Merryn Talks Money

Michael Spencer, a UK billionaire and the mastermind behind ICAP and Nutshell Asset Management, breaks down modern trading strategies. He argues that the traditional buy-and-hold philosophy is outdated, emphasizing that trading costs have drastically decreased. Spencer delves into the significance of private investments and how AI can enhance decision-making. He critiques American market overvaluation while advocating for reforms in the UK to boost competitiveness. It's a fascinating take on adapting to new market dynamics!

In this week's roundup, Merryn speaks with Money Distilled newsletter author John Stepek about Chancellor Rachel Reeves's upcoming fiscal event and what it could mean for your finances. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s personal finance edition of Merryn Talks Money, hosts Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek discuss a selection of reader questions.Among them are why pension planning could be different between men and women, what to consider when choosing an Individual Savings Account in the UK and why dying broke might not be such a bad idea. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sebastian Lyon, founder and chief investment officer of Troy Asset Management, dives into safeguarding wealth in unpredictable markets. He shares insights on the challenges faced by the UK investment trust industry due to low interest rates and offers a hopeful outlook for its recovery. Lyon discusses the nuances of American investment strategies, urging caution, while highlighting gold's enduring value against the backdrop of fluctuating economic conditions. Get ready for practical tips and a thorough exploration of investment strategies!

The great John Authers, senior markets editor and Opinion columnist at Bloomberg, joins Merryn and John Stepek for this week's roundup. He talks about his time in Frankfurt, explaining "the biggest turning point for German economic policy at least since reunification, and possibly much longer." He also points out why German companies look like good value ( "take 10 percent out of your Mag7 ETF and put it into a Stocks Industrials ETF, and that will move things very quickly") and whether Wall Street is losing hope in the 'Trump put.' Disclaimer: Merryn's audio isn't great in this episode but we'll have it fixed by next week. The Johns sound excellent. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s no tradeoff between net zero and growth in the UK. That’s the conventional wisdom and the position of the current government. But what if it’s the decline in available electricity that’s causing productivity, GDP and living standards to stagnate?  New research from Kallum Pickering, chief economist at Peel Hunt, suggests there may indeed be a connection. He joins Merryn Somerset Webb and senior reporter John Stepek on Merryn Talks Money to explain that the rise of power-hungry artificial intelligence and the UK’s renewed focus on defense may mean the government should reexamine its energy policies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Suzanne Woolley, a Bloomberg personal finance and wealth reporter known for her investment insights, shares expert advice on investing $100,000. She highlights intriguing opportunities, including stocks outside the US, tech sectors, and even vacation homes in Greece. The conversation dives into various strategies, examining the appeal of treasuries, gold, and cryptocurrencies. Listeners will explore international real estate options and the balance between adventurous and conservative investing. Woolley's insights make navigating this financial landscape both enjoyable and enlightening.

Jeremy Grantham, co-founder of GMO and a legendary market strategist, discusses the looming dangers of a current 'super bubble' in the U.S. stock market. With over five decades of experience, he predicts imminent corrections and shares concerns about the green transition and its ties to economic health. Grantham also tackles the implications of declining population growth on productivity and advocates for a shift in cultural values. He delves into the speculative nature of assets like gold and Bitcoin, calling for a re-evaluation of traditional economic models in light of environmental sustainability.

John Stepek, a senior reporter and writer of the Money Distilled newsletter, dives into the recent downturn of the Magnificent 7 tech stocks, which led to a correction after a stellar rise. He discusses Bitcoin's volatility and its positioning as a speculative asset, shedding light on the tensions between traditional investments and crypto. The conversation also touches on Donald Trump's controversial 'gold card' proposal for fast-tracking U.S. citizenship through investment, exploring its implications in the current economic climate.

Dominic Volek, Group Head of Private Clients at Henley & Partners, sheds light on the intriguing world of citizenship by investment. He discusses why many expats are opting for new passports, often seeking better tax policies and living conditions. Volek reveals which countries offer the most attractive Golden Visas, like Greece and Malta, and highlights the motivations behind these shifts, including lifestyle improvements and educational benefits for families. Discover how investing can transform your residency and enhance your future.