Merryn Talks Money

Afleveringen

• Why Africa’s Population Boom Could Power Its Next Growth Era 01.06.2026 32min

  Could Africa’s long-misunderstood population boom become its greatest economic advantage? Economist and author Joe Studwell joins host Merryn Somerset Webb to discuss his book, How Africa Works: Success and Failure on the World's Last Developmental Frontier. He argues that rising population density is already transforming the continent by creating deeper markets, boosting agricultural productivity, supporting urbanization and making manufacturing more viable. While governance, debt and commodity dependence remain risks, he sees a more diverse, locally driven growth story emerging across Africa.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Blair Versus Starmer - Can the Government Get Out of Britain's Way? 29.05.2026 31min

  How can Keir Starmer - or whoever leads the country next - help to turn the UK’s fortunes around? Simon French, Managing Director, Chief Economist and Head of Research at Panmure Liberum joins co-host John Stepek to discuss former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair’s 5000-word prescription for the UK economy, the growing backlash towards Net-Zero policies and why the UK is at risk of sliding towards another “Liz Truss Moment”.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• What's the Smartest Way to Save in 2026? 27.05.2026 9min

  Hosts Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek take another listener question, this time around the pros and cons of ISAs, LISAs, and SIPPs. They debate the most tax-efficient method of saving depending on one's circumstances and why savers need to be aware of the withdrawal rules to avoid any nasty surprises.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Price Controls, Britain's Struggling Jobs Market, and the SpaceX IPO 22.05.2026 16min

  In Merryn's absence this week John Stepek and Sam Unsted, editor on the Bloomberg Markets Today live blog, discuss how weak UK economic data has actually provided some relief for gilts this week, look at the problems with both proposed and existing government price controls, and wonder whether the coming wave of mega-IPOs led by SpaceX might take some of the exuberance out of stocks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Your Questions Answered: Pensions, Capital Gains Tax and More 20.05.2026 21min

  Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek answer listener questions on how retail investor flows, passive investing, and social media have reshaped markets, arguing that the surge in everyday investing has significantly boosted stock prices — particularly in the US. They also discuss practical personal finance challenges around pensions, capital gains tax, and passive versus active investing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Why Investors Should Expect Lower Returns From Here 18.05.2026 23min

  Merryn Somerset Webb speaks to Pictet Asset Management Chief Strategist Luca Paolini about why markets remain remarkably resilient despite geopolitical turmoil, inflation fears and mounting fiscal risks. Paolini argues that the AI investment boom, strong corporate earnings and persistent US economic strength continue to support markets — but warns that the era of US exceptionalism may be fading, making diversification and lower long-term return expectations essential for investors. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• The UK Is Still Losing Cheap Stocks to Private Equity Bargain Hunters 15.05.2026 14min

  For this week's second installment of the news round up, hosts Merryn and John discuss how cheap UK stocks are still being bought up by private equity firms; and how rising inflation could put a stop to the highly-concentrated surge in US equity markets. They also talk about changes to the Premium Bond prize rate which mean the odds of winning are set to improve and consider how governments could make wider use of lottery-style fundraising.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Emergency Podcast: Why Britain's Political Turmoil Will End In Crisis 13.05.2026 11min

  Why Britain Needs A Crisis To Turn The Country AroundBritain has once again been plunged into political turmoil. Despite rebellion in the ranks, Prime Minister Keir Starmer refuses to go, and it's not yet clear which - if any - of his potential challengers will lay down the gauntlet to try to take the leadership from him. And nor is it clear, given the divided nature of the Labour party, that any new Prime Minister could hold down the job until the next general election. Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek discuss why Britain may need a 1976-style crisis to persuade our politicians to finally get a grip. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• The Smartest Move You’re Not Making on Your Mortgage 13.05.2026 25min

  Mortgage rates have jumped sharply—and fast—leaving buyers and homeowners scrambling to decide what to do next. Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek sit down with mortgage expert Anthony Emmerson, director at Trinity Financial, to unpack what’s really driving the market, whether now is still a good time to buy, and the surprisingly simple strategy that could save you thousands when remortgaging.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• What If AI’s Biggest Impact Isn’t Jobs, But Minds? 11.05.2026 31min

  What if AI isn’t coming for your job — but for your mind? In this episode of Merryn Talks Money, Merryn Somerset Webb speaks to Tom Slater, manager of Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust and partner at Baillie Gifford  about his provocative paper, “AI Isn’t Coming for Your Job. It’s Coming for Your Mind,” and why the real risk may be a world that looks more productive while quietly losing the judgement, learning and expertise that make progress possible. They also discuss what that means for the future workforce and smart investing. Check out Tom Slater’s paper here: https://www.bailliegifford.com/en/global/all-users/insights/ic-article/2026-q1-ai-isn-t-coming-for-your-job-it-s-coming-for-your-mind-10061431/Sign up for the Merryn Talks Money newsletter: https://www.bloomberg.com/account/newsletters/merryn-talks-moneySign up for the Money Distilled newsletter https://www.bloomberg.com/account/newsletters/money-distilledSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Melt-Up or Mirage? Markets Ignore Everything but Earnings 08.05.2026 18min

