They ponder the significance of the situation within the overall cycle of the markets, and try to understand how other events like the UK local elections, or the process to appoint a new Chair of the US Federal Reserve, are going to play out.

Duncan Williams is on hand to take care of the introductions and in the process learn a little more about his background, and general philosophy around investment management and the markets.

All of that whilst sharing their thoughts on the impact of the evolving situation in the Middle East, and what it might mean in the longer term

Which means we are going to be covering the inevitable impact on the global economy, an inflationary shock and the subject of energy security.

There is also some news about a new member of the Williams team, and how he will feed into the future discourse.

They consider the immediate impact on the strength of the dollar, and whether it will be an ongoing trend, and what it might mean for the markets. They also consider why it wasn't mentioned in the Chancellor's Spring Statement (but also what was) and what it will mean for wider Government policy, particularly around the future of fossil fuel.

Finally they turn to private markets, and a couple of key updates.

Proceedings are more than a little influenced by what is going on in the U.S, and the Presidents pick for the Chair of the Federal Reserve, which starts a whole heap of chat about the reasons behind the pivot and how the markets may have influenced the choice.

There is a look at the volatility of trading in Silver and Precious Metals, what was learned from the recent forum in Davos, and the nagging question at the heart of Bitcoin.

There is a lot to ponder around the recent interventions of the American President, particularly around his desire to appropriate Greenland and impress his will on the decisions of the Federal Reserve. Does any of it make any kind of sense, and has he gone too far?

There is some clarity around the performance of Silver, as it appears to be experiencing similar performance to that of Gold, and some conversation around the performance of the Pharmaceuticals market.

And there is just enough time to touch on Davos, Home Reit and the planned that David Lammy has for taxing the legal profession.

The theme this time is a look back at the significant moments of 2025, and what they potentially mean for the upcoming year, so be ready for lots of Geopolitical updates.

We begin at home with the recent performance of the FTSE, and then turn our attention to Venezuela, Greenland and Taiwan, and the ramifications for oil, minerals and microchips. There is a review of recent market performance and look at what is driving the value of both gold and silver.

As you would expect there were some bullseyes, as well as some darts that completely missed the board, all of which will be discussed and explained.

And of course it wouldn't be the festive special if we didn't have another crack, so Val, Kimi, James, John and Duncan are soon back at the oche with best guesses for next year. Pitching for glory, and attempting to get the Ally-Pally crowd to its feet. We hope you enjoy it.

Thank you for listening, and all the very best for Christmas and the New Year!

There is some hangover chat from the recent budget, including how it might impact the inflation stats over the coming months, as well as an update on the jobs market in the U.S. There is also a very pertinent and timely reflection on service levels within the sector.

Whether it was better than we feared, or indeed worse than we hoped, the fact is that we are going to have to deal with the changes that the Chancellor has put forward, and what the long term consequences might be.

So settle back as Duncan, John and James take you through the key talking points, especially those that will impact your financial and investment decisions in the coming months.

Oh and for those of you who aren't acronym blessed, VCT stands for Venture Capital Trusts and they are publicly listed companies that invest in small, young, and often privately-owned UK companies.

Your regular podcast hosts, who also AKA as Duncan Williams and John Newsome, are back and after covering all the usual bases they deep-dive into plans that are afoot to create a Silicon Valley in the UK shires, and what is going on with the latest issuance of UK Government Debt.

Which leaves just enough time to reference a Will Smith film, and ponder on what to do with a hissing goose. Rachel may want to take note.

There is a very definite sense of treading water in this penultimate pre-budget episode, as so much is hanging on what happens on the 26th November. One thing that both of them do agree on is that it’s not looking like anything too promising is going to hover into view on the horizon.

But back to #84, and all of your favourite topics are cued up and ready, so expect some economic updates from home and around the globe, an intervention from a Former PM on Net Zero and a throwback to when everybody’s idea of cool tech was a Nokia 3210.

Are we on the precipice of a stock market crash?

Why aren't there more driverless trains?

Just three of the questions you can expect to be discussed and debated in this latest episode of investment news brought to you by the team at Williams Investment Management. Duncan is on hosting duty this time around, with comment and opinion provided by John and James.

