Investors' Chronicle Investors' Chronicle

ChatGPT has brought artificial intelligence (AI) firmly into investors’ sights in 2023. But, where are we today in terms of AI and its applications, and where are we going in the future? Cherry Reynard and Allianz Technology Trust portfolio manager Mike Seidenberg look at the implications and whether the initial euphoria from an investment perspective is warranted.
There is no doubt that increasing use of data is an advantage for businesses, and those that fall behind in their use of AI risk being at a competitive disadvantage. On balance, is AI an opportunity or a threat? To see the full podcast series visit https://www.allianztechnologytrust.com/en-gb/videos-podcasts-and-reading?Topic=Podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Robinson kicks off today’s podcast with a discussion about used-car retailer Pendragon’s (PDG) results. The company’s rating has shifted in the past year since AutoNation Inc’s (US:AN) £447mn takeover proposal, but the industry is still facing headwinds after the pandemic. In a similar motoring vein, Julian Hofmann shares his thoughts on the EV market, which is set to heat up as Germany and China gear up for a trade fight.
Our economics expert, Hermione Taylor, jumps in the driving seat for the next segment, sharing her thoughts on how long it will take for the UK to get back to normal inflation figures. She draws on Bank of England data, which are infused with reasons to doubt a fall in inflation, but she says that there are some reasons to be optimistic.  
Jennifer Johnson then reveals what we can expect to see in the pet care industry. The share price of CVS Group (CVSG), one of the six big players in the sector, fell after the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced an investigation into the sector, “exploring how well the market is working for pet owners”. As the British tend to dote on their four, or more, legged family members, pet owners will often splash out on veterinary needs, sometimes scrimping on other spending if needs be. Is this love-fuelled spending being exploited for cynical, profit-driven ends?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex Newman is joined by Lord John Lee in the Financial Times studio, marking the first episode of a new series from the Investors’ Chronicle – Lee and the IC.
With decades of experience as a ‘do-it-yourself’ investor, Lord Lee offers invaluable wisdom to investors of all experience levels.
In this episode, the pair discuss the moment Lord Lee knew M&G (MNG) would be a worthwhile holding, the resilience of the City and a handful of his current favourite shares.
This episode was recorded on 23 September.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Investment Manager at Smithson Investment Trust, a growth-focused fund run by the team behind Fundsmith Equity, Simon Barnard is a key player in companies that have “already won”.
Dave Baxter and Barnard discuss various strategies that the trust has used since its inception, including bottom-up techniques and a three-step process of acquisition. 
Acquisitions of strongly performing companies are central to the success of the fund, of which Smithson has acquired a wide range, including names such as Fevertree (FEVR) and Moncler (IT:MONC). Alongside well-known names, Simon highlights interesting lesser-known companies in the portfolio, including those utilising selfies and AI to boost profits. 
But as well as sharing aspects of a successful acquisition, Simon reveals the warning signals that can tell you when it is time to sell a holding. 
This interview was recorded on Thursday 14 September.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The episode begins with Jemma Slingo, who runs through the recent results from listed management consultant Elixirr. What can the interim figures tell us about future growth?
It’s then on to Arthur Sants, who discusses Vodafone, a company that features in our most recent cover story on Income Majors. What could the merger with Three bring to the company? And what can we expect the new chief executive to do?
Last up, Mark Robinson shares his thoughts on ‘buy and build’ specialist Judges Scientific. Can its bread-and-butter strategy still thrive in tough economic conditions?


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our company experts Michael Fahy and Julian Hofmann begin by sharing their thoughts on recent results from Melrose and Dowlais. What effect has the RTX engine recall had on Melrose? And should Dowlais be concerned about the possibility of strikes in the US?
Next up is our latest cover feature on the cost of capital, by James Norrington. He gives an overview of the feature and discusses the two schools of thought central to the piece; crowding out and crowding in. 
Last on the agenda is the topic of high-yielding funds. Leonora Walters highlights the problems that arise when investors rely solely on yields, but what are some of the other checks that can be done to secure a resilient payer?


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.