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.

In this latest Ben Squared we begin by discussing the momentum behind the European/German fiscal expansion and market outperformance, and if there is scope for disappointment? We then pivot to discussion over US market performance and whether weakness can persist and how international markets may react. Finally, we revisit the utility of bonds in what (in very recent times) appears a breakdown in the diversification benefits of the asset class. This podcast was recorded on 17th 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.

In the latest episode of our award-winning podcast series, and after a reasonable hiatus, we return to the topic of European Equities, arguably the hottest global equity market right now. Our expert guest is also a returning favourite, Oliver Collin, a European Equity Fund Manager at Invesco. The discussion is pretty far reaching, covering both economic and market conditions in light of the recent German ‘development’, but also some sector and stock discussion on a similar thread. A lively debate on both the prospects and concerns for investing in European Equities right now. This podcast is for UK Professional Investors Only. Capital at Risk. This podcast was recorded on 12th March 2025 Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this latest Ben Squared we begin by reflecting on current market jitters and whether this a moment to act with greater caution, or if there are sufficiently compelling reasons to hold one’s nerve. Following this, we take a closer look at Europe’s efforts to stimulate its economy, focusing on the policy announcements out of Germany. We then conclude with some US based analysis, reviewing whether the threat of imminent US recession is legitimate or if the ‘weak’ data can be explained by seasonal/idiosyncratic events. This podcast was recorded on 11th 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.

In this latest episode we review the drama seen in The White House on Friday evening, reflecting on how it may (or may not) influence geopolitical trends and, of course, investment strategy. We then pivot to US data which, in some quarters, is starting to look a little ominous. To conclude we reflect on the (stark) relative weakness of US stock markets versus their European and Chinese counterparts, year to date, discussing whether we think this is a trend that can continue. This podcast was recorded on 3rd 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.

In the latest episode of our award-winning podcast series, we return to the A.I. theme, focusing on the latest developments surrounding the DeepSeek ‘breakthrough’. Our expert guest is CIO of Thematic Innovation at Alliance Bernstein, Lei Qui, who first provides some educational insight into DeepSeek’s achievements, before offering a broader appraisal of the development costs and potential application. Beyond this Lei also share her thoughts on other prevailing issues and how this comes together to shape her investment strategy. This podcast is for UK Professional Investors Only. Capital at Risk. This podcast was recorded on 24th February 2025. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.