Many Happy Returns

PensionCraft

Investing is the best way to build wealth, but comes with risk and uncertainty. Want to grow a portfolio of stocks, bonds, ETFs and more? This is the show to boost your knowledge and build your confidence. Join us on the journey through bull markets, bubbles and crashes. Bring snacks and a steady hand; we're in it for the long haul... Hosted by Ramin Nakisa (YouTube @PensionCraft) and Michael Pugh. Contact us: mhr@pensioncraft.com read less
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Episodes

Trump, Tariffs and AI: The Stories Shaping Markets in 2025
4d ago
Trump, Tariffs and AI: The Stories Shaping Markets in 2025
Markets are unruly beasts, swayed by shifting narratives, sudden rumours, and ever-changing expectations. But a handful of all-important stories will shape investor returns throughout 2025. From interest rates to trade policy to AI, ​​we explore what’s capturing the market’s attention — and why it matters. And in the Dumb Question of the Week: Can bad news be good news? --- Thank you to Raisin UK for sponsoring this episode. Raisin UK is a free, easy-to-use online savings platform, with savings accounts from over 40 FSCS-protected banks and building societies. Simply register, apply to open as many accounts as you like, and manage everything with a single login. Elevate your savings game today. What's more, for a limited time only, you can receive a £100 bonus when you register and fund your first savings account with a minimum of £10,000 using the code "SAVINGS100". For more details, please visit the link: raisin.co.uk/pensioncraft ---Get in touch 📧 mhr@pensioncraft.com 🎧 many-happy-returns.captivate.fm --- Join PensionCraft 🌐 Become a member at pensioncraft.com ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube ---Disclaimer This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes and is not financial advice. We do not provide recommendations or endorse any decision to buy, sell or hold any security. We cannot be held responsible for any actions listeners may take and investors are encouraged to seek independent financial advice. Copyright 2023 Many Happy Returns
Meltdown: Scandal, Sleaze and the Collapse of Credit Suisse, with Duncan Mavin
Jan 22 2025
Meltdown: Scandal, Sleaze and the Collapse of Credit Suisse, with Duncan Mavin
Credit Suisse’s collapse shook the global financial system, forcing regulators into a frantic search for solutions. We're joined by Duncan Mavin, author of the new book ‘Meltdown: Scandal, Sleaze and the Collapse of Credit Suisse’ to discuss the downfall of a banking giant. And in the Dumb Question of the Week, we ask: How do you stop a bank run? --- Thank you to Raisin UK for sponsoring this episode. Raisin UK is a free, easy-to-use online savings platform, with savings accounts from over 40 FSCS-protected banks and building societies. Simply register, apply to open as many accounts as you like, and manage everything with a single login. Elevate your savings game today. What's more, for a limited time only, you can receive a £100 bonus when you register and fund your first savings account with a minimum of £10,000 using the code "SAVINGS100". For more details, please visit the link: raisin.co.uk/pensioncraft ---Get in touch 📧 mhr@pensioncraft.com 🎧 many-happy-returns.captivate.fm --- Join PensionCraft 🌐 Become a member at pensioncraft.com ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube ---Disclaimer This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes and is not financial advice. We do not provide recommendations or endorse any decision to buy, sell or hold any security. We cannot be held responsible for any actions listeners may take and investors are encouraged to seek independent financial advice. Copyright 2023 Many Happy Returns
Soaring Gilt Yields and Strained Public Finances, with Simon French
Jan 15 2025
Soaring Gilt Yields and Strained Public Finances, with Simon French
