British-based luxury fashion brand Burberry (BRBY) has had a hard time of late. Our team delve into what’s gone wrong over and question whether the low valuation is attractive enough for investors to take a gamble. It’s then onto our Investment Trust Special. We explore what trusts are most vulnerable to consolidation and some that could be fruitful in the changing macroeconomic environment. Last up, it’s specialist British chemical company Croda (CRDA). The latest update shows signs of life...

Lord Lee and Alex reunite just a day after the US election result and a week on from the Autumn Budget. In the episode, the pair unpack how the latter will affect UK private investors and the economy at large, and Lord Lee gives his opinion on the effectiveness of the changes announced by chancellor Rachel Reeves. Also, listen to find out the changes to Lord Lee’s portfolio and his take on Trump’s presidential win.  Timestamps  1:18 Why the Budget is pleasing for private investors 3:42 Lord...

Auto Trader’s (AUTO) recent results were not well received. A slowdown in vehicle production and its position within a tight market is squeezing growth prospects. Our experts dive into what it means for investors.  It’s then on to the impact of the Budget. The panel unpacks what sectors will be most affected by the changes, and the potential cost-saving measures companies can take to mitigate rising NI contributions. Last up, bond yields. Both the Budget and the US election will alter the...

Returning a second time in the IC Interviews hot seat, Terry Smith is one of the biggest names in the investing world. Having set up the eponymous Fundsmith in 2010, he now manages more than £22bn of British savers’ money and has had his fair share of celebration and criticism. Funds editor Dave Baxter and Smith unpack everything from Magnificent Seven stocks and the effect of weight-loss drugs on stock markets, to consumer staples and the reason Smith doesn’t want to own market favourite,...

The Autumn Budget brought a swathe of changes to the way investors can harness the most of the market. From capital gains changes to pensions, our team unpack what investors need to know. Find out everything you need to know about the Budget HSBC (HSBC) recently announced a reorganisation that will affect shareholders. The panel of experts report on what the business is set to achieve, and the outlook for interest income as base rates fall. Last up, the team delve into what led to the small...

Mark Robinson starts the show by unpacking Morgan Sindall’s (MGNS) significant trading update, looking at the drivers behind the share price rise and the scope for the company to increase its market share. It’s then on to our Aim 100 special. Michael Fahy and Alex Newman share their take on the leading brick supplier Brickability (BRCK) and technology distributor Midwich (MIDW), discussing what each sector looks like at the moment and what should investors be aware of. Timestamps 1:14 Morgan...

We begin with National Grid’s (NG) transformation plans. Jemma Slingo and Alex Newman weigh in on whether it should now be considered a growth rather than income stock, its US business and more. It’s then onto car dealership Vertu (VTU). Mark Robinson runs through the driving factors behind Vertu’s performance, the business’ valuation and its prospects in a struggling market. Last up, Holly McKechnie dives into the knotty issue of investment trust costs. In September HM Treasury announced it...

In this episode of IC Interviews, Paul ffolkes Davis and funds editor Dave Baxter discuss the Japanese small and mid-cap specialist fund, which has proven to be quite fruitful for investors. Find out why ffolkes Davis believes in the yen’s strength plus his thoughts on Japan’s macro trends, the big investment trust risers and fallers this year and more. Timestamps  00:56 Japan and Yen strength  4:49 Macro themes in Japan 7:40 Valuations 11:48 Activism  18:10 Private versus public  20:39...

Associate editor James Norrington starts the show, covering this week’s Big Read. He and Dan unpack inflationary vs deflationary forces in Western economies and what it means for stock picking and building portfolios.  Madelaine Apthorpe is then in the hot seat instead of behind the soundboard to discuss her investigation into cocoa inflation and the confectionery industry. She touches on the reasons for the price rises, the outcome for consumers and what it means for the industry.  Last up,...

This month, Alex and Lord Lee are joined by the CEO of Ampario, Richard Edwards. Ampario is an Aim-traded natural feed additives group, a niche business but one that exports its products to over 80 countries and has been held by Lord Lee for 14 years. In the episode, the trio discuss the ins and outs of running an Aim company, why Lord Lee believes the business is well-placed in today’s markets, its sustainable practices and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s episode begins with a property leaser to the healthcare sector, Life Science Reit (LABS). Property writer Natasha runs through the results, where the chief exec is focusing and whether a takeover is on the cards. It’s then onto our latest Big Read on investing for your children. From the best accounts to use, the top funds to pick, and educating your children about investing, Val Cipriani runs through everything parents need to know. Lastly, Julian Hofmann joins to unpack China’s...

In this podcast episode from The Brunner Investment Trust, Co-lead Portfolio Manager Julian Bishop and host Joe Lynam navigate the choppy waters of national politics and their ripple effects through global markets. With the recent political changes in the UK and the much-anticipated US presidential election, what can investors expect from the stock market? For more in-depth discussions and insights, visit our website for additional podcast episodes, articles and videos:...

