AJ Bell Money & Markets

The Autumn Budget is out, but what does it really mean for your money? Sarah Coles and Dan Coatsworth cut through the noise and explain the key announcements affecting savers, investors, pensioners and your personal finances, including what has changed, who wins and loses, and what you need to know now. They discuss big changes to ISAs, what’s happening with the economy, the outlook for interest rates, and much more. 00:00 Start 01:33 Cash ISA changes scrapped 03:42 A new ISA for first-time buyers 07:03 The catches with the new first-time buyer ISA 09:13 A new incentive to start investing 11:46 Tax changes for state pensioners 13:29 Savings and property income face higher tax 14:49 What about dividend tax? 18:53 Cost of living: energy bills and fuel duty 23:37 What the Budget could mean for savers and banks 25:22 Frozen income tax thresholds and fiscal drag 26:12 Pensions and inheritance tax: no change Join AJ Bell’s experts live for a free Budget Q&A webinar the day after the Chancellor’s Budget, Thursday 29 October at 12:30 https://ajbellplc.registration.goldcast.io/webinar/f6d51892-eb95-4159-9c1e-59709b32991d

On this week’s episode of the AJ Bell Money and Markets podcast Danni Hewson and Sarah Coles quiz Shares magazine editor Tom Sieber about whether Elon Musk could really merge Space X and Tesla after the tech mogul teased the prospect to investors. They also assess why Netflix growth is slowing and ask what the streaming giant can do to boost subscriber numbers. With UK inflation rising faster than expected the pair discuss what it means for the UK economy and what it might mean for your money especially if interest rates rise. With the budget fast approaching we ask which taxes might rise, which definitely won’t and why the UK’s debt has surpassed £3 trillion despite what has been a record breaking six months for tax payments. And Hannah Williford chats to financial planner Amyr Rocha Lima about his new book ‘Enough for What? which helps turn savings into retirement. Timestamps: Will Musk mash up Space X and Tesla [03:11] What the higher-than-expected rise in UK inflation means for you and your money [22:36] Why inflation is a double-edged sword when it comes to government finances [29:41] The housing market struggles as inflation and higher lending cool confidence [44:10] Amyr Rocha Lima talks to Hannah about his new book ‘Enough for What? helps you turn your savings into a retirement – about doing just that. [50:22]

On this episode of the AJ Bell Money & Markets podcast, Sarah Coles and Dan Coatsworth look at the growing problem of lost pension pots and explain how to track down forgotten retirement savings. We also discuss the billions of pounds sitting in unclaimed Premium Bonds, and Child Trust Funds gathering dust. Importantly, Sarah explains ways to check whether some of that money belongs to you. The team reveal six tax tips that could save people up to £8,500 ahead of the Budget and discuss what Chancellor John Healey might have in store for investors, savers and taxpayers. From pension tax breaks and income tax thresholds to ISAs, stamp duty and the state pension tax dilemma, Sarah and Dan run through the key areas to watch. You can hear from interview with Sonia Bainbridge from Invesco on what it will take to get more people investing. The pod also discusses another week of cyber-attacks, an IMF inflation warning, AI stock weakness. James Flintoft reveals the AJ Bell investment team’s view on the recent bond market selloff. Finally, hear about activist pressure at Whitbread, unusually low CEO turnover among FTSE 100 companies, and an important court case involving a romance scam. Time stamps: [01:10] Lost pension pots, unclaimed Premium Bonds and forgotten Child Trust Funds [09:21] Six tax tips that could save people up to £8,500 [15:24] Autumn Budget preview: what could change for your money? [30:10] Sonia Bainbridge from Invesco on how to get more people investing [42:31] Cyber-attacks, inflation risks and AJ Bell’s James Flintoft on bond market volatility [58:33] AI stock wobble [01:01:03] Premier Inn owner Whitbread targeted by activist investor [01:03:16] Where’s all the CEO changes among FTSE 100 companies? [01:05:30] Romance scam