Gilt yields are surging, straining government finances and raising fears of tax rises or spending cuts. But is this a UK-specific problem? And will the Bank of England be forced to respond? We're joined by Simon French, Chief Economist and Head of Research at investment bank Panmure Liberum. Simon writes on economics for The Times and previously worked in senior government roles at the UK cabinet office. And in today’s Dumb Question of the Week, we ask: Why does the government need fiscal rules? --- Thank you to Raisin UK for sponsoring this episode. Raisin UK is a free, easy-to-use online savings platform, with savings accounts from over 40 FSCS-protected banks and building societies. Simply register, apply to open as many accounts as you like, and manage everything with a single login. Elevate your savings game today. What's more, for a limited time only, you can receive a £100 bonus when you register and fund your first savings account with a minimum of £10,000 using the code "SAVINGS100". For more details, please visit the link: raisin.co.uk/pensioncraft ---Get in touch 📧 mhr@pensioncraft.com 🎧 many-happy-returns.captivate.fm --- Join PensionCraft 🌐 Become a member at pensioncraft.com ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube ---Disclaimer This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes and is not financial advice. We do not provide recommendations or endorse any decision to buy, sell or hold any security. We cannot be held responsible for any actions listeners may take and investors are encouraged to seek independent financial advice. Copyright 2023 Many Happy Returns
Red Flags: China’s Economic Troubles, with George Magnus
Jan 8 2025
Red Flags: China’s Economic Troubles, with George Magnus
Since the sweeping reforms of the 1980s, China's rapid industrialisation and extraordinary growth have transformed it into a true global power. But the engine of China's economic miracle is starting to sputter. Sluggish demand, mounting debt, and unfavourable demographics suggest trouble ahead. We're joined by George Magnus, a leading China expert who has written extensively on the risks facing the world's second-largest economy.And in the Dumb Question of the Week: Can we trust China’s economic statistics? ---Thank you to Raisin UK for sponsoring this episode. Raisin UK is a free, easy-to-use online savings platform, with savings accounts from over 40 FSCS-protected banks and building societies. Simply register, apply to open as many accounts as you like, and manage everything with a single login. Elevate your savings game today. What's more, for a limited time only, you can receive a £100 bonus when you register and fund your first savings account with a minimum of £10,000 using the code "SAVINGS100". For more details, please visit the link: raisin.co.uk/pensioncraft ---Get in touch 📧 mhr@pensioncraft.com 🎧 many-happy-returns.captivate.fm --- Join PensionCraft 🌐 Become a member at pensioncraft.com ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube ---Disclaimer This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes and is not financial advice. We do not provide recommendations or endorse any decision to buy, sell or hold any security. We cannot be held responsible for any actions listeners may take and investors are encouraged to seek independent financial advice. Copyright 2023 Many Happy Returns
Jingle Bulls, Jingle Bears: Are Investors Overconfident Heading into 2025?
Dec 18 2024
Jingle Bulls, Jingle Bears: Are Investors Overconfident Heading into 2025?
Investor sentiment is more bullish than ever, with a record share of Americans expecting the S&P 500 to rise in 2025. Is this the peak of euphoria? And in today’s Dumb Question of the Week: What’s the difference between hard and soft data? --- Thank you to Trading 212 for sponsoring this episode. Claim free fractional shares worth up to ‎£⁠100. Just create and verify a Trading 212 Invest or Stocks ISA account, make a minimum deposit of £1, and use the promo code "RAMIN" within 10 days of signing up, or use the following link: Sponsored Link. Terms apply - trading212.com/join/RAMIN  When investing, your capital is at risk and you may get back less than invested. Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results. Pies & Autoinvest is an execution-only service. Not investment advice or portfolio management. Automatic investing refers to executing scheduled deposits. You are responsible for all investment and rebalancing decisions. Free shares can be fractional. Terms and fees apply. ---Get in touch 📧 mhr@pensioncraft.com 🎧 many-happy-returns.captivate.fm --- Join PensionCraft 🌐 Become a member at pensioncraft.com ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube ---Disclaimer This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes and is not financial advice. We do not provide recommendations or endorse any decision to buy, sell or hold any security. We cannot be held responsible for any actions listeners may take and investors are encouraged to seek independent financial advice. Copyright 2023 Many Happy Returns
Emerging Markets: Risky Bet or the Next Big Bargain?
Dec 11 2024
Emerging Markets: Risky Bet or the Next Big Bargain?
