Merryn Talks Money

Carson Block believes investors may be underestimating the economic consequences of artificial intelligence. The Muddy Waters founder and CEO joins Merryn Somerset Webb to explain why recent advances in AI have made him rethink its impact on the labour market—and why he believes widespread displacement of knowledge workers could eventually create a major challenge for financial markets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Merryn Somerset Webb and Bloomberg Opinion columnist and senior markets editor John Authers discuss how SpaceX’s market debut has highlighted the hidden risks of passive investing, from index concentration to the growing influence of benchmark providers. They also assess new Fed Chair Kevin Warsh’s first policy signals and debate whether today’s AI boom is a bubble—and what could bring it to an end.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The SpaceX blockbuster IPO has captivated retail investors, but what happens after the initial excitement fades? Merryn Somerset Webb speaks to Hargreaves Lansdown's Anna Macdonald about the extraordinary demand for shares, the dangers of concentration risk, and what the IPO means for market democracy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laurence Hulse, founder and lead fund manager of Onward Opportunities, explains how he launched and grew a specialist UK small-cap investment trust despite one of the toughest environments in decades for both investment trusts and British equities. He shares his "gems among the rubble" approach to uncovering overlooked companies, discusses why UK small caps remain deeply undervalued and reveals how active engagement, artificial intelligence-powered research tools and intensive company analysis have helped his fund significantly outperform its peers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's Merryn Talks Money markets wrap, Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek discuss gold's recent correction and debate what healthy allocation could actually look like. They also consider what upcoming bumper IPOs mean for the return of public markets and whether inheritance tax free "patriotic bonds" could help Britain fund its defence budget.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who became wealthier in 2025 and what do they want from their financial advisor? Merryn Somerset Webb sits down with Capgemini's Gareth Wilson to discuss the latest World Wealth Report, the rise of robo-advisors and family offices and why traditional wealth management firms are facing growing competition. They also debate the question: Do investors want empathy from their wealth manager or simply better returns?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this special episode of the Merryn Talks Money markets wrap, hosts Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek discuss the SpaceX IPO. How can UK investors get access? Do the numbers add up? Why will it make life more complicated for passive investors? And what are the implications for the long queue of AI IPOs still to come, and for wider markets?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At a time when politicians across the West are calling for higher taxes on the wealthy, legal scholar and author John O. McGinnis offers a strikingly different view: what if democracy needs the rich? He joins Merryn Somerset Webb to discuss power, inequality, free speech and what he says is the hidden role wealth plays in keeping democratic societies healthy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's markets wrap, John Stepek and Sam Unsted, editor of the Markets Today blog, explore the implications of SpaceX’s anticipated $75 billion IPO, debating whether its massive size could reshape market structure, passive investing, and investor appetite for AI-related assets. They also highlight Bitcoin’s sharp decline this year and the UK’s long-running challenge of encouraging retail investors to move cash savings into investments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inheritance tax is catching more families than ever, and recent rule changes will only extend the net even further. In this episode, hosts Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek discuss the most effective ways to reduce an IHT bill with inheritance tax specialist Rob May, including a detailed look at the types of insurance available, and how much they're likely to cost you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could Africa’s long-misunderstood population boom become its greatest economic advantage? Economist and author Joe Studwell joins host Merryn Somerset Webb to discuss his book, How Africa Works: Success and Failure on the World's Last Developmental Frontier. He argues that rising population density is already transforming the continent by creating deeper markets, boosting agricultural productivity, supporting urbanization and making manufacturing more viable. While governance, debt and commodity dependence remain risks, he sees a more diverse, locally driven growth story emerging across Africa.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can Keir Starmer - or whoever leads the country next - help to turn the UK’s fortunes around? Simon French, Managing Director, Chief Economist and Head of Research at Panmure Liberum joins co-host John Stepek to discuss former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair’s 5000-word prescription for the UK economy, the growing backlash towards Net-Zero policies and why the UK is at risk of sliding towards another “Liz Truss Moment”.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosts Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek take another listener question, this time around the pros and cons of ISAs, LISAs, and SIPPs. They debate the most tax-efficient method of saving depending on one's circumstances and why savers need to be aware of the withdrawal rules to avoid any nasty surprises.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Merryn's absence this week John Stepek and Sam Unsted, editor on the Bloomberg Markets Today live blog, discuss how weak UK economic data has actually provided some relief for gilts this week, look at the problems with both proposed and existing government price controls, and wonder whether the coming wave of mega-IPOs led by SpaceX might take some of the exuberance out of stocks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek answer listener questions on how retail investor flows, passive investing, and social media have reshaped markets, arguing that the surge in everyday investing has significantly boosted stock prices — particularly in the US. They also discuss practical personal finance challenges around pensions, capital gains tax, and passive versus active investing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Merryn Somerset Webb speaks to Pictet Asset Management Chief Strategist Luca Paolini about why markets remain remarkably resilient despite geopolitical turmoil, inflation fears and mounting fiscal risks. Paolini argues that the AI investment boom, strong corporate earnings and persistent US economic strength continue to support markets — but warns that the era of US exceptionalism may be fading, making diversification and lower long-term return expectations essential for investors. