Investors' Chronicle

In the first IC Interviews episode of 2024, deputy editor Dan Jones talks to beloved IC columnist, Bearbull.  For the past 25 years, Philip Ryland has sat at the Bearbull desk, keeping IC readers up to date with the Income Portfolio and sharing weekly analysis on the changing face of companies markets. This episode is Philip’s final contribution to the publication as he passes on the reins after his many years of service.In the podcast, Dan and Philip discuss diversifying away from the UK and the basis of portfolio construction, index-linked bonds, and more. Philip also shares the wisdom he has gathered from running an income fund and his experience with UK versus overseas shares.Investors' Chronicle has supported private investors in the UK for over 160 years by highlighting rewarding investment opportunities. Investors' Chronicle is a service by the Financial Times. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We welcome you to our first Companies and Markets Show podcast of 2024 with an analysis of recently released trading updates from British clothing retailers Next and JD Sports. Our team discuss how the two retailers compare and ponder the wider issues in the background that are contributing to their varying successes.It’s then on to the FTSE 100, which turned 40 on 3 January. The team unpack the recent performance of the index, questioning whether the significance of its poor performance might be overplayed, the UK versus the US narrative, and talk about the prospects for European equities in 2024.Last of all, Alex Newman touches on this week’s cover story – our Investment Ideas of the Year 2024 – explaining how the investments have been categorised, the themes of this year’s Ideas of the Year and what readers can expect from our Investment Ideas in the coming year.Investors' Chronicle has supported private investors in the UK for over 160 years by highlighting rewarding investment opportunities. Investors' Chronicle is a service by the Financial Times. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Instead of a deep dive into one company, in our final episode of 2023, Lord Lee and Alex begin with an end-of-year audit of five holdings in Lord Lee’s portfolio. From a litigation financing firm to a beauty products maker to a bowling alley operator, Lord Lee shares the wins and losses he has experienced as a DIY investor.The pair also discuss his novel idea of using shares to encourage financial literacy amongst school-age children in the country. With “close to zero” financial literacy among pupils, his plan, which has garnered support from other MPs, could transform the investing landscape for future generations and increase financial responsibility. This episode was recorded on 21 December. Lord Lee: Give NatWest shares to schools to teach kidsInvestors' Chronicle has supported private investors in the UK for over 160 years by highlighting rewarding investment opportunities. Investors' Chronicle is a service by the Financial Times. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our final episode of 2023 begins with IC property writer Mitchell Labiak discussing the merger of Reits LondonMetric (LMP) and LXI (LXI), which will allow them to compete with the industry’s biggest players such as British Land (BLND). Both have been called ‘sub-scale’, but what constitutes a sustainable Reit? Mitch also explores whether or not investors should prepare for similar activity in the coming year.Giving a sneak preview of a story included in our final edition of 2023, Val Cipriani reviews ESG funds’ performance this year. She explores why active funds, which ESG funds tend to be, have struggled, and highlights the best performers. Lastly, Val touches on what the new rules mean for investors.Last but not least, Jemma Slingo covers mechanical engineer Goodwin (GDWN). The company has a rich history, was founded in 1883 and is still majority-run by the Goodwin family. Recent results reveal a solid performance, even though it has distanced itself from its oil and gas heritage. Jemma explains where its revenues are now concentrated and what kind of value the shares offer.Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of The Companies and Markets Show team.LondonMetric mulls LXi takeoverCan ESG funds bounce back?Exciting opportunities in the pipeline for GoodwinInvestors' Chronicle has supported private investors in the UK for over 160 years by highlighting rewarding investment opportunities. Investors' Chronicle is a service by the Financial Times. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We begin with the interest rate story that hit the headlines this week – the FCA’s warning to investment platforms, including AJ Bell and Hargreaves Lansdown, over their treatment of customers’ cash balances. Alex Newman and Val Cipriani discuss why AJ Bell’s share price fell and what investors should expect in the future.Jennifer Johnson follows with an analysis of whether the UK can become a biotech superpower. She reveals what is hampering the growth of the industry, including a lack of life science laboratory space, and shares a UK university spinout success story investors may find alluring.Last up, Alex Hamer discusses what’s driving the recent fall in the oil price, which is now at a two-year low. He explores the reasons for this, the effect Saudi Arabia’s change in tactics will have on the industry, and what investors should keep an eye on in the year ahead.AJ Bell reports 50% surge in profitsCan the UK become a biotech superpower?Oil in 2024 – will Opec's squeeze work?Investors' Chronicle has supported private investors in the UK for over 160 years by highlighting rewarding investment opportunities. Investors' Chronicle is a service by the Financial Times. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this latest episode we look deeper into some of the things that portfolio companies actually do. In particular, host Joe Lynam and Brunner’s co-lead portfolio manager Julian Bishop examine some of the extreme technology needed to create the world’s most powerful semiconductor chips. The term ‘cutting-edge’ may often be overused, but in this case the sheer physics of what is being achieved by some of the leading companies is, quite simply, astounding.Investors' Chronicle has supported private investors in the UK for over 160 years by highlighting rewarding investment opportunities. Investors' Chronicle is a service by the Financial Times. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The guest on our final IC Interview podcast of 2023 needs little introduction. Having been part of the Investors’ Chronicle team since the late 1990s, Simon Thompson is one of the most valued writers in our cohort. Covering 93 companies for the IC, Simon has invaluable experience and knowledge of the small-cap industry. In this episode he reflects on the past 12 months, and shares his predictions for the year ahead, the areas he’s paying close attention to and the sectors that appear most promising. By Simon Thompson: Four small-cap takeover targets to exploitInvestors' Chronicle has supported private investors in the UK for over 160 years by highlighting rewarding investment opportunities. Investors' Chronicle is a service by the Financial Times. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Alex Newman, author and market analyst, alongside Jemma Slingo, who dives into the latest financial figures from Ashtead and Redde Northgate. They discuss Ashtead's challenges amid rising interest rates and the complexities of Redde Northgate's post-merger legacy issues. Newman brings to light why this might be a golden era for stockpickers, exploring the shortcomings of active funds and their potential resurgence. Together, they shed light on the shifting landscape of investment strategies and what it means for future market performance.

After a 2-year post-pandemic inflation surge, the global economy eases from extensive fiscal and monetary interventions. Central banks reassess recession risks, signalling potential investment opportunities as volatility reawakensInvestors' Chronicle has supported private investors in the UK for over 160 years by highlighting rewarding investment opportunities. Investors' Chronicle is a service by the Financial Times. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We begin with Alex Newman who discusses the recent results of music equipment manufacturer Focusrite. The company’s growth and share price rocketed during the pandemic, but like many others, its stock price has plummeted since. Alex explains how the business can spur growth and analyses whether the buy-and-build strategy will help boost its valuation.Julian Hofmann then takes the reigns with consulting and administration business XPS Pensions, which is growing at an exponential rate. Strong fundamental drivers are behind this expansion, but Julian discusses whether its cost control is good enough given the higher expenses seen in the industry.Last but not least, we discuss our latest cover feature on profiting from the energy switch. Author James Norrington explains his motivation behind the piece, China’s dominance of supply chains and touches on the Black-Litterman mathematical model for portfolio allocation.Investors' Chronicle has supported private investors in the UK for over 160 years by highlighting rewarding investment opportunities. Investors' Chronicle is a service by the Financial Times. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.