Compared to developed countries, emerging markets have rarely looked cheaper. With valuations, economic growth, and demographic trends in their favour, is now the time to invest? Or could climate change, protectionism and debt hold them back? And in today’s Dumb Question of the Week: Is South Korea an emerging market? --- Thank you to Trading 212 for sponsoring this episode. Claim free fractional shares worth up to ‎£⁠100. Just create and verify a Trading 212 Invest or Stocks ISA account, make a minimum deposit of £1, and use the promo code "RAMIN" within 10 days of signing up, or use the following link: Sponsored Link. Terms apply - trading212.com/join/RAMIN  When investing, your capital is at risk and you may get back less than invested. Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results. Pies & Autoinvest is an execution-only service. Not investment advice or portfolio management. Automatic investing refers to executing scheduled deposits. You are responsible for all investment and rebalancing decisions. Free shares can be fractional. Terms and fees apply. ---Get in touch 📧 mhr@pensioncraft.com 🎧 many-happy-returns.captivate.fm --- Join PensionCraft 🌐 Become a member at pensioncraft.com ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube ---Disclaimer This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes and is not financial advice. We do not provide recommendations or endorse any decision to buy, sell or hold any security. We cannot be held responsible for any actions listeners may take and investors are encouraged to seek independent financial advice. Copyright 2023 Many Happy Returns
Kaput: The End of the German Miracle, with Wolfgang Münchau
Dec 4 2024
Kaput: The End of the German Miracle, with Wolfgang Münchau
Germany is one of few Western countries to remain truly industrialised, boasting a massive manufacturing base and trade surplus. And yet, things have gone off the rails, with the economy contracting and the governing coalition collapsing. We're joined by Wolfgang Münchau, whose new book argues we are witnessing the end of the German economic miracle. And in today’s Dumb Question of the Week, we ask: Why don’t Germans invest in the stock market? --- Thank you to Trading 212 for sponsoring this episode. Claim free fractional shares worth up to ‎£⁠100. Just create and verify a Trading 212 Invest or Stocks ISA account, make a minimum deposit of £1, and use the promo code "RAMIN" within 10 days of signing up, or use the following link: Sponsored Link. Terms apply - trading212.com/join/RAMIN  When investing, your capital is at risk and you may get back less than invested. Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results. Pies & Autoinvest is an execution-only service. Not investment advice or portfolio management. Automatic investing refers to executing scheduled deposits. You are responsible for all investment and rebalancing decisions. Free shares can be fractional. Terms and fees apply. ---Get in touch 📧 mhr@pensioncraft.com 🎧 many-happy-returns.captivate.fm --- Join PensionCraft 🌐 Become a member at pensioncraft.com ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube ---Disclaimer This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes and is not financial advice. We do not provide recommendations or endorse any decision to buy, sell or hold any security. We cannot be held responsible for any actions listeners may take and investors are encouraged to seek independent financial advice. Copyright 2023 Many Happy Returns
Trump 2.0: Political Risk and Complacent Markets, with Economist Larry Hatheway
Nov 20 2024
Trump 2.0: Political Risk and Complacent Markets, with Economist Larry Hatheway
Political risk is one of the most unquantifiable aspects of investing — and one of the most consequential. Shifts in regulation, tax and trade policies can shake economies and upend asset prices. Our guest today is economist Larry Hatheway, who argues that markets vastly underestimate the dangers of a second Trump presidency. And in today’s Dumb Question of the Week, we ask: Are trade deficits a problem? --- Thank you to Raisin UK for sponsoring this episode. Raisin UK is a free, easy-to-use online savings platform, with savings accounts from over 40 FSCS-protected banks and building societies. Simply register, apply to open as many accounts as you like, and manage everything with a single login. Elevate your savings game today. What's more, you can receive a £100 bonus when you register and fund your first savings account with a minimum of £10,000 using the code "SAVINGS100". For more details, please go to raisin.co.uk/pensioncraft ---Get in touch 📧 mhr@pensioncraft.com 🎧 many-happy-returns.captivate.fm --- Join PensionCraft 🌐 Become a member at pensioncraft.com ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube ---Disclaimer This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes and is not financial advice. We do not provide recommendations or endorse any decision to buy, sell or hold any security. We cannot be held responsible for any actions listeners may take and investors are encouraged to seek independent financial advice. Copyright 2023 Many Happy Returns
Gilt Yields and Ghosts of Budgets Past: Who's Afraid of Bond Vigilantes?
Nov 6 2024
Gilt Yields and Ghosts of Budgets Past: Who's Afraid of Bond Vigilantes?