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For this week's second installment of the news round up, hosts Merryn and John discuss how cheap UK stocks are still being bought up by private equity firms; and how rising inflation could put a stop to the highly-concentrated surge in US equity markets. They also talk about changes to the Premium Bond prize rate which mean the odds of winning are set to improve and consider how governments could make wider use of lottery-style fundraising.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why Britain Needs A Crisis To Turn The Country AroundBritain has once again been plunged into political turmoil. Despite rebellion in the ranks, Prime Minister Keir Starmer refuses to go, and it's not yet clear which - if any - of his potential challengers will lay down the gauntlet to try to take the leadership from him. And nor is it clear, given the divided nature of the Labour party, that any new Prime Minister could hold down the job until the next general election. Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek discuss why Britain may need a 1976-style crisis to persuade our politicians to finally get a grip. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mortgage rates have jumped sharply—and fast—leaving buyers and homeowners scrambling to decide what to do next. Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek sit down with mortgage expert Anthony Emmerson, director at Trinity Financial, to unpack what’s really driving the market, whether now is still a good time to buy, and the surprisingly simple strategy that could save you thousands when remortgaging.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if AI isn’t coming for your job — but for your mind? In this episode of Merryn Talks Money, Merryn Somerset Webb speaks to Tom Slater, manager of Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust and partner at Baillie Gifford about his provocative paper, “AI Isn’t Coming for Your Job. It’s Coming for Your Mind,” and why the real risk may be a world that looks more productive while quietly losing the judgement, learning and expertise that make progress possible. They also discuss what that means for the future workforce and smart investing. Check out Tom Slater’s paper here: https://www.bailliegifford.com/en/global/all-users/insights/ic-article/2026-q1-ai-isn-t-coming-for-your-job-it-s-coming-for-your-mind-10061431/Sign up for the Merryn Talks Money newsletter: https://www.bloomberg.com/account/newsletters/merryn-talks-moneySign up for the Money Distilled newsletter https://www.bloomberg.com/account/newsletters/money-distilledSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Markets are ripping higher on blockbuster earnings and AI euphoria—but on this week's markets wrap, hosts Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek aren’t buying the calm. From contrarian magazine covers to a looming of IPO supply, they ask whether this melt-up is masking the seeds of the next downturn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if owning a single share could get you discounted wine, cheaper holidays—or even a stronger voice in corporate decisions? Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek explore the forgotten world of shareholder perks, arguing they’re not just fun freebies but a powerful way to reconnect investors with the companies they own.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Merryn Somerset Webb speaks with Temple Bar’s Ian Lance about the trust’s standout performance since 2020, driven by disciplined value investing—buying unloved, low-priced companies with recovery potential and holding them as sentiment improves. Lance argues that success comes from focusing on long-term earnings rather than short-term pessimism, even if it means owning controversial stocks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Merryn Somerset Webb sits down with John Stepek, Jim Mellon, billionaire investor and Chairman of The Burnbrae Group, and Blue Whale manager Stephen Yiu. The panel was part of the Master Investor Show, the UK’s largest gathering for private investors. This conversation was recorded on Saturday, April 25, 2026. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why has the UK become a nation of savers—but not investors—and what on earth do red squirrels have to do with it? Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek take aim at a baffling government campaign, unpack the real reasons people avoid investing, and argue that regulation, mistrust, and mixed messaging are costing Britons serious wealth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Bank of England Chief Economist Andy Haldane joins Merryn Somerset Webb to unpack why the UK may feel poorer, more fragile and seemingly out of options—despite sitting on untapped wealth and world-class innovation. From tough fiscal trade-offs and rising taxes to the surprising strength of private balance sheets, he argues the UK’s problems may be serious—but they’re far from unsolvable. The big question: can policymakers unlock growth before patience and confidence runs out?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's markets wrap, hosts Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek explore how markets are navigating a world of constant geopolitical “mini-crises,” where uncertainty keeps investors reactive rather than predictive. They discuss warning signs from corporate earnings, the fragile but not collapsing UK economy, and the growing disconnect between gloomy sentiment and relatively stable data.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek discuss the ongoing push into private markets by Britain's largest workplace pension scheme (by membership), the National Employment Savings Trust. NEST plans to invest roughly £30 billion of its members' cash in private markets by the end of the decade. But what if you don't want your money invested in private assets? The pair discuss what you can do as an individual, and also look at the questions the plan raises about transparency, investor awareness, and whether - and how - savers should have more say in where their money is invested.