The forthcoming budget dominates conversation, particularly because of the lack of wiggle room that appears to be available to the Chancellor Rachel Reeves. There is some discussion of matters affecting the US economy as well as a nod toward the situation in Argentina.

The global economic update this time cover the UK, the U.S, China and France and the market update focuses on AstraZeneca and speculation that they may be considering pulling out of the UK market, following a decision to pull a proposed investment in Cambridge.

Finally, there is time to ponder the upcoming budget, and what it might mean for the property market, which is already under pressure.

Duncan is joined by John, and James to ponder the current state of both the UK and the French economies, the level of government spending (and debt) and why we might just be getting to the end game as far as national spending sprees are concerned.

There is an update on the resurgence of Gold, the tricky issue of how to deal with Thames Water and the challenges facing the Electric Car Market.

Duncan Williams is back in the driving seat, and joined by relative newbie James Newsome to talk through what is going on in the economy and what the Chancellor Rachel Reeves may be thinking of for the upcoming budget.

They also put some time aside to discuss the merits (or not) of funding offshore wind, and reflect on a recent adjudication from the FCA.

Also returning is Abi Ostler, back to take charge of proceedings, and Duncan Williams to provide the updates and the assessments.

First up is an interview with James, and a chance to find out where he has been, what he has been up to and why he made the decision to join the team at Williams. And for the second half of the pod it's a quick round-up of the latest financial news and an update on some interesting pieces of investment gossip.

First up is the UK economy, and the worrying trend of job losses in the hospitality sector, particularly in the Capital. There is talk about UK and US inflation before focussing on the recent Mansion House speech delivered by Rachel Reeves and what that might mean for matters of operation and regulation.

There is time to explore that a little with the ongoing saga of Thames Water, and the merits of the impact that OFWAT has made before attention turns to the latest Tesla results and what that means for business valuations in general.

First up is the UK economy, and the fallout from the Government's backtracking on disability payments in the Welfare Reform Bill. What will this mean in terms of future fiscal policy, most notably the Budget in the Autumn, and is this now looking like a bit of a patter,

There are some positive nods toward the Governor of the Bank of England, and a bit of head scratching over the latest news coming out of the Oval Office with regard to Tariffs. And to round out this episode some thoughts around recent activity involving Burberry shares and the reasons why a Wealth Tax might be too good to be true.

The sun may be shining, and there may even be talk of hosepipe bans in Harrogate, but the economic news is a little more gloomy and the skies are looking ominous.

It's a bit of a ping-pong episode as we bounce between the UK and the US on all matters of inflation, investment and energy security. There is quite a bit of head scratching, a dollop of bemusement and rare bit of praise for Rachel.

Even though today's episode was recorded before this weeks Spending Review, there is still much to ponder including the impact that the crippling costs of energy is having on the UK economy, the moves the Trump administration are making to try and influence monetary policy in the US and the consequences of surprise drop in inflation across the Eurozone.

And on the subject of energy, they take time to delve into what is going on with coal-fired power station in India.

The UK economic situation is the first thing up for discussion with the recent drop in interest rates (and further cuts expected) bumping up against rising inflation, and resulting in some scratching of foreheads.

America is up next with the latest economic numbers suggesting that whatever the Trump Administration is up to, it isn't necessarily delivering anything of note. A quick trip over to Japan for some interesting news about rising inflation, and a couple of quick stock updates, before returning to find out what Rachel Reeves is up to with Pension Funds.

Oh, and they finish with a quiz.

And, as will come to no surprise to regular listeners, they are forthright with both analysis and opinion. In other news there is an update on a u-turn by the Belgian Government around nucleur power, and some chat around the market position of Google.

Oh, and Duncan puts John through his paces with an end-of-episode quiz!

The first part of this weeks pod is taken up with discussion of the Tariff plan dreamed up by the Trump administration, and whether it really stands together as a well-considered strategy. There is a little bit of chat about the economic landscape in the UK, and the question around future interest rate cuts and some reflection on the recent spate of elections.

Next they turn their attention to activity around Ethical funds, and the metrics that are employed to track share valuation.

Well that course is well and truly due, as Val Wade and John Newsome hit the ground running with a deep-dive on the implications of what has been going on. And what it might mean for a whole heap of interested parties, such as Elon Musk, the Chinese Government and not least the American consumer.

