In the latest Ben Squared podcast we reflect on the promising developments unfolding in trade policy, both from the US and the rest of the world! Incorporating this progress we then review recent decisions and communications from the US Federal Reserve and the Bank of England. This podcast was recorded on 12th May 2025. *This podcast is for UK Professional Clients Only. Capital at Risk. Past performance does not predict future returns. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In the latest Ben Squared podcast we revisit the conflict between resilient hard data and despondent levels of sentiment within the economy. From there we reflect on how such challenges may shape central bank policy, before concluding with a review of our current investment strategy. This podcast was recorded on 6th May 2025.  *This podcast is for UK Professional Clients Only. Capital at Risk. Past performance does not predict future returns. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In another busy Ben Squared podcast we first reflect on Trump’s ‘remarkable’ first 100 days in office, before pivoting to (what appears) a further easing in trade tensions, before revisiting the challenge to US exceptionalism. We conclude with thoughts on the conflict between resilient hard data (such as Retail Sales) and collapsing soft data (such as consumer confidence). As always, the conversation also offers insights into current investment strategy. This podcast was recorded on 29th April 2025.  *This podcast is for UK Professional Clients Only. Capital at Risk. Past performance does not predict future returns. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this latest Ben Squared podcast, and with markets continuing to struggle, we discuss the burgeoning concerns over recessionary risks, but also the extent to which there are positive offsets (if any?). From there we pivot to the increasing pressure being placed upon the Federal Reserve, and its Chair, by the US Trump Administration to cut interest rates. We conclude by bringing both elements together and to reflect on the virtues of what many consider to be ‘safe haven’ assets, such as Treasuries, Bunds and Gold. This podcast was recorded on 22nd April 2025.  *This podcast is for UK Professional Clients Only. Capital at Risk. Past performance does not predict future returns.” Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In the latest episode of our award-winning podcast series we take a deeper dive into the Emerging Markets. As is usual, the primary focus is to gain a deeper understanding of economic conditions, and to review the investment opportunities and risks that currently present within the asset class. Joining to provide expert analysis, we’re delighted to welcome Chris Tennant, a highly regarded Emerging Market Fund Manager from Fidelity. More specifically on content the conversation centres upon China, however, we do leave plenty of time for thoughts on India, Brazil and Vietnam. This discussion is particularly relevant given the dramatic shifts seen in US Trade Policy of late, and the Trump Administration’s focus on ‘dealing’ with the China trade imbalance.” This podcast is for UK Professional Investors Only. Capital at Risk. This podcast was recorded on 14th April 2025. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this latest Ben Squared podcast we are compelled to continue the discussion on US Trade Policy as a gradual easing in the Trump Administration’s approach offers some relief to markets – at least in the very short-term. Of course, uncertainty remains over the final destination for tariff settings, and a discussion over recessionary threats is necessary. To conclude the conversation, a debate is had over the utility of bonds as a diversifying asset in the face of a recession, highlighting the threat of adhering to prior ‘rules of thumb’. This podcast was recorded on 15th April 2025.   *This podcast is for UK Professional Clients Only. Capital at Risk. Past performance does not predict future returns. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this latest podcast our focus remains on the fallout from US Trade Policy, analysing the degree to which recessionary risks have risen and the potential policy response. Discussions do not centre entirely on the US, however, indeed time is taken to review how other important regions are managing this challenge and executing their own fiscal agenda, independent of trade disruption. We conclude with comments on how stock markets ‘may’ begin to form a bottom – though recognising downside risks are still material. This podcast was recorded on 8th April 2025. *This podcast is for UK Professional Clients Only. Capital at Risk. Past performance does not predict future returns. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this special/bonus addition of the Ben Squared podcast, we discuss the market turmoil in response to the dramatic developments in US Trade Policy. The conversation begins with an analysis of the market reaction, and where it has been more or less rational, before turning to a broader debate on recessionary risks and the challenge for monetary policy decision makers. The conversation concludes with thoughts on investment strategy, particularly focusing on the dollar and regional equity allocations. This podcast was recorded on 4th April 2025. *This podcast is for UK Professional Clients Only. Capital at Risk. Past performance does not predict future returns. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this latest Ben Squared podcast we discuss the potential impact of US Trade Policy on regional economic activity and global markets, reflecting on both near term history but also (much) further into the past. We do not treat ‘Liberation Day’ as an isolated event, however, taking into context other important trends, particularly as it relates to relative fiscal policy. This podcast was recorded on 1st April 2025. *This podcast is for UK Professional Clients Only. Capital at Risk. Past performance does not predict future returns. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this latest Ben Squared we begin by discussing the modest calm we are seeing in news flow and market performance, at least relative to a dramatic start to the year? We then pivot to a discussion on the Federal Reserve’s changes to its economic and interest rate projections, and the extent to which these are supporting/impeding market sentiment. Next we discuss capital flows, and the extent to which this is shaping investment performance, and the extent it may do so into the future? Finally, we offer a few glancing comments on this week’s UK Spring Statement, and how economic performance intertwines (or not) with market returns. This podcast was recorded on 24th March 2025. *This podcast is for UK Professional Clients Only. Capital at Risk. Past performance does not predict future returns. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.