Merryn Talks Money

From YOLO to HALO. In this week's markets wrap, hosts Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek discuss why markets are ditching high multiple AI and software stocks, for "HALO" companies - heavy assets, low obsolescence - and why higher interest rates and even higher infrastructure costs may be behind the moves.To see the article Merryn references in the episode, please follow the link below.Special thanks to Joachim Klement who has allowed us to share this piece from his Klement on Investing Substack. https://klementoninvesting.substack.com/p/why-do-people-invest-in-expensiveSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many of the graduates whose university costs were funded with Plan 2 student loans are now in their 30s, wondering why they have no money at the end of the month, and why they still owe more student debt than they left uni with. The critical mass of graduates feeling the pinch might just have been reached - and now they're feeling angry and ripped off. On this week’s personal finance edition of Merryn Talks Money, Editor at Large for Bloomberg UK Wealth, Merryn Somerset Webb and author of the Money Distilled newsletter, John Stepek unpick how Plan 2 and the new - perhaps even worse - Plan 5 loans work, how and why graduate marginal tax rates can easily exceed 50% and what tweaks could be made to ease the burden. They also ask the overarching question: is the problem the system? Or is it the fact that the UK seems to be incapable of creating enough high paying jobs?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fiona Yang, portfolio manager on the Invesco Asia Dragon Trust, joins Merryn Somerset Webb to discuss why global capital rotated from US equities into emerging Asia in 2025—and what she sees happening in 2026. She explains her valuation-driven, long-term, contrarian approach to stock selection across diverse Asian markets, and shares how she weighs risks like geopolitics, demographics, currency moves, and frothy AI-linked valuations. Sign up to the subscriber event here: https://www.bloombergevents.com/ZZ3kna?utm_source=Podcast&utm_campaign=Podcast&utm_medium=Podcast&RefId=subSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's markets wrap, John Stepek speaks with Bloomberg Opinion columnist Marcus Ashworth and Morwenna Coniam from the Markets Today team about this week’s fall in the headline rate of consumer price inflation and slowing wage growth. They also discuss rising youth unemployment and the potential economic impact of government labor policies, while weighing a cautiously optimistic outlook for UK growth. Marcus also comments on Nuveen’s takeover of Schroders as part of a broader trend of US asset managers seeking international diversification amid dollar weakness. Sign up to the subscriber event here: https://www.bloombergevents.com/ZZ3kna?utm_source=Podcast&utm_campaign=Podcast&utm_medium=Podcast&RefId=subSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek are joined by Bloomberg’s Jack Sidders to break down how Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) work and why they’ve struggled in recent years. They explore the impact of interest rates, the significance of different sectors such as warehouses, student housing and data centers, and why many UK REITs trade at steep discounts. With interest rates potentially falling and supply constrained, they also discuss whether REITs could be poised for a comeback — and where investors might start. Sign up to the subscriber event here: https://www.bloombergevents.com/ZZ3kna?utm_source=Podcast&utm_campaign=Podcast&utm_medium=Podcast&RefId=subSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Merryn Somerset Webb speaks with Panmure Liberum Chief Economist Simon French to unpack Modern Monetary Theory—the idea that governments issuing their own currency can spend freely, constrained only by inflation. They explore whether the pandemic offered a real-world test of MMT, why fiscal policy may be too blunt a tool to control inflation and what the theory could mean for UK politics, bond markets and capital allocation.Sign up to the subscriber event here: https://www.bloombergevents.com/ZZ3kna?utm_source=Podcast&utm_campaign=Podcast&utm_medium=Podcast&RefId=subSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's markets wrap, hosts Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek discuss a sharp market rotation driven by growing fears that AI will disrupt – rather than simply enhance – major sectors including legal services, wealth management, and digital platforms. As “old economy” stocks rise and Asian and European markets outperform, Merryn and John debate whether investors should shift away from the US and reassess opportunities in the UK, emerging markets, and smaller caps amid political uncertainty. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With talk of an early UK election swirling, Reform Deputy Leader Richard Tice joins Merryn Somerset Webb to make the case that his party is ready to govern. Tice argues that Reform UK, which is leading in the polls, is gearing up policy “working groups” and road-testing power in local councils. He claims day-one moves like serving notice to leave the European Commission on Human Rights, scrapping the Human Rights Act and abandoning a net-zero approach to global warming would help cut energy bills—while he hints at a broader reset for UK markets, pensions, regulation and crypto.