In related news they look at the impact it is having on the market for Gold, how it can mean different things for the Bond Market and the Mortgage market at the same time, and whether there is any truth in the rumours of insider-trading.

Val Wade has wrestled the microphone from Duncan Willams, and along with John Newsome she covers off all the important updates since last time. There is a lot of discussion around the Spring Statement from Rachel Reeves, the issue with the cost of servicing UK debt and why it might get trickier for Labour to find money in the future.

There is also a discussion around U.S tariffs on the automotive industry, and something to do with Scotland and pine trees...but you will have to wait for the details on that.

And just as an FYI, this episode was recorded before the major announcement on U.S tariff imposition that took place the 2nd April. More on that next time.

Of course it's never quite that cut and dried, as we shall hear when Duncan Williams and John Newsome get into the weeds of the situation. First up is the UK Economy, and the continuing economic indicators that are offering anything but good news for Rachel Reeves. Our dynamic duo speculate at to whether a delegation of Regulators to No.11 is the answer to her growth woes.

Then it's a quick hop across the pond to talk tariffs, tech stocks and whether Mr Musk is counting the cost of his association with the Trump administration.

And we round out this episode with an update on the price of Gold, the uncertainty around buying a used electric vehicle and what you need to do before the end of the tax year.

That isn't to say that there wasn't an awful lot happening before, it's just that everything (as you shall hear)seems to be on the turbo boost setting.

So let Val, John and Duncan whisk you around the globe to check-in with all the news either coming from, or impacting on, the financial and investment markets. Which means, and in no particular order, Trumps and Tariffs, robots in Japan, the end of a cycle in China and the shortage (albeit temporary) of vowels in the north of Scotland.

If only the rest of the world was as thought through as this podcast.

Inflation appears to be the common theme this time around, as the latest figures from the UK, U.S and Japan all seem to be pointing in the same direction. Cue a lively discussion around the variety of reasons that are underpinning this global phenomena, as well as some thoughts around what the next few months might bring.

There is time to focus on an interesting situation in U.S stock market, where nearly half of the current activity is centred around just seven company stocks. The panel speculate on whether the current fascination for the 'magnificent seven' is healthy or sustainable.

And it wouldn't be an episode of Just Williams without checking in on Ed and Rachel.

First up is the decision by the Bank of England to lower interest rates, and what the ramifications of this policy might be.

Then they move across the pond to talk Tariffs and try to understand what Trump is actually up to, and what the end game might be. Finally our intrepid trio settle on the latest news around energy policy.

America is up first with the latest economic numbers a backdrop to the arrival on the stage of the new, and also old, President back for his second term. Our hosts ponder on his much-Trumpeted (see what we did there) policy of slapping tariffs on imports into the U.S, as well as his thoughts on global oil pricing.

There is an update on the state of the UK economy, ahead of the changes announced in the last budget coming into force in just a few weeks time. A quick trip over to Japan for some interesting news about rising inflation and finally some thoughts on the future of Thames Water.

We have been working on a few new things for our 2025 season, but before you start to panic the wit, wisdom and pithy comment you have come to expect from regulars Duncan Williams and John Newsome will remain a constant.

Take todays episode as an example, we have colleagues Valerie Wade and Abi Ostler joining us to share their insights, along with their predictions for might be happening to the markets over the course of the next twelve months.

And in the spirit of a festive special, our regulars are joined by colleagues Valerie Wade and Abi Ostler to get their two-penneth. Which means on top of the usual topics, there is also a look forward to what will be the talking points for 2025.

So all that remains is to thank you for listening, and all the very best for the New Year!

And that is exactly where Investment Managers Duncan Williams and John Newsome begin this episode of the podcast, because with the recent headline rise just announced there is much ground to cover.

But that isn't all, a whistle-stop tour of the markets takes in developments from the likes of Thames Water, Google, Morrisons, Ford and Jaguar. And that leaves just enough time to catch up on the latest news from the investments sector.

First up is the U.S election, starting with the performance of the pollsters and moving onto what having Elon Musk as one of his Cabinet picks might have for President-Elect Trump. Back across the water they focus on UK interest rates, and what that means for inflation, before dropping in on the COP summit in Azerbaijan.

Finally there is a look at the implications of what could be an upcoming class action in the car finance sector, and why fashionable investments in overpriced start-ups often come back to bite.

