Original Broadcast: This is Money
Donald Trump has been hijacking the headlines this week, with his speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos a major talking point globally. With plenty of geopolitical drama afoot, what does a weakening US dollar mean for UK investors with money tied up in US and global funds? Simon Lambert, Georgie Frost and Lee Boyce discuss. One of the world’s biggest investment firms, Vanguard has spurned the Chancellor's efforts to drive up investment in the UK, as it plans to cut its LifeStrategy exposure to the UK — why, and what should you do? Nationwide has bumped up what it will lend on mortgages to six times salary — it means borrowers can potentially borrow £50,000 more. Is this a step in the right direction or the path to trouble? Are you saving enough for retirement? Our analysis shows what you need in your pot at every milestone age to be on track — and what to do if you’re off target. This is Money reporter Harvey Dorset tries out a £5,000 smartphone — so what do you get for such a huge outlay? Lastly, Lee speaks to actress Joanna Page about her finances — the Gavin and Stacey star reveals what her mum and nan taught her about money.
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Original Broadcast: This is Money
Life isn't what it once was for star fund managers. The investment industry once thrived on big names but these widely recognisable figures are few and far between nowadays. Two that remain are Terry Smith and Nick Train but their Fundsmith and Finsbury Growth & Income investors have had their patience tested by five years of underperformance compared to just sticking money in a cheap market tracker fund. Both managers defended their approach this week, while offering their investors an apology of sorts. So, is it time to swap your star fund manager for a cheap index fund, or are the stock pickers likely to be proved right in the end? Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Simon Lambert discuss the cult of the fund manager and whether it's had its day. Meanwhile, The Chancellor wants to get more of us investing but MPs have looked into her plans to cut the cash ISA limit and said it's unlikely to lead more people to the UK stock market. That's exactly what most investment experts told the Chancellor before the Budget, so is there any chance of change of heart? Parts of the London property market have been having a quiet house price crash; Georgie, Helen and Simon discuss what's going on and what kind of properties are affected. The team also ask if cashback is worth it — and look at the deals that could cost you money. And finally, if you want a cheap electric car runaround, what are your best options and what would it cost you?
Guests: Helen Crane
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A new survey suggests rising costs are changing how people think about money and value. More than two in five say gold is the Christmas gift most likely to hold its value, while four in five say Christmas dinner costs more than last year and nearly two-thirds fear another financial crisis. And, in a lighter twist, Scrooge has beaten the Three Wise Men as the Christmas character most likely to invest in gold. Joining Rory McGowan to discuss this is Precious Metal Experts David Russell.
Guests: David Russell
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Original Broadcast: Modern Mindset
You may have heard about the price of gold soaring. In fact, for the first time in history, it’s now valued at around $4,000 per ounce. But, despite this episode being recorded on the eve of a budget that is expected to squeeze savers and investors, and gold being one of the world’s oldest commodities, most of us are surprisingly oblivious to it as an option for investing. Joining Adam Cox now is Rob Halliday-Stein — a man who has made his millions from the precious metal.
Guests: Rob Halliday-Stein
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Original Broadcast: Modern Mindset
Across the UK, a quiet investment revolution is taking place. Ordinary people are putting their savings to work for good - funding solar energy on schools, fair loans for NHS staff, and community renewables that cut emissions and costs. Joining Rory McGowan to discuss this is Chris Butler, Finance Director at Ethex and Investment Expert, alongside community investor lead Simon Dukes, CEO Fair for You.
Guests: Chris Butler,Simon Dukes
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Original Broadcast: Thought for the Week
The debate over Cash ISA limits and the need to re-invigorate public interest in UK stock market investing has re-awoken people's ongoing approach to risk and reward, as if it's an 'either/or' question for your finances. However the Child Trust Fund scheme has shown the real benefit of long-term stock market investment — the challenge for this huge initiative taken by the previous Labour Government is to ensure that it gets delivered in cash at the right time for low-income young adults. Background music: 'Everything Has a Beginning' by Joel Cummins
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Original Broadcast: This is Money
The slashing of the cash ISA was considered a nailed on certainty in next week's Mansion House speech, but now it seems Rachel Reeves has had a change of heart. So, has the cash ISA allowance been saved for good, or is this just a victory for now — before the axe falls in the Budget? Georgie Frost and Lee Boyce discuss what next for the cash ISA and whether there was any merit in plans to cut the allowance. Plus, why has Nvidia become the world's first $4 trillion company, is it still worth investing in and have you got any chance of finding the next stock market superstar before it takes off? Should you combine your finances with your partner's and reveal all to them? And finally, it's the polarising question of our times: are you for or against Ring and other video doorbells?
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Original Broadcast: The Financial Outlook for Personal Investors
Stockmarkets are so chaotic in the wake of Trump's various announcements that we're delighted to replay a short summary clip called 'Superinvestors' from August 2017. In a partnership with publishers Harriman House, Share Radio produced its first audiobook 'Superinvestors', written by Matthew Partridge and read by some of Share Radio's best known presenters. 'Superinvestors' lays bare the investing secrets of legendary investors - from early 20th-century figures such as Benjamin Graham and John Maynard Keynes, through to more modern names such as Anthony Bolton and Warren Buffett — download it at https://www.harriman-house.com/superinvestors . If wisdom improves with age, this might be useful today ..
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Original Broadcast: This is Money
Georgie Frost, Simon Lambert and Helen Crane consider reducing interest rates — are they opening up a divergence between central banks in the U.S., the UK and Europe? What are the implications for mortgages and savings? They consider how investments fared in the pandemic crash and rebound, and what the implications might be as a result of Trump's trade wars. And they review Nectar's stolen points problem.
Guests: Helen Crane
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Original Broadcast: This is Money
Crypto has been a little quiet of late. Out of the spotlight, minding its own business. But Donald Trump gets voted back in as US president and boom — bitcoin surged beyond $90,000 for the first time. The rest of the crypto market has also seen a boost, so what's going on? Where is it likely to head next and what do you need to be aware of if you are cashing out your gains? Simon Lambert, Lee Boyce and Georgie Frost delve into bitcoin and friends to give their verdict. The number of ISA millionaires has soared, with a 228% jump of investors joining the club in just two years. And there are 25 of them who hold an average of £8.9million. Just how do you build such a big pot? Britain's first ISA millionaire, Lord Lee, gives his three tips. Fresh from her Budget speech, the Chancellor has announced plans to use our pension savings to boost economic growth by creating megafunds. Just what are they? We tackle an tricky question about IHT and giving away a home. And finally, Lee's Collecting Corner is back ... this time he reports from a trading card, and reveals two Paddington-themed treasures sent in by readers... a 50-year-old stuffed toy, and a limited edition signed print snapped up at a charity shop for just £30.
Guests: Lord Lee
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