The MoneyWeek Podcast

#Ad In this episode, we speak to Cocoba, a Kent-based chocolate brand, about its growth journey and expansion into international markets.The conversation explores the practical realities of exporting for SMEs: from managing cash flow and production cycles to navigating the challenges of fulfilling larger overseas orders. It highlights how delays between production and payment can place pressure on working capital, and why access to finance and insurance is often critical when scaling internationally.We also discuss the role of UK Export Finance in supporting businesses as they expand into global markets, including how government-backed trade finance can help reduce risk and provide greater confidence when taking on new contracts.

What is stopping the UK from investing? It's a mixture of three main factors, according to Henry MacLeod, co-head of digital distribution at BlackRock.In this episode of MoneyWeek Talks, Kalpana Fitzpatrick speaks to Henry about the state of investing in the UK, how we can debunk myths about risk, and whether AI can help you become a better investor.

#Ad In this episode, we speak to The Gym Group about how Jobcentre Plus is helping it overcome the challenges of recruiting and retaining talent in a fast-growing, service-led business.As the company expands across the UK, building a consistent pipeline of skilled employees has become a key priority. The conversation explores how partnerships with Jobcentre Plus are helping to address this challenge, from identifying motivated candidates to supporting pre-employment training and structured pathways into work.We discuss how initiatives such as Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) provide candidates with experience and employers with greater confidence in the hiring process, helping to reduce recruitment risk while opening up opportunities for new talent.The episode also examines the wider commercial benefits of investing in people — from supporting business growth to building a more resilient workforce — and why structured recruitment support is becoming an increasingly important part of SME growth strategies.For employers looking to strengthen their talent pipeline, this episode offers a practical look at how Jobcentre Plus can help turn recruitment into a competitive advantage.

#Ad In this episode, we speak to Electra Vehicles, a West Yorkshire-based manufacturer developing electric and hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles, about the realities of building and scaling a technology-led business.Founder Sid Sadique shares his journey from apprentice mechanic to leading a growing engineering business, and explains the challenges SMEs face in capital-intensive sectors, from regulation and skills shortages to the high cost of innovation.The conversation explores how Horizon Europe funding has supported Electra's growth, not only through investment in research and development, but by opening access to international partners, customers and markets. For a business operating in a space typically dominated by large global players, that combination of funding and collaboration has been key.We also discuss why support for SMEs matters more broadly (from access to talent and technology to guidance on entering new markets) and how businesses can approach innovation funding strategically.For SMEs looking to scale, this episode offers a practical perspective on how innovation, partnerships and support can help turn ambition into growth.

Daniel Avigad, manager of the TM Lansdowne European Special Situations fund, speaks to MoneyWeek's Andrew Van Sickle about opportunities in European equities, solving the continent's growth problem, and the consequences of populism.

#Ad Purpose-driven organisations often face a challenge: how to grow their impact without losing sight of their mission. In this episode, we speak to Riverlution about building a sustainable model for environmental change, from early projects restoring rivers to developing partnerships with businesses and communities.The conversation explores how leadership development and structured management support, including the UK Government's Help to Grow course, can help mission-led organisations strengthen strategy and long-term resilience. We discuss the practical realities of scaling impact, balancing purpose with commercial discipline, and why strong leadership is often the difference between a good idea and a lasting organisation.For founders and leaders looking to expand their impact while maintaining credibility, Riverlution's journey offers valuable lessons.

Dominic Scriven, founder and chairman of Dragon Capital, speaks to MoneyWeek's Cris Sholto Heaton about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Vietnam, the current climate for investors and how his Vietnamese language lessons led to him founding the largest asset manager in the country.

Improving the relationship between money and mental health is one of Clare Francis 's missions in her work at both Barclays and the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute. It is also a personal story – Clare lost her husband to suicide in 2011. Ever since, she has been driven to improve how we deal with our mental health when it relates to money.Clare, savings and investments director at Barclays, spoke to Kalpana Fitzpatrick about money and mental health, why Brits should start investing, and how to build long-term financial resilience.Alongside her role at Barclays, Clare is a trustee of the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute, a charity whose mission is to help people with mental health problems protect themselves from financial difficulties and get out of debt.This episode contains mentions of suicide. If you or someone you know needs support with their mental health, you can contact the Samaritans. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.

Former Lioness Jill Scott shares her investing journey and discusses how she is working towards the ultimate goal of building wealth for her future.Speaking to MoneyWeek's Kalpana Fitzpatrick, Jill says while she has always had an eye on the ball, she has not focused enough on her finances. But now, as a retired professional footballer, she has turned her attention to investing and shares how it has been a real eye-opener for her.Plus, she has some great life tips to motivate us all to hit our life goals. This episode is the inspiration you need to get up and get going.-- Find out more about eToro's Loud Investing initiative-- eToro on YouTube

Fidelity's Tom Stevenson reveals his top three funds for 2026 for your ISA or self-invested personal pension.He tells MoneyWeek's Kalpana Fitzpatrick why he is recommending these funds and how to decide what's right for you. Plus, he shares his views on why keeping exposure to UK and US equities matters in a well-diversified portfolio.

