Playing FTSE

How can you get a free t-shirt and a copy of Poor Charlie’s Almanack? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show!

It’s that time of the year where we reflect on how badly Q1 has gone. And it hasn’t gone well – but it’s better than some have managed.

Steve W’s lost 6% this quarter. But he’s made two big moves out of cyclical stocks that have done well and into tech. 

The timing hasn’t been perfect, but if it hasn’t been terrible. The question, though, is what his plans for the new ISA season are.

Steve D is down 6.6% in Q1. But he’s been using some weakness in share prices to add to existing names in a pretty big way.

Adyen dropping has been the big story and the dip has been well and truly bought. More surprising, though, is the name he’s been selling…

The Eurobox has had a terrible three months. You can count the stocks that are up on the fingers of one hand (and the ones Steve W chose using your thumb).

Things would have been even worse if we’d stuck with the names we cut at the start of the year. So is it time to cut bait with some more losers? 

The Britbox is largely flat, despite the FTSE 100 being up significantly. And this time the winners and losers are spread across the board. 

We’re looking at one change each this quarter, both coming from names that we’ve talked about before. But what’s getting sold to make way?

Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast!

► Get a free fractional share!

This show is sponsored by Trading 212! To get free fractional shares worth up to 100 EUR / GBP, you can open an account with Trading 212 through this link https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE. Terms apply.

When investing, your capital is at risk and you may get back less than invested.
Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results.

► Get 15% OFF Fiscal.ai:

Huge thanks to our sponsor, Fiscal.ai, the best investing toolkit we've discovered! Get 15% off your subscription with code below and unlock powerful tools to analyze stocks, discover hidden gems, and build income streams. Check them out at Fiscal.ai!

https://fiscal.ai/?via=steve

► Follow Us On Substack:

Sign up for our Substack and get light-hearted, info-packed discussions on everything from market trends and investing psychology to deep dives into different asset classes. We’ll analyse what makes the best investors tick and share insights that challenge your thinking while keeping things engaging.

You’ll also find our new 10-week investing and research course available right now. It’s completely free, with no sign-up required, no payment, and none of the usual BS. Don't miss out. Join us today and get stuck in.

https://playingftse.substack.com/

► Support the show:

Appreciate the show and want to offer your support? You could always buy us a coffee at: https://ko-fi.com/playingftse

(All proceeds reinvested into the show and not to coffee!)

► Timestamps:

0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS
4:13 COMPETITION
5:48 STEVE W’S PORTFOLIO
24:26 STEVE D’S PORTFOLIO
44:37 EUROBOX
53:07 BRITBOX

► Show Notes:

What’s been going on in the financial world and why should anyone care? Find out as we dive into the latest news and try to figure out what any of it means. We talk about stocks, markets, politics, and loads of other things in a way that’s accessible, light-hearted and (we hope) entertaining. For the people who know nothing, by the people who know even less. Enjoy

► Wanna get in contact?

Got a question for us? Drop it in the comments below or reach out to us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/

► Enquiries:

Please email - playingftsepodcast@gmail(dot)com

► Disclaimer:

This information is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions.

When should you fire your fund manager? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show!

Both Steves were pleasantly surprised when they looked at their portfolios this week. Neither is good, but Steve D has done less badly than most.

We had a request to talk about what the UK’s Warren Buffett has been saying recently. So Steve W checked out the Fundsmith Meeting.

There were no excuses, apparently. But is Terry Smith right about AI, or is this going to be the latest obstacle for the fund?

3i – one of the FTSE 100’s top-performers in recent years – crashed this week. And Steve D’s been looking at why. 

Like-for-like sales growth in its key subsidiary – Action – is set to be modest. So is it really worth an EBITDA multiple of 18.5?

Diploma – one of the UK’s top growth stocks – continues to go from strength to strength. The firm has upped its guidance for 2026. 

There’s no question this is a strong sign, but how much of it is a cyclical boost? And why is the company’s model for organic growth so low?

Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast!

► Get a free fractional share!

This show is sponsored by Trading 212! To get free fractional shares worth up to 100 EUR / GBP, you can open an account with Trading 212 through this link https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE. Terms apply.

When investing, your capital is at risk and you may get back less than invested.
Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results.

► Get 15% OFF Fiscal.ai:

Huge thanks to our sponsor, Fiscal.ai, the best investing toolkit we've discovered! Get 15% off your subscription with code below and unlock powerful tools to analyze stocks, discover hidden gems, and build income streams. Check them out at Fiscal.ai!

https://fiscal.ai/?via=steve

► Follow Us On Substack:

Sign up for our Substack and get light-hearted, info-packed discussions on everything from market trends and investing psychology to deep dives into different asset classes. We’ll analyse what makes the best investors tick and share insights that challenge your thinking while keeping things engaging.

