AJ Bell Money & Markets

Oil is back above $100 a barrel. What does that mean for inflation, interest rates, stock markets and your finances?

Danni Hewson and Dan Coatsworth discuss the market impact of rising oil prices and what central banks might do next. Commodities expert Adam Rozencwajg explains how Middle East tensions are affecting global oil supplies, where investment opportunities lie, and what the oil industry might do next.

Also in this episode: John Healey's first major speech as Chancellor, rising mortgage rates, falling house prices, job cuts at Jaguar Land Rover, saving for university costs, and a simple guide to valuing shares.

[02:40] Oil tops $100: what's next?
[07:12] Inflation and interest rates in focus
[15:03] Expert talks oil supply issues
[28:35] The UK government’s new growth pitch
[32:05] Job losses at big car companies
[37:51] UK government borrowing costs surge
[40:29] Housing market turns lower
[43:23] How the Bank of Mum and Dad are preparing for university bills
[50:45] Simple guide to valuing shares

In this episode of the AJ Bell Money and Markets podcast, Charlene Young and Tom Sieber return from the summer break to discuss why government bond yields are rising again and what that means for stock markets and investors.

Hannah Williford speaks to Rob Perrone from Orbis Investments for a deeper look at the recent bond market moves, while Tom examines Nvidia’s latest earnings, whether AI demand can keep justifying its valuation, BP’s new chair and Shein’s difficult Hong Kong stock market debut. Charlene looks at signs of weakness in the UK housing market, including house price and mortgage approvals data. She also explores record capital gains tax receipts and why some pension savers may not be getting all the tax relief they are owed.

In this episode of the AJ Bell Money and Markets podcast, Danni Hewson rounds up the week’s market news, including updates on Tesla and Alphabet, and Martin Gamble asks Russ Mould whether we should be worried that the AI bubble is set to follow the path of the dotcom boom and bust.

Charlene Young and Sarah Coles examine the growing political debate around social care reform and the options for paying for care. They discuss AJ Bell’s campaign for a Pensions Tax Lock to protect against the dangers of Budget speculation. They also delve into new data, including details of the gender tax gap, the latest twist in the dash for Cash ISAs, how holidays dominate our savings priorities, and an unexpected new shopping trend.

 

[00:00] Bank of England interest rates decision

[01:18] Intro

[02:42] Tesla results

[04:39] Alphabet Update

[07:14] Market jitters

[08:07] News on SK Hynix and CXMT

[09:15] Apple valuation

[12:36] World Cup boost for Unilever and Coca Cola

[18:01] Interview: the AI bubble vs the dotcom boom and bust

[41:51] Social care reform and planning for care costs

[46:27] Call for a Pension Tax Lock to protect against Budget speculation

[51:55] The narrowing of the gender tax gap

[56:58] Bank of England savings figures

[59:37] Holiday savings habits and financial priorities

[01:03:09] Feta fatigue and reverse comfort eating

On this week’s episode of the AJ Bell Money & Markets podcast, Danni Hewson and Dan Coatsworth assess how Andy Burnham’s first few days as UK Prime Minister have been received by markets.

They consider what the appointment of John Healey as Chancellor means for defence spending, and the row about how a VAT cut on domestic energy bills will be paid for.

There’s been some good news on inflation for the new government but it’s likely to be short lived, and there’s pressure to cut employers’ National Insurance for under 25s.

Rachel Vahey tackles the popular question: once you retire, do you dip into your ISA or pension first?

Danni and Dan discuss why is Primark cutting prices ahead of being spun out of its parent company.

James Flintoft, AJ Bell’s head of investment solutions, joins Dan to discuss the broader state of markets as the oil price climbs back above $90 dollars a barrel.

 

Timestamps:
Market reaction to Andy Burnham’s first few days as PM [02:16]
Will the new Chancellor prioritise defence spending? [08:26}
Lots of speculation about this year’s Budget [15:37]
The latest on inflation [19:24]
Rachel on dipping into an ISA or pension first [28:59]
Why Primark is slashing prices [45:35]
Takeovers galore [52:35]
James talks to Dan about markets, oil prices and more [55:50]

This week on the AJ Bell Money & Markets podcast, Charlene Young and Danni Hewson unpack the latest developments in global markets, from oil price volatility and the Strait of Hormuz to US inflation, bank earnings and what it all means for interest rates. They also assess Rachel Reeves' latest Mansion House speech and the outlook for UK economic growth.

Tom Sieber joins the show for a busy week of company news, with easyJet, Marks & Spencer, TikTok Shop, IBM, Barratt Redrow, PageGroup, Hays all making headlines.

Plus, Charlene explores the fastest fall in mortgage rates for almost two years, reveals what the latest HMRC figures tell us about Britain's growing tax burden, and looks at where holidaymakers will get the most value from their spending money this summer.

 

Topics covered
[00:08] Introduction & market roundup
[02:09] Strait of Hormuz, oil prices and global trade
[10:41] US inflation, bank earnings and interest rates
[13:41] Rachel Reeves' Mansion House speech
[15:50] easyJet update
[17:23] Marks & Spencer and TikTok Shop
[23:14] Buy Now, Pay Later regulation changes
[25:26] Shares magazine highlights with Tom Sieber
[27:33] IBM results and tech spending trends
[30:07] PayPal takeover approach
[32:28] Barratt Redrow update and shareholder returns
[35:23] Recruitment sector outlook: PageGroup & Hays
[38:01] Paramount-Warner Bros deal challenges
[40:10] Mortgage rates fall sharply
[42:00] HMRC tax data and fiscal drag
[46:43] Holiday spending money: where the pound goes furthest