Investors Chronicle

We start with last week’s Big Read, our annual Top 50 Funds. Dave Baxter shares his thoughts on compiling the list, its structure and the changes made to this year's edition. GSK (GSK), a company featured in our latest Special Report this week, Income Majors, is next. Its dividend level is not as high as it has been, but it is expected to tick up. Julian Hofmann unpacks its valuation, the possible buybacks on the table, what it's doing to boost sales and more.Last up, it’s Mondi (MNDI), the packaging and paper company, which has had a tough year. Valeria Martinez covers the reasons, what it's doing during the slump it's experiencing and when investors can expect a recovery.Timestamps 1:30 Top 50 Funds14:13 GSK26:17 MondiRead stories mentioned in the show:IC Top 50 Funds: the best ones to buyIncome Majors 2025: How the UK’s biggest dividend payers are faring Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We begin with the £42bn mega-merger between Anglo American and Teck Resources. Commodities expert Alex Hamer lays out what the deal is, the strengths Anglo will gain from it, and its investment case moving forward. It’s then on to Aim-traded Property Franchise Group with Mark Robinson. The recent results show momentum is strong, with many of its divisions performing well. Mark and Dan take a look at its valuation case against the market backdrop. DIY chain Wickes has demonstrated resilience in the face of a relatively flat home improvement market. Erin Withey shares where the company is taking market share and why the market didn’t react much to its interim results. Timestamps1:16 Anglo American - Tech Resources Merger17:45 Property Franchise Group29:34 Wickes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We start with this week’s Big Read by Chris Akers on Europe’s stand-out stocks, which have been beating their US counterparts. Chris lays out the background for the piece, the positives and the negatives on the continent, and highlights the sectors and countries investors may be particularly interested in.Next up, investment clubs. Many of our listeners will be well-versed on the topic, but for those who are not, Holly McKechnie lays out what they are, the number of clubs in the UK at the last count and their future in light of Interactive Investors’ announcement.Last up, Mark Robinson talks through Uniphar’s (UPR) latest results. The Irish Aim-traded pharmaceutical company’s share price has doubled in the past year, so Mark and Dan unpack what went right and how tariffs may affect the business. Timestamps1:22 European markets15:21 Investment clubs23:34 Uniphar Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We start with commodities expert Alex Hamer, the author of this week’s Big Read on nuclear power. Tech giants' need for the contentious energy source has revived plants around the globe. Alex unpacks what this means for the industry so far, and the prospects for the uranium market and small modular reactors (SMRs). Next up, the world’s most valuable company, Nvidia (NVDA). New York-based reporter Arthur Sants discusses the company’s latest results, the uncertainty regarding sales to China, as well as Intel’s two recent big investors: the US government and SoftBank. Alex Newman also weighs in on the subject. Mark Robinson covers Boohoo’s (DEBS) recent, delayed results, which showed some overhang from its old business. It’s move to be a third-party seller, similar to that of M&S (MKS) and Next (NXT) could be fruitful, but the competition is rife. Listen to find out more. Timestamps1:30 Nuclear 15:48 Nvidia 37:07 BoohooRead more on these topics How to invest in the world’s nucle