We start with Smiths Group’s (SMIN) results. The engineering giant’s figures missed expectations, but could new acquisitions and an updated cost-saving plan bring things back? Michael Fahy reports.  Our Big Read this week is on pensions. We all know what they are, but there’s much more that could be done for savers and perhaps for the wider economy – Alex Hamer, author of the cover feature, gives a rundown of the reforms mentioned in the piece that could boost pots, and breathe new life into...

Jemma Slingo is up first to discuss the fate of NatWest (NWG). Jemma and Dan unpack how well hedged the business is against falling interest rates, its share buyback plans and more. It’s then on to one company from our Income Majors special report: British American Tobacco (BATS). Like most tobacco stocks, BAT is in the firing line from the Labour government and other leaders around the world. Michael Fahy and Dan explore what potential smoking bans would mean for investors.  We finish with...

We begin with Trustpilot (TRST), whose shares shot up 10 per cent in the past five days. Its software as a service (SaaS) is AI-enabled but should it be seen as a marketing or tech business? Jennifer Johnson runs through the long-term prospects inventors need to consider. Dave Baxter joins to chat about the 2024 edition of the IC’s Top 50 Funds list. He unpacks how it is constructed, why it’s tilted more towards investment trusts this year, and profiles some of the names that make the...

Lee and the IC is back after its summer hiatus with the latest updates to Lord Lee’s portfolio.  Armed with the proceeds of a takeover, Lord Lee has spent the last few months topping up some existing holdings and running the slide rule over several British value opportunities, including a media conglomerate and a global shipping firm. John and Alex continue their discussion on the role of non-executive directors (NEDs) as share ambassadors, as well as what lies ahead for private investors in...

Alex Hamer unpacks the results from Australian mining giant BHP (BHP). It reported higher earnings in the 12 months to June thanks to record copper prices and a relatively stable iron ore market, its biggest market. Alex shares what investors should expect going forward.  Alex Newman, the author of this week’s cover feature on insurance stocks, joins the show. DIY investors love insurers – note our Lee and the IC podcast co-host, Lord John Lee – but the industry is a complex beast. Alex...

We begin with construction firm Costain (COST), which recently announced a £10mn buyback. Mark Robinson weighs in on its latest results and more. It’s then on to Hargreaves Lansdown (HL). Val Cipriani covers the proposed takeover and what it means for those who use the platform. Julian Hofmann also unpacks the company’s results and the impact on shareholders. Last up, Alex Hamer covers Ithaca Energy’s (ITH) results, what impact Labour’s windfall tax will have and the latest events affecting...

Who holds the power: the government or the market? In this episode of the ‘A Value View’ Podcast, portfolio manager Simon Gergel discusses the aftermath of the recent UK election, marked by a significant Labour victory. He explores the UK stock market response and highlights where opportunities are being found today. Listen in now to find out more about the market reaction and what it means for investors.  For more in-depth discussions and insights, visit our website for additional podcast...

We begin with life insurer Just Group which raised its profit outlook after corporate pension deals boomed. Julian Hofmann unpacks the recent results and discusses whether the shares offer value and how the business might expand. Another insurer's results, Aviva (AV), follows. Mark Robinson and Julian talk about what the business is doing right and how it’s benefitting from diversification. Arthur Sants joins from New York to discuss his cover feature on Google’s parent company Alphabet...

Dave Baxter is joined by one of the managers of Migo Opportunities Investment Trust, an unusual fund which exploits valuation anomalies and discounts in other investment trusts. Dave and Charlotte discuss where she looks for opportunities, interesting asset classes and the reason that share buybacks turn the trust’s head more than dividend increases. Listen to this and more. Timestamps  00:34 Sectors of interest 6:34 Geopolitical risk 8:14 Worthy investments in private equity  10:38 M&A...

We begin the episode with commodity trading and mining company Glencore (GLEN). Alex Hamer unpacks a busy week, including everything from the cancellation of the coal demerger to the company’s copper prospects in an environmentally conscious world. Val Cipriani discusses our cover feature on the often much-desired topic: retiring early. It doesn’t always seem realistic but Val covers how investors can set themselves on the right track, with simple and effective strategies including how to...

We’re in the thick of results season but that doesn't stop our hardworking journalists from providing a deep dive into the top stories of the week. We begin with St James’s Place (STJ), which recently released results. The financial advice company announced an ambitious £500m cost-saving programme, a figure that turned many heads in the City. Julian Hofmann covers all. Then Mark Robinson discusses the cover feature on making rapid returns with short-term trades. Mark explains the thinking...

In this IC Interviews podcast, Val Cipriani is joined by James Cook, manager of JPMorgan Global Growth & Income. As the only global and global equity income investment trust trading at a premium, it is keeping investors happy with its approach. Val and James discuss how this has happened, the future of semiconductor stocks, how AI will change the market, Microsoft’s recent outage and much more. Timestamps 1:01 Strategy of growth 3:35 Payout policy 7:41 Paying dividend out of capital  9:09...