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Merryn Somerset Webb is joined by Sky News economics editor Ed Conway, author of Material World, to explain why the real engines of modern life aren’t apps and algorithms—they’re the raw materials and “unseen” industries that make everything else possible. From salt and ethylene to ammonia and soda ash, Conway argues the UK (and Europe) are rapidly losing core chemical manufacturing capacity, driven by high energy costs and complacency about imports, with serious consequences for healthcare supply chains, industrial resilience and even defense. As the world pivots back toward the physical economy, from AI data centers to net-zero infrastructure, this conversation is a wake-up call for policymakers, investors and anyone who assumes critical materials will always be available on demand.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this emergency bonus episode of Merryn Talks Money, Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek unpack a sudden crypto selloff that has seen Bitcoin tumble nearly 50% from its highs, confounding expectations that it would behave like “digital gold.” To make sense of the chaos, they’re joined by Charlie Morris, founder and chairman of ByteTree, who explains why Bitcoin trades more like a tech asset than a safe haven — and why its brutal volatility may be a feature, not a bug. The conversation digs into Bitcoin’s four-year cycles, its relationship with liquidity and tech stocks, fears around quantum computing, and whether regulation or stablecoins change the long-term case.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's Merryn Talks Money markets round up, Bloomberg senior reporter, John Stepek is joined once again by Bloomberg Opinion columnist Marcus Ashworth. The pair analyse the Bank of England’s latest interest rate decision and look at what lies behind the Bank's suddenly dovish turn. They also discuss the AI triggered software stock sell off. Editor’s note: Bloomberg LP, the parent of Bloomberg News, competes with LSEG and others mentioned in this podcast in providing financial data and news. Bloomberg Law sells legal research tools and software.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For today's show we're bringing you an evergreen episode that we found really insightful last summer and the lessons remain valid for today.The more than $100 trillion wealth transfer that’s projected to be passed down from older to younger generations over the next quarter century is set to reshape the wealth management industry. And younger investors plan to move their money to new advisors, according to a report by IT services and consulting group Capgemini.On this episode of Merryn Talks Money, the firm’s global banking industry leader, Gareth Wilson, joins host Merryn Somerset Webb to discuss why young people want to make the move and what they should consider when choosing new wealth managers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Investors have flocked to gold in the past year, prompting the precious metal to notch a series of price records and eclipse its inflation-adjusted peak from 1980. Friday’s Fed-announcement drama notwithstanding, the price of gold is up 13% so far this year. It even smashed through $5,000 per troy ounce last week—a first. What’s fueling the record-breaking run and where could the price go from here? On this week’s episode of Merryn Talks Money, John Reade, market strategist for Asia and Europe at the World Gold Council, joins host Merryn Somerset Webb to offer some answers.Please note this conversation was recorded on Wednesday, January 28.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Precious metals seem to be hitting new all-time highs almost every week. On this week's markets wrap, Money Distilled author and senior reporter John Stepek joins Bloomberg Opinion columnist Marcus Ashworth to debate what’s driving the rally. They also unpack US intervention in the Japanese currency market and explore how a weakening dollar could shape monetary policy in the eurozone.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s personal finance edition of Merryn Talks Money, Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek break down the insurance cover that really matters as we head into 2026. They’re joined by Kevin Ryan, a consumer insurance expert and analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, who shares what’s shifting in the insurance market and what it means for your money.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pippa Malmgren, chief executive of Geopolitica Institute, joins from Greenland to explain why the Arctic is now at the center of the geopolitical chessboard — from US claims that it needs to take over the Danish territory for national security reasons to how Greenlanders want to remain independent without being “for sale.” She connects the Arctic story to wider shifts: peace talks over Russia's war on Ukraine, strained European alliances, China–Russia dynamics and technological races in space, energy and advanced materials. She also explains what investors should consider as geopolitical risk increasingly becomes market risk.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Geopolitical tensions have grabbed the headlines this week, but the market turmoil is being driven as much by the Japanese government bond market as by anything coming out of Davos. Hosts Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek look at what's going on. They also discuss the growing list of reasons why investors are likely to move money away from the US - and why the UK market has a good chance of benefiting from these flows.