We begin with Mark Robinson talking PensionBee’s (PBEE) results. The company’s marketing push in the US was a key theme in its latest update, a region where it sees a big opportunity. Mark and Dan discuss how both its US and UK arms are faring, as well as its valuation case.Next up, Holly McKechnie discusses our latest Big Read on beating the trap of leasehold properties. Holly and Dan unpack everything from how to spot issues when renting or buying a leasehold to the impact Labour’s reforms will have.Last up, Valeria Martinez covers whey-based protein products producer Applied Nutrition (APN). Its second-half results showed good performance thanks to well-received product launches. Valeria explains why momentum is on the company’s side.Timestamps 1:25 PensionBee18:00 Leaseholds34:48 Applied Nutrition  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We begin with Hugh Moorhead and recent results from Savills (SVS), which were in line with expectations. Hugh and Dan unpack what divisions brought in the highest profits, a breakdown of a handful of global performances, and what the business’s valuation appears to be.Next up James Norrington joins to unpack our latest Big Read on sum-of-the-parts valuations. James explains the thinking behind the piece, how it can help find stocks trading at less than their worth, and how to tell if a company is focusing on the right part of a business.Lastly, Julian Hofmann covers Novo Nordisk (DK:NOVO.B), which saw shares rise after Eli Lilly’s (US:LLY) oral weight-loss pill underwhelmed regulators. Competition is still fierce in the sector, but a new Novo CEO could give the company the boost it needs. Read more on these topics How to spot undervalued sharesDeep DivesTimestamps 1:16 Savills13:41 Spotting undervalued shares26:33 Weight loss drugs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the show, Mark Robinson and Julian Hofmann discuss interim figures from asset manager Jupiter, and ask whether the company – and the wider sector – is truly on the road to recovery. Our big read of the week looks at six different ways of pension planning. Personal finance editor Val Cipriani analyses the all-important topic of how to make your money last in your retirement.Finally Valeria Martinez looks at recent results from consultancy turned activist investor Science Group, which is sitting on excess cash made from its stake in rival Ricardo earlier this year.Listen to more podcasts from Investors’ Chronicle on Apple, Spotify and YouTubeTimestamps 1:38 Jupiter13:35 Retirement Strategies24:44 Science GroupMidroll 24:43Find out more about these topics: One-third drop in Jupiter’s earnings clouds recovery hopesHow to find your ‘retirement profile’ – and how to invest for itScience Group cashes in on Ricardo activist campaign Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informati

This week, Centrica (CNA) announced it had acquired 15 per cent of the East Suffolk Sizewell C nuclear plant. Commodities expert Alex Hamer looks into the deal and how it will affect taxpayers and shareholders, alongside Centrica’s latest results.Next, Mike Fahy covers our Big Read on global hidden gem companies. Dan and Mike unpack some of the stocks included and why we chose them, and the ways investors can access them. Last up, Hugh Moorhead joins the panel to discuss two companies that need little introduction: Coca-Cola (US:KO) and PepsiCo (US:PEP). Hugh looks at the differences between their operating models, pricing power, and innovations. Listen to find out everything investors need to know.  Listen to more podcasts from Investors’ Chronicle on Apple, Spotify and YouTubeTimestamps 1:28 Centrica14:58 Global hidden gems25:38 Coke versus PepsiFind out more about these topics: Centrica sizing up nuclear ambitionHidden gem stocks from around the world Coke versus Pepsi: Why in

After a two-month hiatus, Alex and Lord Lee reunite in the Financial Times studio to cover the latest updates on ten stocks from Lord Lee’s portfolio and questions sent in by listeners. From his thoughts on his biggest holding M&G (MNG) to Cerillion (CER) CEO Louis Hall’s decision to sell a chunk of his holding, Lord Lee shares his invaluable knowledge acquired through his half-century career in investing. As usual, the episode wraps up with an update on Lord Lee’s portfolio, with the latest buys and sells, including one of Simon Thompson’s 2025 Bargain Shares.Timestamps00:13 Introduction00:51 Lord Lee’s take on the market2:54 The government’s growth agenda4:58 M&G9:36 PZ Cussons13:04 Treatt15:32 Listen question on Cerillion18:02 Braemar’s decision to cut its dividend20:58 Reduction in Supermarket Income Reit22:48 Two new positions28:19 Updates from Lord Lee’s long-term holdingsListen to more podcasts from Investors’ Chronicle on Apple, Spotify and YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy f

We begin with Alex Newman, who covers the recent results from an early-stage solid state battery technology company Ilika (IKA). It focuses on batteries for the ‘internet of things’, metech and EVs, and shares have run up recently. Alex reveals what there is for investors to get excited about and what to be wary of.We move on to last week’s annual Top 50 ETFs special report. Dave Baxter has refreshed the IC’s best-buy list to provide readers and listeners with new ways to build the best portfolio while keeping an eye on costs. Listen to find out what made the list, what’s been dropped and the challenges facing investors.Last up, results from Trifast (TRI), a fastener supplier, which is trying to bounce back from a difficult period. Christopher Akers unpacks what held the company back in recent years, how tariffs are impacting the business and the ways it’s looking to become “more dynamic”. Listen to more podcasts from Investors’ Chronicle on Apple, Spotify and YouTubeTimestamps1:20 Ilika17:09 Top 50 ETFs

