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Monday's business news headlines with Susan Culleton Hayes and Russ Mould from AJ Bell.
International business news headlines with Joe Lynam and Russ Mould from AJ Bell.
This month, the Investment Trust Show focuses in on what makes trusts so unique: from gearing to boards. Hannah Williford and Dan Coatsworth discuss the pros and cons before seeing how they measure up against their sister funds through the numbers. Nick Britton from the Association of Investment Companies joins to explain where the differences emerge. AJ Bell's Tom Sieber also steps in to interview Utilico Emerging Markets chair Mark Bridgeman to understand what role a board is really playing. Then, two funds investing in private equity, Seraphim Space Investment Trust and ICG, discuss where opportunity lies off the market, and how Seraphim has grown its share price by over 300% in a year. 00:00 Introduction: What makes investment trusts unique 04:30 What does a trust board actually do? (Tom Sieber & Mark Bridgeman) 19:00 Investment trusts vs funds: Who wins? (Nick Britton, AIC) 33:20 Private equity explained: Inside ICG Enterprise Trust (ICG Colm Walsh) 47:45 Space & defence boom: Seraphim Investment Trust (Mark Bogget) 01:06:45 Outro & key takeaways
In this Deep Dive episode, Tom Sieber and Danni Hewson take a closer look at income investing. Experts from AJ Bell and Jupiter Asset Management join the podcast to discuss common dividend mistakes investors make, the power of compounding and dividend reinvestment, getting income from Asia and how to generate cash through property, infrastructure, and bonds. 00:08 – Introduction: Tom Sieber and Danni Hewson introduce the episode and the evolving world of income. 02:10 – Why people invest for income and the power of compounding. 06:50 – Dividend basics: Tom Sieber explains some of the key points every investor should understand. 09:40 – Danni Hewson looks at share buybacks vs dividends and current UK trends. 17:56 – Tom Sieber then frames the debate around dividend yield vs dividend growth and why you might look for the latter over the former. 23:39 – AJ Bell head of markets Dan Coatsworth joins to talk about common dividend investing mistakes. 30:57 – AJ Bell fund and investment trust writer Eve Maddock-Jones delves into the world of income funds and trusts and the advantages of diversification. 34:45 – Tom talks to Jupiter Asian Income fund manager about why he thinks the region can be a fruitful source of income and growth. 48:34 – Tom explains how you can also derive income from the financial markets through property funds, infrastructure, and bonds. 55:33 – Tom talks to Paul Angell about the role of bonds in an income portfolio. 01:11:36– Tom and Danni wrap up with the key takeaways from the episode including what they've learned about income investing.
Monday's business news headlines with Joe Lyam and Russ Mould from AJ Bell.
The conflict in Iran has very grave human costs for the Middle East. But it also has economic costs and they are being felt around the world and here in the UK.Just this week the Resolution Foundation think tank said higher energy bills could mean typical British households are £480 worse off this year. From heat pumps to pensions and solar panels to savings - what changes have you made because of the changing world?Felicity Hannah is joined by Ian Preston from the Centre for Sustainable Energy in Bristol, Ellen Fraser from the energy consultancy Baringa and Sarah Coles, head of personal finance at AJ Bell.Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producer: James Graham Editor: Rob Cave Senior News Editor: Sarah Wadeson(First broadcast 3pm Wednesday 15th April 2026) Photo: Niall Carson/PA Wire
In netball, once you've got the ball you have to pivot. It turns out that skill can be applied just as neatly to careers for Tracey Neville. The former England netball coach joins Nuala McGovern to discuss her new role as the new managing director of the Stockport County Women Football Club.A new medical device to assist at birth is now in use in eight NHS trusts in the UK and 40 hospitals in the whole of Europe. The OdonAssist can replace forceps in many situations and is a much gentler way to deliver a baby which is stuck in the birth canal. NHS Specialist registrar Dr Emily Hotton has worked on the UK clinical trials. She describes how the device works and why it can give a much better outcome for both mothers and babies.New research suggests the age of 28 is a key turning point for women's finances. Investment platform AJ Bell says that's when many start to fall behind on pension savings. And women retire with around 48% less wealth. Charlene Young, Senior Pensions and Savings expert at AJ Bell explains.Mina came to the UK from Iran 15 years ago. She is appearing on Channel 4's Your Song, a new series celebrating the power of music and storytelling. Growing up where women's voices were restricted, she learnt to sing secretly as an act of quiet rebellion. On the show, she performs a song that has followed her from childhood through exile to her new life in the UK. For Mina, this performance isn't just personal — it's about representing millions of women still silenced. She talks about identity, resistance, and what it means to finally reclaim her voice.An online safety group, the Early Warning Working Group, is encouraging schools across the UK to rethink how they use photographs of pupils online, amid growing fears that images taken from school websites and social media accounts are being stolen and manipulated into sexually explicit content using AI tools. Nuala speaks to Carole Osborne - a mother of two daughters who used to work in school communications. After hearing growing concerns from parents and headteachers about AI-generated abuse imagery, she decided to try to do something about it herself. Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Kirsty Starkey
Monday's business news headlines with Joe Lyam and Russ Mould from AJ Bell.
