Playing FTSE

Who has to try and figure out what to do in the mornings? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show!Another week, another outperformance for one Steve. And the other one hasn’t done bad, either…Terry Smith – known to some as Britain’s Warren Buffett – has released his shareholder letter for the first half of 2025. And the Fundsmith Equity Fund has been losing money.Chief among the detractors is Novo Nordisk, which has been sold to make way for EssilorLuxottica. But the stocks catching Steve W’s attention are Meta and Microsoft…FTSE 250 housebuilder Vistry reported earnings this week and the numbers are… not great. But Steve D has some news that has put the stock firmly on Steve W’s list of stocks to buy.The investigation from the CMA looks like it’s all but settled. And with the stock having gone nowhere ahead of a £39bn government package, is the opportunity too good to miss?Investors might wonder why shares in Celebrus Technologies jumped 15% this week after earnings. Revenues are set to fall and earnings are going negative in 2026.That, though, is almost entirely the result of a change in revenue recognition. Steve W thinks a closer look reveals a company that’s doing just fine – and a stock at a decent price.Steve D has been reverting to type with a South American stock with a name that’s difficult to spell. But Tecnoglass is traded on the US exchanges and it looks very interesting.With competitive strengths ranging from low costs (due to vertical integration) to a unique product (due to patents) it’s in a strong position. And of course, a balance sheet to match.Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast!► Get a free share!This show is sponsored by Trading 212! To get free fractional shares worth up to 100 EUR / GBP, you can open an account with Trading 212 through this link https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE. Terms apply.When investing, your capital is at risk and you may get back less than invested.Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results.► Get 15% OFF Fiscal.ai:Huge thanks to our sponsor, Fiscal.ai, the best investing toolkit we've discovered! Get 15% off your subscription with code below and unlock powerful tools to analyze stocks, discover hidden gems, and build income streams. Check them out at Fiscal.ai!https://fiscal.ai/?via=steve► Follow Us On Substack:https://playingftse.substack.com/► Support the show:Appreciate the show and want to offer your support? You could always buy us a coffee at: https://ko-fi.com/playingftse(All proceeds reinvested into the show and not to coffee!)There are many ways to help support the show, liking, commenting and sharing our episodes with friends! You can also check out our clothing merch store: https://playingftse.teemill.com/We get a small cut of anything you buy which will be reinvested back into the show...► Timestamps:0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS5:31 TERRY SMITH21:01 VISTRY CHECK IN38:15 CELEBRUS51:34 TECNOGLASS► Show Notes:What’s been going on in the financial world and why should anyone care? Find out as we dive into the latest news and try to figure out what any of it means. We talk about stocks, markets, politics, and loads of other things in a way that’s accessible, light-hearted and (we hope) entertaining. For the people who know nothing, by the people who know even less. Enjoy► Wanna get in contact?Got a question for us? Drop it in the comments below or reach out to us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/playingftseshow Or on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/► Enquiries: Please email - playingftsepodcast@gmail(dot)com► Disclaimer: This information is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions.