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are UK house prices really taking off — or is something else at play? On this week’s personal finance edition of Merryn Talks Money, Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek dig into the latest eye-catching figures and reveal why the “surge” may not be quite what it seems. From the powerful role of location in driving valuations to why houses are leaving flats behind as investments, the conversation cuts through the headlines to what’s really happening in the property market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For more than four decades, Jeremy Grantham has been one of the most contrarian voices in global investing. The co-founder of Boston-based asset manager GMO, he built his reputation warning about bubbles before they burst, from Japanese equities in the late 1980s to US tech stocks in 2000 and housing in the run-up to the global financial crisis. He joins this week’s Merryn Talks Money podcast with host Merryn Somerset Webb to discuss why he believes there's an artificial intelligence bubble and what happens if it bursts, his approach as a value investor and the lessons in his new book, The Making of a Permabear: The Perils of Long-Term Investing in a Short-Term World.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s market round-up edition of Merryn Talks Money, Bloomberg senior reporter and author of the award-winning Money Distilled newsletter, John Stepek and Bloomberg Opinion columnist Marcus Ashworth discuss why falling London flat prices but rising costs mean bargains may still be illusory. They also dissect the latest moves in commodities and UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves's cunning plan to quietly reshape the gilt market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most people spend their working lives earning and saving toward a financial goal. This goal can be a number or something more tangible like a paid-off mortgage. But when you’ve spent decades feeding the same frugality habit, entering retirement and reversing that addiction can be an unfamiliar challenge. Retirement also has a tendency of throwing up questions of status, belonging—and of course, mortality.In this week’s personal finance edition of Merryn Talks Money, hosts Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek confront a difficult listener question on the topic of retirement spending. How can a person start spending freely when their attitude toward spending has been the opposite most of their life? Chartered financial planner and Director at Flying Colours Advice, George Agan joins this episode to share his insights on what to do.Resources from George to check out if you want to learn more: This is a video with an overview on how to build your own model:https://youtu.be/7Wkr5QtY-G8?si=5ev22MOHQhl5Qvgq Course to consider: https://meaningfulacademy.com/rp-1/ And a link to George's firm: https://fcadvice.co.uk/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Societe Generale Head of FIC and Commodity Research Michael Haigh joins Merryn Somerset Webb to break down why the US attack on Venezuela and any subsequent attempt to reboot its energy industry is unlikely to change oil prices near-term. He explains why markets are more influenced right now by OPEC’s supply decisions and China’s rapid strategic petroleum reserve buying—and warns prices could fall if China slows purchases. The conversation then turns to a bullish outlook for copper, driven by electrification, artificial intelligence and data centers, as well as defense spending. Plus, Haigh argues gold and silver still have upside—gold on sustained central-bank demand and silver on persistent deficits—while noting key risks if central-bank buying or global uncertainty meaningfully eases.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s markets roundup, hosts Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek discuss the strong performance of the FTSE 100, which has finally closed above 10,000. While it may not remain at that level, it marks a bright start. They also explore the key investment themes of 2025 and explain why equities in these areas are likely to remain elevated throughout 2026, driven by geopolitical tensions—particularly in defence, commodities, and precious metals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Merryn Somerset Webb and senior reporter John Stepek kick off the year by arguing that, amid political pessimism, personal finances remain one area where individuals can still take control. They run through six practical financial resolutions for 2026, from budgeting time for regular money check-ups and avoiding costly mortgage and insurance traps to improving tax efficiency, understanding pensions, and making sure wills and paperwork are in order. The message is clear: small, proactive steps now can make a meaningful difference to long-term financial security.