Merryn Talks Money

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.
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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.
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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.
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Why Britain Needs A Crisis To Turn The Country Around

Britain 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.
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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.
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