ASOS has been hit by a damaging cyberattack, reviving concerns about the threat facing UK retailers after incidents at Co-op and Marks & Spencer. This episode examines what happened, how ASOS could be affected and what might come next. We also explain why five-year fixed mortgage rates have reached 6% and what worried borrowers can do. Plus, we explore takeover talk involving Sainsbury’s and Morrisons, BT’s acquisition of TalkTalk, Jaguar’s electric vehicle rethink, record highs for the S&P 500, moves in oil and bond markets, SpaceX’s AI chip plans and the buzz around Meta’s Muse AI model. We also talk to fund manager David Harrison from Rathbones about whether investors who rank sustainability highly can ever back AI companies given the water and energy usage involved. Timestamps [01:51] Oil prices, bond yields, a record high for the S&P 500 and SpaceX’s AI chip plans [03:57] Meta’s Muse AI model, the buzz around it and the risks for the wider business [09:01] Paramount and Warner Bros, BT’s takeover of TalkTalk and competition concerns [14:55] Why a possible Sainsbury’s and Morrisons deal has revived talk of UK supermarket mergers [18:11] The ASOS cyberattack and comparisons with Co-op and Marks & Spencer [23:00] Five-year fixed mortgage rates hit 6% and what borrowers can do [25:56] The headline announcements from the Conservative Party conference [29:51] Eve Maddock-Jones speaks to David Harrison from Rathbones on AI and sustainability [39:14] Jaguar’s electric vehicle rethink and the challenges facing carmakers’ EV strategies

Anthropic IPO investors are beginning to assess one of the most talked-about artificial intelligence companies in the world. In this week's Money & Markets podcast, Charlene Young, Sarah Coles and Tom Sieber discuss reports surrounding the potential Anthropic IPO, including the company's rapid growth, its Claude AI platform, valuation questions and the opportunities and risks facing investors. Featuring insights from Bloomberg Intelligence's Mandeep Singh, the team explores whether Anthropic could become one of the biggest technology listings in recent years. The episode also covers: Help to Buy reforms and what they mean for UK housebuilders Stock market reaction to Labour conference announcements Proposed changes to the state pension triple lock Social care funding and retirement planning implications How giving up smoking and alcohol could significantly boost long-term savings and pension wealth Chapters Intro [00:00] AI latest [01:22] Mandeep Singh, Bloomberg Intelligence on Anthropic [06:56] Burnham bounce for housebuilders [21:10] GB grid announcement and water companies in focus [26:27] Social care and pension triple lock [31:52] Stoptober and sober October – how much you could save [41:54]

Are the warning lights flashing for a new cost of living crisis? In this week's AJ Bell Money & Markets podcast, Sarah Coles and Dan Coatsworth examine the biggest threats facing household finances, from rising oil prices and inflation to mortgage costs and Budget tax rumours. They explain the key signals everyone should be watching, explore the winners and losers from changing consumer spending habits, and discuss what potential tax changes could mean for investors. Plus: the Hyrox fitness boom, supermarket wars, capital gains tax (CGT) speculation, and a surprising ISA trend that could leave many families exposed later in life. Subscribe for weekly insights on investing, markets, pensions, tax and personal finance. The podcast that gives you practical tips and valuable insight. 01:41 Are we heading for a new cost of living crisis? 03:32 The key indicators to watch: inflation, wages and energy bills, and where we stand now 13:39 Hyrox: Dan talks to Ruby Bollington on the fitness craze attracting big-money investors 22:34 Retail sales, M&S on trend, and how supermarkets are fighting for customers 31:20 A different way to invest in the weekly food shop: Interview with Supermarket Income REIT boss Rob Abraham 41:16 Budget rumours: property taxes, holiday lets and CGT changes 49:29 The biggest Budget fears among UK households 52:43 The ISA trend that could put family finances at risk

