Investors' Chronicle

M&A activity remains rampant, and this week we start with a tie-up that would rank among the biggest deals of all time: AstraZeneca and US rival Bristol Myers Squibb. Julian Hofmann discusses the merits of the mooted $400bn deal, the drawbacks and why investors’ response to the rumour has been bleak. We then turn to what could be the greatest disrupter humans have seen for decades: the rise of AI and what it means for the jobs market. As speculation runs rampant as to how many roles could be lost, Hugh Moorhead is in the studio to curb some of those concerns. Hugh explains what’s actually going on, which companies might stand to benefit, which might not, and how investors should respond.Finally, Mark Robinson puts medical device maker Smith & Nephew under the microscope after its half-year figures suggest its long-awaited rebound hasn’t quite arrived. But with an activist lurking on the shareholder register, could better times be on the way?Timestamps00:00 Introduction1:20 AstraZeneca15:43 AI's impact on the jobs market and what this means for investors30:23 Smith & NephewListen to more podcasts from Investors’ Chronicle on Apple, Spotify and YouTube

Results season is in full swing, and it’s been another bumper week – with the overwhelming majority positive. But there are always laggards, and this week’s show dives into one of the FTSE 100’s biggest fallers, Rentokil. The pest control business’s shares plunged after its half-year figures. Julian Hofmann explains why.Then, we look overseas, with many of the big AI and semiconductor trades going into reverse over recent weeks, including memory-chip makers SK Hynix and Samsung. So what better time to discuss how to pick out the value shares in these global markets. Michael Fahy talks through his favourites. And finally, we look at the consequences of the SpaceX IPO for Britain’s investors – not the losses on which they’re sitting, but the possibility of it having tipped the first domino on access to US IPOs. Helen Kirrane explains what’s going onTimestamps00:00 Introduction00:57 Rentokil10:54 Global value hunting22:33 US IPOsListen to more podcasts from Investors’ Chronicle on Apple, Spotify and YouTube

Seraphim Space (SSIT) has been one of the best performing investment trusts in the past year. Helped by the enthusiasm for the sector generated by SpaceX, the £400mn trust pulled off a rare fundraising and now has a pile of cash to deploy.Val Cipriani sits down with chief executive Mark Boggett, who discusses opportunities and volatility in space, why he isn’t afraid of concentration, and how space technology could prove as revolutionary as the internet or AI.You can listen to the interview, alongside all of our other podcasts, on Acast, Apple, Spotify or YouTube.

As the half-year results season falls upon us, a smorgasbord of companies are reporting over the next few weeks. But today’s episode focuses on two whose outlooks are already in.Hugh Moorhead looks at contractor Morgan Sindall, which reported ahead of this episode’s recording on Thursday. This is followed by Mark Robinson, who talks through comparison website Mony, better known as MoneySuperMarket. Hugh discusses Sindall’s merits, while Mark weighs up Mony’s valuation. But before diving into results, we must cast our ears to what is arguably the biggest funds story of 2026. Terry Smith, of Fundsmith, decided to abandon his longstanding ‘do nothing’ approach in favour of a momentum strategy, overhauling more than half his portfolio in six months. Funds editor Val Cipriani unpacks what’s going on and explores whether or not investors should throw in the towel.Timestamps00:00 Intro01:50 Terry Smith20:12 Morgan Sindall31:50 Mony GroupListen to more podcasts from Investors’ Chronicle on Apple, Spotify and YouTube

This week begins with how booming demand for AI infrastructure is driving a sharp increase in the price of memory chips. Erin Withey is in the studio to explain what this means for supply chains, which companies are winning as a result, and whether the squeeze is here to stay. Casting our ears abroad, we move to India, where a recent rally in the country’s equity funds has sparked investor interest. Helen Kirrane unpacks the reasons why lower oil prices and attractive valuations are boosting sentiment, and which funds are at the forefront of the recovery. More updates on that hereFinally, Michael Fahy talks through defence contractor Cohort, after it reported another year of strong growth. Mike discusses how a rising demand for its electronic warfare systems is fuelling its healthy order book and filling its pockets.Timestamps:00:00 Intro03:42 AI inflation11:58 India funds17:24 Cohort resultsListen to more podcasts from Investors’ Chronicle on Apple, Spotify and YouTube

