AJ Bell Money & Markets

No change to pension tax free cash, the FTSE 100 nears 10,000 and can Tesco’s old boss turn around Diageo?

On this episode of the AJ Bell Money and Markets podcast, Laura Suter delivers some good news on pension tax free cash after it’s reported that the Chancellor won’t alter allowances at the Budget. [2:10] But with a merry-go-round of speculation every year impacting savers’ decisions, AJ Bell is calling for the government to take seriously its calls for a pension tax lock.

As the FTSE 100 breaks more records and edges closer to the psychologically important 10,000 mark, Danni Hewson digs into what’s behind this latest run of good form. Spoiler: it’s not all good news. [4:40]

An anticipated end to the US government shutdown has helped offset renewed nerves about an AI bubble after Softbank sold its entire stake of Nvidia. [9:32] And former Tesco boss Dave Lewis will be hoping every little can help him turn around the fortunes of drinks maker Diageo. [13:30] 

Tom Sieber joins the team to talk about changes to AJ Bell’s Shares magazine [16:30] With talk about potential changes to the cash ISA limit to try and get more of us to move away from cash savings and into investing, Laura’s been crunching the numbers to find out exactly how investing in cash or stocks and shares compares over time [21:30].

Plus HMRC has been clamping down on benefits fraud – but they’ve not always been getting things right. [28:30] And our guest interview this week is a catch up with Ayush Abhijeet, Investment Director at Ashoka India Equity, who explains why returns have been a bit lacklustre over the past year and why that creates an opportunity for investors. [30:30]

Tax hikes, M&S fights back, and why the robots are coming

On this episode of the AJ Bell Money & Markets podcast, Dan Coatsworth and Danni Hewson discuss the Chancellor’s unusual pre-Budget speech. They assess how markets reacted to hints, but not confirmation, that taxes could rise. [1:50] The pair also discuss which taxes could go up and what that might mean for your pocket.  [9:35]

How much sparkle did Marks & Spencer lose from this year’ cyberattack? Find out as Danni and Dan unpick its latest results [12:45].

Dan considers why high street retailer Primark might finally be spun out from its parent company. [17:45] He also explains why companies split and talks through some key examples of the past 20 years. [21:25]

Danni considers Kimberly Clark’s bid for under-fire Tylenol maker Kenvue, the consumer goods company spun out from Johnson & Johnson just a few years ago. [25:06]

Plus, Michael Burry, the trader who inspired the film The Big Short is betting on an AI bubble [29:10]. We also take a different look at big tech – not AI but robotics – with Dan chatting to Simon Edelsten, manager of the Goshawk Global fund, about factory automation and why it’s hot news again. [32:55]

Investment Trust Show: can big dividends make up for weak share price performance? The challenges facing renewable energy and infrastructure trusts.

We’re back with November’s episode of the investment trust show, an AJ Bell Money & Markets bonus episode. This month, Dan Coatsworth and Hannah Williford dive into a dilemma facing the Manchester & London Investment Trust. [01:14]

They chat about the pros and cons of portfolio concentration, and whether it is working for names such as Finsbury Growth & Income and Pershing Square Holdings. [04:39]

Renewable energy and infrastructure trusts typically have generous dividends, but their share price performance has been patchy. Hannah talks to QuotedData’s James Carthew about the challenges and whether there’s a brighter future. [16:48]

Octopus Renewables Infrastructure Trust is among the companies trying to bounce back, and Tom Seiber speaks with the trust’s manager David Bird on why it has pivoted to a new strategy. [28:41]

Finally, Hannah speaks with CVC Income and Growth manager Pieter Staelens about an income strategy that’s been a bit more successful in recent years, and why it’s worked. [43:28]

The latest from the US market as big names like Microsoft and Alphabet post earnings. Plus, US interest rates cut, Elon Musk’s pay package and the Royal Mint on gold

In this week’s episode, Tom Sieber and Danni Hewson digest the latest market developments from both sides of the Atlantic, with AJ Bell shares and markets writer Martin Gamble also on hand to cover the US earnings season, the newest member of the $4 trillion club and the Federal Reserve’s decision to cut rates [01:04].  

Tom discusses the record highs for the FTSE 100 and there's chat about results from Next and UK banks and the little-known company which is among the top risers on the UK’s flagship index this year. Plus, a look at shop price inflation and the Renters’ Rights Bill. [09:33]

Elon Musk’s pay package and how the job cuts at Amazon connect to the AI story are also on the agenda this week. [24:11] 

Danni Hewson speaks to Stuart O’Reilly at the Royal Mint on gold prices, whether it might be too late to get exposure, what’s driven the precious metal higher in 2025 and the different investment options. [32:57] 

Inflation joy: good news for pensioners and borrowers

The AJ Bell Money & Markets podcast team give you the latest insights on issues affecting your personal finances, investments and pensions.

 Dan Coatsworth explains why there has just been a brief shock on the markets around fears of a new banking crisis. [2:10]. You can also hear why Unilever won’t be splitting off its ice cream arm in mid-November as previously planned. [4:05]

Dan and Charlene dissect the latest UK inflation data and explain why it was treated with widespread celebration. The inflation figure strengthens the argument for interest rate cuts and gives people in retirement clarity on how much the state pension will pay from next April, as September’s inflation result is used in the calculation. [8:25]

The government has issued a white paper that points to changes around the costs of going to university, and the funding methods available. [14:02]

Tom Sieber talks about the latest property market trends [17:14], while Dan tunes into the latest results from Netflix [26:10 ].

Charlene has some worrying statistics about pensioners being hit by tax on savings accounts. [21:05]

To round things off, we conclude our conversations with various experts on what could happen if there is an AI bubble and that bubble bursts. Danni Hewson caught up with Julian Bishop from Brunner Investment Trust [32:02] while Dan talks to Marcel Stötzel from Fidelity European. [40:54]

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]

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

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]

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]

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]