Which hole has Steve D been shoving money down? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show!The Steves are on a roll right now – both are ahead of the FTSE 100 and the S&P 500. And there’s one stock in particular that’s been doing it for both of them over the last seven days…Greggs shares have had another appalling week, this time due to the weather being too hot. But does that change anything about what the Steves are planning on doing with the Britbox?The FTSE 250 stock had been on the list to buy before the latest decline. But there’s also another new name that’s joining the ranks from Steve D…In terms of European shares to buy there’s one big name that stands out. It’s LVMH which – as of last week – both Steves have ownership stakes in. Making way is spirits company Pernod Ricard and GLP-1 firm Novo Nordisk. But Steve D has an eye on another name from a different sector to add to the portfolio…AstraZeneca is the latest name rumoured to be leaving the FTSE 100 for the US. But Steve W isn’t buying it – the stock or the story. Healthcare has been the worst-performing S&P 500 sector over the last 12 months. And with RFK Jr. as Health Minister, is that really where a pharmaceuticals firm wants to be?Anyone wanting a house, cars, or basically anything in the Baltic region realistically only has one place to look. It’s Baltic Classifieds – which is obviously a member of the FTSE 250. The company has a nice business model and a very strong market position. And with the stock down almost 10% in  day, could it be one to consider buying?Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast!► Get a free share!This show is sponsored by Trading 212! To get free fractional shares worth up to 100 EUR / GBP, you can open an account with Trading 212 through this link https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE. Terms apply.When investing, your capital is at risk and you may get back less than invested.Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results.► Get 15% OFF Fiscal.ai:Huge thanks to our sponsor, Fiscal.ai, the best investing toolkit we've discovered! Get 15% off your subscription with code below and unlock powerful tools to analyze stocks, discover hidden gems, and build income streams. Check them out at Fiscal.ai!https://fiscal.ai/?via=steve► Follow Us On Substack:https://playingftse.substack.com/► Support the show:Appreciate the show and want to offer your support? You could always buy us a coffee at: https://ko-fi.com/playingftse(All proceeds reinvested into the show and not to coffee!)There are many ways to help support the show, liking, commenting and sharing our episodes with friends! You can also check out our clothing merch store: https://playingftse.teemill.com/We get a small cut of anything you buy which will be reinvested back into the show...► Timestamps:0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS6:55 BRITBOX CHANGES24:58 EUROBOX CHANGES35:32 ASTRAZENECA TO LEAVE UK STOCK MARKET49:51 BALTIC CLASSIFIEDS GROUP► Show Notes:What’s been going on in the financial world and why should anyone care? Find out as we dive into the latest news and try to figure out what any of it means. We talk about stocks, markets, politics, and loads of other things in a way that’s accessible, light-hearted and (we hope) entertaining. For the people who know nothing, by the people who know even less. Enjoy► Wanna get in contact?Got a question for us? Drop it in the comments below or reach out to us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/playingftseshow Or on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/► Enquiries: Please email - playingftsepodcast@gmail(dot)com► Disclaimer: This information is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions.

Who’s been selling their Southern Copper shares? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show!It’s the end of Q2, so it’s time to check back in on portfolios. That means Steve D, Steve W, the Britbox, and the Eurobox, but who’s been outperforming what?Steve D was having a quiet time of things in Q2. But then that all changed later on in the piece. With over £2,000 in cash, is Thermo Fisher Scientific on the buy list? Or are there better opportunities to add to his existing investments?Steve W’s Q2 got off to a roaring start on the buying front as Liberation Day crashed the stock market. But most of his buying has been in one particular FTSE 100 stock. It’s been a FTSE 250 name, though, that has been keeping his portfolio afloat for the last six months. And with share prices recovering, he’s got an eye on a sell…The Britbox has had a mixed few months. And there have been a few high-profile fallers that have been putting pressure on the overall portfolio.The big question is what to do about it, which gives the Steves a question. With a lot of ideas about stocks to buy, what should they sell to make way?The Eurobox has made a roaring start to life. Strong performances from Dino Polska and Euronext have caused the overall portfolio to climb.Steve W has a few names in mind for potential additions. But a handful of Swedish conglomerates are out of the question for an unusual reason…Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast!► Get a free share!This show is sponsored by Trading 212! To get free fractional shares worth up to 100 EUR / GBP, you can open an account with Trading 212 through this link https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE. Terms apply.When investing, your capital is at risk and you may get back less than invested.Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results.► Get 15% OFF Fiscal.ai:Huge thanks to our sponsor, Fiscal.ai, the best investing toolkit we've discovered! Get 15% off your subscription with code below and unlock powerful tools to analyze stocks, discover hidden gems, and build income streams. Check them out at Fiscal.ai!https://fiscal.ai/?via=steve► Follow Us On Substack:https://playingftse.substack.com/► Support the show:Appreciate the show and want to offer your support? You could always buy us a coffee at: https://ko-fi.com/playingftse(All proceeds reinvested into the show and not to coffee!)There are many ways to help support the show, liking, commenting and sharing our episodes with friends! You can also check out our clothing merch store: https://playingftse.teemill.com/We get a small cut of anything you buy which will be reinvested back into the show...► Timestamps:0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS4:27 STEVE D’S PORTFOLIO23:29 STEVE W PORTFOLIO40:27 BRITBOX UPDATE52:52 EUROBOX UPDATE► Show Notes:What’s been going on in the financial world and why should anyone care? Find out as we dive into the latest news and try to figure out what any of it means. We talk about stocks, markets, politics, and loads of other things in a way that’s accessible, light-hearted and (we hope) entertaining. For the people who know nothing, by the people who know even less. Enjoy► Wanna get in contact?Got a question for us? Drop it in the comments below or reach out to us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/playingftseshow Or on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/► Enquiries: Please email - playingftsepodcast@gmail(dot)com► Disclaimer: This information is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions.

Who’s got wood? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show!Both Steves are up ahead of the market again this week, extending an impressive run. But who were the real winners over the last seven days?As FTSE 250 stocks go, XPS Pensions has been an outstanding performer over the last five years. And the future doesn’t look bad either. A strong competitive position in an industry where shifting regulation should mean steady demand is a very good thing. And there’s a share buyback to consider, as well…FTSE 100 events company Informa has caught Steve W’s eye. He’s not going to World of Concrete and doesn’t know anyone who is, but there might be money in running it.Attractive economics and a resilient business are big plus points. On the other hand, an acquisition at over 20 times adjusted EBITDA means there’s some risk with the stock.Ashtead is making its way from the UK to the US, but shares didn’t get the boost investors might have hoped for. Probably because it also came with a profit warning.Despite a cyclical downturn, the stock seems like decent value. Steve D, however, thinks taking a closer look reveals a different picture of the relatively attractive multiple.Renew is an uninteresting business in an uninteresting industry. Sometimes, though, these boring stocks can generate some impressive returns for investors. Rail maintenance work has unironically been delayed and this is weighing on growth. But with maintenance work non-negotiable, it might just be a case of being patient.Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast!► Get a free share!This show is sponsored by Trading 212! To get free fractional shares worth up to 100 EUR / GBP, you can open an account with Trading 212 through this link https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE. Terms apply.When investing, your capital is at risk and you may get back less than invested.Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results.► Get 15% OFF Finchat.io:Huge thanks to our sponsor, FinChat.io, the best investing toolkit we've discovered! Get 15% off your subscription with code below and unlock powerful tools to analyze stocks, discover hidden gems, and build income streams. Check them out at FinChat.io!https://finchat.io/playingftse/?lmref=iQl2VQ► Follow Us On Substack:https://playingftse.substack.com/► Support the show:Appreciate the show and want to offer your support? You could always buy us a coffee at: https://ko-fi.com/playingftse(All proceeds reinvested into the show and not to coffee!)There are many ways to help support the show, liking, commenting and sharing our episodes with friends! You can also check out our clothing merch store: https://playingftse.teemill.com/We get a small cut of anything you buy which will be reinvested back into the show...► Timestamps:0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS6:22 XPS Pensions19:23 Informa35:26 Ashtead Group49:40 Renew Holdings► Show Notes:What’s been going on in the financial world and why should anyone care? Find out as we dive into the latest news and try to figure out what any of it means. We talk about stocks, markets, politics, and loads of other things in a way that’s accessible, light-hearted and (we hope) entertaining. For the people who know nothing, by the people who know even less. Enjoy► Wanna get in contact?Got a question for us? Drop it in the comments below or reach out to us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/playingftseshow Or on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/► Enquiries: Please email - playingftsepodcast@gmail(dot)com► Disclaimer: This information is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions.

