Investors Chronicle

Company results season is under way. We have a mass of companies reporting over the next couple of weeks, and we will dig in to one of the highest profile businesses on the FTSE 100 later in the show.To start, though, we are looking at a lesser-known stock, albeit one whose shares have been surging higher for several years now: Lion Finance (BGEO), itself not far from FTSE 100 promotion, and which reported another set of well-received figures of its own earlier this week. Alex Newman asks whether the run can last.Then, our big read this week is all about the existential question of the day: is AI working? With investors hopes and indeed fears now seemingly pinned on the technology, Valeria Martinez is here to discuss how companies outside the tech sector are applying AI in practice, and how effectively or otherwise they are being.In our third segment we’ll look at a noted AI loser of recent months, albeit one that nonetheless put out a fairly superlative set of results this morning: L

We start with copper miner Antofagasta (ANTO), whose shares have soared over the past year on the back of big gains for the red metal. It released full-year figures earlier this week, and Alex Hamer discusses its prospects, as well as Rio Tinto and Glencore now the mega-merger is off. Alex also explains some of the equity raises that have taken place lower down the cap scale in recent weeks.Erin Withey then joins us to discuss caterer Compass (CPG), which has been struggling of late. That’s led to calls for a slight rethink of its strategic priorities. Lastly, we look at one of the UK’s newest listings, albeit in the form of a business that sits outside the FTSE 350. The Magnum Ice Cream Company (MICC) spun off from Unilever in December and has just reported its 2025 results. Mark Robinson examines the outlook for frozen sweet treats.Read more:Antofagasta doubles dividend as profits hit new recordCheaper Compass shares put buybacks on the menuMagnum Ice Cream fails to i

Christie Group has a lot going for it. Growing in several countries and an employer to around 650 people, the brokerage business is a well-respected name in multiple niche sectors. Last year sales exceeded £70mn, and management reckons operating profits of £10mn are possible. The kicker, following the disposal of several subsidiaries, is that its balance sheet is full of cash.Lord Lee of Trafford clearly agrees. In more than 80 transactions since 2002, he has amassed a 6 per cent holding across both his personal investment account and the charitable trusts he oversees.So why is the business valued at just £35mn? We put this question and many more to chief executive Dan Prickett, who has been at the company for 17 years - including the last two and a half in the top role.Listen to more podcasts from Investors’ Chronicle on Apple, Spotify and YouTubeTimestamps00:00 Intro00:30 Recap of last episode01:44 Introducing Dan Prickett02:21 What is Christie's05:10 John's history with the business09:3

After a week in which we in London were blessed with a rare day in which the sun dared to poke its head out, today we will try to shed some light of our own on the big goings on in companies and markets at the moment. We kick off with a look at the breaking news of the day, the £10bn takeover of Schroders by US asset manager Nuveen. Chris Akers is here to discuss the deal, and the possible implications for the rest of the asset and wealth management sector, where there’s been another big deal in recent days: unlisted wealth manager Evelyn Partners bought by NatWest. We’ll also take a brief look at emerging market specialist Ashmore, which had interims out today and has rallied particularly hard of late.After that, we turn to our big read of the week, looking at the strain on public services and the consequences thereof. Mark Robinson will discuss why the private sector is playing a growing role in the provision of said services – in certain areas – and where they might be expected to take

This week, after a software sell-off that has rattled some of the UK’s most popular ‘quality’ stocks, we look at the fallout for the likes of Relx, Sage, Experian and others. Valeria Martinez is here to discuss whether the launch of Anthropic’s new AI tools represents an existential threat to these businesses.After that, we turn to the hopefully calmer world of corporate bonds and the reforms that have the potential to open up the market more widely to DIY investors. Erin Withey talks through the changes, their likely impact on the market, and what corporate debt in general can offer investors.To wrap up, we look at one of the many companies to have updated the market this week, in the form of pharma giant GSK. After many years out of favour, the business has started to win investors over of late. Julian Hofmann will look at how it’s done it, whether its progress can continue, and what a new chief executive might bring to the business.Read more:AI-hit software stocks bounce backGSK starts to show real profit

The UK’s largest investment platform, Hargreaves Lansdown, has announced its first fee overhaul in over a decade. But as ever the devil is in the detail, and despite its headline price cut there has been a bit of an outcry in some quarters. Val Cipriani is here to discuss which users will benefit, and which will lose out.After that we discuss our big read of the week, looking at – dare we say it – happier, more relaxed methods of building wealth. Alex Newman will explore how the more risk averse – of whom there are many nowadays given the general state of, well, everything – can have a better chance of meeting their savings goals.Lastly we return to our regular company reporting beat with a look at the latest well-received trading update from pig and poultry producer Cranswick (CWK). Does the company’s valuation still warrant interest? Mark Robinson will tell us more.Read more hereWinners and losers of Hargreaves’ fee overhaulThree easy steps to becoming a stress-free investorCranswick boosts sales as co

It’s been a dramatic week in a year already full of drama, with Donald Trump’s sabre rattling over Greenland, and subsequent threat to impose further tariffs, causing alarm before being walked back on the basis of an apparent compromise.But with that saga now seemingly in the rear-view mirror – for how long, we don’t know – we kick things off today with space exploration, which does have specific application to the current geopolitical debates as we shall discuss shortly. Mike Fahy is on hand to examine how the soaring space sector is faring ahead of a possible SpaceX IPO later this year.Then it’s on to the latest part of the tech sector to attract widespread investor interest as a result of the AI craze: memory chip stocks in the US and further afield have been booming as people cotton on to the vital role they play in data centres. Arthur Sants, recently returned from a trip to the factories of South Korea, will discuss shares, shortages and smartphone prices, among other things.And to finish up we will be

For their latest company interview, Lord Lee and Alex Newman sit down with Lawrence Hutchings, who joined Workspace as CEO in November 2024.That conversation, which was taped on 9 January, was to be one of Hutchings' last in the role. Ten days after the recording, and amid mounting activist pressure from shareholder Saba Capital, Workspace abruptly announced Hutchings would be replaced as CEO by Charlie Green, co-founder of the Office Group.Despite this, we are publishing the conversation below, together with some of John's initial thoughts. Commenting on his own appointment, Green said "the strategy in place is clear and provides the right platform to rebuild occupancy and drive income growth over time." Presumably that means a degree of continuity.Let us know your thoughts on the move, or if you have any questions or any suggestions for future guests, by emailing alex.newman@ft.comListen to more podcasts from Investors’ Chronicle on Apple, Spotify and YouTubeTimestamps0:09 Intro5:52 Back

It may be dry January for some, but this week we are settling down with the pub companies amid a raft of news for the sector in recent days. Mark Robinson is here to discuss the bumper Christmas periods that many in the sector enjoyed, the imminent U-turn on business rate hikes likely to be announced by the government in the days ahead, the US activist putting the pressure on Marston’s (MARS) and more.After that we turn our attention to one government reform that’s not being reversed – the Renters’ Rights Act is due to come into force this year, and that puts pressure on landlords to comply. Holly McKechnie will explain what that means for the rental market, and also talk us through the other changes coming in that could have an even bigger impact on buy-to-let properties.Lastly, we look at gene sequencing device maker Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT), one of the 2021 UK IPOs that have done especially badly, but which has shown some signs of life in recent months. Julian Hofmann will examine

This week we’re kicking things off with one of the big company stories of early 2026 – for a number of reasons. It was a busy December for BP (BP.), which junked its chief executive and made progress with some divestment plans. Alex Hamer and Mark Robinson are here to discuss what the imminent arrival of new boss Meg O’Neill might mean for the group and its strategy, all in the context of a dramatic start to the year in which the US has seized control of oil supplies from one of the founding members of Opec.We will also touch on the wider commodities outlook for the year, before moving on to asset allocation in general – our big read this week is all about diversification, why it matters even if you have a high risk tolerance and high risk appetite. Val Cipriani will talk us through the ins and outs later on.To wrap up, we look at the UK company that, it turns out, has been the subject of 11 bids over the past four months. That’s struggling online platform Auction Technology (ATG), whose shares rebo

It’s a week before Christmas, which means only one thing around these parts: our bumper double issue hits the shelves on Friday 19 December. In it, we look ahead to all things 2026, and we’re doing the same thing here today with our first segment. In a moment we’ll be taking a close look at the FTSE 100’s runaway performance this year and asking whether it can continue over the next 12 months. With a little bit of a glance across the Atlantic, too. Alex Newman will talk us through things.After that, we turn to much shorter-term prospects. Because it’s Christmas, Mark Robinson has explored the origins of the Santa rally, and gets into the detail of when exactly we might expect one to take place this year, and why.To wrap up for the year we finish with a special interest story of sorts: Holly McKechnie is here to discuss why crypto assets’ existential crisis, legally speaking that is, may have finally come to an end.Timestamps:0:59 FTSE's big year16:57 The Santa Rally26:15 Crypto ownership regulationInvestors'

Ethical investing is often seen as a way to align your money with your values, but what does it really mean in practice? In this episode of Women and Wealth, Investors’ Chronicle’s Val Cipriani is joined by Madi Apthorpe to explain how ethical investing works in practice, covering ESG labels, exclusions, impact, engagement and how investors can avoid greenwashing.As more investors seek to support environmental sustainability, social responsibility and good governance, the ethical investing landscape has become increasingly complex. Val and Madi discuss how investors can navigate this space with confidence, the trade-offs involved, and whether investing ethically means sacrificing returns. They also explore how women investors in particular are approaching ethical considerations and what questions to ask before committing your money.Women and Wealth is the monthly podcast series from Investors’ Chronicle. You can listen to and watch the episodes, alongside our other podcasts, on Apple, Spotify and YouTube.Inve

Alex Newman and Lord Lee are joined by Jerry Randall, CEO of Venture Life (VLG), a leader in the consumer self-care market. They discuss the company's history, the outlook for the wider sector and potential upcoming acquisitions.Alex and Lord Lee then discuss recent changes to Lord Lee's portfolio, including his moves involving British house builders Taylor Wimpey (TW), and new position in food and beverage operator SSP Group (SSPG). Alex and Lord Lee end with a look back on the last year of investing and how Lord Lee's Isa and non-Isa portfolios have performed.Timestamps0:00 Intro2:15 Background on Venture Life3:36 Selling off the manufacturer6:09 How Lord Lee found Venture Life8:03 Jerry Randall's background9:07 Raising money from markets11:59 Wellness industry & compliance16:18 Acquisitions & future deals28:20 Potential for dividends32:41 Lord Lee on the budget33:58 Update on Lord Lee's portfolio35:47 ISA changes38:03 Taylor Wimpey (TW)40:03 New position in SSP42:02 End of year portfolio roundupIn

We start today with a look at the potential megamergers in Hollywood as the battle to take over Warner Brothers Discovery (US:WBD) comes to a head. Both Netflix and Paramount Skydance have made big bids for Warner Bros this month. Who will prevail? Will politics have the final say? Will competition regulators? Julian Hofmann is here to discuss.Then our cover feature this week is all about the driverless car revolution. Long-promised, long-awaited in some quarters, is the big sea change in transportation finally here? As self-driving vehicles prepare to take to the streets of the UK, Michael Fahy will examine the prospects for the sector and for traditional automakers.Last but not least we look at housebuilder Berkeley (BKG). The housebuilder reported half-year figures earlier this week, Hugh Moorhead is here to talk through the implications of the Budget and the outlook for higher-end London housing.Timestamps:0:56 Warner Bros bidding war15:33 Self-driving cars29:30 Berkeley resu

