AJ Bell Money & Markets

Welcome to the latest episode of the AJ Bell Money & Markets podcast with Dan Coatsworth and Charlene Young. 

This week we dive into everything from the surprising new additions to the UK inflation basket (yes… hummus and dashcams!) to the impact of rising oil prices on carmakers and travel firms. We also look at fast changing mortgage deals, the rush to use key tax year end allowances, and what could happen next with interest rates in the UK, US and beyond. 

We’re also joined by a fantastic guest: Jonathan Guthrie, longtime Financial Times journalist, former Head of Lex, and now author – who shares brilliant insights on investing narratives, market crashes, and how investors can stay sane when markets wobble. 

If you care about money, investing or markets – this one’s packed with value. 

00:25 – What’s on today’s episode: Market narratives, inflation surprises, oil prices, mortgages, tax year end, and this week’s special guest. 

01:26 – Dan looks at how financial markets have performed over the past week 

03:30 – Changes to interest rate expectations and mortgage pricing – and what it means if you’re in the process of buying a home. 

09:40 – Company highlights of the week. Good news from Diploma, Softcat and Moonpig. 

13:02 – Charlene on this year’s inflation basket update. Why hummus and dashcams are in – and what’s out. 

17:15 – Thinking about holiday plans or a car upgrade? How rising oil is impacting carmakers and the travel industry. 

22:41 – Tax year end: last minute wins. There is still time to use valuable allowances. 

28:13 – Dan talks to award-winning journalist Jonathan Guthrie about investing and market behaviour

Markets have been rocky, energy prices are moving, and the tax year end is approaching fast. In this week’s Money & Markets podcast, we break down the latest market news, what’s happening in the Middle East and energy markets, and why ISA season could be more important than ever for investors. 

We also look at Persimmon’s results and why Domino’s might offer a rare bright spot, plus practical tips on staying calm when markets are volatile. And with the tax year deadline approaching, we answer your most common ISA questions – from lump sum investing to flexible ISAs and avoiding last-minute mistakes. 

You’ll also hear where ISA millionaires are investing right now, and a quickfire round of ISA myths vs facts to help you make smarter decisions before the deadline. 

If you enjoy this episode, please like and subscribe.  

 

01:22 Middle East tensions & energy market moves 

06:51 Persimmon results - UK housebuilders update  

09:22 Domino’s results – volumes fall on tough conditions 

12:02 Inside the latest issue of Shares magazine 

14:38 How investors can stay calm in volatile markets 

20:26 Personal finance implications of market turbulence 

23:40 Dividend tax changes from 6 April explained 

25:44 ISA millionaires – where they’re investing now 

31:35 ISA Q&A: your questions answered 

41:54 What’s coming up next week

Global markets are sliding — and this week’s selloff is shaking everything from oil and gas to bonds and gold. Dan Coatsworth and Danni Hewson break down what’s driving the volatility, how past geopolitical conflicts have affected stock markets, and what it all means for investors, portfolios, and your money right now. 

We also unpack Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Spring Statement, including the key wins, the potential risks, and what the new OBR forecasts could mean for your personal finances, UK economy outlook, and interest rates. 

In company news, Greggs surprises the market despite falling profits, TG Jones (the new name in front of old WH Smith stores) struggles on the high street, and BrewDog investors face a harsh lesson in why crowdfunding is not the same as stock market investing. 

There’s also an important update on wills you’ll want to know about — plus two expert interviews exploring the biggest trend in global markets: AI investing. 

Orbis’ Simon Skinner discusses US sectors with an AI tailwind, while Brown Advisory’s Colby Stilson explains why major tech names are issuing bonds to fund massive AI infrastructure projects. 

A huge week, big market moves, and crucial insights for anyone following investment markets, financial news, and longterm investing. 

If you enjoy this episode, please like and subscribe. 

 

Timestamps 
[02:16] – Market sell-off: What’s moving shares, oil, gas & bonds 
[02:43] – Middle East tensions: How markets behaved in past conflicts 
[15:39] – Spring Statement: What Rachel Reeves’ update means for your money 
[19:11] – Greggs results reaction 
[24:11] – TG Jones struggles on the high street 
[27:54] – BrewDog takeover and the risks of crowdfunding 
[32:17] – Free Will Month explained 
[34:50] – AI interview 1: US sectors with an AI tailwind (Simon Skinner, Orbis) 
[48:40] – AI interview 2: Why big tech is issuing bonds (Colby Stilson, Brown Advisory) 
[01:00:48] – Closing & next week’s ISA special

Join Dan Coatsworth and Hannah Williford in a new bonus episode of the AJ Bell Money & Markets podcast all about investment trusts. They break down the latest trends in investment trust discounts, and which names are looking cheaper or more expensive. 

Dan speaks with Martin Connaghan of Murray International to discuss the investing debate around sin stocks, ethical investing, and whether morals come into fund manager portfolio decisions. 

Hannah interviews Nicola Takada Wood, managing director, Japan at Asset Value Investors about Japan’s recent election and the outlook for investing in the country. 

Finally, Dan chats with Stephen Anness from Invesco Global Equity Income Trust about the prospects for dividend growth and why he's looking in less obvious places for income. 

00:00 — Introduction: What’s coming up 
01:23 — What investment trust discounts are, why they matter, and the big changes observed by Hannah and Dan 
12:42 — Dan talks to Martin Connaghan on sin stocks and ethical investing 
27:25 — Hannah chats with Nicola Takada Wood about Japan’s political landscape and what that means for investors 
41:00 — Interview: Stephen Anness on the search for attractive dividends 


If you enjoy this episode, don’t forget to like and subscribe for more insights from the AJ Bell investing team.

UK and European markets reach record highs. That's despite the tariff turmoil since the Supreme Court struck down President Trump's liberation day plans. Danni dives into the latest on Meta's deal with AMD, Anthropic's latest plug ins and Paramount up the stakes in the bidding war for Warner Bros.

Diageo’s first results under Sir Dave Lewis show that not even Guinness couldn’t steady the ship at the big brand giant, plus a £1 billion funding boost for UK self-driving tech firm Wayve. Cuts to the energy price cap and the odds of winning on Premium Bonds.

Adam Rackley from the Cape Wrath Focus Fund tells Dan Coatsworth why he likes to invest when others are jumping ship.

[00:10] – Welcome 
[01:34] – Markets are shrugging off the latest tariff drama...for now
[08:45] – Danni Hewson has the latest on the AI arms race, with AMD, Meta and Anthropic
[14:40] – Diageo results show 'Drastic Dave' has his work cut out
[20:00] – Danni shares AJ Bell's consumer trends research findings
[24:00] - UK self driving firm Wayve raises another £1 billion in a funding deal
[27:45] - Bidding war for Warner Bros: Paramount comes back with a sweeter deal
[30:00] – Energy price cap cut: Charlene Young looks at how this measures up against promised £150 cuts to bills
[32:51] - Rachel Reeves delivers her Spring Statement next week; what might be in it? 
[38:11] – NS&I slashes premium bond prize funds rate and chances of winning 
[42:10] – Dan Coatsworth talks value investing with Cape Wrath Focus Fund