On this week's Merryn Talks Your Money, Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek, author of Money Distilled, talk about navigating your portfolio amidst Middle East tensions. The conversation was recorded on Monday afternoon. 

On this week's Merryn Talks Your Money, Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek, author of Money Distilled, talk about navigating your portfolio amidst Middle East tensions. The conversation was recorded on Monday afternoon.&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

Is There Such a Thing as a Safe Haven? 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/106d2211-adfb-42d9-98ff-b306014bf916/transcript

Societe Generale Head of FIC and Commodity Research Michael Haigh joins Merryn Somerset Webb to break down why the US attack on Venezuela and any subsequent attempt to reboot its energy industry is unlikely to change oil prices near-term. He explains why markets are more influenced right now by OPEC’s supply decisions and China’s rapid strategic petroleum reserve buying—and warns prices could fall if China slows purchases. The conversation then turns to a bullish outlook for copper, driven by electrification, artificial intelligence and data centers, as well as defense spending. Plus, Haigh argues gold and silver still have upside—gold on sustained central-bank demand and silver on persistent deficits—while noting key risks if central-bank buying or global uncertainty meaningfully eases.

Societe Generale Head of FIC and Commodity Research Michael Haigh joins Merryn Somerset Webb to break down why the US attack on Venezuela and any subsequent attempt to reboot its energy industry is unlikely to change oil prices near-term. He explains why markets are more influenced right now by OPEC&rsquo;s supply decisions and China&rsquo;s rapid strategic petroleum reserve buying&mdash;and warns prices could fall if China slows purchases. The conversation then turns to a bullish outlook for copper, driven by electrification, artificial intelligence and data centers, as well as defense spending. Plus, Haigh argues gold and silver still have upside&mdash;gold on sustained central-bank demand and silver on persistent deficits&mdash;while noting key risks if central-bank buying or global uncertainty meaningfully eases.

Venezuela’s Oil Reserves Versus Reality: Why Output Can’t Jump Overnight

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/295b22c6-7573-46f2-91a7-b3cf01077563/transcript

On this week’s markets roundup, hosts Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek discuss the strong performance of the FTSE 100, which has finally closed above 10,000. While it may not remain at that level, it marks a bright start. They also explore the key investment themes of 2025 and explain why equities in these areas are likely to remain elevated throughout 2026, driven by geopolitical tensions—particularly in defence, commodities, and precious metals.

On this week&rsquo;s markets roundup, hosts Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek discuss the strong performance of the FTSE 100, which has finally closed above 10,000. While it may not remain at that level, it marks a bright start. They also explore the key investment themes of 2025 and explain why equities in these areas are likely to remain elevated throughout 2026, driven by geopolitical tensions&mdash;particularly in defence, commodities, and precious metals.

FTSE 100 Hits 10,000 as Defence, Commodities and Gold Lead Market Themes

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/17fc2fdb-20a7-4d96-b815-b3cd00b4b5b4/transcript

Merryn Somerset Webb and senior reporter John Stepek kick off the year by arguing that, amid political pessimism, personal finances remain one area where individuals can still take control. They run through six practical financial resolutions for 2026, from budgeting time for regular money check-ups and avoiding costly mortgage and insurance traps to improving tax efficiency, understanding pensions, and making sure wills and paperwork are in order. The message is clear: small, proactive steps now can make a meaningful difference to long-term financial security.

Merryn Somerset Webb and senior reporter John Stepek kick off the year by arguing that, amid political pessimism, personal finances remain one area where individuals can still take control. They run through six practical financial resolutions for 2026, from budgeting time for regular money check-ups and avoiding costly mortgage and insurance traps to improving tax efficiency, understanding pensions, and making sure wills and paperwork are in order. The message is clear: small, proactive steps now can make a meaningful difference to long-term financial security.

Your 2026 Money Reset: Practical Steps to Be Better Off by Year-End

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/74a2c289-7a29-46c1-ab15-b3ca01685e8d/transcript

Is There Such a Thing as a Safe Haven?

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