Merryn Talks Money

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.

In this engaging discussion, investment analyst Lyn Alden delves into the history and future of money, highlighting insights from her book, "Broken Money." She analyzes the significance of Bitcoin and the evolution of financial systems, debating the impact of technology on money perception, especially in unstable economies. John Stepek offers reflections on these topics, stressing the importance of energy investments as a hedge against inflation and the transformative potential of decentralized finance. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of how money's evolution shapes today’s economic landscape.

Join John Collison, co-founder and president of Stripe, as he delves into the complexities of the financial services landscape. He reveals why payments are challenging, discusses the positive aspects of crypto, and shares insights on the relevance of IPOs. The conversation further explores the intersection of regulatory compliance and cryptocurrency. Collison also highlights an unusual investment in an airport and elaborates on the evolution of aviation safety protocols, merging finance with a passion for flying.

Join John Stepek, a seasoned financial journalist and author of the Money Distilled Newsletter, as he unpacks the complexities of UK wage inflation and its unexpected drawbacks. He highlights the buoyant optimism in the US stock market, contrasted with market caution. Stepek also sheds light on the evolving role of investment trusts, discussing their potential challenges and opportunities. Additionally, he dives into undervalued Renewable Energy Investment Trusts, examining how they could flourish in improving market conditions.

This episode explores innovative parenting strategies for curating meaningful gifts that can appreciate over time, like shares. The discussion shifts to investment trends, comparing the performance of small versus large companies and the surprising appreciation of luxury items. Future energy strategies are analyzed, focusing on the role of nuclear power amid doubts about renewables. Collectibles are highlighted as a nostalgic investment, followed by a light-hearted look at long-term investment options for securing a child's financial future.