In this episode of the investment trust show, Dan Coatsworth and Hannah Williford explore the trusts offering generous income to investors, the state of US markets and the changes happening to the renewable infrastructure sector. Plus, AJ Bell's own Eve Maddock-Jones joins for a chat on what you need to know if your trust is winding up. [01:24] Hannah and Eve talk about the latest news in trust windups, and what investors need to be prepared for if theirs is on the chopping block. [10:03] Dan speaks to Felise Agranoff from JP Morgan American Trust about the sentiment surrounding the US in the midst of the US-Iran War. [24:51] Jeremiah Buckley from North American Income Trust joins Hannah for a second US perspective, and talks about why getting dividends from US companies is an underrated approach for investors. [38:11] Ryan Lightfoot-Aminoff from Kepler talks to Dan about finding income in unexpected areas of the market, and why investors are needing to get creative with where they look. [54:19] FGEN's Charlie Wright rounds off the pod speaking about the state of the renewable energy infrastructure sector, where many trusts are rotating away from their dividend-paying roots.
Choosing your first stocks and shares Isa can be overwhelming. There are apps, brokerages and dozens of providers, all claiming to be the best. In this episode of Women and Wealth, funds editor Val Cipriani and personal finance editor Holly McKechnie walk you through how to choose the right one for you, whether you're investing for the first time or moving beyond cash savings.They explain everything from what beginners should look for, which fees really matter, the differences between providers and the common mistakes to avoid. This episode will get you started on the path of investing, with Investors' Chronicle your handy guide as you grow your portfolio.*At the time of recording, AJ Bell charged a trading fee for regular investing. The provider has since announced that this will be scrapped from May.Women and Wealth is the monthly podcast series from Investors' Chronicle. You can listen to and watch the episodes, alongside our other podcasts, on Apple, Spotify and YouTube.Investors' Chronicle has supported private investors in the UK for over 160 years by highlighting rewarding investment opportunities. Investors' Chronicle is a service by the Financial Times. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Charlene Young and Dan Coatsworth bring you this week's episode of the AJ Bell Money and Markets podcast. Rising UK inflation kicks things off and they'll also discuss the latest market movements as the middle east conflict continues. Dan digs into plans spin off Primark from Associated British Foods and what it could mean for shareholders and Charlene covers another uncoupling announcement – this time how the government wants to break the link between gas price shock and British energy bills. Apple has named a new CEO as Tim Cook moves up to executive Chairman, TikTok has moved into payments. Is this new debit card venture actually smart innovation? Dan speaks to Bloomberg Intelligence consumer analyst Conroy Gaynor about jet fuel shortages, the impact of the Middle East crisis on airlines, and what it means for investors as we head into peak travel season. Finally, with the government launching a new campaign to encourage first‑time investors, Charlene and Dan explore how people can take those initial steps into investing and why funds are often a sensible starting point. To round this off we bring you a conversation between Danni Hewson and AJ Bell's James Flintoft on how the AJ Bell funds have been performing. [00:09] Intro [01:05] UK Inflation rises to 3.3% [07:26] Primark IPO [14:11] Government energy price announcement [17:17] New CEO for Apple [21:30] Tiktok debit card [26:18] Interview: How the conflict is affecting on airlines, travellers and investors. Dan Coatsworth talks to Conroy Gaynor from Bloomberg Insights [40:10] New investing campaign [52:22] Interview: Danni Hewson gets the AJ Bell funds latest from James Flintoft
Danni Hewson, Head of Financial Analysis at AJ Bell and Darragh Cassidy, Bonkers.ie
Friday's business news review with Joe Lynam and Austin Hughes from AJ Bell.
In this Deep Dive episode, Tom Selby and Tom Sieber explore what retirement really looks like in 2026 — from phased retirement and flexible working, to drawdown, annuities, tax changes and the risks that could derail your plans. They also hear from a financial adviser on managing money in retirement, and from AJ Bell's very own Rachel Vahey on inheritance tax and what the latest changes could mean for families. 02:24 Tom Selby and Tom Sieber discuss how retirement is changing, why it no longer has to mean stopping work completely, and what earning part-time or freelance income could mean for your pension planning. 06:34 They break down the main ways to access your pension, including drawdown and annuities, and ask whether the best approach for many retirees might be a mix of both. 10:33 The pair look at the key retirement dates and milestones people need to know, including changes to the Normal Minimum Pension Age and how the State Pension fits into the wider retirement income picture. 18:10 The two Toms examine some of the biggest threats to retirement finances, including longevity risk, sequence risk, inflation and the danger of drawing too much too soon. 24:25 Tom Selby speaks to Rick Gosling, a financial adviser at Five Wealth, about how retirees can manage their money sustainably and avoid common financial pitfalls later in life. 46:42 Tom Sieber catches up with Rachel Vahey, AJ Bell's head of public policy, to discuss what the inheritance tax changes could mean in practice — and what people can do if they think they may be affected. 01:08:19 Both Toms wrap up with the big takeaways from the episode, including the importance of flexibility, planning ahead and making your retirement savings work for the long term.
