AJ Bell Money & Markets

Charlene Young and Danni Hewson look at how UK and global markets have moved over the past month, and as we mark the first anniversary of Donald Trump's Liberation Day tariff announcement. In company news, Danni will cover Unilever spinning off its food business - home to Hellmann's mayonnaise, Knorr and Marmite – in a merger with spice giant McCormick. A proposed Hovis and Associated British Foods merger hits a snag and it's a landmark birthday as Apple turns 50. Dan Coatsworth speaks to Bloomberg Intelligence analyst George Ferguson about SpaceX and the prospect of it joining the stock market in the first of our two interviews. Awful April is upon us – Charlene looks at rises to council tax and other bills and how the government could raise money and scrap the £100,000 childcare tax trap. We also break down what the FCA's car finance redress scheme means for lenders and investors. We finish with our second interview of the week as we hear from YouTube channel star Ruth David of ScrimpAndSpend on the rise of the finfluencer.   [00:09] Intro and topic rundown [01:09] UK & global market update [06:13] Liberation Day anniversary [08:41] Company news - Unilever foods/McCormick deal; Hovis/ABF update [16:10] SpaceX INTERVIEW - George Ferguson, Bloomberg Intelligence [32:41] Awful April bill hikes [35:21] How the government could solve the £100,000 childcare tax trap [39:11] Car finance update [45:28] Finfluencer INTERVIEW - Ruth David, ScrimpAndSpend [01:00:19] Outro

Welcome to the latest episode of the AJ Bell Money & Markets podcast with Charlene Young and Tom Sieber. The Iran conflict continues to drive oil price and market swings; we’ll bring you the latest impact on investors and consumers. Charlene runs through why there is more to the latest UK inflation figures than meets the eye and how high food prices might go. Tom has the latest from the corporate world – with updated from B&Q owner Kingfisher and Revolut, as well as the rumours that Estee Lauder is to merge with a big name in the beauty and fashion world. The latest CBI survey from UK retailers also features. To finish on a high, Dan Coatsworth brings us a fascinating chat with Premier Foods’ Chief Financial Officer Duncan Leggett. With 89% of households purchasing at least one of their famous brands in the last 12 months, this is an interview not to miss.   [00:16] – What’s on today’s episode [00:58] – Iran conflict – Tom updates us on oil prices & market volatility [04:06] – UK government response & potential energy support measures [06:15] – Charlene looks at the latest UK inflation data – calm before the storm? [08:28] – Food price warnings and household impact [11:50] – Tom brings us company updates from Kingfisher & Revolut [15:58] – Beauty sector merger rumours [18:53] – CBI UK retail data: how bad is it? [22:14] – Dan sits down with Premier Foods CFO Duncan Leggett.

Welcome to the latest episode of the AJ Bell Money & Markets podcast with Dan Coatsworth and Charlene Young.  This week we dive into everything from the surprising new additions to the UK inflation basket (yes… hummus and dashcams!) to the impact of rising oil prices on carmakers and travel firms. We also look at fast changing mortgage deals, the rush to use key tax year end allowances, and what could happen next with interest rates in the UK, US and beyond.  We’re also joined by a fantastic guest: Jonathan Guthrie, longtime Financial Times journalist, former Head of Lex, and now author – who shares brilliant insights on investing narratives, market crashes, and how investors can stay sane when markets wobble.  If you care about money, investing or markets – this one’s packed with value.  00:25 – What’s on today’s episode: Market narratives, inflation surprises, oil prices, mortgages, tax year end, and this week’s special guest.  01:26 – Dan looks at how financial markets have performed over the past week  03:30 – Changes to interest rate expectations and mortgage pricing – and what it means if you’re in the process of buying a home.  09:40 – Company highlights of the week. Good news from Diploma, Softcat and Moonpig.  13:02 – Charlene on this year’s inflation basket update. Why hummus and dashcams are in – and what’s out.  17:15 – Thinking about holiday plans or a car upgrade? How rising oil is impacting carmakers and the travel industry.  22:41 – Tax year end: last minute wins. There is still time to use valuable allowances.  28:13 – Dan talks to award-winning journalist Jonathan Guthrie about investing and market behaviour 