This week on the AJ Bell Money & Markets podcast, Dan Coatsworth and Sarah Coles discuss the growing debate around artificial intelligence, including warnings from industry leaders that AI could pose serious risks to humanity, and what that means for investors. Tech journalist Will Guyatt joins the show to talk about using AI to find investing information. Dan and Sarah explore rising inflation, soaring oil prices, bond market volatility, and the outlook for interest rates. Plus, they look at the latest state pension increase forecasts, new ISA savings data, and the persistent gender pension gap. Elsewhere, listeners share their approaches to saving for university costs, and Sarah explains why divorce enquiries often spike after the summer holidays, and the financial steps people can take to protect themselves. Timestamps: [00:09] Introduction and what's coming up [01:48] AI warnings: Could AI become a threat to humanity? [07:54] Can AI help investors? Interview with tech journalist Will Guyatt [22:11] Markets update: Oil prices, bond sell-off and inflation concerns [23:58] UK inflation rises to 3.1%: What's driving prices higher? [27:38] Listener insights: Saving and investing for university costs [39:48] Why divorce enquiries spike after the summer holidays [44:49] State pension forecast: Triple lock points to a 3.9% increase [48:47] ISA data: More people investing for the long term [51:46] Gender pension gap: Why women retire with significantly less pension wealth [54:01] Practical ways to boost pension savings during career breaks and part-time work [55:58] Closing thoughts and preview of next week's episode

In this special episode of the Deep Dive podcast, Tom is joined by AJ Bell’s head of public policy Rachel Vahey and head of technical Charlene Young to answer listeners’ most pressing pension questions. They discuss why it can pay to start saving even when retirement feels distant, how tax relief works for higher earners, what inheritance tax changes could mean for SIPPs, and whether ISAs can offer extra flexibility. The episode also covers pension access age changes, state pension entitlement, pensions dashboards, retirement living standards and why age 75 matters for retirement planning. 01:05 – Is it worth paying into a pension when retirement feels a long way off? 04:18 – Salary sacrifice and making pension contributions work harder 08:14 – SIPPs, ISAs and planning ahead for inheritance tax changes from 2027 12:33 – Taking tax-free cash gradually and using Stocks and Shares ISAs 15:14 – Pension access age: what happens if you take money at 55 before April 2028? 20:25 – Why 35 years of National Insurance does not always guarantee the full new state pension 27:50 – Pension tax relief for additional-rate taxpayers: what is automatic and what must be claimed? 33:14 – Pensions dashboards: what they are, when they might arrive and what savers could see 41:03 – Retirement living standards and how much people may need in later life 43:12 – Why age 75 matters for pensions and tax planning 48:01 – The pension questions Rachel and Charlene think more people should ask

Oil is back above $100 a barrel. What does that mean for inflation, interest rates, stock markets and your finances? Danni Hewson and Dan Coatsworth discuss the market impact of rising oil prices and what central banks might do next. Commodities expert Adam Rozencwajg from investment group Goehring and Rozencwajg explains how Middle East tensions are affecting global oil supplies, where investment opportunities lie, and what the oil industry might do next. Also in this episode: John Healey's first major speech as Chancellor, rising mortgage rates, falling house prices, job cuts at Jaguar Land Rover, saving for university costs, and a simple guide to valuing shares. [02:40] Oil tops $100: what's next? [07:12] Inflation and interest rates in focus [15:03] Expert talks oil supply issues [28:35] The UK government’s new growth pitch [32:05] Job losses at big car companies [37:51] UK government borrowing costs surge [40:29] Housing market turns lower [43:23] How the Bank of Mum and Dad are preparing for university bills [50:45] Simple guide to valuing shares

In this episode of the AJ Bell Money and Markets podcast, Charlene Young and Tom Sieber return from the summer break to discuss why government bond yields are rising again and what that means for stock markets and investors. Hannah Williford speaks to Rob Perrone from Orbis Investments for a deeper look at the recent bond market moves, while Tom examines Nvidia’s latest earnings, whether AI demand can keep justifying its valuation, BP’s new chair and Shein’s difficult Hong Kong stock market debut. Charlene looks at signs of weakness in the UK housing market, including house price and mortgage approvals data. She also explores record capital gains tax receipts and why some pension savers may not be getting all the tax relief they are owed.