Monday's business news review with Joe Lynam and Russ Mould from AJ Bell.
Join Dan Coatsworth and Hannah Williford in a new bonus episode of the AJ Bell Money & Markets podcast all about investment trusts. They break down the latest trends in investment trust discounts, and which names are looking cheaper or more expensive. Dan speaks with Martin Connaghan of Murray International to discuss the investing debate around sin stocks, ethical investing, and whether morals come into fund manager portfolio decisions. Hannah interviews Nicola Takada Wood, managing director, Japan at Asset Value Investors about Japan's recent election and the outlook for investing in the country. Finally, Dan chats with Stephen Anness from Invesco Global Equity Income Trust about the prospects for dividend growth and why he's looking in less obvious places for income. 00:00 — Introduction: What's coming up 01:23 — What investment trust discounts are, why they matter, and the big changes observed by Hannah and Dan 12:42 — Dan talks to Martin Connaghan on sin stocks and ethical investing 27:25 — Hannah chats with Nicola Takada Wood about Japan's political landscape and what that means for investors 41:00 — Interview: Stephen Anness on the search for attractive dividends If you enjoy this episode, don't forget to like and subscribe for more insights from the AJ Bell investing team.
UK and European markets reach record highs. That's despite the tariff turmoil since the Supreme Court struck down President Trump's liberation day plans. Danni dives into the latest on Meta's deal with AMD, Anthropic's latest plug ins and Paramount up the stakes in the bidding war for Warner Bros. Diageo's first results under Sir Dave Lewis show that not even Guinness couldn't steady the ship at the big brand giant, plus a £1 billion funding boost for UK self-driving tech firm Wayve. Cuts to the energy price cap and the odds of winning on Premium Bonds. Adam Rackley from the Cape Wrath Focus Fund tells Dan Coatsworth why he likes to invest when others are jumping ship. [00:10] – Welcome [01:34] – Markets are shrugging off the latest tariff drama...for now [08:45] – Danni Hewson has the latest on the AI arms race, with AMD, Meta and Anthropic [14:40] – Diageo results show 'Drastic Dave' has his work cut out [20:00] – Danni shares AJ Bell's consumer trends research findings [24:00] - UK self driving firm Wayve raises another £1 billion in a funding deal [27:45] - Bidding war for Warner Bros: Paramount comes back with a sweeter deal [30:00] – Energy price cap cut: Charlene Young looks at how this measures up against promised £150 cuts to bills [32:51] - Rachel Reeves delivers her Spring Statement next week; what might be in it? [38:11] – NS&I slashes premium bond prize funds rate and chances of winning [42:10] – Dan Coatsworth talks value investing with Cape Wrath Focus Fund
Joe takes a look at Friday's business news along with Austin Hughes from AJ Bell.
Magnum Ice Cream reported its first full-year results since its December demerger from Unilever, but posted a disappointing 3% drop in sales volumes in the fourth quarter but is it down to the widespread use of GLP-1 drugs? AJ Bell's Investment Director, Russ Mould joins Bobby to discuss.
The government has announced that it's replacing the lifetime Isa with a new savings product specifically to help first-time buyers. But what will it look like?In this episode, we're joined by our mortgages and property expert Sam Wilson who outlines what the Lisa is, how it's helped first time buyers, but also how it's hampered certain house-buyers from accessing the government bonus because their property was too expensive.The new account will only be targeted towards first-time buyers, removing the element of the Lisa that helps those save for retirement. Rachel Vahey from AJ Bell shares her concerns that the self-employed will need more support to save money for later life.Read our reviews of the best lifetime Isas on our website & sign up for our free weekly Money newsletterGet in touch with us via email - podcasts@which.co.ukPodcast listeners can get 50% off an annual Which? membershipBecome a Which? Money member to access 1-to-1 guidance and receive the Money magazine
Lorraine Lewis is the Co-Founder and CEO of The Lewis Foundation, an award-winning cancer charity providing free gift packs and ongoing support to adult cancer patients across 17 hospitals in the Midlands. Founded from lived experience, the charity has become a lifeline for thousands of people diagnosed with cancer. Beyond her role as a charity leader, Lorraine is a highly sought-after motivational speaker, inspiring audiences ranging from school children to corporate professionals. She has delivered talks for organisations including The Eden Project, the European Chartered Institute of Fundraising, and AJ Bell, sharing powerful messages of resilience, purpose and hope. Lorraine's remarkable journey has captured national attention. She has been featured in publications such as The Sun and HELLO! Magazine, and has appeared on Channel 4 News, highlighting her work and personal story. Her dedication to community service has been recognised through numerous accolades, including the HELLO! Magazine Inspiration Award, Great British Entrepreneur Award, and the prestigious Prime Minister's Point of Light Award. In recognition of her services to cancer, Lorraine was recently invited to meet Their Majesties The King and Queen. In addition to her charitable work, Lorraine is an author, with her memoir Dare To Dream chronicling her journey from lawyer to charity founder. She also hosts the podcast "See Through The Big C", amplifying the voices of those living with cancer, their loved ones, and healthcare professionals. A passionate artist, Lorraine discovered her love for art in her forties and continues to explore creativity alongside her enthusiasm for fitness, including HYROX competitions, running, and ultra-distance challenges—living proof that it's never too late to dream, create, and push beyond perceived limits. *** New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries. Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Your support makes a difference. Thank you x *** Show notes Who is Lorraine Being based in Northampton Co-founder of The Lewis Foundation which supports cancer patients in hospital Writing her book, 'Dare to Dream' Her early years growing up Not being sporty and always trying to get out of PE Being into reading and writing Her dream of wanting to become a barrister Being supported and encouraged by her parents Her determination and resilience Not knowing how she would achieve her goals Doing old school research by heading to the library Creating her own opportunities to gain the experiences she needed Doing the Bar Vocational Course Not having time for sport or physical activity £50k of student debt…. Being determined to make it happen Dealing with challenges and changes How it changed their life Starting to question everything and why there must be more to life What can be done? Wanting to make people feel better Dealing with cancer, death and grief Supporting people with cancer Bringing joy to peoples days Getting into fitness and ultra running to raise funds for the charity Deciding to sign up to do a Tough Mudder (Obstacle Run) Wanting to push herself more physically and step outside her comfort zone Running out of money for the charity How Mike supported the charity with a £50k donation The kindness of strangers Deciding to take on the 3 Peaks Challenge Taking on more and more running challenges Being consumed by the Lewis Foundation and starting to neglect herself Rat Race The Wall Discovering Hyrox Getting back on her feet and being more active and more healthy Starting to feel stronger mentally and more resilient to handle challenges January 2025 - and doing her vision board and goals for the year Deciding to sign up for the 70 mile race Not training for the ultra in the best way… Being at the start of the race The struggle during the race and crossing the finishing line Feeling physically broken but knowing it was her mental resilience that got her across the finish line The mental side of running 70 miles Setting a big challenge for 2026 Taking on a 100 mile ultra! The Rat Race Castle to Castle The Lewis Foundation will be celebrating it's 10th Anniversary in 2026 Starting to follow a specific running program Being pushed in her training Making sure to eat better The challenges of fuelling while being coeliac Feeling in a much better place physically Needing to exercise at 6am Training about 35 hrs a week What is the race strategy…. Breaking down the training Fuelling her training and needing to eat more Not being afraid to consume food—especially carbs Taking supplements to help with iron levels Creatine and omega-3 The benefits of hiking poles/sticks Rotating trainers The financial impact of taking on challenges/runs etc How to connect with Lorraine on social media Podcast: See through the big C Final words of advice The importance of living your life Make the most of the time we have on this planet Social Media Website: www.lorrainelewisbcah.co.uk LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lorraine-lewis-bcah Youtube: @Seethroughthebigc Instagram: @lorraine_lewisbca Book: Dare to Dream
In this episode, Dominic Bowen and Russ Mould discuss why gold has returned to the centre of global finance amid rising geopolitical risk, sanctions, and record government debt.Find out more about what is driving gold's surge beyond $4,000 an ounce, from central bank buying and reserve diversification to inflation fears and market concentration in US equities.The conversation also addresses whether gold truly functions as a haven, how it compares with equities, bonds, and AI-driven assets, and why valuation discipline still matters in late-cycle markets.Finally, they explore what could end the gold rally, the risks embedded in private credit and leverage, and the market signals that investors and CFOs should be watching closely.Russ Mould is Investment Director at AJ Bell and one of the UK's most respected market commentators. With over three decades of experience, he began his career as a fund manager at Scottish Equitable before spending more than a decade at UBS Investment Bank as a technology equity analyst during the dot-com era. He later became editor of Shares Magazine before joining AJ Bell, where he plays a central role in investment strategy, client communication, and media engagement. Russ is widely known for his clear, valuation-led approach to markets and his ability to connect macroeconomic risk with practical investment decisions.The International Risk Podcast brings you conversations with global experts, frontline practitioners, and senior decision-makers who are shaping how we understand and respond to international risk. From geopolitical volatility and organised crime, to cybersecurity threats and hybrid warfare, each episode explores the forces transforming our world and what smart leaders must do to navigate them. Whether you're a board member, policymaker, or risk professional, The International Risk Podcast delivers actionable insights, sharp analysis, and real-world stories that matter.The International Risk Podcast is sponsored by Conducttr, a realistic crisis exercise platform. Conducttr offers crisis exercising software for corporates, consultants, humanitarian, and defence & security clients. Visit Conducttr to learn more.Dominic Bowen is the host of The International Risk Podcast and Europe's leading expert on international risk and crisis management. As Head of Strategic Advisory and Partner at one of Europe's leading risk management consulting firms, Dominic advises CEOs, boards, and senior executives across the continent on how to prepare for uncertainty and act with intent. He has spent decades working in war zones, advising multinational companies, and supporting Europe's business leaders. Dominic is the go-to business advisor for leaders navigating risk, crisis, and strategy; trusted for his clarity, calmness under pressure, and ability to turn volatility into competitive advantage. Dominic equips today's business leaders with the insight and confidence to lead through disruption and deliver sustained strategic advantage.The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.Follow us on LinkedIn and Subscribe for all our updates!Tell us what you liked!Tell us what you liked!
