Playing FTSE

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We're a UK based podcast discussing all types of investing. Light-hearted and info-packed, we'll try our best to bring you great coverage of the markets, stocks, politics, and loads of other things in a way that’s accessible and (we hope) entertaining!

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    Amazon, Google & Atlassian Bull & Bear!

    What does SteveD think about when he wakes up in the morning? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show! It’s been quite the week in the stock market. But which Steve has been busy, and which has been biding his time waiting for an opportunity? Alphabet posted some outstanding results for the fourth quarter of 2025. Cloud growth is rapid and search is going from strength to strength boosted by Gemini. The stock fell, though, on news of a big capex spend somewhere between $175 and $185bn for this year. Is that too much (and why is the firm still paying a dividend)? Amazon shares dropped 10% after news of a $200bn capex spend. But Steve W doesn’t think that’s a huge amount in the context of AWS’s Q4 revenues.  Analysts at D.A. Davidson don’t agree, though. They think the company is faltering and being left behind by competitors – does Steve D agree? It's been a long time since we talked about Atlassian. But the stock has been caught up in the SAAS selloff this week and Steve D thinks it's time to look again.  What would it take for an AI newcomer to do serious damage to an incumbent software company? Or is this a huge buying opportunity in the sector?  Only on this week's PlayingFTSE Podcast! ► Get a free fractional share! This show is sponsored by Trading 212! To get free fractional shares worth up to 100 EUR / GBP, you can open an account with Trading 212 through this link https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE. Terms apply. When investing, your capital is at risk and you may get back less than invested. Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results. ► Get 15% OFF Fiscal.ai: Huge thanks to our sponsor, Fiscal.ai, the best investing toolkit we've discovered! Get 15% off your subscription with code below and unlock powerful tools to analyze stocks, discover hidden gems, and build income streams. Check them out at Fiscal.ai! https://fiscal.ai/?via=steve ► Follow Us On Substack: Sign up for our Substack and get light-hearted, info-packed discussions on everything from market trends and investing psychology to deep dives into different asset classes. We’ll analyse what makes the best investors tick and share insights that challenge your thinking while keeping things engaging. You’ll also find our new 10-week investing and research course available right now. It’s completely free, with no sign-up required, no payment, and none of the usual BS. Don't miss out. Join us today and get stuck in. https://playingftse.substack.com/ ► Support the show: Appreciate the show and want to offer your support? You could always buy us a coffee at: https://ko-fi.com/playingftse (All proceeds reinvested into the show and not to coffee!) ► Timestamps: 0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS 9:11 ALPHABET EARNINGS 31:28 AMAZON 50:07 ATLASSIAN ► Show Notes: What’s been going on in the financial world and why should anyone care? Find out as we dive into the latest news and try to figure out what any of it means. We talk about stocks, markets, politics, and loads of other things in a way that’s accessible, light-hearted and (we hope) entertaining. For the people who know nothing, by the people who know even less. Enjoy ► Wanna get in contact? Got a question for us? Drop it in the comments below or reach out to us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/ ► Enquiries: Please email - playingftsepodcast@gmail(dot)com ► Disclaimer: This information is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions.