In this episode of the AJ Bell Money and Markets podcast, Danni Hewson rounds up the week’s market news, including updates on Tesla and Alphabet, and Martin Gamble asks Russ Mould whether we should be worried that the AI bubble is set to follow the path of the dotcom boom and bust. Charlene Young and Sarah Coles examine the growing political debate around social care reform and the options for paying for care. They discuss AJ Bell’s campaign for a Pensions Tax Lock to protect against the dangers of Budget speculation. They also delve into new data, including details of the gender tax gap, the latest twist in the dash for Cash ISAs, how holidays dominate our savings priorities, and an unexpected new shopping trend. [00:00] Bank of England interest rates decision [01:18] Intro [02:42] Tesla results [04:39] Alphabet Update [07:14] Market jitters [08:07] News on SK Hynix and CXMT [09:15] Apple valuation [12:36] World Cup boost for Unilever and Coca Cola [18:01] Interview: the AI bubble vs the dotcom boom and bust [41:51] Social care reform and planning for care costs [46:27] Call for a Pension Tax Lock to protect against Budget speculation [51:55] The narrowing of the gender tax gap [56:58] Bank of England savings figures [59:37] Holiday savings habits and financial priorities [01:03:09] Feta fatigue and reverse comfort eating

On this week’s episode of the AJ Bell Money & Markets podcast, Danni Hewson and Dan Coatsworth assess how Andy Burnham’s first few days as UK Prime Minister have been received by markets. They consider what the appointment of John Healey as Chancellor means for defence spending, and the row about how a VAT cut on domestic energy bills will be paid for. There’s been some good news on inflation for the new government but it’s likely to be short lived, and there’s pressure to cut employers’ National Insurance for under 25s. Rachel Vahey tackles the popular question: once you retire, do you dip into your ISA or pension first? Danni and Dan discuss why is Primark cutting prices ahead of being spun out of its parent company. James Flintoft, AJ Bell’s head of investment solutions, joins Dan to discuss the broader state of markets as the oil price climbs back above $90 dollars a barrel. Timestamps: Market reaction to Andy Burnham’s first few days as PM [02:16] Will the new Chancellor prioritise defence spending? [08:26} Lots of speculation about this year’s Budget [15:37] The latest on inflation [19:24] Rachel on dipping into an ISA or pension first [28:59] Why Primark is slashing prices [45:35] Takeovers galore [52:35] James talks to Dan about markets, oil prices and more [55:50]

This week on the AJ Bell Money & Markets podcast, Charlene Young and Danni Hewson unpack the latest developments in global markets, from oil price volatility and the Strait of Hormuz to US inflation, bank earnings and what it all means for interest rates. They also assess Rachel Reeves' latest Mansion House speech and the outlook for UK economic growth. Tom Sieber joins the show for a busy week of company news, with easyJet, Marks & Spencer, TikTok Shop, IBM, Barratt Redrow, PageGroup, Hays all making headlines. Plus, Charlene explores the fastest fall in mortgage rates for almost two years, reveals what the latest HMRC figures tell us about Britain's growing tax burden, and looks at where holidaymakers will get the most value from their spending money this summer. Topics covered [00:08] Introduction & market roundup [02:09] Strait of Hormuz, oil prices and global trade [10:41] US inflation, bank earnings and interest rates [13:41] Rachel Reeves' Mansion House speech [15:50] easyJet update [17:23] Marks & Spencer and TikTok Shop [23:14] Buy Now, Pay Later regulation changes [25:26] Shares magazine highlights with Tom Sieber [27:33] IBM results and tech spending trends [30:07] PayPal takeover approach [32:28] Barratt Redrow update and shareholder returns [35:23] Recruitment sector outlook: PageGroup & Hays [38:01] Paramount-Warner Bros deal challenges [40:10] Mortgage rates fall sharply [42:00] HMRC tax data and fiscal drag [46:43] Holiday spending money: where the pound goes furthest

