In this episode, James and Giles take a closer look at the key market moments from July - starting with the latest wave of global trade tariffs (1:33). With President Trump’s 1 August deadline now behind us, over 90 countries are facing higher tariffs… yet markets are still pushing higher. So, have we moved past peak-tariff uncertainty? Our experts also dig into the US economy, where tensions between President Trump and Fed Chair Jerome Powell continue to bubble (7:15). With fresh GDP and labour...
Aug 08, 2025•18 min•Ep. 35
This month, James and Giles discuss global equity trends for June which delivered some surprises considering recent geopolitical tensions and tariff uncertainty (1:10). Our experts consider potential rate cuts from the Fed later this year, after we saw subdued inflation and a weakening dollar in the US in June (2:30). James and Giles shift their focus to the impact – or lack thereof – of a turbulent Middle East upon global markets (5:06). Markets largely shrugged off the brief Israel-Iran confli...
Jul 08, 2025•21 min•Ep. 34
In the first episode of this series, we dive deeper into the research and predictions explored in our Shifting Demographics report. Professor Sarah Harper CBE, Director of the Oxford Institute of Population Ageing and Charlie Willans, report co-author and Head of Responsible Investment, discuss the trends in population ageing across the world, the opportunities it creates in emerging economies and the risks for China, as well as the implications for labour supply and climate change. Professor Ha...
Jun 25, 2025•23 min•Ep. 33
In this audio segment from our recent Insight Matters publication, our experts explore the new frontier of the weight loss industry. Read the full report here: Insight Matters report, Spring 2025 | TrinityBridge The obesity drugs sector, forecast to be worth somewhere in the region of $150-200bn per year by 2035, has garnered an ever-increasing amount of attention in recent years. And as our understanding of the link between obesity and other health conditions has increased, so too has the deman...
Jun 23, 2025•9 min•Ep. 32
This month, James and Giles dive into market events we saw over May (1:22). In the US equity markets extended their recovery from April’s lows and we saw easing trade tensions post Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day”. They also discuss the positive market reaction we’ve seen post the US Court of International Trade striking down most of Donald Trump’s sweeping trade tariffs (1:54). James and Giles turn their attention to in the UK and explore the deals on trade and relations (12:35) which brokered w...
Jun 11, 2025•39 min•Ep. 31
Our experts dive into the topic that is currently on everyone’s mind – Trump’s tariffs – and consider the aftermath of the global market reaction which we saw in April (02:10). James and Giles discuss US currency reaction (07:16) to the announcements and the potential impact on global economic growth we may see into the future. Roohi and James (14:20) explore recent consumer trends in sectors like the luxury goods market (17:49) against a market backdrop dominated by the uncertainty of US tariff...
May 09, 2025•27 min•Ep. 30
This month, Tony and Giles consider President Trump’s tariff announcement out of the US, and discuss the fallout from so called ‘Liberation Day’ (01:37). Our experts go beyond the headlines and consider the market reaction to this geopolitical news both globally and here at home (05:45). Valeria and Tony discuss recent trends in open-source generative AI and what the arrival of DeepSeek on the scene might mean for the industry. We consider how the adoption and acceleration of this technology may...
Apr 09, 2025•25 min•Ep. 29
In this episode, James and Giles discuss global equity markets, the uncertain path of tax, spending and tariff policies in the US, and the inflation and growth implications of these. They also consider the Trump Administration’s recent budget plan for tax cuts and spending that we saw towards the end of February. Our experts also explore the apparent trends of protectionism and economic nationalism, and how they might be affecting growth forecasts. James and special guest Matthew discuss and the...
Mar 12, 2025•22 min•Ep. 28
In this episode, James and Giles discuss the public release of new AI chatbot app, DeepSeek and the dramatic effect we saw this have on US technology sector stocks in recent weeks. James and special guest, Andrew, discuss recent local and global market impacts on UK Government Bond (or Gilt) markets. Finally, our experts explore the aftermath of a second Trump Inauguration, including much anticipated trade tariffs, and how the UK Government is faring post a lukewarm market response to October’s ...
Feb 06, 2025•25 min•Ep. 27
In our first episode of 2025, our experts summarise market themes and the prevailing macroeconomic backdrop we saw in 2024 and look ahead to what might be in store for 2025. James and Giles also discuss the latest global interest rate news, including December rate cuts made by the US Federal Reserve, the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee’s most recent meeting and the European Central Bank interest rate cut of last month. Finally, we also explore the proposed EU-Mercosur free trade agre...
