Merryn Talks Money

Felix Martin, an astute economist and author of 'Money: The Unauthorized Biography', dives into the intriguing complexities of money. He challenges conventional notions, framing money as a system of ideas rooted in credits and debts, rather than just a medium of exchange. The discussion touches on wealth disparities across generations shaped by monetary policy and proposes a much-needed generational reset. Martin also highlights the transformative impact of cryptocurrencies and stablecoins, along with gold's enduring value during economic turmoil.

Marcus Ashworth, a Bloomberg Opinion columnist and former chief markets strategist, joins to shed light on Japan's bond market intricacies. They dive into the impact of recent market activities on decision-making at the Bank of England. The conversation reveals how rising inflation is shifting demand for long-dated debt and the challenges facing bond auctions. They explore the carry trade strategy's influence on currency dynamics and discuss the delicate balance Japanese authorities must maintain to stabilize the yen amid global investment shifts.

The discussion dives into whether commodities still belong in investment portfolios given today's economic uncertainties. Experts highlight commodity stocks, their role as inflation hedges, and the effects of environmental regulations. The relationship between energy choices and financial struggles is explored, reflecting on how inflation acts as a wealth tax. Listeners are entertained by amusing anecdotes contrasting past and present money management practices, with engaging tales about cash and the pitfalls of hiding money.

Join Ed Yardeni, President of Yardeni Research and economist who popularized the term 'bond vigilantes', as he shares insights on the current state of U.S. markets. He discusses the rising bond yields and the contrasting dynamics of various generations in investing. Despite concerns of stagflation, Yardeni expresses cautious optimism about the economy's resilience. The conversation dives into global market risks, the allure of gold and Bitcoin, and the challenges faced by small-cap stocks in a passive investing landscape, offering a hopeful perspective amidst uncertainty.

This discussion dives into the latest UK inflation figures and their impact on interest rates, warning about strategic financial planning. Insights from Australian pension funds shed light on taxation challenges, especially for asset-rich individuals. The conversation also touches on the tension surrounding potential new taxes and the need for responsible policymaking in both the UK and Australia. Plus, there's a nod to optimizing business finance with innovative tools and insurance options.

In this discussion, Anthony Emmerson, director of Trinity Financial and a mortgage specialist, shares insights into the often-overlooked aspects of homebuying in the UK. He emphasizes the importance of understanding hidden costs beyond the deposit, such as stamp duty and potential survey limitations. The conversation highlights the need for securing a mortgage in principle, the roles of brokers and solicitors, and warns about challenges like gazumping. Emmerson’s expertise gives first-time buyers a clearer path through the complexities of the property market.

Sarah Ketterer, CEO of Causeway Capital Management, leads a firm managing over $55 billion and is a seasoned veteran in global investing. She discusses the shift in focus from the U.S. market to opportunities in Europe, Japan, and South Korea. Ketterer highlights the rationality of value investing in the face of market volatility and changing interest rates. She also delves into undervalued assets in South Korea, particularly in tech and commodities, and contrasts the appeal of Bitcoin with gold in the evolving investment landscape.

Explore the latest market dynamics and the call for pension funds to boost their investment in private equity. Dive into the potential restructuring of ISA allowances and its impact on the IPO market. Uncover the hidden costs associated with holding cash instead of investing and the wealth individuals might be missing out on. The conversation wraps up with a dose of skepticism about recent trends and highlights the importance of savvy financial planning.

In this engaging conversation, Laura Conduit, a specialist property solicitor at Farrer and Co LLP, shares her expertise on navigating the complexities of buying a home in the UK. She illuminates the crucial differences between conveyancers and solicitors, stressing the importance of value over cost. Laura also discusses common pitfalls that can derail sales and explains why buying a flat often incurs higher conveyancing fees. With insights on chancel repair liabilities and essential paperwork, she equips listeners with knowledge to make informed decisions.

Delve into the surprising decisions of the Bank of England and their impact on the market. The ongoing 'Buy the Dip' mentality among US investors is scrutinized alongside the potential implications of new UK-US trade deals. The podcast discusses the volatility of investment strategies, especially the contrasting tactics of retail versus seasoned investors. Listeners gain insight into the UK’s attractive share valuations and the optimism surrounding pension reforms, with a nod towards the evolving landscape of trade relationships.