Gold, Debt & AI: What’s Really Driving Markets Right Now | Michael Brown, Pepperstone
Gold and silver are on fire — but can the rally last? In this episode of Investing, Markets & Money, host Stuart Fieldhouse talks with Michael Brown of Pepperstone about what’s really moving global markets.
They break down the surge in precious metals, the renewed fears around U.S. banks, and whether debt and deficits could finally catch up with policymakers. Michael shares insights on U.S.–China trade tensions, the AI-driven S&P 500 rally, and why UK stocks remain chronically undervalued.
You can find more market insight from Michael and the Pepperstone team here - https://pepperstone.com/en-gb/analysis/
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00:00 Precious metals: gold and silver trades
04:50 The US Dollar and US banks
07:45 US debt and borrowing trends
11:25 Tariffs and the US-China trade war
15:25 The S&P 500 and the AI bubble
21:05 UK stocks and the UK budget
25:22 Why such intense speculation on the Budget?
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Is Now the Right Time to Buy UK Mid-Cap Stocks? with Jean Roche, Schroders | Ep.150
Host Stuart Fieldhouse chats with Jean Roche, manager of the Schroders UK Mid-Cap Investment Trust, to discuss what defines a mid-cap stock, the FTSE 250 outlook, share buybacks, and where she’s finding opportunity in UK defence and retail stocks.
If you’ve been wondering whether UK equities are undervalued or how mid-cap investing compares to large and small-cap strategies, this episode offers deep insight from one of the most experienced managers in the market.
Our thanks to Schroders for the use of their studio for this episode. You can find out more about Schroder UK Mid-Cap Fund here - https://www.schroders.com/en-gb/uk/individual/funds-and-strategies/investment-trusts/schroder-uk-mid-cap-fund-plc/
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00:00 What is a Mid Cap stock?
02:00 Jean's investment philosophy regarding Mid Caps
05:05 Why so many share buybacks right now?
08:13 Why Mid Caps and not Large Caps?
11:25 The wider UK economy and equity market
15:18 UK sectors and themes to watch
18:28 When a company makes it into the FTSE 100
22:20 How does Jean protect the downside risk?
25:00 Key contributors to the trust's performance
27:17 Looking ahead to UK market opportunites and risks
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Dovile Silenskyte: UK Investors Can Finally Buy Bitcoin & Ethereum ETPs!
The FCA has just approved listed crypto ETFs for retail investors, opening the door to #Bitcoin and #Ethereum exposure through regular brokerage accounts — no wallets, no private keys, no hassle.
In this episode of Investing, Markets & Money, host Stuart Fieldhouse talks with Dovile Silenskyte from WisdomTree's Digital Assets team about what this decision means for UK investors, how #crypto ETPs actually work, and why this could be a game changer for mainstream adoption.
We cover:
✅ What makes crypto ETPs safer and simpler than direct crypto ownership
✅ How Bitcoin and Ethereum ETPs are structured and backed
✅ The differences between physical and synthetic exposure
✅ Whether crypto ETPs could soon be held in ISAs and SIPPs
✅ Smart allocation tips — how much crypto might make sense in your portfolio
If you’ve been curious about adding crypto exposure without the wallet headaches, this episode is for you.
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Useful links
WisdomTree Europe website - https://www.wisdomtree.eu/en-gb/strategies/crypto-currency
FCA approval of Crypto ETPs for retail investors - https://www.thearmchairtrader.com/crypto/a-safer-way-into-the-cryptocurrency-maze/
UK allows crypto ETPs in ISAs and SIPPs - https://www.thearmchairtrader.com/crypto/uk-allows-crypto-in-isas-and-pensions/
#CryptoETF #BitcoinETF #Investing #UKInvestors #WisdomTree #CryptoNews #ETFs #FCA #Ethereum #DigitalAssets #InvestingPodcast #FinancialMarkets #InvestingEducation
00:00 Introduction to WisdomTree in crypto markets
01:54 Allowing access for retail investors
02:50 Managing your own wallets
03:37 What are crypto ETFs?
05:00 Do ETF managers use pure crypto exposure?
05:52 How crypto custody works
08:58 Ethereum yield from staking, and risks
11:15 Benefits for investors of the ETF model
12:00 Reduced liquidity risk
12:40 Including in ISAs and SIPPs
13:33 Coins becoming available
15:36 Leveraged crypto products
17:52 How much to own in your portfolio?