Investing can get a bad rap for being inaccessible. But it doesn't have to be that way, says Yana Shkrebenkova, CEO of Revolut Trading.MoneyWeek's digital editor, Kalpana Fitzpatrick speaks to Yana about how fintechs can make investing more accessible, the importance of financial education, and why women may be better investors than men.

Ever wondered what your relationship with money is? Well, it could be a little more complex than you think - childhood experiences, the wrong influence, or simply not understanding how it works could be holding you back.Financial psychotherapist, Vicky Reynal, talks to Kalpana Fitzpatrick about how you can change your money mindset, avoid arguments over money and how to come out of the guilt trap when it comes to spending your money.This episode is therapy!

While tracking an index makes good sense, investors could be missing out on opportunities by overlooking active managers. Andrew Craig discusses why they still play a valuable role for investors.Plus, he talks about the key mistake most newbie investors are making when it comes to differentiating between trading and investing.

In this episode of MoneyWeek talks, Thuy-Anh Nguyen, director and product specialist at Dragon Capital, gives Andrew Van Sickle the inside track on Vietnam. Having grown up in Hanoi in the late 1970s, she has first-hand experience of the country's extraordinary transformation from a war-torn planned economy to one of the world's most dynamic emerging markets.By 2005, MoneyWeek was highlighting it as Asia's other Communist dynamo. Now it is growing faster than China. Thuy-Anh tells Andrew how liberalisation triggered a growth spurt, what Vietnam did to ensure the economy maintained momentum, and how it dealt with the Donald Trump administration's tariffs earlier this year. We also explore some of the key holdings in Dragon's investment Trust, Vietnam Enterprise Investments Limited.

In this Autumn Budget special, MoneyWeek editors Kalpana Fitzpatrick, Andrew van Sickle and Cris Heaton chew over what was announced and what it means for savers, investors, workers, and homeowners. We gave the Autumn Budget a big thumbs down — but why?

Sir Steve Webb, former pensions minister and partner at LCP, tells MoneyWeek Talks how he is proud of the triple lock pension system, which gives the state pension a much-needed boost.Plus, he explains why young people should be able to release some of their pension savings to help them get onto the housing ladder and why renting in old age is not a good idea.Host: Kalpana Fitzpatrick, digital editor, MoneyWeek

In our first episode of MoneyWeek Talks, former UK prime minister Rishi Sunak discusses the real cultural change needed to get people to invest, how his charity, The Richmond Project, will help boost numeracy skills, financial literacy and the economy.Host: Kalpana Fitzpatrick, digital editor, MoneyWeek

Welcome to MoneyWeek Talks - the podcast that helps you build wealth, invest smarter, and understand the concepts that help you manage your finances better.Brought to you by MoneyWeek, our guests include CEO, entrepreneurs, economists, investors and policymakers.We cut through the noise to bring you the best thinking on investments, wealth management, and financial freedom.Subscribe to MoneyWeek Talks now, and get ready to make it, keep it and spend it with confidence.

Andrew Van Sickle talks to Emily Fletcher and Sam Vech, co-managers of the Blackrock Frontiers Investment Trust, about the improving outlook for the sector and the appeal of exotic economies ranging from Vietnam to Saudi Arabia.

Andrew Van Sickle talks to Greg Eckel and Jonathan Morgan of Canadian General Investments about the economic, environmental and political backdrop for Canadian equities and explores the outlook for the Toronto stockmarket's key sectors.

Andrew van Sickle talks to Joe Bauernfreund of Asset Value Investors about why Japanese corporations have become more shareholder-friendly over the past decade and what this means for smaller companies

Andrew van Sickle talks to Laura Foll of Janus Henderson Investors about why the London equity market is being shunned by local and foreign investors alike, and what can be done to turn the tide.

Andrew van Sickle talks to Stuart Gray of Alliance Trust about worldwide investment opportunities, the trust's multi-manager strategy and more than half a century of successive dividend increases.

Rupert talks to Richard Hulf about the state of the hydrogen market and how investors can capitalise on this emerging technology.

Rupert talks to Argonaut Capital's CEO Barry Norris. They discuss how to protect your portfolio, opportunities in energy and why short selling can add an edge to your portfolio.

Rupert talks to Joe Bauernfreund from Asset Value Investors about value investing, Japanese stocks and the right way to be an activist.

Rupert talks to Nick Greenwood manager of the MIGO Opportunities Trust plc about the current state of the investment trust market and looks at some of the biggest bargains around today.