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Merryn Somerset Webb is joined by Saxo Bank’s Chief Macro Strategist John Hardy to unpack Saxo’s annual list of “outrageous predictions” — unlikely events that could still shake markets if they hit. They explore a potential “Q-Day” quantum-computing breakthrough that could undermine encryption and trigger a crypto-led confidence crisis, alongside space-economy scenarios like a SpaceX IPO and even lunar real estate mania. The conversation also turns to the ripple effects of widespread GLP-1 weight-loss drugs — including cheaper pill forms and the possibility they expand beyond humans into the pet world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here it is! The second in our special two-part series, where John Stepek and Merryn Somerset Webb tell the extraordinary story of John Law: a fugitive Scots gambler who became the most powerful financier in France and helped invent the modern monetary system. From murder and exile to paper money, banking revolutions and spectacular collapse, Law’s life reveals why today’s financial system works the way it does—and why it sometimes blows up. It’s history, scandal and monetary theory rolled into one irresistible tale. We used a range of sources for this podcast but two key books to read if you'd like to find out more are:John Law: A Scottish Adventurer of the Eighteenth Century (2018), by James BuchanJohn Law: Economic Theorist and Policy-Maker (1997), by Antoin MurphySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special two-part series, John Stepek and Merryn Somerset Webb tell the extraordinary story of John Law: a fugitive Scots gambler who became the most powerful financier in France and helped invent the modern monetary system. From murder and exile to paper money, banking revolutions and spectacular collapse, Law’s life reveals why today’s financial system works the way it does—and why it sometimes blows up. It’s history, scandal and monetary theory rolled into one irresistible tale. We used a range of sources for this podcast but two key books to read if you'd like to find out more are:John Law: A Scottish Adventurer of the Eighteenth Century (2018), by James BuchanJohn Law: Economic Theorist and Policy-Maker (1997), by Antoin MurphySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's markets roundup, hosts Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek look back at an unexpectedly strong year for global markets, with equities, gold and even silver delivering standout performances. They dig into whether 2025’s surprising rotations—from US mega-caps to value, energy and long-ignored small caps—could carry into next year, and what persistent inflation, UK rate cuts and shifting attitudes toward net zero might mean for investors. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Merryn Talks Your Money, Merryn Somerset Webb sits down with veteran financial planner Hamish Leng to unravel one of the trickiest issues in personal finance: how to pass wealth to your children without undermining their drive, confidence, or future independence. From the psychology of raising financially capable kids to the smartest, tax-efficient ways to gift money, Hamish shares four decades of insight into what actually works for families.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Merryn Somerset Webb speaks with Kurt Björklund, Executive Chairman of Permira, about where we are in the private equity cycle after several tough years and why he still believes in the asset class for the right kind of investor. They discuss what “real” private equity is, how governance and long-term value creation—not just leverage—drive returns, and the impact of higher rates, tech and AI on future opportunities. Kurt also explains who private equity is (and isn’t) suitable for, and what the shift from public to private markets means for savers, pension funds and wealthy individuals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's markets roundup, hosts Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek unpack silver's climb to a record high, oil’s weakness and why it raises the prospect of an energy rebound, and the latest memo on AI from Oaktree Capital Management co-founder Howard Marks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Host John Stepek speaks with leading economist Gerard Lyons about the UK’s latest budget and why he believes it lacks both vision and credibility. Lyons discusses the risks facing the UK economy—ranging from rising public debt to sticky inflation—while also outlining where interest rates, markets, and global growth may be heading in 2026. He closes with reasons for cautious optimism, including resilient corporate balance sheets and opportunities arising from global diversification and AI. This interview was taped at the Edelman Smithfield Investor Summit at the London Stock Exchange on Dec. 4, 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Host John Stepek speaks with Helen Jewell, International CIO of Fundamental Equities for EMEA at BlackRock, about an unexpectedly strong year for global equity markets — one in which most regions outside the US outperformed. Jewell explains why widespread diversification, renewed strength in European banks, and accelerating demand for energy infrastructure—driven largely by AI—are shaping her outlook for 2026. She also highlights key risks, including investor complacency, and argues that selective opportunities in European quality growth and UK small caps remain compelling despite recent volatility. This interview was taped at the Edelman Smithfield Investor Summit at the London Stock Exchange on Dec. 4, 2025. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s markets roundup, hosts Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek dig into the collapse of the proposed HICL–TRIG merger and the resurgence of shareholder activism reshaping the investment trust sector. They also explore the dramatic breakout in silver, gold’s renewed monetary significance, and Bitcoin’s latest bout of volatility—potentially tied to the unwinding yen carry trade and shifting global rate expectations. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI mania may be driving markets to new heights, but economist and author Dambisa Moyo argues the real question isn’t whether we’re in a tech-driven bubble—it’s what stage. Speaking with Merryn Somerset Webb, Moyo says that while valuations look stretched and investor excitement is unmistakable, there may still be a ways to go before things get bad. Turning to the UK, Moyo, a member of the House of Lords, argues that the country’s central challenge is weak growth, held back by two chokepoints: high energy costs and underperforming capital markets that fail to attract investment or nurture emerging companies. What’s needed, she says, is not just policy fixes but a stronger, more optimistic national story that makes the UK a natural magnet for capital.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Merryn is joined by Stephanie Flanders, Head of Economics and Government at Bloomberg, Helen Thomas, founder and CEO of Blonde Money, and Money Distilled newsletter author John Stepek, to break down key announcements from the November Budget and what those changes mean for markets, investors and households.The conversation was recorded in front of an audience at Bloomberg's European Headquarters in London. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UK consumers used to save very little — now they’re saving a lot, perhaps too much. Why? Kallum Pickering, Peel Hunt chief economist, joins host Merryn Somerset Webb to explain. He points to a “wealth shock”: when gilt yields surged in 2022, pension values fell sharply. At the same time, mortgage rates climbed and house prices stalled. This shift matters. It’s one reason the UK economy remains sluggish. But it’s not the only factor — our strained public finances and the sheer size of the state also play a role. Can it be fixed? Kallum thinks so. He shared his long-term ideas for turning things around — and even offered a few suggestions for Chancellor Rachel Reeves. Correction: At the end when Kallum discusses financing pensions, he refers to a policy that includes a one-year tax cut for young people at £2,000. That is incorrect. His calculations account for £2,000 cuts for years one and two for pensions, and £1,000 cut in healthcare. It starts for everyone at age 20 but anyone under 40 would get the chance to partake. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week’s Merryn Talks Money market wrap, Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek sit down with Chris Clothier, Co-CIO of CGAM to discuss the proposed merger of two of the largest infrastructure investment trusts on the London market, HICL Infrastructure Company and The Renewables Infrastructure Group (TRIG). Fund managers at CGAM are "appalled" by the proposal. Clothier sits down with our usual hosts to explain why and what investors can do about it. The trio also talk about the upcoming budget and the collapse in central London house prices.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Curious about how offshore bonds really work, and whether they’re worth it? In this week’s Merryn Talks Your Money, Merryn Somerset Webb sits down with veteran financial adviser Paula Steele, director at John Lamb Hill Oldridge, to unpack the truth behind this often-misunderstood investment wrapper. From hidden tax traps to smart long-term planning strategies, this episode will inform how you think about where (and how) to grow your wealth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Host Merryn Somerset Webb speaks to Jim Reid, head of Macro and Thematic Research at Deutsche Bank, to unpack why too much cash is risky over the long run and why starting valuations drive real investment outcomes. They dig into 200 years of data on equities versus cash, the role of 60/40 portfolios, gold’s surprising century and today’s artificial intelligence-fueled market dynamics—with practical pointers on cheap versus expensive markets and time horizons. Find the report here: https://www.dbresearch.com/PROD/RI-PROD/PDFVIEWER.calias?pdfViewerPdfUrl=PROD0000000000607211 Don't forget to sign up for our live podcast taping in London on November 27:https://go.bloomberg.com/attend/invite/post-budget-merryn-talks-money/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week’s Merryn Talks Money market wrap, Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek dissect the latest UK housing trends ahead of the budget, exploring why falling mortgage rates might not be enough to lift property prices amid growing uncertainty. They also touch on the sluggish UK economy, the FTSE 100’s near-record run, and whether the AI boom in US markets is showing shades of a bubble. Don't forget to sign up for our live podcast taping in London on November 27:https://go.bloomberg.com/attend/invite/post-budget-merryn-talks-money/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Merryn Somerset Webb sits down with Richard Staveley, manager of the Rockwood Strategic, to unpack why UK smaller companies are so unloved—and why that may be a big opportunity. Richard explains Rockwood’s playbook: concentrated, benchmark-agnostic, value investing with hands-on “constructive engagement” to unlock change. They cover liquidity myths, the impact of passives and private equity, and where he sees near-term catalysts—plus what could reignite IPOs and domestic flows (think ISAs, pensions, and momentum).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.