What is PSNFL? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show!It’s been a storming week for both Steves. But who’s done well, who’s done better, and what’s been going on with Nintendo?Rachel Reeves has issued the latest set of government spending plans. And there have been some obvious winners from the news. Chief among these is Rolls-Royce. But the housebuilders have also been doing well and both Steves are actually relatively optimistic about the plans going forward.On the face of it, Halma’s latest results appear to be outstanding and the stock is up as a result. Steve W has been having a look at the numbers.Organic growth is impressive and the stock market clearly likes it. However, with a March 31st cutoff, could there be tariff volatility on the way?Wise might be leaving the UK, but Steve and Steve aren’t willing to let this one go easily. Another outstanding year has seen the company go from strength to strength.More people, more transaction volume, and lower charges are seeing the company pull away. So is it likely to attract a better multiple on the other side of the Atlantic?Danaher is an S&P 500 stock that we haven’t talked about much before. But it’s the kind of business that both Steves like – strong growth and a good acquirer. It has a very interesting backstory and a culture that gives it a big competitive advantage. So at a cyclical low, could it be a stock to buy right now?Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast!► Get a free share!This show is sponsored by Trading 212! To get free fractional shares worth up to 100 EUR / GBP, you can open an account with Trading 212 through this link https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE. Terms apply.When investing, your capital is at risk and you may get back less than invested.Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results.► Get 15% OFF Finchat.io:Huge thanks to our sponsor, FinChat.io, the best investing toolkit we've discovered! Get 15% off your subscription with code below and unlock powerful tools to analyze stocks, discover hidden gems, and build income streams. Check them out at FinChat.io!https://finchat.io/playingftse/?lmref=iQl2VQ► Follow Us On Substack:https://playingftse.substack.com/► Support the show:Appreciate the show and want to offer your support? You could always buy us a coffee at: https://ko-fi.com/playingftse(All proceeds reinvested into the show and not to coffee!)There are many ways to help support the show, liking, commenting and sharing our episodes with friends! You can also check out our clothing merch store: https://playingftse.teemill.com/We get a small cut of anything you buy which will be reinvested back into the show...► Timestamps:0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS10:13 REEVES SPENDING REVIEW24:21 HALMA36:52 WISE54:40 DANAHER► Show Notes:What’s been going on in the financial world and why should anyone care? Find out as we dive into the latest news and try to figure out what any of it means. We talk about stocks, markets, politics, and loads of other things in a way that’s accessible, light-hearted and (we hope) entertaining. For the people who know nothing, by the people who know even less. Enjoy► Wanna get in contact?Got a question for us? Drop it in the comments below or reach out to us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/playingftseshow Or on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/► Enquiries: Please email - playingftsepodcast@gmail(dot)com► Disclaimer: This information is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions.

Join James Fox, the UK's top independent stock picker and founder of the soft drink company Sumacqua, as he shares his journey into investing. Discover how he took control of his finances at 18 and his unique stock-picking strategy using the PEG ratio. Hear his thoughts on the investment potential of Pinterest and the nuances of diversifying a portfolio that includes a drinks business. James also assesses the market trends for popular brands like Greggs and explores the evolving dynamics of the drinks and stock markets.

What happens if you try to widen your cavities too much? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show!A stellar week for Steve D in the stock market and an adequate one for Steve W. So spirits are high as we set up for recording, but how long will that last?Macfarlane is a small cap UK packaging stock. It’s up against bigger competition when it comes to distribution, but its manufacturing business is impressive.Steve W has been taking a look at this one after some recent weakness. But is this one for his portfolio, or one for the upcoming vacancy in the Britbox?It’s been a long time since we looked at Forterra – our favourite UK brick company. But have things got better since the firm was running up debt while paying dividends?The answer is yes – and no. Demand has started to pick up as the UK government looks to push things along, but the balance sheet still needs some work. Diageo put up some strong growth numbers in its most recent earnings report. But not everything is what it seems with the FTSE 100 spirits company.There’s a lot of demand pulled forward in advance of potential tariffs, but there’s also some signs of a plan emerging. Is that enough to make the stock a buy?Nvidia stock is up following (yet) a(nother) strong report. The firm has managed to shrug off the US government restricting its sales to China in impressive style.Steve D’s been having a look at the numbers and thinks there’s still some mighty sales priced in. But Steve W isn’t so sure (though he liked the stock better at $90)...Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast!► Get a free share!This show is sponsored by Trading 212! To get free fractional shares worth up to 100 EUR / GBP, you can open an account with Trading 212 through this link https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE. Terms apply.When investing, your capital is at risk and you may get back less than invested.Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results.► Get 15% OFF Finchat.io:Huge thanks to our sponsor, FinChat.io, the best investing toolkit we've discovered! Get 15% off your subscription with code below and unlock powerful tools to analyze stocks, discover hidden gems, and build income streams. Check them out at FinChat.io!https://finchat.io/playingftse/?lmref=iQl2VQ► Follow Us On Substack:https://playingftse.substack.com/► Support the show:Appreciate the show and want to offer your support? You could always buy us a coffee at: https://ko-fi.com/playingftse(All proceeds reinvested into the show and not to coffee!)There are many ways to help support the show, liking, commenting and sharing our episodes with friends! You can also check out our clothing merch store: https://playingftse.teemill.com/We get a small cut of anything you buy which will be reinvested back into the show...► Timestamps:0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS4:32 MACFARLANE19:37 FORTERRA37:15 DIAGEO50:47 NVIDIA► Show Notes:What’s been going on in the financial world and why should anyone care? Find out as we dive into the latest news and try to figure out what any of it means. We talk about stocks, markets, politics, and loads of other things in a way that’s accessible, light-hearted and (we hope) entertaining. For the people who know nothing, by the people who know even less. Enjoy► Wanna get in contact?Got a question for us? Drop it in the comments below or reach out to us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/playingftseshow Or on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/► Enquiries: Please email - playingftsepodcast@gmail(dot)com► Disclaimer: This information is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions.