Rupert Hargreaves talks to Axel Rudolph, Senior Market Analyst at IG and Chris Beauchamp, Chief Market Analyst at IG about dealing with global risks and broadening your investment toolkit.

Merryn talks to John Mills, founder of consumer goods distributor JML, chair of Vote Leave and one of the Labour Party's biggest donors. His latest book – "Why the West is Failing" – argues that a weak pound is needed to help revive UK manufacturing.

In her final MoneyWeek Podcast, Merryn talks to James Ferguson, founder of the MacroStrategy Partnership, about why high inflation and rising interest rates will have a very unpleasant impact on our portfolios. You're unlikely to make any money this year – so just try not to lose any.

In this week's show, Merryn is joined by James Ferguson, founder of Macro Strategy Partners; Russell Napier, economic historian, author and keeper of the Library of Mistakes; comedian Simon Evans; and Heather McGregor, executive dean of Edinburgh Business School, writer for the FT and author of several books.

This week we join Merryn and guests at her Edinburgh Festival show at Panmure House, the last home of Adam Smith, where they discuss the relevance of Smith's work to today's politics and economics – taking in many a tangent along the way. Guests include John Stepek, formerly MoneyWeek's executive editor; financial historian Edward Chancellor; comedian Simon Evans; and Alex Chartres, investment director at Ruffer.

As John Stepek leaves MoneyWeek after 17 years, he and Merryn look back on what's changed in that time. From consensus politics to populism; financial crashes and the failure of independent central banking; plus the one tax that the incoming prime minister should introduce.

Merryn talks to James de Uphaugh of the Edinburgh Investment Trust about why a “change in perception” of energy, mining, defence and bank stocks means the UK market could be well-placed to outperform.

Merryn talks to author Edward Chancellor about interest – AKA “the price of anxiety” – and why it, like gravity, is the force that holds everything in place. Plus, the best place for investors to find value now.

Merryn talks to fund managers Peter Spiller and Christopher Mills about the bear market, company valuations and inflation; why wages will have to rise at the expense of company earnings; plus the one asset they'd each buy and hold for ten years.

Merryn and John talk about he need for higher wages and lower house prices, and why the fact that this is the least dramatic bear market they've ever seen could mean it has much longer to go yet. Plus, a bitcoin success story and why things could be looking up for the young.

Merryn talks to Dylan Grice of Calderwood Capital about how central bankers are the problem, not the solution; how bitcoin can counter the increasing “weaponisation of money”; and why, if you want to preserve your capital, you should copy the cockroach.

Merryn talks to Liz Ann of Charles Schwab about how today's raging inflation and bear market came about, what to do, and why it's not like the 1970s stagflation, or the the 2007-2008 crash.

Merryn talks to James Ferguson of the MacroStrategy Partnership about central-banker induced inflation, the threat of a thoroughly unpleasant recession, and how the young should benefit from falling house prices and rising wages.

Merryn talks to Russell Napier about Edinburgh's Library of Mistakes, the age of debt and financial repression, plus why he has never invested in China and what he'd buy now.

Merryn talks to Barry Norris of Argonaut capital about the parallels between now and the 1970s; the transition to “green” energy; and the one sector where “it's going to be difficult not to make a lot of money”.

Merryn talks to Anna Macdonald and Mikhail Zverev of Amati about investing in growth-focused innovation in the teeth of a tech-stock selloff, and the opportunities it throws up.

Merryn talks to Mohamed El-Erian about the state of the global economy, how the Fed became hostage to the marketplace, and how you should position your investments in distorted markets.

Merryn talks to Baillie Gifford's James Anderson about his career at Scottish Mortgage; the roles and responsibilities of the wider fund management industry; the stocks in his portfolio; plus answers to some of your questions.

Merryn talks to Fred Harrison, author of #WeAreRent about why land is so lucrative to investors and when house prices will level off.

Merryn talks to the FT's Robin Wigglesworth about how passive investing via index funds can't be blamed for inflated stockmarket valuations, and how the current fad for ESG may erupt into a new mis-selling scandal.

Merryn talks to Charlotte Yonge of Troy Asset Management about the long-term inflationary risks the world is facing, and the two best ways to protect your wealth as central banks lose control.

As the tech stock bubble bursts, Merryn and John discuss how one bank has redefined and replaced the FAANG stocks with some decidedly old-school investments.

Merryn talks to Dario Perkins from TS Lombard about central banks and how today's inflation is not the same as 1970s inflation; and to Richard de Lisle of De Lisle Partners about the stocks he's buying now.

Merryn talks to Vitali Kalesnik of Research Affiliates about the situation in Ukraine, the consequences of sanctions on Russia, and how inflation will affect us all – for better and for worse.