19:08 Actively managed crypto products and fees
22:09 Finding out more at wisdomtree.eu
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Thomas Moore: stockpicking for yield, dividend & capital growth | Ep.148
In this episode of the Investing, Markets & Money podcast, we sit down with Thomas Moore, manager of the Aberdeen Equity Income Investment Trust, winner of Best Investment Trust for Income at the Online Money Awards 2025.
Thomas shares his approach to picking dividend stocks that deliver not only high yield but also dividend growth and long-term capital growth. With the trust currently yielding 6.1% and boasting nearly 25 years of uninterrupted dividend increases, we explore how UK equity investors can find opportunities in a market that still yields just 3.2%.
💡 Key topics we cover:
Why dividend income matters in 2025 with high living costs
How to find UK dividend stocks yielding 5–10%
The balance between income and capital growth
Why high-yield stocks can also be growth opportunities
Stock picking insights from a seasoned income fund manager
👉 Whether you’re focused on dividend investing, income investing, or just looking for the best UK stocks for long-term returns, this episode is packed with insights.
Find out more about Aberdeen Investments here - www.aberdeeninvestments.com
#Investing #InvestmentTrusts #Equities #Dividends #InvestingPodcast #Markets #WealthBuilding #FinancialMarkets
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00:00 Intro to the Aberdeen Equity Income Trust
01:33 Balancing income and capital growth
04:09 Focus on UK value stocks
08:13 Criteria for picking new companies
11:18 Inflows and outflows from UK equity markets
13:00 Mergers and acquisitions in the market
14:58 Why do companies do share buybacks?
19:36 What does "index-agnostic" mean?
22:03 What has helped the fund's performance recently?
27:30 The effect of politics on UK stocks?
31:22 Looking at British companies with exposure outside the UK
35:30 Effect of tariffs
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Gold Mining Stocks 2025: Outlook, Risks & Opportunities, with Golden Prospect
In this episode of Investing, Markets & Money, we dive into gold and precious metals with Robert Crayfourd, co-manager of the Golden Prospect Precious Metals Fund at CQS New City.
The fund has just been named Best Investment Trust for Growth at the 2025 Online Money Awards—and Robert explains the strategy behind its success. You can find more on the awards here - https://www.thearmchairtrader.com/online-money-awards/
Stuart and Robert cover:
- Why small & mid-cap miners can deliver better returns than gold ETFs
- Central bank gold buying and the weaponization of the dollar
- The outlook for gold, silver, and other precious metals in 2025
- How geopolitical risk, US debt, and interest rates shape the sector
- The value of active management in mining vs passive ETFs
👉 Don’t miss Robert’s insights on why gold may still be “underowned” and how his team finds opportunities others overlook.
If you enjoy these conversations, the best way to support the show is a quick rating or review — it helps more investors discover us.
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00:00 Intro to Golden Prospect Precious Metals [LON:GPM]
02:09 How flexible is the trust's mandate?
02:40 The global gold market
05:09 What has been driving the gold price up?
07:25 Geopolitical risk versus central bank holdings
10:55 Why buy an investment trust and not an ETF
12:30 Going on site visits
14:13 Managing risk
16:26 Political elements to running the trust
17:00 The trust's geographic exposure
17:47 Other metals besides gold: silver
20:55 Sustainability and corporate governance
22:41 Miners and government disputes, e.g. Barrick in Mali
23:56 Golden Prospect wins Best Investment Trust for Growth
27:08 Gold/silver producers using cash for development
28:12 Spotting takeover targets
30:20 How have ETFs affected the market?
31:49 The fund's subscription shares rights issue
The Armchair Trader Editor, Stuart Fieldhouse calls on his wealth of experience within the financial markets and extensive network of connections to bring you this investing podcast.
Stuart invites guests on to the show each week to discuss important themes within the financial markets. His guests include CEO’s of listed companies from around the world, from micro cap stocks to large established businesses. He speaks with Fund Managers about stock picking and the markets in which they operate, and he chats with Market Analysts about a range of topics that offer a broader view of the markets as well as insight on topical themes and trends.
Listen on SoundCloud, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.
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