Have you ever held Premium Bonds for years without winning a prize? You're not alone. In this week’s AJ Bell Money & Markets podcast, Dan Coatsworth and Charlene Young reveal fascinating insights into Premium Bonds and explain what millions of holders who have never won a prize could have earned elsewhere. They discuss the eye-watering increase in probate costs, a report branding student loans as ‘mis-sold’, and what Terry Smith’s latest shareholder letter could mean for investors in the Fundsmith Equity Fund. In the markets section, we cover Sky’s move for parts of ITV, the latest twist in EasyJet’s takeover story, and some intriguing developments at SpaceX. Dan also discusses the market sell-off as Donald Trump says the US/Iran peace deal is over. Finally, AJ Bell investment experts Ryan Hughes and James Flintoft join Hannah Williford for a lively debate on artificial intelligence, its investment potential, and whether the hype is justified. 0:00 Introduction 2:05 Premium Bonds: what millions of savers may be missing 5:19 Probate costs set for a dramatic rise 12:06 Student loans branded 'mis-sold' 18:11 Is Terry Smith reinventing Fundsmith Equity fund? 24:39 World Cup fever and the UK economy 26:34 Sky buys parts of ITV 30:06 EasyJet takeover speculation 31:59 Market sell-off as peace deal falls apart 33:45 This is what brokers are saying about SpaceX 36:20 AI investing debate

In this monthly special of the AJ Bell Investment Trust Show, Dan Coatsworth and Hannah Williford discuss some positive progress for the industry, while Eve Maddock-Jones and Martin Gamble explore a few cases of trust that are trading on a premium. Then, Dan speaks to HG Capital to discuss how the private equity trust is investing in the AI boom, followed by Hannah, who speaks with Rob Lloyd from JPM Asia Growth and Income on their approach to the AI sector, and what’s being overlooked. Finally, Dan gets the scoop on annual general meetings, and what investors might get out of them, with Temple Bar Investment Trust’s Charles Cade. [00:00] Introduction [01:29] Dan and Hannah speak about narrowing discounts in the investment trust industry [07:50] Eve and Martin discuss a group of trusts trusts trading on a premium [16:22] Dan interviews HG Capital on investing in AI in the private equity space [31:58] Hannah interviews JPM Asia Growth and Income on if AI can continue to grow returns in Asia, and what’s happened to India [50:55]]Dan speaks to Charles Cade from Temple Bar about what investors can get out of annual general meetings [1:00:50]Outro

In this episode of the AJ Bell Money and Markets podcast, Charlene Young and Sarah Coles discuss the dash for cash ISAs ahead of allowance changes, what Andy Burnham could mean for your money, the financial side of marriage amid rumours around Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, why July matters for the self-employed, and JISA performance data. Meanwhile, 16-year old Tilly joins them to share her perspective on what should be done about lost Child Trust Funds. Dan Coatsworth rounds up the week’s market news, including updates on Associated British Foods, Sainsbury’s and gold, and speaks to Paul Niven from F&C Investment Trust about what recent market movements mean for investors. [00:09] Intro [01:29] Associated British Foods results [02:48] Sainsburys Update [03:54] Gold loses its shine [05:03] Interview Paul Niven, manager of the F&C Investment Trust [12:43] What Andy Burnham’s approach means for your money [19:52] The dash for cash ISAs continues [24:02] July deadline for self-employed [27:12] Taylor Swift and the benefits of marriage [35:06] Tooth Fairy inflation [38:13] Junior ISA performance [42:14] Lost child trust funds

Political turmoil is shaking the UK as the nation awaits a new prime minister. Danni Hewson and Dan Coatsworth break down what an Andy Burnham victory could mean for markets, your investments and your money – plus the potential next Chancellor. We also cover falling oil prices, tech stock volatility, SpaceX’s wild IPO ride, and big moves from takeover target EasyJet. In personal finance, Rachel Vahey explains major tax-related changes to ISAs and plans for a new First Time Buyer ISA, while Ruffer’s Ian Rees joins us to debate whether the classic 60/40 portfolio still works. Burnham PM? Markets, chancellor contenders & your money [0:01:36] Oil plunges as US–Iran talks progress [0:12:31] Tech stocks hit – should you worry? [0:15:43] SpaceX IPO chaos: shares swing wildly [0:20:33] EasyJet rejects takeover bid [0:25:31] Cash ISA changes explained [0:30:46] New ISA for first-time buyers? [0:35:05] Is 60/40 dead? Ruffer's Ian Rees weighs in [0:38:08] Heatwave winners and losers: who is in the frame? [0:55:08]