Danni Hewson, Head of financial analysis at AJ Bell, discusses Trump's nomination to replace Jerome Powell, the current chair of the Federal Reserve.
Charlene Young and Danni Hewson are your hosts in a week where gold and silver continue to take centre stage, with new data highlighting gold's status as the ultimate safe haven over the last decade (04:15). Danni runs though the latest business and travel news, including pub business rate relief, Boeing picks up its aircraft deliveries, higher fares at Ryanair and the impact of US storms on airlines (09:15). Attention then turns to the US Federal Reserve's interest rate decision and why President Trump's upcoming pick for the next Fed chair could be just as market-moving (21:15). In Pensions Corner, we are joined by AJ Bell's Rachel Vahey to discuss changes to when you can access your own pensions and claim, the state pension plus the latest on the government's review of WASPI compensation (25:00). Charlene brings you updates on NS&I cutting savings rates again (32:30), and reveals new stats on what really happens when Junior ISA holders turn 18 (35:20).
This episode of the AJ Money & Markets podcast explores the world of shares, pensions, property, wills, and much more. Dan Coatsworth examines how financial markets have reacted to Donald Trump's threats to take over Greenland. Gold is closing in on $5,000 per ounce as investors seek assets that have historically protected people in tough times. [03:21] We've just had the second FTSE 100 takeover bid of 2026, and we're only weeks into the new year. Dan talks about the bid for Beazley, and the downside if it disappears from the UK stock market. [07:16] When the pensions lifetime allowance was abolished in 2024, it created a myth that age 75 no longer matters in the world of pensions. Charlene Young explains why 75 is still incredibly important. [08:53] Discover how much first-time buyers need for a 10% deposit on a home in different parts of the country, and what the latest inflation figures mean for the direction of interest rates and mortgages in 2026. [14:08] It's important to have a will so your assets go to the people of your choice when you die, but lawyers are now saying certain wills might be invalid. Charlene reveals all. [19:08] AJ Bell investment director Russ Mould talks to Dan about what buy, hold, sell ratings on shares really mean, how they're created, and which UK stocks have the most or least of certain types of ratings. [25:13] Finally, Danni Hewson talks to James Flintoft from AJ Bell's investments team about how AJ Bell funds performed last year and his thoughts on the year ahead. [35:14]
We're kicking off the New Year with the latest bonus episode of the AJ Bell Money & Markets all about investment trusts. To kick things off, Hannah Williford speaks to QuotedData's James Carthew about a merger proposal gone wrong. [02:28] Dan dives into the tech world with Mike Seidenberg from Allianz Technology Trust to scope out what 2026 might hold and how the industry is evolving in China. [17:40] AJ Bell's Martin Gamble and Tom Sieber pick apart the Aurora UK Alpha Investment Trust and its Warren Buffett-inspired strategy, which has a particular stock picking process. [37:21] Finally, Hannah speaks with Shavar Halberstadt from Winterflood Research about the private equity sector. It's gained a lot of attention this year, but is it relevant for the average investor? [50:10]
Leanna Byrne is joined by Russ Mould of AJ Bell to look back at the market moments that defined the year from tariffs and precious metals to the growing influence of artificial intelligence. Plus,the latest US jobs figures show a fall in new applications for unemployment benefits. And India launches its heaviest-ever rocket yet, another sign of its ambitions to compete in the fast-growing global satellite industry.
On this episode of the AJ Bell Money & Markets podcast, discover problems on the high street for one well-known retailer [01:33], and why the UK cinema industry is hoping for a last-minute flurry of bookings in 2025 [03:15]. Dan Coatsworth considers what the latest UK economic data is telling us [05:11], and Tom Sieber chats about UK property market trends, planning reforms and what could be in store for real estate in 2026 [08:48]. The pod team explore how financial markets behaved in 2025 [14:31]. Dan chats with AJ Bell's managing director for the investments divisions, Ryan Hughes, about what he thought of the year [17:10]. Dan and Tom run through the winners and losers on the UK and US stock markets over the past 12 months. They chat about Fresnillo, Lloyds, Applovin, WPP, Auto Trader and more. While markets have generally done well in 2025, the podcast always has its eye on the future and there's quite a few people approaching 2026 with a sense of dread. With that in mind, the podcast spoke to Charlotte Yonge from the Trojan Fund and Personal Assets Trust about how she runs an investment strategy with protection at the heart of it [45:34]. Finally, Dan talks to AJ Bell chief executive Michael Summersgill about what's needed to get more people saving and investing for the future [56:08].
