Money Clinic with Claer Barrett

Global equity funds are a mainstay in most investors’ portfolios, but few peer under the bonnet to examine the gigantic, global companies included in these investments. Host Claer Barrett speaks to veteran investor and FT columnist Simon Edelsten about the ‘Magnificent Seven’ US tech stocks that comprise up to a quarter of the weighting in some global trackers. Can their impressive performance in 2023 continue? Simon considers the potential impact of big global trends including higher inflation, AI and climate change, and answers questions from listeners. Free articlesMicrosoft will have observer role on Open AI's new boardTech turkeys and picking AI winnersIf you’d like to talk to Claer about a future episode, please email the Money Clinic team at money@ft.com with a short description of your problem, and how you would like us to help. Follow Claer on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @ClaerbPresented by Claer Barrett. Produced by Philippa Goodrich. Our executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Sound design is by Breen Turner, with original music from Metaphor Music. Cheryl Brumley is the FT’s global head of audio.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tax cuts were the centrepiece of the Autumn Statement last week – with national insurance bills set to drop in January for 27mn UK workers – but these savings stand to be wiped out by ‘stealth taxes’. Host Claer Barrett crunches through the numbers and explores the Autumn Statement’s impact on pensions, Isas and other investments, with Katie Martin, the FT’s markets editor and co-presenter of the Unhedged podcast, Sam Fleming, the FT’s economics editor, and Rafe Uddin, the FT’s UK politics reporter. Clips: UK Parliament TVFree links:Tell Sid all you like - but he might not buy NatWestThe Autumn Statement and your moneyQ&A: How will the Autumn Statement affect me?For related FT podcasts:UK equity markets have had a torrid time, as our recent Investment Masterclass with UK fund manager Nick Train explores, listen hereHear Claer and FT editors chat to Political Fix podcast host Lucy Fisher about the speed of tax cuts and the likely timing of the next general election, here If you’d like to talk to Claer about a future episode, please email the Money Clinic team at money@ft.com with a short description of your problem, and how you would like us to help. Follow Claer on X and Instagram @ClaerbPresented by Claer Barrett. Produced by Philippa Goodrich. Our executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Sound design is by Sean Kovacs McGarrity, with original music from Metaphor Music. Cheryl Brumley is the FT’s global head of audio.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sarah O’Connor, an FT columnist focused on economics and the evolving job market, joins Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets at Hargreaves Lansdown, for an insightful discussion. They tackle pressing economic issues like inflation's impact on purchasing power and the financial challenges facing homeowners amid rising interest rates. The conversation also touches on the financial resilience of Generation Alpha, the importance of financial education, and the complexities of student debt and housing for freelancers.

Dave Baxter, funds editor at the Investors' Chronicle, shares his insights on the fascinating world of ETFs. He explains their structure and popularity, detailing how to effectively integrate them into investment portfolios. The discussion covers critical factors like trading flexibility, expense ratios, and the nuances of dividend-paying versus accumulating shares. Baxter also navigates the complexities faced by European investors, emphasizing the importance of understanding fees and regulatory distinctions. Listeners will walk away equipped to make smarter investment choices!

Investment manager Nick Train discusses the case for investing in UK shares, emphasizing the potential for unloved UK companies to bounce back. He shares his strategy of investing in self-evidently excellent companies with strong brands and discusses the presence of digitally interesting businesses in Britain. Train also highlights the importance of financial literacy and encouraging young people to invest in the stock market instead of sports betting.

Sara Williams, a debt blogger, and James Jones, Head of Consumer Affairs at Experian, discuss credit scores, small debts impacting mortgages, and credit rating agency flaws. They explore the consequences of small historic debts, defaults on credit scores and mortgages, and tips for improving credit scores and loan opportunities.

Deborah Meaden, star of Dragon's Den, discusses her investment approach, the importance of understanding numbers in business, practical tips for investors to avoid greenwashing, making greener choices, and incorporating numeracy and math into subjects.

Experts discuss the potential changes to Isa investing in the UK, including simplification and promotion. They explore the benefits and basics of Isa investing, such as tax savings and flexibility. The podcast also delves into stamp duty on UK share purchases within Isas and the challenges faced by younger investors with fractional shares. Potential changes to Isa investing and improving the lifetime Isa are also discussed.

Mohamed El-Erian, renowned economist and investor, talks about his wait-and-see approach to equities and investment strategies during high inflation. He also reveals solutions to world problems from his book "Permacrisis." He explains how a telling-off from his daughter led him to quit a top job. The podcast covers topics like interest rates, changing financial markets, saving, and the impact of inflation.

It's hard enough sorting out the personal finances of a loved one who’s died. It’s even more painful when you suspect they’ve been targeted for their vulnerability. In the second of Money Clinic’s two-part series about what’s been called ‘sadmin’, the FT’s Miranda Green tells host Claer Barrett about the nasty surprises that she uncovered in her father’s personal finances after he died. Miranda found her Dad had been targeted by brokers selling him pointless insurance products, while her Mum had become the victim of several fraud attempts. So what are regulators and campaigners doing to protect vulnerable people from predatory selling tactics and scams?Want more? Free link:Sadmin - the side hustle nobody wantsServices mentioned in this 2-part series:https://www.gov.uk/after-a-death/organisations-you-need-to-contact-and-tell-us-oncehttps://www.mylostaccount.org.uk/https://www.deathnotificationservice.co.uk/Telephone preference service: www.tpsonline.org.ukInformation commissioner’s office: https://ico.org.uk/https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/scams-fraud/If you’d like to talk to Claer about a future episode, please email the Money Clinic team at money@ft.com with a short description of your problem, and how you would like us to help. Follow Claer on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @ClaerbPresented by Claer Barrett. Produced by Philippa Goodrich. Our executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Sound design by Breen Turner, with original music from Metaphor Music.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.