AJ Bell Money & Markets

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]

Deep Dive #5: Does Rachel Reeves have a bond market problem?

It’s three years since the Truss/Kwarteng mini-budget which sent the bond market into meltdown. In this Deep Dive we’ll be looking into the nitty gritty of bonds while also discussing the big picture and asking why UK bond yields are so high, and what effect that may have on the budget in November.

(02:10) Laith and Danni are joined by Ian Aylward, head of investment partnerships at AJ Bell, to discuss what bonds are and what factors affect prices.

(17:39) Laith talks to Rupert Harrison, senior adviser at PIMCO and formerly Chief of Staff to George Osborne when he was Chancellor. Rupert gives his views on what is driving higher UK government borrowing costs and what the bond market wants from Rachel Reeves in the forthcoming budget.

 

(41:52) Ian, Laith and Danni talk about why people invest in bonds, and discuss the bond funds that are available to investors.

 

(53:13) Laith talks to Alex Ralph, fund manager of the Nedgroup Global Strategic Bond fund, about how she picks bonds and how she sees the market right now.

Interest rates, State Pension to rise, Alphabet joins $3 trillion club, Trump’s TikTok deal and where fund managers see value

In this week’s AJ Bell Money & Markets podcast, we look at the latest interest rate moves in the UK and US and what they mean for markets, savers and borrowers [01:25]. Also in markets news we’ll take a look at the US-UK investment story, and dip into news that Alphabet has joined the $3 trillion club [07:50] and Trump and TikTok deal that means it stays in the US [10:14]. We then turn to the state pension triple lock, as the latest wage figures play a crucial role in setting next year’s increase [13:09]. 

Sticking with pensions, Charlene Young and Laura Suter discuss a new move from the taxman on pension tax relief and what it could mean for those claiming extra relief [17:45]. Charlene also delves into new AJ Bell research on how people’s expectations for retirement compare with the reality of what retirees actually spend [21:55]. 

Later in the show, Dan Coatsworth speaks with Ben Preston from Orbis Global Equity Fund about why he has less invested in the US than a typical global fund, why he’s backing the UK, and his investment in Nintendo [28:20]. Dan also interviews Daniel Avigad from Lansdowne European Special Situations Fund about whether investors have missed the boat on Europe’s strong stock market performance and why the owner of Ray-Ban is catching his attention [39:04]. 

Pile the pounds on your pension, plus mining mergers and rare earths

On this episode of the AJ Bell Money & Markets podcast Dan Coatsworth and Danni Hewson are joined by AJ Bell’s pension guru Rachel Vahey ahead of pension awareness week.

They discuss a new advert fronted by former Eastender star Ross Kemp which hopes to persuade people to engage with their pension in the same way they engage with their physical fitness. Rachel shares some top tips to make sure your pension is fighting fit. [01:33]

In markets news, Dan digs into Anglo American’s gigantic bid to take over Canadian copper miner Teck Resources [19:46]. Danni discusses why it’s a tricky time for UK retailers like Dunelm and Primark [23:00]. As Tesla’s share of the US electric vehicle market falls to an eight-year low, the pair assess Elon Musk’s proposed $1 trillion pay deal. [27:51]

Find out how geopolitical instability is affecting markets [33:00] and learn how investors reacted to a judge temporarily halting Donald Trump’s firing of Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook ahead of next week’s US interest rate decision [35:06]. Dan also discusses the companies going in and out of the UK’s top stock market indices. [39:15]

This week’s special guest is George Bennett, chief executive of Rainbow Rare Earths who discusses how his company hopes to take advantage of demand for minerals crucial to technology we use daily. [41:42]

Inflation and economic reshuffles in the UK, scandal at Nestle and the latest on Trump and the Fed

The AJ Bell Money & Markets podcast is back after the summer break, with Charlene Young and Danni Hewson unpacking the big stories shaping markets and personal finance. We kick off in the UK, where inflation has jumped again, and a reshuffle in the Prime Minister’s economic team has sparked fresh Budget rumours – including a possible bank windfall tax that sent shares sliding [11:20].

Across the pond, all eyes are on the Federal Reserve [15:20], while Donald Trump’s tariffs face a legal challenge that could reset trade dynamics.

We then dive into a timely interview: Danni speaks with Marcus Jennings, fixed income strategist at Schroders, about why UK gilt yields have jumped to 30-year highs and what that means for borrowers, investors and the government’s finances [22:40].

In company news, we cover Nestlé’s search for a new CEO, BYD’s profit stumble[37:00], and Alibaba’s AI push – with Nvidia back in the spotlight as AI momentum shows no sign of cooling. Finally, Charlene looks at the back-to-school squeeze on family finances and explains how the September extension of free childcare hours could help parents – and who misses out. [46:20]