In this month's special deep dive podcast, Tom Seiber and Hannah Williford explore how to invest around the world, and where there may be some hidden opportunities. They discuss the pros and cons of active and tracker funds for global exposure. Plus, Hannah speaks to AJ Bell's Paul Angell on what he prioritises when choosing active managers for different regions. Martin Gamble joins the duo to reveal his research on how different regions stack up on valuations, and Tom shares where AJ Bell investors are looking most frequently. Finally, Eve Maddock-Jones speaks to John Citron on the challenges and benefits of investing in emerging markets. Timestamps: [00:09] Introduction: Tom Sieber and Hannah Williford introduce the episode and explain why overseas investing matters for UK investors. [01:43] Global trackers, ETFs and active funds: how UK investors can access overseas markets, compare costs and indices, and understand how managers pick global stocks. [12:50] Interview with Paul Angell: the pros and cons of using fund managers who are based in the regions where they invest. [25:45] Comparing global markets with Martin Gamble: how different regions stack up on valuations, dividends and the types of companies that dominate each market. [31:32] Buying overseas shares directly: market opening hours, dealing access, minimum trade sizes and practical issues for UK investors. [39:15] Interview with John Citron: the challenges of managing an emerging markets portfolio across lots of different countries. [51:20] Final takeaways: Tom and Hannah recap the key lessons from the episode and wrap up the podcast.

In this week’s episode of the AJ Bell Money & Markets podcast, Charlene Young and Danni Hewson unpack the latest developments in the Middle East and what they mean for markets, oil prices and your everyday finances. They also dive into fresh UK inflation figures and what they could mean for interest rates in the second half of 2026. Danni takes a closer look at the blockbuster SpaceX IPO and why investors are piling in, Charlene runs through some eye-catching ‘trillionaire maths’ and reflects on 10 years since the Brexit vote. There’s a warning for motorists over the cost of spreading car insurance payments and Danni sits down with JP Morgan to find out what’s happening on the ground in Korea and other emerging markets. Plus, we bring you a teaser of a special series of video chats with Bill Ackman, CEO of Pershing Square. [00:08] Intro [01:26] Middle East impact on markets and oil [06:30] UK inflation update and interest rate expectations [16:42] Pizza Hut sale [22:04] SpaceX IPO review [36:07] Bill Ackman [37:57] Brexit vote – 10 years on [42:34] Which? warning on car insurance [45:28] Interview – Emily Whiting, investment specialist at JP Morgan

In this week's episode, Tom Sieber and Charlene Young digest the latest market developments from both sides of the Atlantic, with the company behind ChatGPT unveiling IPO plans, GSK unveiling its biggest deal in a decade and a UK market stalwart getting snapped up. Plus, as the World Cup gets underway, Tom discusses the winners off the pitch. Charlene talks us through changes to inheritance rules which could affect cohabiting couples and the things people should think about when passing on wealth to family and dependents. Tom reveals what readers of the latest free monthly Shares magazine can expect including the next phase of the AI story and how Netflix is looking to grow after missing out on acquiring Warner Bros. Finally, Charlene discusses plans to broaden access to mortgages in the UK and what they might mean for the property market and Tom and Charlene discuss some interesting new stats on pocket money. 00:00 Introduction 01:24 Markets: ChatGPT IPO, GSK's biggest deal in a decade & a UK takeover 16:19 Inheritance rules: cohabiting couples & passing on wealth 22:30 Shares magazine: AI's next phase & Netflix's growth plans 26:17 UK mortgage access & pocket money stats