AI boom – a bubble or just the beginning? UK growth and inflation forecasts and pensioner scam warning
In this week’s episode, Charlene Young and Laith Khalaf discuss the latest global economic forecasts from the IMF. The UK growth forecast has been increased slightly, but inflation looks like it will remain stubborn. Laith breaks down what this means for investors, plus the latest on US–China trade tensions and gold hitting another record high. [01:00]
With warnings about a potential AI bubble, Dan Coatsworth speaks to Russ Mould, AJ Bell investment director, about why markets keep rising despite correction fears [12:24] — and Ben Rogoff from Polar Capital Technology Trust shares why he still believes the AI revolution has room to run. [26:13]
Charlene explains the worrying 150% rise in scams targeting pensioners and the simple steps to stay safe ahead of this winter’s payments and tax return season. [36:45]
Danni Hewson catches up with James Flintoft, head of investment solutions at AJ Bell, for a look back at another volatile quarter and how the AJ Bell funds have been performing. [40:09]
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AI fever, how B&M lost its way, and compensation for motorists
The AJ Bell Money & Markets podcast celebrates its 7th anniversary with a bumper episode all about stocks, investing, wealth and more.
Dan Coatsworth and Danni Hewson chew over B&M’s recent woes, and plans by the new boss to get back to basics to win back customers. [2:05]
They also discuss fresh AI fever and the mega deals which are making the sector increasingly interconnected. You can hear about the latest tie-up between OpenAI and AMD, and how it fits in with other activity involving Nvidia. [8:30]
Sales of electric vehicles in the UK hit a record high in September with Chinese carmaker BYD enjoying an 880% jump so can Tesla’s new pricing structure win back motorists? Dan gives his thoughts. [14:10]
Danni has the latest on the UK motor finance scandal and how affected motorists might claim for compensation. [20:00]
Mike Glenister discusses a new petition from AJ Bell that calls for the government to stop meddling with the pension system. [25:30]
Alex Wright, Fund Manager of Fidelity Special Values, explains where he is finding opportunities on the UK stock market. [29:30]
Do you use delivery apps to order groceries? Danni has some bad news you need to hear. [46:30]
Finally, Dan talks to entrepreneur Charles Skinner about why some people call him the king of acquisitions. [52:37]
Sign AJ Bell’s petition to encourage the government to stop meddling with the pensions system https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/740486
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Investment Trust Show: Making money from UK stocks, activists, and endowment investing
Welcome to the monthly bonus episode of the AJ Bell Money & Markets podcast all about investment trusts, presented by Dan Coatsworth and Hannah Williford. Kicking off the show is the news that activist investor Saba is back with new campaigns and talk of launching a new investment vehicle. [02:33]
It’s been a good year to invest in UK shares, and we’ve got two experts on the pod to explain how they find opportunities. Dan talks to Ian Lance from Temple Bar about how he’s delivered supersized returns, and why Smith & Nephew and Johnson Matthey have caught his eye. [12:58].
We also hear from James Harries, manager of the STS Global Income & Growth, about why the UK is such a big part of his portfolio, and why he likes insurance provider Admiral and consumer goods giant Reckitt. [26:07]
Hannah talks about some new figures that suggest Donald Trump’s policies have revived interest in ESG-related factors when investing, following a steady decline since 2022. [40:18]
Finally, Hannah chat with Dan Higgins from Majedie about bringing university-style endowment investment to the public. [45:45]
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Shutdowns, Sausage Rolls and GSK CEO steps down
Charlene Young and Danni Hewson are your hosts this week, delving into the latest money and markets news. The US government has shut down for the first time since 2018, with Republicans and Democrats locked in a blame game over spending. Danni runs through what this means for markets, the economy, and workers facing unpaid shifts until Washington can agree on a deal. [01:33]
Back in the UK, it’s Labour Party conference week, Charlene and Danni discuss Rachel Reeves’ big speech and the market reaction. We also discuss revised GDP figures, and why households are saving more as economic uncertainty lingers. [06:53]
In company news, the CEO of GSK is stepping down, Exxon announces job cuts as part of a restructure, and Greggs serves up a mixed trading update after a summer sales wobble.[12:12]
Our guest interview this week is with Jacqueline Broers, Joint Portfolio Manager of the Utilico Emerging Markets Trust, which specialises in infrastructure and investment in emerging markets and has just celebrated its 20th anniversary. [20:59]. Finishing with personal finance, Charlene will outline what you should think about before accessing your pension tax-free cash and how to check if someone you know is missing out on the £1.5 billion in unclaimed child trust funds. [32:43]
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Nvidia splashes the cash, Greggs opens a pub, and alternative ways to pay for university
The AJ Bell team talk markets, stocks, Lifetime ISAs, insurance, property and investing in this episode of the Money & Markets podcast.
Find out why Nvidia is investing billions of dollars in two companies. [1:00]. Dan Coatsworth reveals the key reason why shares in B&Q-owner Kingfisher went wild, and it’s not down to a new DIY boom. [3:28]
Greggs is opening a pub – is that bad news for Wetherspoons or just a marketing trick? Dan gives his thoughts. [5:30]
Consumer research group Which? says enough is enough with regards to how home and travel insurance providers are treating customers. Charlene Young explores this ‘super-compliant’ and what you can do if your insurer has treated you unfairly. [8:15]
The new intake of university students is settling into their new life, but there is a big cost of higher education. Dan chats about a growing trend for parents to help reduce the burden of debt on their children. [12:35]
Have you always dreamed of owning a bungalow? You’re not alone. Charlene talks about a shortage of bungalows in the UK and why both older and younger people want more of them built. [20:10
New figures reinforce widespread calls to reform the Lifetime ISA. Charlene explains all. [24:42]
Our special guest is Isaac Thong, portfolio manager of the Aberdeen Asian Income Fund. Danni Hewson talks to Isaac about why more investors are looking at this part of the world. [29:25]
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