    1h 16m

  2. 1 FEB

    Meta, Visa & Steve Gets SAAS-y

    Where can you find PDF files? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show! Both Steves are between the indices this week. But we’re doing something a bit different with the return (for one week only) of our games. SAAS companies have been falling lately and we’ve been (mostly) paying attention. So Steve D has a quiz about how far they are from their highs. See how you get on at home. A point if you can get closer than Steve W, he scores one if you’re further away – can you win at this game? It’s time for a closer look at Mastercard and Visa. They’re a value investor’s worst nightmare – outstanding businesses that are never cheap but keep on outperforming. Steve D’s been checking out both. And he’s having a closer look at whether buying today might be something that he looks back on positively in 2028. Meta Platforms saw its share price rise after Q4 earnings. But the big question for investors is why – the firm is set to ramp up its capital expenditures in a big way in 2026. Steve W thinks a more positive tone from the CEO might be part of the story. And at a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of around 21 going forward, it’s relatively cheap… We’ve not been looking at Stride for very long, but Steve D is off to a cracking start with the stock. A huge lift after earnings means it’s time to reassess the thesis.  AI has been a major disruptor for the SAAS space in the last few months. But could Stride’s ability to get people jobs be invaluable in an unemployment-driven recession? 3i has been one of the FTSE 100’s leading lights over the last 10 years. And the stock is recovering from a crash a few months ago, but the company is doing… ok. Action’s like-for-like sales remain a bit of a challenge, especially in France. But with two new countries to expand into, is there still enough growth to justify a big multiple? Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast! ► Get a free fractional share! This show is sponsored by Trading 212! To get free fractional shares worth up to 100 EUR / GBP, you can open an account with Trading 212 through this link https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE. Terms apply. When investing, your capital is at risk and you may get back less than invested. Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results. ► Get 15% OFF Fiscal.ai: Huge thanks to our sponsor, Fiscal.ai, the best investing toolkit we've discovered! Get 15% off your subscription with code below and unlock powerful tools to analyze stocks, discover hidden gems, and build income streams. Check them out at Fiscal.ai! https://fiscal.ai/?via=steve ► Follow Us On Substack: Sign up for our Substack and get light-hearted, info-packed discussions on everything from market trends and investing psychology to deep dives into different asset classes. We’ll analyse what makes the best investors tick and share insights that challenge your thinking while keeping things engaging. You’ll also find our new 10-week investing and research course available right now. It’s completely free, with no sign-up required, no payment, and none of the usual BS. Don't miss out. Join us today and get stuck in. https://playingftse.substack.com/ ► Support the show: Appreciate the show and want to offer your support? You could always buy us a coffee at: https://ko-fi.com/playingftse (All proceeds reinvested into the show and not to coffee!) ► Timestamps: 0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS 7:27 GETTING SAASY QUIZ 18:40 MASTERCARD & VISA 35:43 META 49:23 STRIDE 1:01:17 3I (ACTION) ► Wanna get in contact? Got a question for us? Drop it in the comments below or reach out to us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/ ► Enquiries: Please email - playingftsepodcast@gmail(dot)com ► Disclaimer: This information is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions.

    1h 14m

  3. 28 JAN

    Our Appearance on the JKR Show!

    ► Get a free fractional share!This show is sponsored by Trading 212! To get free fractional shares worth up to 100 EUR / GBP, you can open an account with Trading 212 through this link https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE. Terms apply.When investing, your capital is at risk and you may get back less than invested.Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results.► Get 15% OFF Fiscal.ai:Huge thanks to our sponsor, Fiscal.ai, the best investing toolkit we've discovered! Get 15% off your subscription with code below and unlock powerful tools to analyze stocks, discover hidden gems, and build income streams. Check them out at Fiscal.ai!https://fiscal.ai/?via=steve► Follow Us On Substack:Sign up for our Substack and get light-hearted, info-packed discussions on everything from market trends and investing psychology to deep dives into different asset classes. We’ll analyse what makes the best investors tick and share insights that challenge your thinking while keeping things engaging.You’ll also find our new 10-week investing and research course available right now. It’s completely free, with no sign-up required, no payment, and none of the usual BS. Don't miss out. Join us today and get stuck in.https://playingftse.substack.com/► Support the show:Appreciate the show and want to offer your support? You could always buy us a coffee at: https://ko-fi.com/playingftse(All proceeds reinvested into the show and not to coffee!)► Timestamps:► Show Notes:What’s been going on in the financial world and why should anyone care? Find out as we dive into the latest news and try to figure out what any of it means. We talk about stocks, markets, politics, and loads of other things in a way that’s accessible, light-hearted and (we hope) entertaining. For the people who know nothing, by the people who know even less. Enjoy► Wanna get in contact?Got a question for us? Drop it in the comments below or reach out to us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/► Enquiries: Please email - playingftsepodcast@gmail(dot)com► Disclaimer: This information is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions.

    2h 4m

  4. 25 JAN

    Is NETFLIX Being WISE, Do We trust KKR's JUDGEment?