Gilt yields rose after the Autumn budget as markets absorbed sharp rises in investment, taxes and borrowing. Does Liz Truss’s mini-budget still haunt UK debt markets? And is there a risk that investors will shun UK debt? In today’s Dumb Question of the Week: Does public investment ‘crowd out’ or ‘crowd in’ private sector activity? --- Thank you to Raisin UK for sponsoring this episode. Raisin UK is a free, easy-to-use online savings platform, with savings accounts from over 40 FSCS-protected banks and building societies. Simply register, apply to open as many accounts as you like, and manage everything with a single login. Elevate your savings game today. What's more, you can receive a £100 bonus when you register and fund your first savings account with a minimum of £10,000 using the code "SAVINGS100". For more details, please go to raisin.co.uk/pensioncraft ---Get in touch 📧 mhr@pensioncraft.com 🎧 many-happy-returns.captivate.fm --- Join PensionCraft 🌐 Become a member at pensioncraft.com ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube ---Disclaimer This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes and is not financial advice. We do not provide recommendations or endorse any decision to buy, sell or hold any security. We cannot be held responsible for any actions listeners may take and investors are encouraged to seek independent financial advice. Copyright 2023 Many Happy Returns
Chance, Risk, and the Art of Uncertainty, with Sir David Spiegelhalter
Oct 30 2024
Chance, Risk, and the Art of Uncertainty, with Sir David Spiegelhalter
Investing is an uncertain journey, where chance, risk, and luck are constant companions. But can understanding probability help us live with the unknown? We're joined by Sir David Spiegelhalter, Emeritus Professor of Statistics at the University of Cambridge and author of 'The Art of Uncertainty: How to Navigate Chance, Ignorance, Risk, and Luck'. And in today’s Dumb Question of the Week, we ask: ‘Would you want to know when you will die?’ --- Thank you to Trading 212 for sponsoring this episode. Claim free fractional shares worth up to ‎£⁠100. Just create and verify a Trading 212 Invest or Stocks ISA account, make a minimum deposit of £1, and use the promo code "RAMIN" within 10 days of signing up, or use the following link: Sponsored Link. Terms apply - trading212.com/join/RAMIN When investing, your capital is at risk and you may get back less than invested. Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results. Pies & Autoinvest is an execution-only service. Not investment advice or portfolio management. Automatic investing refers to executing scheduled deposits. You are responsible for all investment and rebalancing decisions. Free shares can be fractional. Terms and fees apply. ---Get in touch 📧 mhr@pensioncraft.com 🎧 many-happy-returns.captivate.fm --- Join PensionCraft 🌐 Become a member at pensioncraft.com ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube ---Disclaimer This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes and is not financial advice. We do not provide recommendations or endorse any decision to buy, sell or hold any security. We cannot be held responsible for any actions listeners may take and investors are encouraged to seek independent financial advice. Copyright 2023 Many Happy Returns
Election Economics: Will A Trump Win Upend Markets?
Oct 23 2024
Election Economics: Will A Trump Win Upend Markets?
The US Presidential election is less than two weeks away, and the result hangs in the balance. While markets appear calm, a second Trump term could have profound effects on global economies and investments. We discuss how the so-called 'Trump Trade' might impact different assets and sectors. And in today’s Dumb Question of the Week: Is a strong or weak dollar better? --- Thank you to Trading 212 for sponsoring this episode. Claim free fractional shares worth up to ‎£⁠100. Just create and verify a Trading 212 Invest or Stocks ISA account, make a minimum deposit of £1, and use the promo code "RAMIN" within 10 days of signing up, or use the following link: Sponsored Link. Terms apply - trading212.com/join/RAMIN When investing, your capital is at risk and you may get back less than invested. Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results. Pies & Autoinvest is an execution-only service. Not investment advice or portfolio management. Automatic investing refers to executing scheduled deposits. You are responsible for all investment and rebalancing decisions. Free shares can be fractional. Terms and fees apply. ---Get in touch 📧 mhr@pensioncraft.com 🎧 many-happy-returns.captivate.fm --- Join PensionCraft 🌐 Become a member at pensioncraft.com ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube ---Disclaimer This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes and is not financial advice. We do not provide recommendations or endorse any decision to buy, sell or hold any security. We cannot be held responsible for any actions listeners may take and investors are encouraged to seek independent financial advice. Copyright 2023 Many Happy Returns
Time vs Money: How the Clock Transforms Your Investments
Oct 16 2024
Time vs Money: How the Clock Transforms Your Investments