Jan 09, 2025•20 min•Ep. 26
In our last episode for 2024, our experts discuss the formation of the new US government, as President-elect Trump begins to assemble his top table and the latest in US economic data. Back across the pond, we reflect on recent Bank of England rate cuts plus GDP and inflation prints we’ve seen post October’s Autumn Budget. We turn our attention globally to November’s COP 29 and hear our special guest, Responsible Investment Analyst, Isabella Champion-Sinclair, talk through her key takeaways from ...
Dec 06, 2024•24 min•Ep. 25
In this US Election special episode of Insight Talks, our experts go beyond the headlines and reflect on this fast-moving news event. At the time of recording, the Republican Party have retaken control of the US Senate, with the Democrats losing the majority vote. James, Isabel and Giles discuss this result and key policy areas to watch under a Trump presidency, such as tariffs, immigration and more. This podcast is brought to you by Close Brothers Asset Management – closebrothersam.com – and fe...
Nov 07, 2024•22 min•Ep. 24
In this episode of Insight Talks, our experts reflect on UK news flow over the last month, including the most recent Bank of England meeting, various economic data releases and the looming Autumn Budget which has been grabbing a lot of column inches in recent weeks. James, Isabel and Giles discuss the start of the Federal Reserve’s rate cutting cycle in the US, plus the ongoing malaise in the Chinese economy including policymakers’ recent stimulus package announcement. We then consider the ongoi...
Oct 11, 2024•30 min•Ep. 23
In this episode of Insight Talks, Isabel and James discuss global markets and recent market volatility we’ve experienced over the summer. James and special guest Giles take a deep dive on this recent volatility, talk through the potential reasons behind it, and the current outlook for global equity markets. Our experts go on to discuss US economic data, the latest Jackson Hole gathering and recent developments in the US Presidential race. James and Isabel then turn their attention to the UK, loo...
Sep 11, 2024•27 min•Ep. 21
In this episode of Insight Talks, Isabel and James discuss central bank activity, including the latest Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee and US Federal Reserve meetings. Our experts talk through the recent major developments in the US presidential race and the latest goings on in Westminster, including Chancellor Rachel Reeves' statement to parliament last week. We also touch on the month in markets, the latest on Bank of Japan and recent key policy meetings in China. This podcast is bro...
Aug 05, 2024•26 min•Ep. 20
In this edition of Insight Talks, Isabel and James briefly wrap up the aftermath of the UK election results, dive into the latest in French and US election news and think about the potential market impacts. Our experts discuss the latest US payroll and inflation data and what the implications may be, as well as the Bank of England’s most recent decision and expectations for the forthcoming August meeting. Finally, as we move through to the end of the second quarter of this year we explore what h...
Jul 16, 2024•19 min•Ep. 19
In this election special episode of Insight Talks, we explore the results of the UK General Election and what a change in the governing party – the first in over 14 years - will mean for the economy. Isabel and James talk through the significance of Labour’s historic landslide win and consider the main question on everyone’s lips right now - how has the market reacted and what is the impact on asset markets? Our experts also discuss what exactly this governmental change might mean for policy acr...
Jul 05, 2024•23 min•Ep. 18
In this latest edition of our Insight Talks podcast, we explore the recent surprise UK election announcement and try to make sense of why Rishi Sunak decided to call this next election several months earlier than expected. Turning their attention across the Atlantic, our experts discuss the upcoming US election, Donald Trump's recent criminal conviction and July's sentencing hearing, and how this may impact his chance of re-election in November. Finally, James and Isabel talk through recent cent...
Jun 10, 2024•23 min•Ep. 17
In this episode we explore the outcomes from the latest Federal Open Market Committee meeting and how the FED has reacted to the continued uptick in inflation that has been reported so far this year. Our experts discuss corporate earnings season, take a closer look at how the Magnificent 7 companies are faring and discuss UK interest rates, inflation data and house prices. Finally, James, Robert and Isabel check back in with the Bank of Japan after last month’s interest rates announcement and to...
May 07, 2024•26 min•Ep. 16
In this episode our hosts James, Isabel and Robert explore what made March such a bumper period for central bank activity in the US, Europe and the UK. They also take a close look at the after effects of the Bank of Japan’s recent rate hike and what this might mean for markets. The team turn their attention to global equity markets and the strengthening we’ve seen in certain asset classes. They discuss recently buoyed equity indices, potential reasons for record high gold prices and Bitcoin’s no...
Apr 08, 2024•29 min•Ep. 15
Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, Nvidia and Tesla comprise the group coined the 'Magnificent 7'. The performance of this group of large, tech oriented US stocks has been a major theme for markets in recent years. In this segment from our latest Investor Insights, James Tulloch, Senior Investment Specialist and Valeria Moore, CBAM's Deputy Head of Equity Research explore the significance of this group of stocks on markets and what exactly makes them so magnificent. This podcast is brough...
