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Investors' Chronicle
Each week, Investors' Chronicle picks apart the latest news for companies, markets and funds, bringing you fresh investment ideas
Latest episode
What the Budget means for your money & Anthropic’s IPO: Companies and Markets Show
34:44|This week, we break down the biggest stories in what has been an especially busy week for companies and markets news, starting with AI giant Anthropic firing the starting gun on its imminent IPO plans.Our tech reporter Arthur Sants dives into everything you need to know about the Claude owner’s stock exchange filing, including its rapid growth and major financial obligations, as well as whether the company represents a good investment, a risk to humanity, or both.We then turn to the Burnham government’s first Budget, revealed yesterday by chancellor John Healey. Our personal finance editor Holly McKechnie explains how the important announcements will affect you and your money, taking in Isa changes, tax increases and more.The episode wraps up with a focus on UK banks, after Healey announced that the sector would be subject to higher taxes, albeit not quite as high as some had thought. Chris Akers talks through the implications, as well as taking a look at third-quarter updates released this week from Lloyds, Barclays and HSBC.00:00 Intro01:11 Anthropic IPO16:49 What does the Budget mean for your money27:02 UK banksListen to more podcasts from Investors’ Chronicle on Apple, Spotify and YouTube
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‘We’re investing in AI the cheaper way’: 3i Infrastructure’s James Dawes
44:00|Infrastructure lies at the very heart of the AI opportunity. There is no Claude or ChatGPT without data centres or power. But how can investors avoid overpaying for such prized assets?3i Infrastructure (3IN) is a £4.2bn trust that invests in physical assets that combine income and growth, taking advantage of trends such as digitisation, the energy transition and demographic changes.Its chief financial officer James Dawes and the IC’s funds editor Val Cipriani sit down to discuss the trust’s new data centre investments, opportunities and risks across the sector and how to apply a private equity mindset to infrastructure.Timestamps00:47 3i Infrastructure’s investment strategy08:00 Megatrends driving investment14:45 How rising interest rates and inflation affect infrastructure investments18:12 Investing in a Norwegian data centre36:12 What's going on with DNSnet now?You can listen to the interview, alongside all of our other podcasts, on ACast, Apple, Spotify or YouTube.
Are the biggest Aim stocks also the best: Companies and Markets Show
27:27|This week, we return to our ultimate guide to Britain’s junior market, as we mark the release of Part Two of our Aim 100 Special Report. We kick off with medical technology business Niox, which has just completed that relatively rare thing: a tender offer to shareholders. Julian Hofmann investigates whether the company is a safe haven in a volatile sector. We then cast our ears to a stock that’s been an incredible rollercoaster ride in 2026: hydrogen electrolyser manufacturer ITM Power, whose shares soared and then came back down to earth again. Mike Fahy weighs up whether its commercial prospects square up with its still-lofty valuation. Finally, Valeria Martinez considers data and information management business Restore. Valeria finds out if its turnaround plan is now bearing fruit.Timestamps: 00:00 Intro00:56 Niox08:37 ITM Power18:34 RestoreListen to more podcasts from Investors’ Chronicle on Apple, Spotify and YouTube
Profiting from warnings, asset managers and Johnson & Johnson: Companies and Markets Show
30:59|Third-quarter earnings season (Q3) is under way and it’s taking place amid some renewed wobbles for AI and chip stocks.With this in mind, this week’s show considers two companies that could be construed as defensive. First, we turn to emerging market-focused asset manager Ashmore – while not the most obvious port in a storm, its focus on debt rather than stocks means it offers resilience. Mark Robinson explains its recent trading update.We then look at healthcare giant Johnson & Johnson, perhaps less of a defensive staple than it once was following the spin-off of its consumer division, but still a potential haven nonetheless. Julian Hofmann has the details and explores why, after a good year so far, its Q3 figures were not well received.Julian also dives into this week’s Big Read: How to profit from profit warnings. He talks through recent trends, market reactions and what it all means for the wider economy.Timestamps:00:00 Intro01:02 Ashmore10:16 Profiting from profit warnings 23:14 Johnson & JohnsonListen to more podcasts from Investors’ Chronicle on Apple, Spotify and YouTube
The best Aim stocks and safe investment trusts: Companies and Markets show
30:02|This week’s episode marks the publication of the first half of our annual Aim 100 special report – our review of the biggest companies trading on London’s junior market.While Aim has had its share of issues in recent years, there are still plenty of stocks worth investors’ attention. The episode kicks off with one business that has had some problems of its own, including US budget cuts: equipment maker Judges Scientific. Julian Hofmann weighs up whether it can make a comeback.We also dig into rare earths business Mkango Magnetic Materials, which combines exploration and recycling projects and has several global ventures to keep tabs on. Mark Robinson explains what’s going on with the company.For those who are more risk-averse or looking to add a bit of balance to their holdings, we examine the state of play for wealth-preservation trusts: the trio of funds that often act as countercyclical portfolio picks. Holly McKechnie has the details on Ruffer, Personal Assets and Capital Gearing.Timestamps: 00:00 Intro01:11 Judges Scientific10:59 'Safe' funds20:06 Mkango Magnetic MaterialsListen to more podcasts from Investors’ Chronicle on Apple, Spotify and YouTube
Future-proofing portfolios, a new Help to Buy and takeovers: Companies and Markets show
31:35|This week’s episode begins by looking into Labour’s new ‘Your First Home’ scheme, a replacement for the controversial Help to Buy programme. Announced by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, it is designed to give more people a chance of buying their first property. But what does it actually entail? And will it succeed, or will it just prop up the housing market and housebuilders like its predecessor? Hugh Moorhead discusses the potential beneficiaries.We then cast our ears to another bid for a UK-listed company: materials specialist RHI Magnesita’s attempt to acquire rival Vesuvius. Mike Fahy outlines what the takeover will look like and whether it’s likely to succeed.We wrap up with our Big Read of the week on what history teaches us about investing. James Norrington explains why we need to look further than the recent past. From the 17th century to the pandemic, James discusses rising debt levels, trade wars and much more.Timestamps 00:00 Intro01:05 'Your First Home' scheme11:35 Bid for Vesuvius22:07 Future-proofing portfoliosListen to more podcasts from Investors’ Chronicle on Apple, Spotify and YouTube
Meeting Pebble Beach's CEO: Lee & The IC
48:36|Lord John Lee and Alex Newman are back on the mics to get into the nitty-gritty of small-cap stocks, looking at software provider Pebble Beach Systems (PEB).With a market capitalisation of £38mn, the company is a bright spot in Lord Lee’s portfolio and specialises in ‘playout’ automation and solutions for broadcasters and streamers.The duo are in the studio with the Aim stock’s chief executive Peter Mayhead to discuss how Pebble benefits services both traditional broadcasters and increasingly streamers. They also explore the group’s competitive advantage, its balance sheet turnaround and a potential dividend.Elsewhere, the podcast looks at tumultuous market conditions, what this means for Lord Lee’s portfolio and how he plans to ride out the volatility.Time stamps01:01 The markets04:47 Inside Pebble Beach20:22 Pebble’s turnaround36:41 What’s behind the growth42:42 Lord Lee’s portfolio updatesLet us know your thoughts, or if you have any questions or any suggestions for future guests, by emailing alex.newman@ft.comListen to more podcasts from Investors’ Chronicle by clicking here or heading to Apple, Spotify and YouTube