There are three main options for what to do with your spare cash - apart from spending it. Should you save it? Invest it? Or overpay your mortgage? In this episode, we're joined by Which? Senior Data Journalist Josh Wilson and Tom Selby, Director of Public Policy at AJ Bell to explore the pros and cons of those options. Plus, given the Chancellor's recent announcement that cash Isa limits will be reduced in order to encourage more people to invest, we explain the basics of using a stocks and shares Isa. Read our reviews of the best stocks and shares Isa providers & sign up for our free weekly Money newsletter Get in touch with us via email - podcasts@which.co.ukPodcast listeners can get 50% off an annual Which? membership Become a Which? Money member to access 1-to-1 guidance - get 25% off your first year's membership. Offer ends 8th January 2026
In this week's AJ Bell Money & Markets podcast, Charlene Young and Laura Suter are joined by AJ Bell's markets expert Martin Gamble to unpack the biggest stories affecting investors. First, they look at Nvidia's latest moves on chip sales to China [01:22] and the escalating bidding war for Warner Brothers [03:10]. Martin also highlights the top stories in this month's Shares magazine [05:43]. Switching to personal finance, Charlene and Laura explain the changes to cash ISAs announced in the Budget [07:28], and Laura dives into new AJ Bell data revealing the nation's “secret spending” habits [15:17]. Finally, we bring you the next batch of Investival interviews: Dan Coatsworth talks to Russ Mould about the good, the bad and the ugly of 2025 markets and what he expects for 2026 [19:28], and Alex Wright from Fidelity Special Values on the UK market's strong performance, the banking sector, and a surprising investment in a sofa seller [25:22].
Scott Ellam, founder of XCE & Spencer Riley, is preparing to take his international executive recruitment firm public, with a Bitcoin treasury. He explains why he started stacking BTC as the company's primary reserve in 2021, how he scaled buying from daily to weekly, and why the UK needs more businesses openly running Bitcoin strategies.WRAP offer open across AJ Bell, Hargreaves Lansdown and Interactive Investor: https://x.com/XCEofficial/status/1994093795177029705?s=20CONTACT JORDAN:
Rachel Reeves stepped up to the despatch box at lunchtime on Wednesday to deliver her much-anticipated Budget speech. But how much of it will impact you? And will it be for the better, or for the worse? In this episode, we're joined by Which? Money Editor Jenny Ross and Tom Selby, Director of Public Policy at AJ Bell to discuss how all of the big announcements could impact your day-to-day finances.From tax thresholds being frozen, to Isa allowances being changed, we analyse the biggest headlines from Reeves's second Budget speech as Chancellor. Read more of the Chancellor's announcements & sign up for our free weekly Money newsletter Send us your questions for our Budget Q&A episode via email Podcast listeners can get 50% off an annual Which? membership Become a Which? Money member to access 1-to-1 guidance
AJ Bell experts Charlene Young and Dan Coatsworth react to Rachel Reeves' autumn Budget in this special edition of the Money & Markets podcast. Financial markets were initially taken by surprise after the OBR report was leaked ahead of the chancellor's speech, and Dan explains why gilts and equities moved in a certain way. He also dives into the reasons why banking and gambling shares saw big moves. [31:24] There was big news for anyone who uses salary sacrifice to make pension contributions. Charlene explains how the system will change from 2029. [07:35] The taxman is going to take a bigger chunk of your dividends, savings and property income under new rules. Dan also explains how higher property income taxes might lead to higher rent on flats or houses. [10:35] The podcast team explore the changes in store for Cash ISAs [13:00] and why we might see the Lifetime ISA morph into something else. [14:30] Are you lucky enough to have a home worth more than £2 million? Brace yourself for higher taxes. [16:45] Dan argues that a stamp duty holding on shares in newly listed companies doesn't go far enough. [20:45]. He also explores the extra pressures being piled on small businesses. Charlene reveals some good news from the Budget around energy bills, rail fares and more. [23:53]. She finishes up with important news on frozen allowances [25:50].
The battle between active and passive managers has been going in earnest for over a decade now, and the passive machines are winning. In this Deep Dive, Laith Khalaf and Dan Coatsworth explore the active and passive fund landscape, and ask if there is a way back for active fund managers. Dan and Laith discuss why passive funds have become so popular and share some stats on fund flows and figures from AJ Bell's Manager versus Machine report, which pits active and passive funds against each other. [01:01] Laith catches up with Craig Baker who chairs the investment committee for Alliance Witan, one of the biggest investment trusts in the UK, to find out why they have chosen a distinctive active investment strategy and how it's been performing. [22:28] Paul Angel, Head of Investment Research at AJ Bell joins Dan and Laith to talk about how to pick active and passive funds. [34:05] Paul, Dan and Laith discuss whether the rise of passive funds is bad for the stockmarket and consider the future of active management. [48:17]
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]
This week on Taking Stock, Mandy Jonston sits in for Susan and is joined by Russ Mould of AJ Bell to look at just how troublesome or not President Trump's tariffs have been to global markets.Mandy talks to tech journalist Chris Stokel-Walker about Nvidia now being the world's most valuable company.Plus, we enter the Video Game ‘Wars' when Mandy talks to Olivia Fahy of Geek Ireland about which console maker is proving the most popular with gamers.