This week’s show begins with Labour’s decision to force tech giants to give more prominence to traditional news broadcasters on social media, to help battle misinformation. Valeria Martinez discusses what this quick-fire solution to get younger people to engage with older news outlets means for investors and the companies involved.We then turn to Britain’s housing market as the cost of homes crept up in June. Hugh Moorhead dives into whether it’s showing signs of meaningful recovery, regional trends and how affordability pressures are affecting buyers. Hugh also talks through housebuilder Vistry’s dramatic share price plunge this week.Finally, Julian Hofmann discusses the success of legal firm Knights after it released positive results this week. With its acquisition-led strategy proving fruitful and cash generation benefiting shareholders, Julian explores how it’s growing without resorting to borrowing.Time stamps: 00:00 Introduction03:39 Broadcasters13:18 Outlook for Britain's housing market19:34 Knights results Listen to more podcasts from Investors’ Chronicle on Apple, Spotify and YouTube

The gender health gap is an issue which affects far more than just wellbeing; it impacts your career, earnings and long-term financial stability.In this episode of Women and Wealth, funds editor Val Cipriani and personal finance editor Holly McKechnie walk you through why women experience poorer health than men, how it is a systemic issue of under-investment in women’s healthcare and what this means for your finances. The duo explore how the menopause and conditions such as endometriosis affect your earnings and pension pot. Holly and Val also explain how employers can improve support and offer practical steps women can take to protect their pockets from sudden or long-term illness.Women and Wealth is the monthly podcast series from Investors’ Chronicle. You can listen to and watch the episodes alongside our other podcasts on Acast, Apple, Spotify or YouTube.If you have any questions you’d like Val and Holly to answer, email womenandwealth@ft.comTimestamps 00:00 Introduction 01.19 What the gender health gap is and how it impacts your finances11.46 Impact of menopause and endometriosis on a your working life15: 51 Practical things to improve your financial security24:13 Outro

In this week’s episode, we turn to Britain’s recruitment stocks. Valeria Martinez looks at the impact of AI on hiring demand, which is hitting share prices, and also discusses the perennial question: is the new technology a concern or an opportunity?Next, we cast our ears to Italian tech buyout specialist, and Baillie Gifford favourite, Bending Spoons, following its Nasdaq debut earlier this week. Val Cipriani dives into its growth strategy and what the IPO means for investors and the likes of Scottish Mortgage.Lastly, Julian Hofmann looks at agricultural supplier Wynnstay (WYN), after it announced positive results despite headwinds for the farming sector. Julian explores how the company is navigating volatile fertiliser prices, cutting costs, and the reasons to be optimistic.Timestamps00:00 Introduction04:20 AI vs the recruitment sector15:12 Bending Spoons25:03 Wynnstay resultsListen to more podcasts from Investors’ Chronicle on Apple, Spotify and YouTube

This week, we begin with online grocer Ocado (OCDO) following reports of a CEO switch. Julian Hofmann dives into what a potential change at the top will mean for the FTSE 250 company that has struggled to deliver despite decades of investing in its technology. Next, we turn to Liontrust Asset Management (LIO), where, despite another year of poor results, it reported an early completion for its acquisition of River Global. Christopher Akers explores the positive response to the news and whether M&A offers a road to recovery.Lastly, we look at Telecom Plus (TEP), better known as Utilities Warehouse, after it slashed dividend payouts and cut forecasts. Julian is back to discuss the provider’s plans to kick-start customer growth and considers whether investors are right to have confidence in the turnaround. Timestamps00:00 Intro06:33 Ocado12:17 Liontrust Asset Management20:08 Telecom PlusListen to more podcasts from Investors’ Chronicle on Apple, Spotify and YouTube