Apr 05, 2024•8 min•Ep. 14
In this episode Tony, Isabel and Robert turn their focus to the UK. They explore what is currently happening in the UK economy (5:00), what the Bank of England is focused on and what might move interest rates (7:43). Our experts also discuss current trends in UK bond and equity markets and the theme of de-equitisation (11:30). And we dive into what prompted the theme of this month’s edition - the virtues of the US market and why it so often captures our attention (1:50). This podcast is brought ...
Mar 04, 2024•24 min•Ep. 13
In this episode Tony, Isabel and Robert dive into the latest in central banks, particularly the Bank of England’s recent meeting and the likelihood of rate cuts and changes in interest rates (1:35). Plus, what’s happening in China right now? Our experts explore whether a cut to the reserve ratio requirement earlier this month speaks to a broader malaise in the economy (11:08). And, the team discuss the upcoming US election, why Biden is behind in recent polling and key election risks to watch (1...
Feb 13, 2024•23 min•Ep. 12
In our first episode of 2024 we hear from Head of Investment Specialists, Tony Whincup, speaking with Chief Investment Officer, Robert Alster, and Investment Officer, Isabel Albarran. In this episode they discuss: • 2023 in review: how did our 2023 predictions do? (1:20) • 2024 outlook: what will drive markets this year? (11:00) • Plus, risks in the Red Sea (16:42), a year of elections (25:55):and the outlook for earnings (20:55) This podcast is brought to you by Close Brothers Asset Management ...
Feb 13, 2024•30 min•Ep. 11
In our latest podcast we hear from Senior Investment Specialist, Tom Santa-Olalla, speaking with Chief Investment Officer, Robert Alster, and Investment Officer, Isabel Albarran. In this episode they discuss: What were the key factors affecting markets looking back on 2023 What are the key considerations looking forward to 2024 When and how rate cuts may impact markets Are the upcoming UK and US elections likely to impact markets This podcast is brought to you by Close Brothers Asset Management ...
Feb 13, 2024•17 min•Ep. 10
In our latest podcast we hear from Senior Investment Specialist, Tom Santa-Olalla, speaking with Chief Investment Officer, Robert Alster, and Investment Officer, Isabel Albarran. In this episode they discuss: Why US equity markets have pulled back into correction territory The potential global economic implications of regional conflicts Whether earnings season has had an effect on equity markets If slower sales growth and interest rate cuts are the canary in the coal mine The take away from cent...
Feb 13, 2024•17 min•Ep. 9
In our latest podcast we hear from Senior Investment Specialist, Tom Santa-Olalla, speaking with Chief Investment Officer, Robert Alster, and Investment Officer, Isabel Albarran. In this episode they discuss: Interest rates and inflation The Bank of England and the Federal Reserve have left interest rates unchanged. Are we at the peak of the interest rate hike cycle and what happens next? Will the rising oil prices result in higher inflation? The reaction of equity markets - growth expectations ...
Feb 13, 2024•14 min•Ep. 8
In our latest podcast we hear from Senior Investment Specialist, Tom Santa-Olalla, speaking with Chief Investment Officer, Robert Alster, and Investment Officer, Isabel Albarran. In this episode they explore: Contraction of corporate earnings and share price reactions Sector performance and the impact of Artificial Intelligence and tech on markets Interest rate hikes Easing of the labour market in the US and strong wage growth in the UK China’s recovery and developments This podcast is brought t...
Feb 13, 2024•16 min•Ep. 7
Hear our experts discuss the market outlook for investors in our latest #podcast episode. Senior Investment Specialist, Tom Santa-Olalla, explores current market themes with our Chief Investment Officer, Robert Alster and Investment Officer, Isabel Albarran. This podcast is brought to you by Close Brothers Asset Management – www.closebrothersam.com We’ve created this podcast to set out possible approaches. Please do not view it as financial advice, or its content as investment recommendations. J...
Feb 13, 2024•14 min•Ep. 6
Hear our experts discuss the market outlook for investors in our latest podcast episode. Senior Investment Specialist, Tom Santa-Olalla, explores current market themes with our Chief Investment Officer, Robert Alster and Investment Officer, Isabel Albarran. This podcast is brought to you by Close Brothers Asset Management – www.closebrothersam.com We’ve created this podcast to set out possible approaches. Please do not view it as financial advice, or its content as investment recommendations. Ju...
Feb 13, 2024•13 min•Ep. 5