Investors’ Chronicle associate editor Simon Thompson joins Dan Jones to discuss what 2026 might hold for smaller companies and the market in general.Simon and Dan discuss how equities are positioned for the year ahead, as well as the impact of the Budget and how measures including the reduced Isa cash cap could impact UK stocks. They conclude by previewing what to expect from Simon’s Bargain Shares selection for 2026 – due to be revealed in February – and how taking on more risk might be on the cards.Timestamps:1:27 How UK equities are positioned7:08 Economic outlook11:32 The Budget19:24 Mergers and acquisitions33:52 UK tech companies41:32 Impact of high interest rates44:14 Preview of 2026 Bargain Shares Selection Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A day on from Rachel Reeves’ budget, where she announced a ‘smorgasbord’ of tax rises forecast to raise £26bn by 2029-30, the dust is settling. Everything from pension pots to dividends could be affected.Our panel of experts dive into the biggest changes affecting your finances, including all the tax changes, what’s going to happen to the beloved cash Isa and how the chancellor is changing North Sea oil levies.Read our Budget coverage Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Economic abuse is a recently recognised but long-used method of control by domestic abusers and in this episode of Women and Wealth, Investors' Chronicle's Val Cipriani discusses what it is, how it can be spotted and the support available to those being abused in this way with Surviving Economic Abuse's Lauren Garrett.Economic abuse is a legally recognised form of domestic abuse and is defined in the Domestic Abuse Act and 95 per cent of cases of domestic abuse involve economic abuse. It often occurs in the context of intimate partner violence, and involves the control of a partner or ex-partner’s money and finances, as well as the things that money can buy. In this episode, Val and Lauren discuss real-life examples and how you can spot the signs of economic abuse and prevent it from happening to either you or those you know.Women and Wealth is the monthly podcast series from Investors' Chronicle. You can listen and watch the episodes, alongside our other podcasts, on Apple, Spotify and YouTube.In the UK, cal

Our annual Investment Trust Special Report covers everything you need to know about researching, finding and buying the right funds for your portfolio. Val Cipriani and Holly McKechnie delve into topics featured, from discounts in the space, the impact of the Saba saga, increased M&A activity and more. It’s then onto Rightmove (RMV). The company recently announced its plans to invest in AI, which was met with unusual concern from the market. Hugh Moorhead explains why this occurred, how large a threat ChatGPT is to its plans, and more. Timestamps 1:34 Investment Trust special 29:18 RightmoveHow to pick the right investment trustsShould investors put Rightmove up for sale? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We kick off this week looking at power provider SSE (SSE), which announced a £2bn equity raise to help fund a £33bn upgrade to the UK’s electricity infrastructure. Valeria Martinez and Alex Newman discuss what the proposal means for the company, why it’s been so well received by investors and the wider implications.Next, we turn to the second part of our Aim 100 Special Report, where we look at the 50 largest stocks trading on London’s junior market. Dan and Michael Fahy look at cords and cable maker Volex (VLX), which reported interim results this week.Dan and Mark Robinson then turn to auditor MHA (MHA), which listed in April and has been on a tear. Mark gives his thoughts on the company and whether or not it’s too late for investors to jump in.Listen to more podcasts from Investors’ Chronicle on Apple, Spotify and YouTubeTimestamps:1:01 SSE16:36 Volex25:24 MHA Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From a disappointing run with Treatt (TET) to his belief Goodwin’s (GDWN) is Britain’s most exciting engineering company outside of Rolls Royce (RR.), and STV’s (STV) profit warning to a floor coverings business benefitting from expanding infrastructure projects; this episode covers considerable ground for all DIY investors. It concludes with reader questions, and listeners get to hear Lord Lee’s take on what may lie ahead as the Autumn Budget approaches.Timestamps 1:21 Reflections on M&G episode 4:27 Treatt9:24 Goodwin18:05 STV19:55 Venture Life22:47 James Halstead 25:00 Primary Health Properties 27:20 Workspace29:21 MS International32:57 Reader questions38:45 The Budget Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.