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Women retire with less – here’s how to change that
In recent memory, the story of Waspi women has brought into sharp focus the issues surrounding women and their pensions. With many women spending some time out of full-time employment for a variety of reasons, but most notably due to childcare, pensions contributions are often neglected but vitally important to financial security in later life. In this episode of Women and Wealth, the video podcast series from Investors' Chronicle, we look at the topic.
Personal finance editor, Val Cipriani and digital production journalist, Madelaine Apthorpe discuss the topic that feels far away but should be in any young woman's thoughts as they enter the workforce. The Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association estimates that in order to retire on a moderate standard, not even a comfortable one, you need £31k a year if you are single and almost £22k each as a couple. This assumes you have already paid off your mortgage by the time you retire and it’s after tax. Scarily, AJ Bell calculated that that is the equivalent of a pension pot worth £490,000 for a single person, or a combined £515,000 for a couple.
That's why in this episode, Val and Madi look at ways to maximise your pension pot. They discuss how your employer can help with pension contributions and what you should be doing to boost your retirement income now. Val also answers our reader's question on how you can invest your pension and make sure it's managed correctly. Val explains time horizons, decoding your pension statements and ways to benchmark performance.
Women and Wealth is a six part podcast series from Investors' Chronicle. You can listen and watch the episodes, alongside our other podcasts, on Apple, Spotify and YouTube.
You can also find out more about pension planning with Investors' Chronicle pensions masterclass series.
Investors' Chronicle has supported private investors in the UK for over 160 years by highlighting rewarding investment opportunities.
Investors' Chronicle is a service by the Financial Times.
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How to pick funds, Diageo & hotel stocks: Companies and Markets Show
38:50|As potential jet fuel shortages unnerve summer holidaymakers, airlines have been reporting shaky demand as people hold off from booking trips. But what of the hoteliers? In this week’s episode, we discuss the quarterly update from InterContinental Hotels (IHG), owner of Holiday Inn, as well as recent figures from Premier Inn owner Whitbread (WTB). Mark Robinson explains why the picture is brighter than many fear, and how long he expects that to continue.We then talk through the latest figures from drinks giant Diageo (DGE), which has found life very hard for some time now. But with a dividend cut out the way, its CEO, former Tesco boss Sir Dave Lewis, is due to outline his new strategy this summer. Are things looking up? Or is it too soon to say for the Guinness maker – Mark has the answers. More on Diageo hereFinally, we tackle this week’s Big Read, asking the fundamental question for any investor – how to pick a fund. Val Cipriani explains our five-step guide, giving you a checklist of things to look for, mistakes to avoid, and more.Read more here:Our five-step guide to picking the best fundsShares soar on (another) Taco feastInterContinental reports rising revenues, but travel concerns lingerTimestamps00:00 Intro01:13 Hotels14:09 Diageo22:24 Fund selectionListen to more podcasts from Investors’ Chronicle on Apple, Spotify and YouTube
‘There’s a lot of value in emerging markets’ - Paul Niven of F&C
45:33|The F&C Investment Trust (FCIT) is as close to a household name as a fund can be. Founded in the 19th century, its global stocks “one-stop shop” nature has made it a favourite for investors for decades, and despite changing managers and fund houses, it’s remained true to its aim.Val Cipriani sits down with current manager Paul Niven, who discusses the trust’s approach to using other fund managers, where he sees value in stock markets, the pros and cons of a concentrated portfolio and why, despite cutting back on US companies, he believes there’s still value to be found.Timestamps00:00 Intro00:21 What is F&C01:45 How the trust is structured05:01 Use of 3rd party managers7:31 Trying to beat the benchmark10:02 Why F&C is so diversified14:21 Reacting to the war in Iran20:32 Is the market too optimistic?22:46 Emerging markets25:17 Trends away from the US28:05 Magnificent seven32:05 Nvidia35:11 Private equity42:15 Software exposure and AI disruption
Electrifying your portfolio & chemical stock struggles: Companies and Markets Show
41:59|It’s the end of April, and a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is looking further away than ever. Its closure looms large over everything else at the moment, and risk asset investors are starting to worry for the first time in several weeks. However, there are still signs of life across the market. In this week’s episode, we look at some of those rebound stories and discuss whether recoveries can persist in the face of ongoing stress. Michael Fahy discusses the electronics sector – companies such as Renishaw, Oxford Instruments and XP Power, which are belatedly starting to benefit from supplying the semiconductor industry.We then move to this week’s Big Read on electricity and electrification. Could the defining, if sometimes forgotten, story of the past century be the characterising feature of this century, too? Alex Newman has the answers.Finally, Julian Hofmann talks about chemicals supplier Synthomer, whose refinancing and improved full-year figures provide the first signs of recovery. It also had some interesting comments to make about the Iran War.Timestamps00:00 Intro01:13 Electronics companies12:06 Electrification32:37 SynthomerListen to more podcasts from Investors’ Chronicle on Apple, Spotify and YouTube
Isas, apps and platforms: Where to invest your money
25:05|Choosing your first stocks and shares Isa can be overwhelming. There are apps, brokerages and dozens of providers, all claiming to be the best. In this episode of Women and Wealth, funds editor Val Cipriani and personal finance editor Holly McKechnie walk you through how to choose the right one for you, whether you're investing for the first time or moving beyond cash savings.They explain everything from what beginners should look for, which fees really matter, the differences between providers and the common mistakes to avoid. This episode will get you started on the path of investing, with Investors' Chronicle your handy guide as you grow your portfolio.*At the time of recording, AJ Bell charged a trading fee for regular investing. The provider has since announced that this will be scrapped from May.Women and Wealth is the monthly podcast series from Investors’ Chronicle. You can listen to and watch the episodes, alongside our other podcasts, on Apple, Spotify and YouTube.
Primark spin-off, robotics & US equity funds: Companies and Markets show
37:30|It’s another week and another break-up of a FTSE 100 business. This time it’s the turn of Associated British Foods, which has announced plans to spin off Primark into a separate entity. Erin Withey discusses the demerger and explains why management of both businesses will also have their hands full dealing with a range of issues arising from the Iran War and elsewhere.After that, we delve into investment ideas in robotics, our Big Read of the week. The word robot has been around for a century, and the tech has been present in factories for over 60 years, but could the current age herald a step change in uses of the technology, and more widespread adoption than ever before? Mark Robinson reports.To finish, we consider US equity funds. With the Magnificent Seven – or certain members of the group – struggling this year, is it time to look at a different set of active managers to gain exposure to US shares? Val Cipriani outlines some potential options.Timestamps00:00 Intro01:12 Primark spin-off12:14 Robotics27:33 US equity fundsListen to more podcasts from Investors’ Chronicle on Apple, Spotify and YouTube
Meeting Primary Health Properties CEO: Lee and The IC
51:38|Primary Health Properties (PHP) is one of the UK market’s best-known income stocks.With a record of 30 consecutive annual dividend increases and the strongest tenant base in the real estate sector, it has long been a favourite of investors looking for a secure, growing yield.Since chief executive Mark Davies took over from founder and chair Harry Hyman in 2024, the story has been more dramatic. Last year, in a high-profile contest, Davies saw off KKR in its bid for Assura and combined with its major listed peer to form a Reit with £6bn of assets.We discuss the logic of the deal, the landlord’s relationship with the NHS, debt, politics, why John believes PHP is a “no brainer” investment and the appropriate yield he, Davies and Hyman believe the stock warrants.Let 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.Timestamps:00:00 Intro02:42 What is PHP?05:29 Becoming a growth stock08:20 Being a REIT14:49 Maintaining dividend growth18:60 How new opportunities arise22:37 How lease negotiation works26:33 Assura acquisition34:54 Move to unsecured loans37:15 The challenge of the political landscape40:41 Potential for a buyout45:23 Goodwins update49:55 Small cap stock update
Intertek, renewable trusts & shares on a tear: The Companies and Markets Show
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The ceasefire, Africa and Senior: Companies and Markets Show
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Unilever’s $45bn deal, Berkeley & tech: Companies and Markets Show
32:51|We begin the show with consumer goods giant Unilever (ULVR) – soon to be somewhat smaller, given the $45bn spin-off of its foods business to US spice and sauce maker McCormick (MKC). The reaction to the news, though, has been distinctly underwhelming. Erin Withey examines what it means for Unilever’s future.Then we turn to Berkeley (BKG), the housebuilder, which, this week, published an unscheduled negative update, less than three weeks after it told investors everything was fine. Hugh Moorhead explores what the company’s retrenchment says about the UK’s wider housebuilding goals.Lastly, we discuss what is perhaps the UK’s very own meme stock – microcomputer maker Raspberry Pi (RPI). Its shares rose almost 50 per cent in one day following its full-year results. Arthur Sants explains how the company ended up part of the AI boom and whether there’s a decent business underneath it all.Read more here:Why the market is turning against Unilever’s $45bn food dealRaspberry Pi ups sales volumes but margins tightenEpisode timestamps:00:00 Intro01:21 Unilever09:54 Berkeley Group18:30 Raspberry PiListen to more podcasts from Investors’ Chronicle Apple, Spotify and YouTube or by clicking here