the past five days. Its software as a service (SaaS) is AI-enabled but should it be seen as a marketing or tech business? Jennifer Johnson runs through the long-term prospects inventors need to consider.Dave Baxter joins to chat about the 2024 edition of the IC’s Top 50 Funds list. He unpacks how it is constructed, why it’s tilted more towards investment trusts this year, and profiles some of the names that make the cut.Last up, we touch on engineer Reinshaw (RSW). While some other semiconductor suppliers have thrived, the company’s past few years have been rough. But do its latest figures point to a stronger narrative? Mark Robinson and Julian Hofmann discuss its future revenues and valuation.Timestamps1:13 Trustpilot13:16 Top 50 Funds23:11 ReinshawClaim your first 12 weeks of Investors' Chronicle Print + Digital for just £12. You will get instant access to our website and app, plus the magazine delivered to your door every week. To start your trial, visit www.investorschronicle.co.uk/podcasttrial *After your 12-week trial you will pay just £62 every 13 weeks by direct debit. If you’re not entirely satisfied, you can cancel up to 5 business days before your renewal date and only pay the £12 already debited. This offer is for UK subscribers only. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lee and the IC is back after its summer hiatus with the latest updates to Lord Lee’s portfolio. Armed with the proceeds of a takeover, Lord Lee has spent the last few months topping up some existing holdings and running the slide rule over several British value opportunities, including a media conglomerate and a global shipping firm. John and Alex continue their discussion on the role of non-executive directors (NEDs) as share ambassadors, as well as what lies ahead for private investors in the wake of Labour’s win.1:11 Lok’nStore sell6:13 Britvic 9:56 ITV purchase12:09 Braemar purchase18:00 Non-executive director holdings24:01 Labour government Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex Hamer unpacks the results from Australian mining giant BHP (BHP). It reported higher earnings in the 12 months to June thanks to record copper prices and a relatively stable iron ore market, its biggest market. Alex shares what investors should expect going forward. Alex Newman, the author of this week’s cover feature on insurance stocks, joins the show. DIY investors love insurers – note our Lee and the IC podcast co-host, Lord John Lee – but the industry is a complex beast. Alex explains what investors should do to know which names are worth owning.Lastly, Arthur Sants joins to discuss Nvidia’s (US:NVDA) latest interim results. Its revenue more than doubled but the share price fell thanks to expectations that it turns out even the world’s top-earning company can’t beat. Arthur explores the valuation and what lies ahead for the business.Timestamps1:18 BHP10:21 Investing in insurers 23:59 Nvidia Claim your first 12 weeks of Investors' Chronicle Print + Digital for just £12. You will get instant access to our website and app, plus the magazine delivered to your door every week. To start your trial, visit www.investorschronicle.co.uk/podcasttrial *After your 12-week trial you will pay just £62 every 13 weeks by direct debit. If you’re not entirely satisfied, you can cancel up to 5 business days before your renewal date and only pay the £12 already debited. This offer is for UK subscribers only. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We begin with construction firm Costain (COST), which recently announced a £10mn buyback. Mark Robinson weighs in on its latest results and more.It’s then on to Hargreaves Lansdown (HL). Val Cipriani covers the proposed takeover and what it means for those who use the platform. Julian Hofmann also unpacks the company’s results and the impact on shareholders.Last up, Alex Hamer covers Ithaca Energy’s (ITH) results, what impact Labour’s windfall tax will have and the latest events affecting North Sea stocks in general.Timestamps 1:15 Costain12:20 Hargreaves 23:50 Ithaca  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who holds the power: the government or the market? In this episode of the ‘A Value View’ Podcast, portfolio manager Simon Gergel discusses the aftermath of the recent UK election, marked by a significant Labour victory. He explores the UK stock market response and highlights where opportunities are being found today. Listen in now to find out more about the market reaction and what it means for investors. For more in-depth discussions and insights, visit our website for additional podcast episodes, articles and videos: https://www.merchantstrust.co.uk/en-gb/videos-podcasts-and-reading This content was paid for and produced by The Merchants Trust Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We begin with life insurer Just Group which raised its profit outlook after corporate pension deals boomed. Julian Hofmann unpacks the recent results and discusses whether the shares offer value and how the business might expand.Another insurer's results, Aviva (AV), follows. Mark Robinson and Julian talk about what the business is doing right and how it’s benefitting from diversification.Arthur Sants joins from New York to discuss his cover feature on Google’s parent company Alphabet (GOOGL). Arthur explains how Google became the world’s top search engine, its recent run-in with the Department of Justice, the threat of AI and more.One Savings Bank (OSB) is last up and Jemma Slingo reveals what led to the 20 per cent share price drop after its latest update.Timestamps1:21 Just Group10:19 Aviva 19:42 Alphabet 42:04 OSB Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlotte Cuthbertson, a manager at Migo Opportunities Investment Trust, dives into the fascinating world of investment trusts. She discusses the hunt for valuation anomalies and why she finds share buybacks more appealing than dividends. The conversation covers the impact of rising interest rates on sectors like infrastructure and biotech, as well as innovative alternative investments like music royalties. Cuthbertson also highlights the importance of private equity trusts and the influence of activist investors in shaping trust strategies.

We begin the episode with commodity trading and mining company Glencore (GLEN). Alex Hamer unpacks a busy week, including everything from the cancellation of the coal demerger to the company’s copper prospects in an environmentally conscious world.Val Cipriani discusses our cover feature on the often much-desired topic: retiring early. It doesn’t always seem realistic but Val covers how investors can set themselves on the right track, with simple and effective strategies including how to properly use pensions and Isas.Last up, Christopher Akers explains Deliveroo’s (ROO) latest results. The food delivery company’s shares were up 8 per cent on the morning of the recording on account of its first-ever statutory profit, a share buyback announcement and more, which cheered up a pretty dreary market.1:13 Glencore16:20 How to retire early27:50 Deliveroo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.