  Markets are ripping higher on blockbuster earnings and AI euphoria—but on this week's markets wrap, hosts Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek aren’t buying the calm. From contrarian magazine covers to a looming of IPO supply, they ask whether this melt-up is masking the seeds of the next downturn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Free Booze to Real Power: Why Shareholder Perks Matter 06.05.2026 18min

  What if owning a single share could get you discounted wine, cheaper holidays—or even a stronger voice in corporate decisions? Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek explore the forgotten world of shareholder perks, arguing they’re not just fun freebies but a powerful way to reconnect investors with the companies they own.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Cheap, Unloved, Profitable: The Case for Value Investing Today? 04.05.2026 25min

  Merryn Somerset Webb speaks with Temple Bar’s Ian Lance about the trust’s standout performance since 2020, driven by disciplined value investing—buying unloved, low-priced companies with recovery potential and holding them as sentiment improves. Lance argues that success comes from focusing on long-term earnings rather than short-term pessimism, even if it means owning controversial stocks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Live From The Master Investor Show: Jim Mellon and Stephen Yiu 01.05.2026 30min

  Merryn Somerset Webb sits down with John Stepek, Jim Mellon, billionaire investor and Chairman of The Burnbrae Group, and Blue Whale manager Stephen Yiu. The panel was part of the Master Investor Show, the UK’s largest gathering for private investors. This conversation was recorded on Saturday, April 25, 2026. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• What Red Squirrels Reveal About Britain’s Broken Investing Culture 29.04.2026 24min

  Why has the UK become a nation of savers—but not investors—and what on earth do red squirrels have to do with it? Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek take aim at a baffling government campaign, unpack the real reasons people avoid investing, and argue that regulation, mistrust, and mixed messaging are costing Britons serious wealth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Andy Haldane on Britain’s Fiscal Squeeze and Growth Problem 27.04.2026 39min

  Former Bank of England Chief Economist Andy Haldane joins Merryn Somerset Webb to unpack why the UK may feel poorer, more fragile and seemingly out of options—despite sitting on untapped wealth and world-class innovation. From tough fiscal trade-offs and rising taxes to the surprising strength of private balance sheets, he argues the UK’s problems may be serious—but they’re far from unsolvable. The big question: can policymakers unlock growth before patience and confidence runs out?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Markets in a Permanent Mini-Crisis: Why Investors Are Waiting, Not Predicting 24.04.2026 17min

  On this week's markets wrap, hosts Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek explore how markets are navigating a world of constant geopolitical “mini-crises,” where uncertainty keeps investors reactive rather than predictive. They discuss warning signs from corporate earnings, the fragile but not collapsing UK economy, and the growing disconnect between gloomy sentiment and relatively stable data.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Your Pension, Your Problem? Inside Nest’s Big Investment Shift 22.04.2026 22min

  Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek discuss the ongoing push into private markets by Britain's largest workplace pension scheme (by membership), the National Employment Savings Trust. NEST plans to invest roughly £30 billion of its members' cash in private markets by the end of the decade. But what if you don't want your money invested in private assets? The pair discuss what you can do as an individual, and also look at the questions the plan raises about transparency, investor awareness, and whether - and how - savers should have more say in where their money is invested.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• How to Invest Amid an Upended Global Financial Order 17.04.2026 29min

  Merryn Somerset Webb speaks with Ruffer fund manager Alexander Chartres about investing in a world marked by receding US dominance and a more inflation-prone, shock-driven global economy. Chartres argues Donald Trump is just an accelerant to changes that have been developing since the end of the Cold War. Traditional market assumptions like reliable hedges and stable globalization are breaking down, requiring more active, diversified investment strategies. Chartres highlights opportunities in commodities, energy, China technology and repurposed industrial capacity, while warning that political volatility and structural change will define markets for years to come.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Are Markets Just Plain Wrong to Keep 'Looking Through' The Iran War? 17.04.2026 19min

  Markets have continued to hit new highs despite escalating geopolitical tensions and a major energy shock, raising questions about whether investors are underestimating long-term risks such as inflation and rising interest rates. The hosts argue that while markets often look through geopolitical events, today’s slow-burning crisis—combined with weak real income growth and fiscal pressures in countries like the UK—may be more consequential than current optimism suggests.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.