In recent memory, the story of Waspi women has brought into sharp focus the issues surrounding women and their pensions. With many women spending some time out of full-time employment for a variety of reasons, but most notably due to childcare, pensions contributions are often neglected but vitally important to financial security in later life. In this episode of Women and Wealth, the video podcast series from Investors' Chronicle, we look at the topic.Personal finance editor, Val Cipriani and digital production journalist, Madelaine Apthorpe discuss the topic that feels far away but should be in any young woman's thoughts as they enter the workforce. The Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association estimates that in order to retire on a moderate standard, not even a comfortable one, you need £31k a year if you are single and almost £22k each as a couple. This assumes you have already paid off your mortgage by the time you retire and it’s after tax. Scarily, AJ Bell calculated that that is the equivalent of a pe

Jet2 (JET2) may be on some listeners' minds thanks to a recent TikTok soundbite that has gone viral, but how are its figures faring? Michael Fahy joins Dan Jones to discuss the travel company’s latest results, the demand outlook and how it fares against competitors.Next is Optima Health (OPT). After spinning out from Marlowe (MRL) last year, the occupational health company has pursued a buy-and-build strategy, which seems to be working in its favour. Julian Hofmann explains everything investors need to know.Last up, Alex Newman joins to unveil a handful of new IC stock screens focused on the best businesses from around the world. He explains the background for the decision and a teaser about which screens may work best in the current environment. If you have any thoughts or suggestions on the new screens, email alex.newman@ft.comTimestamps1:18 Jet2 12:28 Optima Health 22:04 New stock screensRead more on these topics:Jet2’s robust trading and earnings beat fail to lift sentimentOptima Health acquires

In this episode of Women and Wealth, the video podcast series from Investors' Chronicle, Madelaine Apthorpe and Val Cipriani look at how motherhood and childcare affects a woman's personal finances. Listen or watch to find out what you can do to reduce the impact on your money, and smart things to do to get yourself in the best possible shape, before or after you have had children.Val, Investors' Chronicle's personal finance editor, looks into the fluctuations in the gender pay gap by age to expose how motherhood and childcare is one of the biggest hurdles in the personal finance of a woman and what you need to think about as you embark on this period of your life.Speaking with Alice Guy, independent pension and money expert and chartered accountant, Val also looks at practical tips for mothers and what help is on offer for childcare and how your partner can help support your financial future during this period.Answering our reader's question, Alice and Val also look at what mothers can do today to make sure

We begin with well-loved pastry seller Greggs (GRG), which suffered a downturn in sales per its latest trading update. Julian Hofmann explains the reasons for this, from heatwaves to competition from supermarkets, and what investors should make of it.It’s then on to our Big Read on undervalued UK tech stars. Many of our home-grown companies have a lot to offer, but investors favour the US big names instead. Valeria Martinez and Mark Robinson look at the causes behind this, the “mindset gap”, and overlooked intellectual property.Lastly, Julian Hofmann rejoins to unpack Watches of Switzerland (WOSG), which has taken a hit to margins thanks to tariffs. The retailer’s sales growth is ticking up, but the market still seems spooked. Mark and Julian discuss what issues are keeping investors cautious.Timestamps 2:46 Greggs9:25 Undervalued UK tech15:54 Watches of SwitzerlandRead more on these topics: Star British tech stocks hiding in plain sightWatches of Switzerland boosted by luxury jewellery but margin o

Single women have it tough, at least from a financial perspective. From a personal perspective you may well be having a better time than being in a relationship, and especially in an unhappy and unsatisfying one, but sadly society is built for couples. In this episode of video podcast series, Women and Wealth, Val Cipriani and Madelaine Apthorpe take a look at the financial hit of staying single and how to protect yourself from it.Val, Investors' Chronicle's personal finance editor, explains to Madi, digital production journalist, how figures from Hargreaves Lansdown shows how much it costs to live, with a single person in the UK on average spending about 22 per cent more than someone in a couple on their rent or mortgage, council tax and fuel, while spending 28 per cent more on food. More depressing still, single people are taxed more than those in a couple, proportionally.But this podcast aims to provide you with practical help in making your money work harder. Val and Madi explore help such as single-occup