Markets have been rocky, energy prices are moving, and the tax year end is approaching fast. In this week’s Money & Markets podcast, we break down the latest market news, what’s happening in the Middle East and energy markets, and why ISA season could be more important than ever for investors.  We also look at Persimmon’s results and why Domino’s might offer a rare bright spot, plus practical tips on staying calm when markets are volatile. And with the tax year deadline approaching, we answer your most common ISA questions – from lump sum investing to flexible ISAs and avoiding last-minute mistakes.  You’ll also hear where ISA millionaires are investing right now, and a quickfire round of ISA myths vs facts to help you make smarter decisions before the deadline.  If you enjoy this episode, please like and subscribe.     01:22 Middle East tensions & energy market moves  06:51 Persimmon results - UK housebuilders update   09:22 Domino’s results – volumes fall on tough conditions  12:02 Inside the latest issue of Shares magazine  14:38 How investors can stay calm in volatile markets  20:26 Personal finance implications of market turbulence  23:40 Dividend tax changes from 6 April explained  25:44 ISA millionaires – where they’re investing now  31:35 ISA Q&A: your questions answered  41:54 What’s coming up next week 

Global markets are sliding — and this week’s selloff is shaking everything from oil and gas to bonds and gold. Dan Coatsworth and Danni Hewson break down what’s driving the volatility, how past geopolitical conflicts have affected stock markets, and what it all means for investors, portfolios, and your money right now.  We also unpack Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Spring Statement, including the key wins, the potential risks, and what the new OBR forecasts could mean for your personal finances, UK economy outlook, and interest rates.  In company news, Greggs surprises the market despite falling profits, TG Jones (the new name in front of old WH Smith stores) struggles on the high street, and BrewDog investors face a harsh lesson in why crowdfunding is not the same as stock market investing.  There’s also an important update on wills you’ll want to know about — plus two expert interviews exploring the biggest trend in global markets: AI investing.  Orbis’ Simon Skinner discusses US sectors with an AI tailwind, while Brown Advisory’s Colby Stilson explains why major tech names are issuing bonds to fund massive AI infrastructure projects.  A huge week, big market moves, and crucial insights for anyone following investment markets, financial news, and longterm investing.  If you enjoy this episode, please like and subscribe.    Timestamps  [02:16] – Market sell-off: What’s moving shares, oil, gas & bonds  [02:43] – Middle East tensions: How markets behaved in past conflicts  [15:39] – Spring Statement: What Rachel Reeves’ update means for your money  [19:11] – Greggs results reaction  [24:11] – TG Jones struggles on the high street  [27:54] – BrewDog takeover and the risks of crowdfunding  [32:17] – Free Will Month explained  [34:50] – AI interview 1: US sectors with an AI tailwind (Simon Skinner, Orbis)  [48:40] – AI interview 2: Why big tech is issuing bonds (Colby Stilson, Brown Advisory)  [01:00:48] – Closing & next week’s ISA special 

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

Why the UK stock market is smashing expectations in 2026, and a crucial warning about fake celebrity investment ads fooling thousands. Dan Coatsworth also sits down with Filtronic, the company behind an 800% share price surge and major new contracts with SpaceX. Big gains, big deals – and big insights you won’t want to miss. If you enjoy this podcast, please select ‘like’ and ‘subscribe’.   [00:09] – Welcome & what’s moving markets this week [01:21] – How the UK stock market is outperforming the US (again) [03:48] – Why insider trades at Raspberry Pi & M&S really matter [07:53] – The Japanese toilet company tipped as the next AI winner [09:36] – UK inflation: Charlene Young breaks down the latest numbers [12:20] – Scam alert: Charlene exposes fake celebrity investment ads [16:26] – Filtronic CEO interview: SpaceX contracts, defence deals & an 800% share price surge [31:49] – Why annuities are suddenly back in demand [36:19] – The worrying rise of UK households struggling to earn a decent living [39:03] – Small caps comeback? Fund manager Richard Penny shares his signs of recovery

