Merryn Talks Money

Stephen Yiu, the lead manager of the Blue Whale Growth Fund, shares his insights on the recent Big Tech selloff and the evolving perspectives on AI investments. He explains why he trimmed stakes in US tech firms, citing concerns over AI costs. The conversation dives into the rise of DeepSeek, a Chinese AI company poised to challenge American tech, and highlights new investment opportunities in sectors like sports gambling. Yiu also reflects on how political shifts influence market strategies while navigating the complexities of AI's transformative effects.

Simon French, Managing Director and Chief Economist at Panmure Gordon, shares his insights on revitalizing the UK economy. He argues that boosting growth begins with increasing North Sea oil and gas production. The conversation covers the shifting governmental focus from blame to growth, and the necessity for straightforward tax structures and local energy sources. French highlights the importance of infrastructure and education in economic reform while discussing the challenges of politician vulnerability and energy costs. It's an informative mix of humor and serious economic strategy!

In this engaging discussion, John Stepek, senior reporter and author of the Money Distilled newsletter, dives into the implications of TrumpCoin, revealing how it bridges politics and crypto. He also sheds light on the recent tussle over Herald Investment Trust and Boaz Weinstein's Saba Capital. Additionally, Stepek shares insights from Rachel Reeves' remarks at Davos, linking Brexit's potential impact on AI and financial regulations. Get ready for a fascinating look at the intersection of economics, politics, and emerging trends!

In this conversation, Tony Dalwood, CEO of Gresham House and a specialist in Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs), shares his insights on the impactful role of VCTs in funding innovative companies. He breaks down the tax advantages of VCTs compared to traditional investments and illuminates the importance of adopting a long-term investment strategy. Dalwood also discusses emerging companies like Ozone API that are pushing boundaries. He emphasizes embracing risk to drive economic growth and the need for policies that support capital access for startups.

In this lively discussion, financial expert John Stepek, Senior reporter and author of the Money Distilled Newsletter, sheds light on the dramatic showdown between activist investor Boaz Weinstein of Saba Capital and several UK investment trusts. They explore Saba's argument for board changes due to weak performances and wide discounts, while trusts defend their positions as self-serving. The duo also dives into the implications for shareholders, emphasizing the need for informed decision-making and active engagement in investment governance.

Join Boaz Weinstein, founder and CIO of Saba Capital Management, as he dives into his visionary strategies for UK investment trusts. Known for shaking up boards with his activist investments, he explains why he’s targeting the UK now. Discover the significant discounts in these trusts and how management changes could bolster investor confidence. Weinstein also discusses the need for strategic governance reforms and the complexities of enhancing shareholder value amidst evolving market dynamics.

Holly Mackay, Founder and CEO of Boring Money, shares her expertise on starting your investment journey. She discusses how to choose the right investment platform and explains what an investment platform actually is. The conversation dives into selecting robo-advisors for a simpler approach, understanding costs, and reassessing investment risk amidst market volatility. Holly also highlights key factors like user experience and diversification when exploring various platforms. It's a must-listen for anyone looking to make informed investment choices!

Daniel Rasmussen, founder of Verdad Advisers and author of 'The Humble Investor', shares his unique view on investing. He argues against US tech investments and advocates for buying Polish small caps, especially with potential peace in Ukraine. Rasmussen discusses the fallacies of financial forecasting, emphasizing that despite their shortcomings, forecasts are still necessary. He highlights the advantages of value investing in international markets and warns against the AI bubble, offering a refreshing perspective on current market dynamics.

In this engaging conversation, John Stepek, author of the Money Distilled newsletter and keen observer of market trends, dives headfirst into the UK’s financial turmoil. He discusses the plummeting value of sterling and UK gilt prices, while shedding light on the pressures facing Rachel Reeves and the Treasury due to rising borrowing costs. Stepek also critiques the recent rollback on ESG initiatives among major banks, highlighting the implications of these shifts in compliance culture for the financial services sector.

In this intriguing discussion, Tim Marshall, author of "Prisoners of Geography," shares insights into the potential gold rush in space exploration, likening it to 19th-century mining ventures. He highlights the economic opportunities in harnessing rare materials from celestial bodies. John Stepek adds valuable financial expertise, discussing innovative investment strategies and the importance of diversifying portfolios. They also tackle the challenges of space debris, geopolitical tensions, and the evolving landscape of investment in the burgeoning space industry.