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Merryn Somerset Webb speaks with Ruffer fund manager Alexander Chartres about investing in a world marked by receding US dominance and a more inflation-prone, shock-driven global economy. Chartres argues Donald Trump is just an accelerant to changes that have been developing since the end of the Cold War. Traditional market assumptions like reliable hedges and stable globalization are breaking down, requiring more active, diversified investment strategies. Chartres highlights opportunities in commodities, energy, China technology and repurposed industrial capacity, while warning that political volatility and structural change will define markets for years to come.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Markets have continued to hit new highs despite escalating geopolitical tensions and a major energy shock, raising questions about whether investors are underestimating long-term risks such as inflation and rising interest rates. The hosts argue that while markets often look through geopolitical events, today’s slow-burning crisis—combined with weak real income growth and fiscal pressures in countries like the UK—may be more consequential than current optimism suggests.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It might surprise some listeners, but UK-wide house prices have delivered only negligible returns after inflation over the past decade, note Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek, and London prices have actually fallen sharply in real terms. Rising interest rates, taxes, and political uncertainty continue to weigh heavily on the market. Yet guest Daniel Austin, chief executive of ASK Partners, suggests that while high transaction costs and policy risks remain a hurdle, prime central London may still look attractive at current levels to global investors with an eye for a bargain.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Merryn Somerset Webb sits down with Janusz Marecki, CEO & Founder of Fractal Brain and AI Partner at Ahren Innovation Capital, for an insider perspective on AI hype vs. reality—and what may come next. The focus is on large language models (LLMs)—and whether they are hitting fundamental limits. Marecki discusses the data ceiling (we’ve used most high-quality internet data), diminishing returns from scaling compute and persistent issues like hallucinations and probabilistic errors.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s markets wrap, Merryn Somerset Webb speaks with Helen Thomas of Blonde Money about how Middle East tensions are creating lasting energy disruptions despite ceasefire uncertainty. They warn this could drive persistent inflation and leave the UK particularly exposed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the US-Israel war with Iran upends global energy flows, Professor Helen Thompson joins Merryn Talks Money to explain what the shock means for oil, gas, supply chains and the wider world economy. They discuss why this may mark the end of any return to “normal” in energy markets, how Asia and Europe could be hit differently, and why Britain’s energy strategy now looks dangerously exposed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's Merryn Talks Money personal finance episode, Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek answer an interesting listener question surrounding the active vs passive debate. The pair look at financial data spanning the past 40 years to help a listener understand the pros and cons of active vs passive investing and why passive investing isn't truly passive. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why did gold fail to protect portfolios during the latest market shock? In this episode of Merryn Talks Money, Merryn Somerset Webb speaks with Evy Hambro, global head of thematic and sector investing at BlackRock, about the violent moves in gold and silver, the new energy risk premium, and why commodities may be entering a powerful new cycle. They discuss inflation, interest rates, energy security, mining valuations, AI-driven demand for materials, and why investors may need to rethink how much exposure they have to gold, energy and broader commodity equities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week’s markets wrap, John Stepek, senior reporter and author of the Money Distilled newsletter, and Bloomberg Opinion's Marcus Ashworth discuss how geopolitical uncertainty is leaving investors with few clear safe havens, as gold, bonds, and currencies all behave unpredictably while cash gains appeal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek speak with Paula Steele, director at John Lamb Hill Oldridge, about how to pass on an inheritance efficiently — minimising tax, managing the succession process, and avoiding unintended effects on beneficiaries’ motivation. The conversation was recorded at a live Bloomberg.com subscriber event in London on March 17.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cathie Wood, CEO and CIO of Ark Investment Management, joins Merryn Somerset Webb to make the bullish case for the next era of innovation. From AI, robotaxis and CRISPR to Bitcoin, Tesla and SpaceX, she lays out the technologies she believes will drive faster growth, lower costs and major market disruption.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What makes a leader successful? Francine Lacqua interviews top CEOs and global industry leaders for candid lessons on leadership, management, and the future of work.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Merryn Somerset Webb sits down with Troy Asset Management founder and chief investment officer Sebastian Lyon to unpack why markets look eerily calm despite mounting geopolitical shocks—and why investors should be far more focused on protecting wealth than chasing returns. Lyon argues we’ve entered a new era of sticky inflation, fragile portfolios, and looming risks in government bonds. He talks about how he’s positioning for volatility, and offers some ideas for navigating markets when the old rules—like 60/40—no longer apply. This conversation was recorded at a live Bloomberg.com subscriber event in London on March 17.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's Merryn Talks Your Money personal finance episode, Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek tackle another listener question: should you invest in absolute return funds? They start by explaining what an absolute return fund actually is, the pros (aiming for absolute returns makes sense) and cons (it's not easy to achieve consistently) of such an investment, and look at what to consider when trying to pick such a fund. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.