Share Sounds

Russ Mould of A J Bell looks at the effect conflicts have had on financial markets using the All-Share Index since it was instituted in 1962. While recognising that much else is more important, he concludes that, by and large, the reaction of markets is not long lasting. The big exception was 1973's Yom Kippur War which led to the 73-4 oil price shock. While events may not be directly comparable, with inflation heightened and debt at astronomic heights, we have to hope that the US economy does not hit the buffers. Russ's Nostrodamic view is that as governments can't afford deflation, interest rates will be pushed lower. Please note: Russ's inability to access broadband means that sound quality is variable in places.

Guests: Russ Mould

Published: Thu 12 October 2023

Russ Mould of A J Bell discusses share buybacks. Long popular in the United States, he notes that they are currently down by a fifth YOY, pointing out that previous peaks coincided with market tops. In the UK, many of our biggest companies have engaged in buybacks, particularly in the financial field. With the FTSE yielding 3.9%, buybacks are adding another 2.3%. While private investors don't usually participate directly, their equity stake rises. Russ explains the ins and outs of share buybacks from a private investor's point of view.

Guests: Russ Mould

Published: Thu 28 September 2023

Neil Shah of Edison Group discusses the fall in inflation and the MPC's decision to pause interest rate rises with Simon Rose. He points out that a lot of money is going into the bond market, which should be positive for equities and offers advice about how to position your porfolio in the current environment. He points to two companies investors might find interesting, Team Internet (formerly CentralNic) and Baker Steel Resource Trust.

Guests: Neil Shah

Published: Thu 21 September 2023

Russ Mould of A J Bell looks at the high rate of departures of FTSE 100 CEOs and, indeed, CFOs. 18 CEOs are going this year, with another 4 already known to be departing in 2024. The figures for CFOs are 31 this year, with another 6 planned next. Such elevated numbers were also seen in 2000, 2007, 2013 and 2020, none of them years investors will look back on fondly. Russ also answers the obvious question, "What does a CEO actually do?".

Guests: Russ Mould

Published: Thu 14 September 2023

Russ Mould of A J Bell points out that while stocks in tech, the US and Latin America have been doing well, markets everywhere have shunned small cap companies. He wonders why they aren't doing well in what is said to be a risk-on period. Having been trained in a bear market, it's making him feel cautious, even though the markets may think they're back in Goldilocks territory. However, he suggests some indicators worth keeping an eye on.

Guests: Russ Mould

Published: Thu 31 August 2023

With AI-chip maker Nvidia surprising the market, Neil Shah of Edison Group looks at ways investors who feel they've missed that particular boat can invest in AI. He singles out as possible AI beneficiaries credit reporter Experian, Ocado and Rightmove and he explains why. But he also looks at the importance of energy efficiency as we head towards Net Zero, highlighting SDCL Energy Efficiency Income Trust, which has gone from a premium to a substantial discount and has a substantial yield.

Guests: Neil Shah

Published: Thu 24 August 2023

Russ Mould of A J Bell takes a look at what's been driving markets on both sides of the Atlantic. In the US, it's largely been growth stocks with some element of travel as well. In the UK, it's largely been companies like Rolls-Royce, and Marks and Spencer, companies that had seemed very much out of favour at the turn of the year. Many of the best performers are consumer-led stocks, despite cost-of-living pressures. He feels that, in the UK, there's an element of vlue investing with companies like M&S rapidly reducing its debt position. The big question now is, how long can it last?

Guests: Russ Mould

Published: Thu 17 August 2023

Neil Shah of Edison Group discusses the media sector. While consumers may welcome the end of the online cookie, in the UK only the movie and entertainment sectors are doing well, with most others struggling and hoping to see rising confidence among consumers. Neil, however, discusses one company that has and continues to do well. Based in the US but listed in London, 4Imprint does branded marketing for small businesses. An exceptional business, it's highly efficient, caring and has a tiny market share and, although highly rated, it's deserved.

Guests: Neil Shah

Published: Thu 10 August 2023

Laith Khalaf of A J Bell talks to Simon Rose about the Bank of England's latest interest rate rise, the 14th in a row, taking it to 5.25%. As he points out, two MPC members wanted to increase it to 5.5%. Laith looks at the BoE's latest inflation forecasts (which will be a relief to the PM) and discusses the ramifications of Fitch downgrading the United States' credit rating. Investors, he says, shouldn't get too caught up in all this but should stick to their knitting and keep a long-term view.

Guests: Laith Khalaf

Published: Thu 3 August 2023

Andrew Keen of Edison Group discusses energy transition. With the oil and gas companies in long-term structural decline, wind and solar will be the big growth areas while the materials needed are a fascinating area with not enough investment focus. He discusses the trends and some of the problems. However, he points out that it is a complex field and British investors are fortunate that investment trusts can offer a sensible route in, with the fund managers doing the hard work on research.

Guests: Andrew Keen

Published: Thu 27 July 2023