Original Broadcast: The Financial Outlook for Personal Investors
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
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Original Broadcast: Thought for the Week
Pixar's 2008 computer-animated movie 'Wall•E' paints a depressing picture of the Earth laid waste by a combination of consumerism, corporatocracy, proliferation of waste and human environmental impact. Just fifteen years later we see this spectre emerging in front of our eyes. But is science the answer, as put forward by Lord Rees in his book 'If Science is to Save Us'? We suggest that the problem is deep-rooted in our unbridled self-interest, and that only a genuine re-building of care for others, including our neighbours of tomorrow, can save us from these horrendous consequences. Background music: 'Dance of the Mammoths' by The Whole Other
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Original Broadcast: This is Money
After months of mortgage mayhem some better news finally arrived this week with major lenders delivering a slew of hefty rate cuts. Halifax, Nationwide, and NatWest have all delivered big chops to their home loans, with analysts saying that we may be past the moment of peak panic in the mortgage market. That’s the silver lining to a very dark cloud though, as mortgage rates are far higher than they have been in recent years and almost all of those whose fixes come up for renewal will face paying much more. So if this is the end of Mortgage Mayhem Part 2 (the uncalled for sequel to Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng’s original instalment), what happens next? Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Simon Lambert survey the wreckage of the past few months and look at what could come next for mortgage rates and homeowners? With higher rates here for the foreseeable future, they also discuss what this means for people’s finances and how mortgage hikes are likely to eat most people’s pay rises and then some. Simon explains why after such a long period of stagnant real wages, this is a major problem. In cheerier news, Premium Bonds have had another big bump up in the prize rate, so are they now a no-brainer? (For those listening to the podcast and looking for it, here is the link to our Premium Bonds winning stats piece Simon mentions: https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/saving/article-12161769/Premium-Bonds-likely-win-1m.html). Plus, what is the tale of good customer service that Simon has returned from holiday with? And finally — how did Helen go viral with an old carrier bag?
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Viewers may hate them, but ads are the future everywhere we go online. For investors that might be a good thing. Tim Beyers and Deidre Woollard discuss if Disney’s price increases will push subscribers to the ad tier, just how popular sports betting might be, and The Trade Desk’s role in the world outside of advertising’s walled gardens. Companies discussed: TTD, DIS, NFLX, PENN. Host - Deidre Woollard; Guest - Tim Beyers
Guests: Tim Beyers
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Berkshire Hathaway bounced back from a recent loss with strong net income and billions in cash waiting for action. Jason Moser and Deidre Woollard discuss the value of solid insurance underwriting, why Berkshire sees a future in catering to truck drivers, and finding the secret sauce in consumer businesses. Companies discussed: BRK.A, BRK.B, KHC, CPB, SOVO, SRG, KO, KNSL. Host - Deidre Woollard; Guest - Jason Moser
Guests: Jason Moser
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Adam Cox does some self-hypnosis in this episode, explaining his own system of intermittent fasting. He explains what hunger means to him, and how he puts in practice that which he preaches.
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Original Broadcast: The Financial Outlook for Personal Investors
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
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Original Broadcast: The Business Of Film
James Cameron-Wilson marvels at the UK box office, down a mere 10% on the week but up 165% YOY. Barbie has passed the $1bn mark, the first time for a woman director and it and Oppenheimer are still #1 & #2. In at #3 is monster movie Meg 2: The Trench with Jason Statham, bizarrely directed by highly-regarded Ben Wheatley. James found it so silly, it almost became a farce. He did, however, adore French film Paris Memories, on at selected cinemas. A psychologically complex look at the aftermath of a terrorist attack, he found it one of the most human films he's ever seen.
Guests: James Cameron-Wilson
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Original Broadcast: Gadgets and Gizmos
Steve Caplin tells Simon Rose about the latest tech developments. There's a demo of AI computer game characters who can interact realistically with players, devices to help deaf concertgoers and blind subway users, how simply thinking about music can now actually produce it, glue that can be unstuck on demand, a camera so fast it can capture light in motion and take photos in almost total darkness, an electric guitar for children, why bras may be soon be able to check for breast cancer and how buildings made of concrete could become giant batteries.
Guests: Steve Caplin
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Original Broadcast: The Bigger Picture
With NHS waiting lists reaching a record high of 7.6m, political commentator Mike Indian looks at the PM's pledges on that and on inflation, still stubbornly high. He discusses the migrant issue as the first asylum seekers arrive on the Bibby Stockholm, wondering why asylum seekers couldn't be put to work in the interim and wishing that on this, and many other issues, we could have some bigger thinking. He also looks at Net Zero and why it has become the political football of the summer.
Guests: Mike Indian
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