Discover what one of the hosts has been eagerly anticipating for 17 years! The conversation dives into the fluctuating stock market, focusing on Alphabet's innovative advancements in AI amidst ongoing legal challenges. Investigate the surprising impact of nice weather on Greggs' stock performance and explore the impressive growth of Diploma, including its successful acquisitions. The discussion also touches on Waymo's monumental self-driving taxi achievements while contrasting its strategy with Tesla's, ensuring a captivating listen for any investor.

► Get a free share!This show is sponsored by Trading 212! To get free fractional shares worth up to 100 EUR / GBP, you can open an account with Trading 212 through this link https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE. Terms apply.When investing, your capital is at risk and you may get back less than invested.Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results.► Get 15% OFF Finchat.io:Huge thanks to our sponsor, FinChat.io, the best investing toolkit we've discovered! Get 15% off your subscription with code below and unlock powerful tools to analyze stocks, discover hidden gems, and build income streams. Check them out at FinChat.io!https://finchat.io/playingftse/?lmref=iQl2VQ► Episode Notes:Who’s been buying a secret stock? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show!Contrasting fortunes for the Steves this week. Steve W has underperformed both the FTSE 100 and the S&P 500, but Steve D has outperformed them both… put together!Earlier this week, shares in 3i fell 7%. Then they recovered within about half an hour – how is anyone supposed to buy a dip like that? Steve W has been paying attention to this one. And as Action – the private equity firm’s largest investment continues to do well, there might have been an opportunity…United Health shares have had an awful year so far in 2025. CEOs have been departing and there’s now an investigation into Medicare fraud on the way. The stock is unusually cheap, though. And Steve D thinks when the company makes it through to the other side of its problems, things could look very different.Compass Group is a FTSE 100 stock that we’ve never looked at before. But Steve W thinks it’s time to change that – there’s a lot to like about the contract caterer.The firm combines a lot of the business models that we like. The only trouble is, it doesn’t look like this is a big secret that the market is missing right now…It’s time for another look at Cava – the fast-growing Greek restaurant chain. The stock has been up and down since its IPO and Steve D has been following closely.At the moment, though, it’s dividing opinion. Unusually, Steve D can’t make the numbers add up on this one, but Steve W thinks it’s about right where it is…Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast!► Support the show:Appreciate the show and want to offer your support? You could always buy us a coffee at: https://ko-fi.com/playingftse(All proceeds reinvested into the show and not to coffee!)There are many ways to help support the show, liking, commenting and sharing our episodes with friends! You can also check out our clothing merch store: https://playingftse.teemill.com/We get a small cut of anything you buy which will be reinvested back into the show...► Timestamps:0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS8:20 3I21:42 UNITED HEALTH36:13 COMPASS GROUP51:35 CAVA► Show Notes:What’s been going on in the financial world and why should anyone care? Find out as we dive into the latest news and try to figure out what any of it means. We talk about stocks, markets, politics, and loads of other things in a way that’s accessible, light-hearted and (we hope) entertaining. For the people who know nothing, by the people who know even less. Enjoy► Wanna get in contact?Got a question for us? Drop it in the comments below or reach out to us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/playingftseshow Or on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/► Enquiries: Please email - playingftsepodcast@gmail(dot)com► Disclaimer: This information is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions.

The hosts dive into Warren Buffett's impending retirement and the potential impact of Greg Abel's leadership at Berkshire Hathaway. They discuss Disney's stock surge fueled by growing streaming subscriptions and an upcoming park, alongside the current struggles of the UK retail sector. Highlighting MercadoLibre's significant revenue growth, they explore challenges in e-commerce and fintech. Personal anecdotes and investment missteps add humor, making for an engaging discourse on navigating market dynamics.