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]
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]
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
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]
This week on Taking Stock Susan Hayes Culleton looks at the idea of the '15-Minute' city, where urban planning allows for residents to be only ever 15 minutes away from everything and anything they need. She is joined by Aitor Hernández-Morales of Politico.Sinead Ryan talks to Susan about the changing saving and spending habits of Gen Z.Plus, Susan debates the merits of scrapping ‘earnings' calls as President Trump has called for, when she chats to Russ Mould of AJ Bell.
Dannii Hewson, Head of Financial Analysis at AJ Bell
This week, Pete and Roger answer your questions about investing and planning for children, including trusts, life insurance and how to keep tax low. Shownotes: https://meaningfulmoney.tv/QA22 01:35 Question 1 Hi, A friend recommended your podcast in mid-Dec and have already listened to the Financial Advice Process and Combining Pensions episodes (which were both 100% relevant) and working my way through the Q&A episodes. I have a question about share trading accounts for my children (14, 13 and 11). They are in a fortunate position where they all have JISA's (held at Hargreaves Lansdown) which I contribute to (max amount) and manage, without their knowledge. My wife and I also hold ISA's at HL as well, which we max out. I was taught to be a saver as a child, not an investor, and this is something I have learnt more about as I get older. Your recent Q&A podcasts mentioned a couple of times about looking forward and not back - there is nothing I can do about my historic saving, and wish this was invested rather than saved!! However, my children are a lot more savvy about investing, than I ever was at their age. The two oldest children play a game called Business Empire and are multi trillionaires, I'd like to teach them the benefits of investing in the real world, but that it might not be quite as easy as Business Empire! We have discussed setting up a separate trading accounts for the children, putting some money in (poss £3k / £5k) and the children then managing the investment decisions. I want to keep the accounts separate from their JISA, so they don't get visibility of their JISA. Preferably I own the account and login, and the children can then ask me the value or ask me to execute trades on their behalf, which they request. They will make all the investment decisions. I recognise that they could turn £3k / £5k into zero quite quickly! Let's hope that Business Empire teaches them something. The only way I have found to be able to set up trading accounts for the children is that I set up a Bear Trust for the children, which seems overly complicated for what I'm trying to achieve. Or I create an account at AJ Bell for one of the children in my name and find 2 other companies to set up trading accounts for the other children in my name. Or I create a SIPP for the children. So the question is, where / how can I set up a trading account for children, so they can get experience of investing and making their own investment decisions. Love the podcast, keep up the good work Thanks, Stuart 10:00 Question 2 Hello Pete and Roger, Really enjoying the podcast. The Q&A shows have been fantastic for hearing about other people's financial conundrums and thinking about how to apply those lessons in my own situation. I have some questions about children's savings that I hope will help others too. For context, my wife and I have a 12 year old daughter and 8 year old son. My son has a severe learning disability meaning he is unlikely to ever be able to manage his finances independently. I get a good salary from full time employment and pay additional rate tax, while my wife stopped working several years ago to care full time for our son. Question 1: Can you please interpret the rule: "if, in the tax year, the child gets more than £100 in interest from money given by a parent. The parent will have to pay tax on all the interest if it's above their own Personal Savings Allowance? Both children get £60 a month paid into children's cash savings accounts since they were babies - half from us and half from grandparents. Last year, my daughter got £300 of interest. My hope/assumption is that the rule applies per parent. Otherwise, given my personal savings allowance is £0 I would potentially owe £135 of tax on my daughter's earnings having only contributed a quarter of the funds over 12 years. We've now moved the bulk of her savings into a stocks and shares JISA to avoid any tax hassle, but this wouldn't be suitable for my son who will be unable to manage the account when he turns 18. Does it make a difference if the payments come from my wife's solo bank account vs our joint account? Question 2: Related to the above, where do you start with financial planning for a child with learning disabilities? What are the big things we should consider? Will savings in my son's name affect his entitlement to the benefits and care he will need as an adult? Any advice on finding and vetting a good financial advisor with expertise in this area, as I appreciate specific personal circumstances will have a big effect here? Thanks, David, in Leeds 19:52 Question 3 Hi Pete and Roger Thanks for all the content over the years, so glad I found your podcast in my late twenties so hopefully I can look back in years to come and thank you for helping set me on the right track financially. My question is a little general in the sense that I don't know what I don't know, but I'm wondering what things I may need to do differently now that my wife and I have our first child on the way (we're both 30 y/o). We currently save/invest each month in a mix of cash savings and a stocks and shares ISA, have a mortgage of which the payment is about to increase now our 5 