Investing, at its core, is about postponing consumption in the belief that time is your friend. Yet time has powerful effects on all aspects of markets, magnifying returns, blunting volatility, and warping the very value of money itself. And in today’s Dumb Question of the Week: Why can’t we time the market? --- Thank you to Trading 212 for sponsoring this episode. Claim free fractional shares worth up to ‎£⁠100. Just create and verify a Trading 212 Invest or Stocks ISA account, make a minimum deposit of £1, and use the promo code "RAMIN" within 10 days of signing up, or use the following link: Sponsored Link. Terms apply - trading212.com/join/RAMIN When investing, your capital is at risk and you may get back less than invested. Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results. Pies & Autoinvest is an execution-only service. Not investment advice or portfolio management. Automatic investing refers to executing scheduled deposits. You are responsible for all investment and rebalancing decisions. Free shares can be fractional. Terms and fees apply. ---Get in touch 📧 mhr@pensioncraft.com 🎧 many-happy-returns.captivate.fm --- Join PensionCraft 🌐 Become a member at pensioncraft.com ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube ---Disclaimer This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes and is not financial advice. We do not provide recommendations or endorse any decision to buy, sell or hold any security. We cannot be held responsible for any actions listeners may take and investors are encouraged to seek independent financial advice. Copyright 2023 Many Happy Returns
Bracing for the Budget: Tax Rises, Black Holes & Growth, with Paul Johnson from the IFS
Oct 9 2024
Bracing for the Budget: Tax Rises, Black Holes & Growth, with Paul Johnson from the IFS
Despite record tax revenues, Britain's public services are struggling. So what's gone wrong and how do we fix it? We sit down with Paul Johnson, Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies and author of Follow the Money, to unpick the issues behind Britain's stagnation. We explore the structural challenges facing the UK economy, strategies to revive growth, and which taxes might rise in the upcoming budget. --- Thank you to Trading 212 for sponsoring this episode. Claim free fractional shares worth up to ‎£⁠100. Just create and verify a Trading 212 Invest or Stocks ISA account, make a minimum deposit of £1, and use the promo code "RAMIN" within 10 days of signing up, or use the following link: Sponsored Link. Terms apply - trading212.com/join/RAMIN When investing, your capital is at risk and you may get back less than invested. Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results. Pies & Autoinvest is an execution-only service. Not investment advice or portfolio management. Automatic investing refers to executing scheduled deposits. You are responsible for all investment and rebalancing decisions. Free shares can be fractional. Terms and fees apply. ---Get in touch 📧 mhr@pensioncraft.com 🎧 many-happy-returns.captivate.fm --- Join PensionCraft 🌐 Become a member at pensioncraft.com ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube ---Disclaimer This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes and is not financial advice. We do not provide recommendations or endorse any decision to buy, sell or hold any security. We cannot be held responsible for any actions listeners may take and investors are encouraged to seek independent financial advice. Copyright 2023 Many Happy Returns
Beijing’s Big Gamble: Stock Markets Soar On China's Stimulus
Oct 2 2024
Beijing’s Big Gamble: Stock Markets Soar On China's Stimulus
China’s economic boom has slowed as debt, deflation, and demographics weigh on the economy. Beijing belatedly announced a massive stimulus package, cutting interest rates and funnelling money into the stock market. But will it be enough to turn around the world's second biggest economy? And in today’s Dumb Question of the Week: What’s the difference between fiscal and monetary policy? --- Thank you to Trading 212 for sponsoring this episode. Claim free fractional shares worth up to ‎£⁠100. Just create and verify a Trading 212 Invest or Stocks ISA account, make a minimum deposit of £1, and use the promo code "RAMIN" within 10 days of signing up, or use the following link: Sponsored Link. Terms apply - trading212.com/join/RAMIN When investing, your capital is at risk and you may get back less than invested. Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results. Pies & Autoinvest is an execution-only service. Not investment advice or portfolio management. Automatic investing refers to executing scheduled deposits. You are responsible for all investment and rebalancing decisions. Free shares can be fractional. Terms and fees apply. ---Get in touch 📧 mhr@pensioncraft.com 🎧 many-happy-returns.captivate.fm --- Join PensionCraft 🌐 Become a member at pensioncraft.com ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube ---Disclaimer This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes and is not financial advice. We do not provide recommendations or endorse any decision to buy, sell or hold any security. We cannot be held responsible for any actions listeners may take and investors are encouraged to seek independent financial advice. Copyright 2023 Many Happy Returns