What did they think about the changes to Employer NICs, the increase in the Minimum Wage and the tweaks to the rules around Inheritance provision, and who do they think would be counting the cost.

And of course, the all important question, what will be the knock-on effect on inflation.

They discuss what they think Rachel Reeves has got planned, and what might that might mean for your investment strategy, and indeed the wider economy?

What will it mean in terms of the overall tax burden, who is going to feel it the most and (against the backdrop of a fall in the target measure) will it actually prove to be inflationary.

They begin with an update on U.S Economic Policy following the recent announcement from the Federal Reserve of a drop in Interest Rates, and follow that up with a whistle-stop global tour around the current position of a number of the major economies.

One of the places they drop-in on is Saudi Arabia, where the recent decision to pump more oil prompts a conversation about the long term cost of fossil fuel and it's importance as many Western economies prioritise carbon-free alternative strategies. And in turn, that prompts an interesting conversation around the current state of electric car sales, and whether the wheels may be coming off that particular sector.

They spend a little bit of time discussing the value of Gold, and what the lack of investment in exploration may do to the long term price of Oil.

Finally they turn their attention to the increasing number (and relative performance of) passive funds verses active managed funds, and whether this trend is one to welcome or be cautious of.

The regular interest rate and inflation section focusses on the apparent shortage of available employees on both sides of the Atlantic, and the how that could be an inflationary factor as well as the impact of the recent public sector pay settlements in the UK.

They discuss the systemic problem with house prices and income multiples, look at the performance of regulators (specifically the case of water companies) and round up all the news from the investment sector.

Duncan has been known to comment that they are forever banging on about inflation and interest rates, and whilst that may have a ring of truth, the discussion this time is almost Olympian in its analysis of the current state of play. The UK, US and Japan all feature in a breakdown that draws together all the reason why we might be looking at a return to the Seventies.

There is an update on the state of Tech stocks, including a blast-from-the-past reference, and an update on the latest industry news from the Investment sector.

Oh, and a bit of housekeeping, the boys will taking a short summer hiatus and will be back on the 6th September.

In fact it's a bit of a globe-trotting instalment, as we bounce between commercial and political updates from all over the place, including a prediction about UK interest rates, what's happening at Tesla and the impact of a change of candidate in the US presidential election.

And if that wasn't enough, they managed to crowbar in some industry news, including an intriguing update from the FCA

As usual Duncan Williams of Williams Investment Management is on hand and for this episode he is joined by his colleague Val Wade.

First up is the burning question of how Labour is going to fund their manifesto promises now they have got themselves into power. History would suggest they will increase taxes, but is that the case and if so where will they look for the cash.

And just to prove they don't dodge the hard ones, Duncan & Val then turn their attention to what Labour will be doing about the climate and the pledge to guide the UK to net-zero.

Which is a little odd because we had ensured the pre-recording schedule was followed to the letter

1. Duncan Williams and John Newsome on-hand to offer forthright opinion and pithy comment. Check,
2. An update to the headline inflation figure which could prompt a shift in Interest Rates. Check.
3. Absolutely no activity from the Bank of England Monetary Committee. Check.
4. A good dollop of sage advice. Check

So why is it strange we hear you cry? Well you will have to listen to find out, but here's a clue - it doesn't have anything to do with the football or the weather.

To mark this particular milestone (and to help us celebrate) now would be a perfect time to recommend your favourite investment podcast to your friends and colleagues, just get them to search us up in their podcast platform of choice and hit the 'follow' button.

Anyway back to Episode 50, and today Duncan Williams and John Newsome begin by pondering the general election campaign, how it is going and what difference (if any) it will make to the financial and investment markets.

They have a little look at some stock market news, and finish with an update of news coming from within the investment sector itself.

For this episode everything is being viewed through the prism of the upcoming general election, which means they consider the possible impact this will have on inflation and interest rates as well as other general macro-economic conditions.

And because you would expect no less, they also ponder on what a change of government will mean for personal investments and the advice they give their clients.

This time we delve into the delicate and nuanced relationship between property values and government spending and how they both impact on the setting of interest rates and the level of inflation.

We also take a look at how US foreign policy may influence oil prices, the reaction of the stock market to the recent overhaul of Unilever and how a bout of ambulance chasing is playing out in the investment space.