We begin the show with this week’s big companies news, that Shell (SHEL) was reported to be in early-stage talks to buy BP (BP.). Shell has denied the report, from the Wall Street Journal, but speculation continues. Dan Jones is joined by news editor Alex Hamer to get to the bottom of it.Next, we discuss how behavioural finance can make you a better investor. Val Cipriani has delved into the field for her latest article, and shares some practical tips that can drastically improve your returns.Lastly we turn to beleaguered asset manager Liontrust (LIO), which has been struggling with outflows for some time – Mark Robinson and Julian Hofmann join the show to share their assessment of its latest full-year results.Timestamps1:22 Shell/BP16:04 How to be a better investor27:50 LiontrustRead more on these topics:Shell denies BP merger talksHow to be a more effective investorLiontrust waves goodbye to £5bn in managed assetsListen to more podcasts from Investors’ Chronicle on&nb

Women and Wealth takes a look at the gender pay gap, how to ask for that pay rise and how to make the most of your work benefits. In this episode of the video podcast series from Investors' Chronicle, personal finance editor Val Cipriani discusses with digital production journalist, Madi Apthorpe, how the gender pay gap should be viewed, what can be done about it as well as offering a hope that work and society are moving in the right direction - albeit too slowly.According to date from the ONS from April 2024, among those employed full time, women earn 7 per cent less than men. Across all employees, women earn 13.1 per cent less than men. But things are improving. In 1999, 25 years before the most recent release, the gender pay gap was 16.4 per cent across full time employees, and 26.9 per cent across all employees. However, there's still some way to go and in this episode, Val and Madi take a look at a reader's question to explain how women can make their pay check work harder for them.Also in this episode,

The show starts unpacking the latest results from equipment hire company Ashtead (AHT). Mark Robinson analyses the outlook for US construction spending, the company’s sensitivity to tariffs and its valuation. It’s then on to Ashtead’s smaller rival Speedy Hire (SDY), which is closing some of its depots due to rising staff costs. Listen to find out everything investors need to know. Next up is one of the IC's Ideas of the Year, which are putting in a strong performance again in 2025. Pensions consultancy XPS Pensions (XPS) reported full-year figures earlier this week – Julian Hofmann asks if its booming business can continue.Lastly, our Big Read on the medical technology sector. Mark Robinson covers the issues facing the industry, the options for investors and a potential tariff winner.Timestamps 1:50 Ashtead9:20 Speedy Hire18:29 XPS Pensions27:36 MedtechRead more on these topics:Ashtead stymied by falling used equipment salesSpeedy Hire attempts to boost efficiencies as HMRC loads costsThe cutting-e

Relationships are an important aspect in anyone's life; a matter of the heart but also one for your bank account. In the second episode of Women and Wealth, a video podcast series from Investors' Chronicle, personal finance editor Val Cipriani and digital production journalist Madelaine Apthorpe look at what women should be thinking about as they find true love.Val looks at how women can protect their personal finance in entering a relationship and the important things to take into account as you move through the relationship stages of moving in with your beloved, getting married and having children. Madi discusses with Val how you should split the bills, whilst asking about rental contracts and what support is offered with the likes of Lisas and other savings accounts.Val also answers our reader's question about what financial considerations should be made as she weighs up getting married. Madi and Val look at whether married couple tax benefits offsets the ridiculous price of wedding flowers and how women c

Valeria Martinez begins the show by unpacking FirstGroup’s (FGP) results. Valeria and Dan explore how the renationalisation of rail franchises is affecting the business, the timeline for other franchise nationalisations and how the company looks compared with its peers.Next, materials company Oxford Instruments (OXIG), which this week announced it was selling its quantum business for £60mn. Julian Hofmann looks at what it will focus on instead, its exposure to tariffs and more. Last up, Alex Newman joins to discuss Blue Whale Growth holding Philip Morris (US:PM). It differs vastly from the fund’s typical tech holdings, and the tobacco company is now considered an ESG stock by some. Listen to find out the latest investment case. Timestamps 1:46 FirstGroup12:42 Oxford Instruments21:38 Philip Morris and Blue Whale Growth Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.