You’ll also find our new 10-week investing and research course available right now. It’s completely free, with no sign-up required, no payment, and none of the usual BS. Don't miss out. Join us today and get stuck in.

https://playingftse.substack.com/

► Support the show:

Appreciate the show and want to offer your support? You could always buy us a coffee at: https://ko-fi.com/playingftse

(All proceeds reinvested into the show and not to coffee!)

► Timestamps:

0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS
7:08 FUNDSMITH
25:09 3I
45:51 DIPLOMA

► Show Notes:

What’s been going on in the financial world and why should anyone care? Find out as we dive into the latest news and try to figure out what any of it means. We talk about stocks, markets, politics, and loads of other things in a way that’s accessible, light-hearted and (we hope) entertaining. For the people who know nothing, by the people who know even less. Enjoy

► Wanna get in contact?

Got a question for us? Drop it in the comments below or reach out to us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/

► Enquiries:

Please email - playingftsepodcast@gmail(dot)com

► Disclaimer:

This information is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions.

***CHECK OUT CHARLIE'S SUBSTACK***
https://charliehuggins.substack.com/
(Comment below -- we have three free 30-day trials to offer our listeners).

This week on the PlayingFTSE Show, a change from your regularly scheduled podcast. It’s an interview with Charlie Huggins – a former professional fund manager!

After a career managing growth-focused portfolios, Charlie now runs the Fiercely Independent Investor substack. And he’s here to talk investing with Steve W.

People talk about quality shares a lot. But most of them either don’t know what they mean by it or don’t mean anything at all. 

How does a professional investor think about quality shares? And what can the rest of us look for to find buying opportunities?

Some of the best growth stocks around are serial acquirers. But not everyone can sort the great from the good. 

Charlie has made a career figuring these things out. And he’s got some thoughts for Steve W that a lot of our listeners can benefit from.

Software stocks are either great value right now, or a trap – but it’s hard to tell which. Charlie’s written about this and his thoughts are worth hearing.

Steve W’s got his own views as well. But the chance to hear from an investor with professional experience right now might be invaluable.

Charlie Huggins has built a reputation by focusing on only the highest quality stocks. So will any of the names on Steve W’s list make the cut?

A lot of PlayingFTSE favourites are coming up. And we’re zooming in on one in particular.

Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast!

► Get a free fractional share!

This show is sponsored by Trading 212! To get free fractional shares worth up to 100 EUR / GBP, you can open an account with Trading 212 through this link https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE. Terms apply.

When investing, your capital is at risk and you may get back less than invested.
Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results.

► Get 15% OFF Fiscal.ai:

Huge thanks to our sponsor, Fiscal.ai, the best investing toolkit we've discovered! Get 15% off your subscription with code below and unlock powerful tools to analyze stocks, discover hidden gems, and build income streams. Check them out at Fiscal.ai!

https://fiscal.ai/?via=steve

► Follow Us On Substack:

Sign up for our Substack and get light-hearted, info-packed discussions on everything from market trends and investing psychology to deep dives into different asset classes. We’ll analyse what makes the best investors tick and share insights that challenge your thinking while keeping things engaging.

You’ll also find our new 10-week investing and research course available right now. It’s completely free, with no sign-up required, no payment, and none of the usual BS. Don't miss out. Join us today and get stuck in.

https://playingftse.substack.com/

► Support the show:

Appreciate the show and want to offer your support? You could always buy us a coffee at: https://ko-fi.com/playingftse

(All proceeds reinvested into the show and not to coffee!)

► Timestamps:

0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS
3:26 WHO IS CHARLIE HUGGINS
15:57 WHAT DOES QUALITY MEAN
31:00 SERIAL ACQUIRERS
42:53 AI EATING SOFTWARE
58:59 HUGGINS OR HUGGOUT

► Show Notes:

What’s been going on in the financial world and why should anyone care? Find out as we dive into the latest news and try to figure out what any of it means. We talk about stocks, markets, politics, and loads of other things in a way that’s accessible, light-hearted and (we hope) entertaining. For the people who know nothing, by the people who know even less. Enjoy

► Wanna get in contact?

Got a question for us? Drop it in the comments below or reach out to us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/

► Enquiries:

Please email - playingftsepodcast@gmail(dot)com

► Disclaimer:

This information is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions.

Who buys t-shirts by the bale?! Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show!

Not much good from either Steve in the stock market this week (again). But what’s been going wrong this time with their portfolios?

Greg Abel has taken over from Warren Buffett at Berkshire Hathaway and has released his first shareholder letter. There’s a buyback in process – and likely another big one to come.

Aside from that, it’s largely business as usual. And there’s a new acquisition to report that might be a good sign for one of Steve W’s FTSE 100 investments. 

Steve D’s been looking at Dave – the bank with ExtraCash for people who need extra cash. It’s been a rollercoaster for the company since its IPO, but it looks interesting right now.

The firm is doing a lot of things the best low-cost businesses do – building out scale, adding on new units, and aggressively keeping down prices. Is it time to consider buying?