On this episode of the AJ Bell Money & Markets podcast, how financial markets reacted to speculation around the future of Keir Starmer as UK prime minister. [02:00]  Dan Coatsworth and Tom Sieber unpack the latest results from Shell, BP and Barclays. [05:05]  AI has haunted parts of the stock market once again, with financial comparison websites and insurance brokers the latest victims as investors fear major disruption to their business. [11:12]  There was some remarkable news in the pharmaceutical space as Novo Nordisk battled Him & Her’s amid controversy around the launch of copycat weight-loss drugs. The pod team explore the weight loss drug space in more detail and explain why one analyst thinks Greggs is a major loser as people slim down. [15:05]  Dan talks to Trevor Polishchuk from Worldwide Healthcare about how Eli Lilly has scored the top slot in the weight-loss drug market [24:13]. Martin Gamble chats to Oliver Kenyon from RTW Investment about other names to watch in this space. [30:13]  Charlene Young is on the show to explain why everyone’s talking about student loans. [33:00]  Finally, Danni Hewson talks to Pathos Communications about its experiences of listing on the UK stock market and the use of AI in the public relations industry. [45:32] 

On this week’s episode of the AJ Bell Money and Markets podcast Danni Hewson and Laura Suter dig into what has been another action-packed week with Space X buying fellow Elon Musk vehicle Xai ahead of the companies anticipated IPO [01:32]. Danni checks out why Anthropic’s new AI tools resulted in a global sell off in companies like Sage, Pearson and Legal Star [06:33]. Disney delivered a crowd-pleasing update, but it was all about the exit of CEO Bob Seager and whether this handover will be smoother than the last [10:16]. Plus, Walmart becomes the first retailer to hit a $1 trillion dollar valuation [13:54] and gold and silver prices fall back after Donald Trump unveils his pick for the Fed [16:43]. There’s plenty to go at on the personal finance front with Santander becoming the biggest lender to offer a mortgage with just a 2% deposit for first time buyers [20:46], but new data shows one in three of those taking their first steps on the housing ladder are doing it with a 25% deposit [18:32]. Plus, an estimated 1 million people have missed the self-assessment tax return deadline. [24:59] We’ve got two guest interviews this week, first with Andrew Westhead, retail director at NS&I, about what makes premium bonds the most popular savings product in the UK [29:56]. And with Kier Starmer becoming the latest world leader to thaw relations with China, Chris Tennant from Fidelity Emerging Markets discusses if that makes China more investible and the allure of companies like TSMC benefiting from the AI boom [44:31].

Welcome to the monthly bonus episode of the AJ Bell Money & Markets podcast all about investment trusts, presented by Dan Coatsworth and Hannah Williford.  The pair discuss the outlook for activist investors in the investment trust space, the extent to which Saba is involved in the industry, and who could be the next targets. [02:05]  Dan talks to Ed Cartright, CEO of Arcus Investment, about a desire to replace the manager at Baillie Gifford Shin Nippon and take over running the trust. [15:13]  This episode’s big theme is the healthcare space [25:37]. Dan talks to Gareth Powell from Polar Capital Global Healthcare Trust about why the sector disappointed for several years and has now burst back to life; as well as the underappreciated importance of generic drugs.  Martin Gamble talks to Oliver Kenyon from RTW Investments about why big drug companies are buying small biotech firms.  Dan also chats to Trevor Polishchuk from Worldwide Healthcare on how pharma companies have effectively been forced to invest heavily in the US to avoid tariffs; why Donald Trump has launched a website so consumers can buy medicines direct from manufacturers; and the outlook for drug pricing globally.   Finally, Hannah interviews Carlos Hardenberg from the Mobius Investment Trust about dealing with political turmoil in emerging markets, and how he safeguards his investments from it. [49:37]  Download AJ Bell’s free report on activists in the investment trust space: https://www.ajbell.co.uk/investment/investment-trust-report

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] 

In this deep dive episode, Laith Khalaf and Tom Sieber dig into the world of cautious investing, and ask how you can invest if you’re afraid of stockmarket crashes. Laith and Tom debate the merits of cautious investing and how bad a market crash can be for your wealth. [00:09] Laith talks to Stefani Williams, a financial adviser with Holden and Partners, about how she assesses her clients’ risk profiles. [8:50] Laith and Tom discuss tips for cautious investors. [19:25] Tom catches up with Alastair Laing, the manager of the Capital Gearing Trust. [40:40] Laith and Tom talk about other risks, like holding too much cash and hitting retirement without enough money. [55:50]

On this week’s AJ Bell Money & Markets podcast, Charlene Young and Laura Suter take a detailed look at the stories shaping markets and personal finance. Tom Sieber joins the show to explain why global markets, including Japan’s Nikkei and gold, are hitting record highs [03:55]. And shares the latest results from Whitbread. [01:00] We then explore the Scottish Budget announcements, discussing the changes that matter for investors in Scotland and how they could have wider implications across the UK. [11:52] Next, we cover the latest cash ISA rumours and what potential changes could mean for savers. [16:57]   Dan Coatsworth speaks with Christopher Hart from Boston Partners about why financial markets have remained calm despite political uncertainty, and why he sees more opportunities in the UK and Europe than in the US. [22:16] Finally, we look at Britain’s Rightmove browsing habit, exploring why so many of us enjoy looking at properties online even when we aren’t planning to move, and what it tells us about the housing and mortgage market. [34:27]

On this week’s episode of the AJ Bell Money and Markets podcast Dan Coatsworth and Danni Hewson discuss what’s powering markets, including the FTSE 100, to record highs [3:00]. They consider what US action in Venezuela might mean for markets, and particularly US oil companies like Chevron and the global oil price [7:15].  They discuss at which sectors that did particularly well in 2025 like gold, silver [15:00] , defence stocks like Rheinmetall and BAE Systems [17:00] and Nvidia’s AI domination as it unveils self-driving tech. [19:30] Whilst London’s blue chip broke records the IPO pipeline in the UK was patchy, Dan considers what did well [23:30]  and Danni explains why it could be the year of the “Mega IPO” with three massive US tech companies reportedly gearing up for a stock market listing, but can Open AI, Anthropic and Space X all successfully get IPOs over the line in 2026?  [27:45] Next has set the bar high for UK retailers  but as Claire’s Accessories collapses into administration there are fears about the health of the high street. [32:00] Plus, credit card spending surges, Alyx Wood from Kernow Asset Management digs into the spending power of over 50s [41:30] and thousands of people file their tax return whilst digesting the Christmas turkey. [51:20]

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]

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].

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]. 

On this episode of the AJ Bell Money & Markets podcast, Dan Coatsworth and Danni Hewson discuss the ongoing fallout from last week’s Budget including the resignation of the head of the OBR. [2:00] They discuss the OECD’s judgement of the impact tax and spending will have on the UK economy over the next few years. The pair also chat about a new warning about AI and how a bubble bursting could have a significant impact on global growth. [10:55] The Bank of England has proposed the biggest rule change for UK banks since the financial crash. [17:15] A zero-tariff deal has been struck between the UK and US on pharmaceuticals but what’s in the small print and what might it mean for companies like GSK and AstraZeneca? [19:30] Luxury goods maker Prada has bagged itself a Black Friday bargain, picking up Versace at a fraction of what its previous owner paid for it. [25:00] Plus, the latest on Netflix bid speculation for Warner Bros Discovery [26:45] and not one but two guest interviews: John Lamb from Capital Group with interesting thoughts on where interest rates might go in Europe [31:53] and friend of the pod, Ben Rogoff from Polar Capital Technology Trust on Google’s AI breakthrough. [36:30]