As is customary they start with talk of Inflation and Interest Rates, by delving into just some of the reasons why many of the predictions about what was going to happen in 2024 were disconnected with what is actually going on in the real world.

The oft-asked question of the impact of a change of Government (particularly given the current circumstances) is tackled next, followed by a proverbial toe dipping in the choppy current of Thames Water.

And finally there's an update on the work the FCA is doing to protect investors from scams and unregulated firms and advisors.

We begin as always with an update on Inflation and Interest rates, and an acknowledgment from Duncan that whilst it might seem on the surface that this part of the podcast is a bit rinse and repeat, the fact is a lot has been shifting from the now seemingly wild predictions that we would see multiple interest cuts this year.

Next up is Tesla, and some commentary around their current level of sales and plans to address it, followed by a look at Ocado and where they may soon be being listed.

And we finish off with a look at the affordability issues around purchasing property, and whether de-banking may be the start of a trend that could impact on the world of investment.

This week, regulars John Newsome and Duncan Williams give you their predictions for interest movement of the remainder of the year, and why it could be more modest than anticipated. They take a look at how they think AI will impact the employment market and why Gold has had a bit of a bounce.

That still leaves them plenty of time to examine what happens when a regulated business like Thames Water hits the skids, and the backlash against BlackRock over its investments in sustainability.

Starting with an update of global inflation and monetary policy, they turn next to one key aspect of the recent budget, and offer their thoughts on the new ‘British’ ISA.

After that they look to the investment markets, and ponder three examples of large companies facing some challenging circumstances, before finishing off with a checklist of ‘things to do’ before the end of the tax year.

So after updating you on Inflation & Interest Rates the boys turn their attention to the US to speculate on the current situation post Super-Tuesday, and what another dose of the Donald might mean for global financials.

Next stop some thoughts on the Government forecasts coming out of China, followed by an update on the situation in Japan and finally back home (via a brief layover in German) to talk about the budget.

After the usual update on inflation and interest rates they turn their attention to a recent development in the Japanese stock market that has been thirty-four years in the making. They also look at a new report that lays bare the amount of pensionable income the average couple will require in the future, and the predictions may well come as a surprise.

Finally a reminder to ensure you use your Capital Gains allowances if they are applicable to you, because they may not always be there in the future.

After a check-in on the situation in the Suez, the Williams boys move onto the conundrum that is the transition away from fossil fuels, and the reason why they think it appears that it hasn’t been that well thought though.



Finally they touch on equity release schemes and end of year tax prep.

And what’s more a bit of a departure from the norm, after a quick update on the global financial situation we jump head first into an example of how we work we review a portfolio.

So if you have ever been intrigued about our methodology then today’s podcast is very much for you, and remember if you want a second opinion on your investments then give us a call.

What won't be changing is the regular focus on current events and how they impact on the global financial markets, the up-to-the minute insight into the investment sector or highlighting what we need to be watching out for next.

And you can rest easy, because it will continue to be delivered with the same mix of weary resignation and pithy humour.

In fact the only thing that will change is that starting from today Just Williams will be coming at you every couple of weeks.

Now that is a resolution you can get behind.

Tune in as John & Duncan, resplendent in their Christmas Jumpers, close out the year by taking you through some of the highs (and the not-so-highs) of global economic conditions and the investment markets over the course of 2023.

Whilst sticky inflation, and indifferent monetary policy might not have been everybody's idea of a stocking filler, they both feature prominently, along with the importance of good admin and some insight into what you can look out for in the new year.

So put down the Christmas Radio Times, grab a mince pie and dive in.

See you in 2024!

As always we catch up with the last global economic news before Duncan & John offer pithy insight into the investment markets with that laser-like focus that you have come to expect.

Christmas has indeed come early.

So for this recording we talk about the latest on how stubborn underlying inflation continues to be, and what this means for interest rates, the ongoing dichotomy in regard to moving away from our reliance on fossil fuels and the how the uncertainty around the fate of We Work could well be impacting on your portfolio.

We also talk about a worrying trend in the investment management sector.

But whilst the world will always continue to turn, we have also been reminded over the last few months that it isn’t always the most important thing. With that in mind we would like to dedicate this episode to our good friend Robert, who we will miss dearly.