The S&P 500’s software stocks have been under pressure recently. But Salesforce is making a big move to try and take advantage of its falling share price.

Taking on $25bn in debt is a big risk. So is it going to be a brilliant move or turn the company into the next Charter Communications?

Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast!

► Get a free fractional share!

This show is sponsored by Trading 212! To get free fractional shares worth up to 100 EUR / GBP, you can open an account with Trading 212 through this link https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE. Terms apply.

When investing, your capital is at risk and you may get back less than invested.
Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results.

► Get 15% OFF Fiscal.ai:

Huge thanks to our sponsor, Fiscal.ai, the best investing toolkit we've discovered! Get 15% off your subscription with code below and unlock powerful tools to analyze stocks, discover hidden gems, and build income streams. Check them out at Fiscal.ai!

https://fiscal.ai/?via=steve

► Follow Us On Substack:

Sign up for our Substack and get light-hearted, info-packed discussions on everything from market trends and investing psychology to deep dives into different asset classes. We’ll analyse what makes the best investors tick and share insights that challenge your thinking while keeping things engaging.

You’ll also find our new 10-week investing and research course available right now. It’s completely free, with no sign-up required, no payment, and none of the usual BS. Don't miss out. Join us today and get stuck in.

https://playingftse.substack.com/

► Support the show:

Appreciate the show and want to offer your support? You could always buy us a coffee at: https://ko-fi.com/playingftse

(All proceeds reinvested into the show and not to coffee!)

► Timestamps:

0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS
9:36 BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY
25:36 DAVE BANK
52:58 SALESFORCE

► Show Notes:

What’s been going on in the financial world and why should anyone care? Find out as we dive into the latest news and try to figure out what any of it means. We talk about stocks, markets, politics, and loads of other things in a way that’s accessible, light-hearted and (we hope) entertaining. For the people who know nothing, by the people who know even less. Enjoy

► Wanna get in contact?

Got a question for us? Drop it in the comments below or reach out to us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/

► Enquiries:

Please email - playingftsepodcast@gmail(dot)com

► Disclaimer:

This information is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions.

What’s Steve D spent £100 on? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show!

The FTSE 100 took a hit as investors rotated away from materials and back towards quality. But which Steve managed to cash in this week?

Vistry shares took an absolute hammering when the company released its full-year results. The CEO is leaving, but Steve W saw two other reasons the market might not be happy.

A shift to prioritising the balance sheet over share buybacks is one reason and cutting prices to clear the inventory is another. But were those part of the investment thesis?

Steve D has a new UK growth stock to take a look at. It’s Avingtrans, which looks to buy, improve, and then sell small industrial businesses in some very promising markets.

Defence, data centres, and nuclear power are all areas that the firm has exposure to. And with a strategy for avoiding the challenges that come with size, is it one to buy?

Conflict in Iran has sent FTSE 100 share prices all over the place. But Informa has been one of the biggest casualties, despite not being a big oil consumer. 

On top of that, there’s talk of an AI threat to contend with in the company’s publishing division. Steve W owns this one – what’s he doing? 

Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast!

► Get a free fractional share!

This show is sponsored by Trading 212! To get free fractional shares worth up to 100 EUR / GBP, you can open an account with Trading 212 through this link https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE. Terms apply.

When investing, your capital is at risk and you may get back less than invested.
Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results.

► Get 15% OFF Fiscal.ai:

Huge thanks to our sponsor, Fiscal.ai, the best investing toolkit we've discovered! Get 15% off your subscription with code below and unlock powerful tools to analyze stocks, discover hidden gems, and build income streams. Check them out at Fiscal.ai!

https://fiscal.ai/?via=steve

► Follow Us On Substack:

Sign up for our Substack and get light-hearted, info-packed discussions on everything from market trends and investing psychology to deep dives into different asset classes. We’ll analyse what makes the best investors tick and share insights that challenge your thinking while keeping things engaging.

You’ll also find our new 10-week investing and research course available right now. It’s completely free, with no sign-up required, no payment, and none of the usual BS. Don't miss out. Join us today and get stuck in.

https://playingftse.substack.com/

► Support the show:

Appreciate the show and want to offer your support? You could always buy us a coffee at: https://ko-fi.com/playingftse

(All proceeds reinvested into the show and not to coffee!)

► Timestamps:

0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS
7:27 VISTRY
23:46 AVINGTRANS
49:24 INFORMA

► Show Notes:

What’s been going on in the financial world and why should anyone care? Find out as we dive into the latest news and try to figure out what any of it means. We talk about stocks, markets, politics, and loads of other things in a way that’s accessible, light-hearted and (we hope) entertaining. For the people who know nothing, by the people who know even less. Enjoy

► Wanna get in contact?

Got a question for us? Drop it in the comments below or reach out to us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/

► Enquiries:

Please email - playingftsepodcast@gmail(dot)com

► Disclaimer:

This information is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions.