Merryn is joined by Stephanie Flanders, Head of Economics and Government at Bloomberg, Helen Thomas, founder and CEO of Blonde Money, and Money Distilled newsletter author John Stepek, to break down key announcements from the November Budget and what those changes mean for markets, investors and households.

The conversation was recorded in front of an audience at Bloomberg's European Headquarters in London. 

Merryn is joined by Stephanie Flanders, Head of Economics and Government at Bloomberg, Helen Thomas, founder and CEO of Blonde Money, and Money Distilled newsletter author John Stepek, to break down key announcements from the November Budget and what those changes mean for markets, investors and households. The conversation was recorded in front of an audience at Bloomberg's European Headquarters in London.&nbsp;

Merryn Talks Money with Bloomberg senior columnist Merryn Somerset Webb is your key to understanding how markets work – and how you can make them work for you. Every episode features a relaxed but in-depth conversation with a fund manager, a strategist, a Bloomberg expert or just someone Merryn finds particularly interesting in any given week. Listen in for the kind of insights and explanations everyone can use to help them make better saving and investing choices.

Merryn Talks Money with Bloomberg senior columnist Merryn Somerset Webb is your key to understanding how markets work – and how you can make them work for you. Every episode features a relaxed but in-depth conversation with a fund manager, a strategist, a Bloomberg expert or just someone Merryn finds particularly interesting in any given week. Listen in for the kind of insights and explanations everyone can use to help them make better saving and investing choices.

Merryn Talks Money

UK Budget Special: What Will It Cost You? 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/962fb3d6-2a0c-4ab3-9520-b3a200f74bac/transcript

On this week’s markets roundup, hosts Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek dig into the collapse of the proposed HICL–TRIG merger and the resurgence of shareholder activism reshaping the investment trust sector. They also explore the dramatic breakout in silver, gold’s renewed monetary significance, and Bitcoin’s latest bout of volatility—potentially tied to the unwinding yen carry trade and shifting global rate expectations. 

On this week&rsquo;s markets roundup, hosts Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek dig into the collapse of the proposed HICL&ndash;TRIG merger and the resurgence of shareholder activism reshaping the investment trust sector. They also explore the dramatic breakout in silver, gold&rsquo;s renewed monetary significance, and Bitcoin&rsquo;s latest bout of volatility&mdash;potentially tied to the unwinding yen carry trade and shifting global rate expectations.&nbsp;

Investment Trust Turmoil, Silver’s Surge, and Bitcoin’s Wild Ride

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/1584570c-46a9-440b-88ab-b3a901594658/transcript

AI mania may be driving markets to new heights, but economist and author Dambisa Moyo argues the real question isn’t whether we’re in a tech-driven bubble—it’s what stage. Speaking with Merryn Somerset Webb, Moyo says that while valuations look stretched and investor excitement is unmistakable, there may still be a ways to go before things get bad.

Turning to the UK, Moyo, a member of the House of Lords, argues that the country’s central challenge is weak growth, held back by two chokepoints: high energy costs and underperforming capital markets that fail to attract investment or nurture emerging companies. What’s needed, she says, is not just policy fixes but a stronger, more optimistic national story that makes the UK a natural magnet for capital.

AI mania may be driving markets to new heights, but economist and author Dambisa Moyo argues the real question isn&rsquo;t whether we&rsquo;re in a tech-driven bubble&mdash;it&rsquo;s what stage. Speaking with Merryn Somerset Webb, Moyo says&nbsp;that while valuations look stretched and investor excitement is unmistakable, there may still be a ways to go before things get bad.
Turning to the UK, Moyo, a member of the House of Lords, argues that the country&rsquo;s central challenge is weak growth, held back by two chokepoints: high energy costs and underperforming capital markets that fail to attract investment or nurture emerging companies. What&rsquo;s needed, she says, is not just policy fixes but a stronger, more optimistic national story that makes the UK a natural magnet for capital.

Dambisa Moyo on Why the AI Bubble Still Has Room to Grow

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/8fa26085-97fc-4b2e-b9eb-b3a600b87303/transcript

UK consumers used to save very little — now they’re saving a lot, perhaps too much. Why? Kallum Pickering, Peel Hunt chief economist, joins host Merryn Somerset Webb to explain. He points to a “wealth shock”: when gilt yields surged in 2022, pension values fell sharply. At the same time, mortgage rates climbed and house prices stalled.

This shift matters. It’s one reason the UK economy remains sluggish. But it’s not the only factor — our strained public finances and the sheer size of the state also play a role.

Can it be fixed? Kallum thinks so. He shared his long-term ideas for turning things around — and even offered a few suggestions for Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

Correction: At the end when Kallum discusses financing pensions, he refers to a policy that includes a one-year tax cut for young people at £2,000. That is incorrect. His calculations account for £2,000 cuts for years one and two for pensions, and £1,000 cut in healthcare. It starts for everyone at age 20 but anyone under 40 would get the chance to partake. 

UK consumers used to save very little &mdash; now they&rsquo;re saving a lot, perhaps too much. Why? Kallum Pickering, Peel Hunt chief economist, joins host Merryn Somerset Webb to explain. He points to a &ldquo;wealth shock&rdquo;: when gilt yields surged in 2022, pension values fell sharply. At the same time, mortgage rates climbed and house prices stalled.
This shift matters. It&rsquo;s one reason the UK economy remains sluggish. But it&rsquo;s not the only factor &mdash; our strained public finances and the sheer size of the state also play a role.
Can it be fixed? Kallum thinks so. He shared his long-term ideas for turning things around &mdash; and even offered a few suggestions for Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
Correction: At the end when Kallum discusses financing pensions, he refers to a policy that includes a one-year tax cut for young people at &pound;2,000. That is incorrect. His calculations account for &pound;2,000 cuts for years one and two for pensions, and &pound;1,000 cut in healthcare. It starts for everyone at age 20 but anyone under 40 would get the chance to partake.&nbsp;

The UK Government Must Cut Spending - Here's Why (with Kallum Pickering)

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/5ad26ce8-f327-4f39-8b85-b39f00a46fd4/transcript

UK Budget Special: What Will It Cost You?

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