Original Broadcast: Motley Fool Show
Toys are cheaper now than a year ago. And some of the most popular brands haven’t changed for decades. Ricky Mulvey and Asit Sharma discuss transitory inflation for the toy business — and beyond! — the everlasting power of Barbie, Hot Wheels, and Lego, and Coupang’s acquisition of luxury online retailer, FarFetch. Plus, 15 minutes in, Alison Southwick and Robert Brokamp open the listener mailbag and answer a question about saving in a portfolio of only stocks for retirement. Companies discussed: MAT, CPNG, FTCH. Hosts - Ricky Mulvey, Alison Southwick; Guests - Asit Sharma, Robert Brokamp
Guests: Asit Sharma,Robert Brokamp
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Original Broadcast: The Hypnotist
For those who experienced the transition to 'retirement' during the pandemic lock-downs and working from home, it probably did feel calm and empowering (notwithstanding anxiety over the virus itself) — however, for many people it can feel more like a cliff-edge. This episode helps you to let go of the stresses and anxiety of the workplace and plan for that new chapter in your life: it's called 'future pacing'. The Christmas/New Year break is a great time to build a compelling version of your future.
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Original Broadcast: Modern Mindset
Adam Cox is in conversation with Nigel Brookes of Dyno Rod, delving into strategies for businesses to sidestep Christmas closures by maintaining effective drainage and plumbing systems. Together, they examine prevalent factors leading to blocked drains, offering insights on proactive measures to keep them unobstructed. Nigel emphasises the significance of having a dependable plumber readily available for emergency situations. https://www.dyno.com/
Guests: Nigel Brookes
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Original Broadcast: The Bigger Picture
We go stargazing with Professor Tim Evans of Middlesex University as he looks ahead to 2024. What will happen politically in the UK when so many people feel that our politicians have so little idea about the realities of daily life? On the international front, the world has turned so much darker in 2023 with so many danger spots around the world. What will the future hold, particularly when politics is polarising in so many places? What will the result of the shifting sands of demographics be and how will the young find meaning and success in a world that has become so challenging for them?
Guests: Professor Tim Evans
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Original Broadcast: The Business Of Film
James Cameron-Wilson reports on the UK box office. Takings have dropped 25% but Wonka still rules. Godzilla Minus One is #2, a rare foreign language subtitled movie to ride high in the charts, though taking only £817,000. James found it a decent monster movie but no more. On Netflix, he thought Rustin, the real story of the gay civil rights activist, interesting despite much overacting. He was delighted, however, by Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, which he reckoned not just the best animated movie of the year but one of the best movies of 2023 full stop.
Guests: James Cameron-Wilson
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Original Broadcast: Gadgets and Gizmos
Steve Caplin wows Simon Rose with the latest in the world of gadgets. Dr. Who at Christmas reduces the death rate. There's an electric penny farthing, a cargo e-bike with 3 wheels in a line and an e-bike with no battery. Lego modellers can make a 1977 Polaroid camera. Apple is to update security to reduce iPhone theft. 3D portraits go portable. The missing space tomato has been found. Cardboard can be recycled into a polystyrene alternative. And Hyundai's tyres can come with built-in snow chains, though only in video form so far.
Guests: Steve Caplin
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Original Broadcast: The Financial Outlook for Personal Investors
Russ Mould of A J Bell suggests the themes investors should watch out for in 2024. Equity markets seem optimistic while the gilts market – with an inverted yield curve – suggests a recession is likely and the commodity markets seem completely confused. Debt, however, is the biggest issue in the world, creating a headache for central banks. China, France and, soon, the US will all be using 20% of tax income for meeting interest costs. Scary enough in itself, if there's a recession, tax income will drop while welfare payments will soar. In summary, whatever has driven the markets in the past 10 years may not work for the 10 years, but there will always be opportunities.
Guests: Russ Mould
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Original Broadcast: Thought for the Week
Christmas is with us again, celebrating the birth of Jesus over two thousand years ago. This year, however, it is overshadowed by the horrific events in the Middle East: so our Thought for Christmas includes a reference to Bishop Steven of Oxford looking across the millenia in his recent address (see link below), and our comments reflect the contrast between the yearning for solidarity (whether national or otherwise) and the failure to show respect for others, however different they may be. Background music: 'Erev Shel Shoshanim' by E's Jammy Jams Bishop of Oxford address: https://youtu.be/t0_IhB4LMNE?si=C9bHOvwUR5Y4lfZA
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Original Broadcast: Modern Mindset
Adam Cox is in conversation with Liam Randall, the Head of Strategy, Insights, and Systems at Debt Free Advice. Together, they delve into the revelations of a recent report shedding light on the severe debt issues prevailing in the UK. Liam sheds light on the prevalent types of debt observed by the service and identifies the demographic most susceptible to these financial challenges. The conversation also touches upon the impactful assistance provided by Debt Free Advice to individuals in 2023. https://debtfreeadvice.com/
Guests: Liam Randall
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Original Broadcast: This is Money
The Bank of England has reached the peak with interest rates in this cycle. That's the firm view of the markets and most analysts, despite three members of the nine-strong Monetary Policy Committee disagreeing and voting for a rate hike this week. The question has now shifted from how high will rates go, to when will they be cut? The boldest predictions are for more than 1% to be shaved off the base rate next year. Does that fit with the Bank's 'hawkish hold' of the base rate this week? Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert look at what next for interest rates both here and in the US - and whether markets are running away with themselves. Plus, two years after they finally started to properly rise, what does heading back to a point where rates may fall mean for borrowers, savers and investors? Also on this week's show, is it better to use the central heating or an electric heater, the 'better' plan for a state pension triple-lock replacement, and the reasons Lee wants you to get in touch. And make sure you listen to find out why the team want to know how long your kettle takes to boil...
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