Merryn Talks Money

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.