year fix from 2020 is ending, and have decreasing life insurance (with critical illness cover). I mention these things specifically because they're the things I'm aware of that we may need to tweak when the baby arrives. We'd like to start putting money aside for them to use when they're 18 for travelling or a house or whatever they want really, I've heard of junior ISA's, is there an advantage to using these over just keeping a separate pot in our own names? Are there any other child specific options for this purpose? Do we also need to re-assess the life insurance when we have a child. It's currently set up to cover the mortgage should something happen to one of us, but with a child to think about I'd feel more comfortable knowing my wife wouldn't have the pressure of needing to work in the short-term alongside bringing up a child alone should anything happen to me (and vice-versa). Are there any other child related things we ought to be thinking about financially speaking? Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and perhaps changes you made when you had children! Liam 27:15 Question 4 Hi both, thanks for the great content and your dulcet tones. Please can I ask two quick question? Q1: I've paid £2880 into my child's (2y.o) Junior SIPP, grossed up to £3600 through tax relief. I am a higher rate tax payer, can I claim the extra 20% tax relief, even though it's not my private pension? If yes, is this just via my self assessment? Q2: if this £2880 was transferred, via bank transfer, from my parent (I.e. grandparent of my child) to me, then to my child, can it count as gift from the grandparent straight to my child? Or does it count as 2 gifts, a gift from my parent to me, then another gift from me to my child, for IHT purposes. Loving your work, Best wishes, Phil 30:10 Question 5 Hello gents. Firstly, a huge thank you for everything you (all!) do there at Meaningful Money. I'm a LONG time listener, and the help and support I've gleaned from this excellent podcast over the years has been invaluable! Keep up the great work! My question: As the parent of a disabled adult (18 years old), do you have any suggestions/recommendations for the things that we should be thinking about and putting in to place when legacy planning. My better half and I are married, with mirror Wills in place to leave to each other, or to both children equally in the event we both die (2nd child is currently 16). However, we are aware that should our disabled 18 year old inherit a pretty reasonable sized share of our estate, this would impact on the support and benefits that they have recently been awarded. This must be a fairly common situation, but we haven't been able to find much clear guidance, so we're hoping you can suggest what the best way(s) to deal with this situation might be so that we know where to look? We did have a brief look in to trusts, but they seem a bit of a minefield, and we don't want to burden anyone else with what appears can become a sizable task to administer. Just to also mention, we are hoping that we will be able to get LPA's in place for our disabled child (otherwise apply for deputyship, however LPA is the preference if possible as seems the much easier option…), however we're hoping to be able to manage until our youngest reaches 18, so that they can also be added as an Attorney(/Deputy), for longevity and diversification, rather than having to do it all again in a couple of years. Not sure how relevant that is, but added just in case… Many thanks again. Peter. 36:16 Question 6 Hello Pete and Roger, My question for you is how best to invest a lump sum that you intend to drawn down over a period of time? I will soon be in the fortunate position to be gifted a significant lump sum which I intend to use to pay school and university fees for the next 15 years that my children will be in full time education. I could just keep it in cash and a draw it down over time but I would like to invest it to generate a higher return and hopefully still have some left over at the end. How should I go about investing this money? I have a high risk tolerance but 100% equity doesn't seem sensible if I am drawing down regular amounts. Also I am an additional rate taxpayer so should I be considering asking for the money to be gifted directly to my children in a bare trust rather than to me? Keep up the fantastic work. Best regards, George
Scott Lucas, Professor of US and International Politics at Clinton Institute in UCD and Danni Hewson, Head of Financial Analysis at AJ Bell
Noelle O'Connell, CEO, European Movement Ireland and Russ Mould, Investment Director at AJ Bell.
With President Donald Trump's abrupt U-turn on tariffs yesterday, investors have been reminded that the economic landscape can be painted over in an instant. The president said he acted "instinctively, more than anything else." So how should investors be thinking about this economic moment? We're joined by Russ Mould, investment director at U.K.-based investment platform AJ Bell, to discuss. Also on the show: student certificates and the market for chicken feet.
With President Donald Trump's abrupt U-turn on tariffs yesterday, investors have been reminded that the economic landscape can be painted over in an instant. The president said he acted "instinctively, more than anything else." So how should investors be thinking about this economic moment? We're joined by Russ Mould, investment director at U.K.-based investment platform AJ Bell, to discuss. Also on the show: student certificates and the market for chicken feet.
China retaliated to US tariffs with a 84% levy on American goods How has the US bond market been reacting to the news of Chinese tariffs? Russ Mould from investment firm AJ Bell joins us to tell us more And Vietnam is facing a 46% tariff on its major exports to the US. Textiles is one of the country's biggest exports. We hear from garment manufacturer Pham Quang Anh