    Who’s struggling in Sri Lanka? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show! Down weeks all round this time in the stock market. But Steve D at least has something worth reporting from the last seven days  It might be a tough time for private equity, but KKR still have a view on the stock market for 2026. And it’s one that should give both Steves a lot of reason for optimism. According to their forecasts, high quality beats low quality, asset-light beats asset-heavy in 2026. Is that set to play right into this show’s hands? Netflix stock is near a 52-week low and it fell again after its latest earnings report. The reported numbers were decent, but sales growth going forward is set to be a bit lighter. The bigger issue, though, is the firm’s bid to take over Warner Brothers Discovery. There’s a lot of risk involved, but Steve W thinks it might be that the company can’t lose… Wise is a UK stock we both like and it’s soaring after the latest update. It’s very strong – but not really in a way beyond what we’ve come to expect from the firm. Is the stock market finally coming to see what’s going on? Or is there another reason why the share price has pushed higher as it prepares for a dual listing? Judges Scientific is one of our top growth stocks, but it fell sharply earlier this week. The company’s guidance was very weak, but Steve W thinks things could turn around sharply. Demand in the US has been the issue, but Congress has thrown out the administration’s plans to cut research funding. So is a huge recovery on the cards in the next few months? Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast! ► Get a free fractional share! This show is sponsored by Trading 212! To get free fractional shares worth up to 100 EUR / GBP, you can open an account with Trading 212 through this link https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE. Terms apply. When investing, your capital is at risk and you may get back less than invested. Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results. ► Spreadsheet Link: Link for the spreadsheet! https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1TznNUa7Asty2IvxfqPQV6PWWC4UUU-T7q3-AedlJQX4/edit?usp=drivesdk ► Get 15% OFF Fiscal.ai: Huge thanks to our sponsor, Fiscal.ai, the best investing toolkit we've discovered! Get 15% off your subscription with code below and unlock powerful tools to analyze stocks, discover hidden gems, and build income streams. Check them out at Fiscal.ai! https://fiscal.ai/?via=steve ► Follow Us On Substack: Sign up for our Substack and get light-hearted, info-packed discussions on everything from market trends and investing psychology to deep dives into different asset classes. We’ll analyse what makes the best investors tick and share insights that challenge your thinking while keeping things engaging. You’ll also find our new 10-week investing and research course available right now. It’s completely free, with no sign-up required, no payment, and none of the usual BS. Don't miss out. Join us today and get stuck in. https://playingftse.substack.com/ ► Timestamps: 0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS 7:10 KKR’S GUIDE TO THE MARKETS 28:27 NETFLIX 44:00 WISE 56:31 JUDGES SCIENTIFIC ► Show Notes: What’s been going on in the financial world and why should anyone care? Find out as we dive into the latest news and try to figure out what any of it means. We talk about stocks, markets, politics, and loads of other things in a way that’s accessible, light-hearted and (we hope) entertaining. For the people who know nothing, by the people who know even less. Enjoy ► Wanna get in contact? Got a question for us? Drop it in the comments below or reach out to us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/ ► Enquiries: Please email - playingftsepodcast@gmail(dot)com ► Disclaimer: This information is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions.

    1h 9m

  5. 18 JAN

    Credit Wobbles, False Starts & A Tax On Semiconductors

    Who’s spent £130 on Vistry shares? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show! Steve D’s managed the show’s standard performance – between the FTSE 100 and the S&P 500 this week. Steve W, on the other hand… Earnings season for the S&P 500 is underway with the big banks reporting. And their share prices didn’t react particularly well, but the stocks still look unusually expensive.  By contrast, Visa and Mastercard have fallen back into more familiar P/E territory. So is there a better opportunity there with a short-term distraction on the table? The Diageo share price has been a disaster for the last couple of years. But as the details of the new CEO’s plan to turn the firm around become clear, Steve W is getting interested. Selling off some of the company’s non-core holdings could release more cash than you might think. There are, however, still some big challenges still to deal with.  Vistry is a stock both Steves have had a close eye on for 2026. But the stock market’s reaction to its most recent update was not positive at all. With a big government project on the way, is the dip an opportunity? Or are there still major concerns ahead for investors in the housebuilding sector? Steve D’s VAT Group has had a great week. A 16% jump puts the stock level with Applied Materials and Lam Research – two of its major customers – since the start of the year. The AI drive has been fuelling strong demand across the semiconductor equipment industry. And there’s a lot to like about a company that sells components… Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast! ► Get a free fractional share! This show is sponsored by Trading 212! To get free fractional shares worth up to 100 EUR / GBP, you can open an account with Trading 212 through this link https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE. Terms apply. When investing, your capital is at risk and you may get back less than invested. Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results. ► Get 15% OFF Fiscal.ai: Huge thanks to our sponsor, Fiscal.ai, the best investing toolkit we've discovered! Get 15% off your subscription with code below and unlock powerful tools to analyze stocks, discover hidden gems, and build income streams. Check them out at Fiscal.ai! https://fiscal.ai/?via=steve ► Follow Us On Substack: Sign up for our Substack and get light-hearted, info-packed discussions on everything from market trends and investing psychology to deep dives into different asset classes. We’ll analyze what makes the best investors tick and share insights that challenge your thinking while keeping things engaging. Don't miss out! Sign up today and start your journey with us. https://playingftse.substack.com/ ► Support the show: Appreciate the show and want to offer your support? You could always buy us a coffee at: https://ko-fi.com/playingftse (All proceeds reinvested into the show and not to coffee!) ► Timestamps: 0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS 5:29 US BANKS 21:48 VAT GROUP 38:32 DIAGEO 54:20 VISTRY ► Show Notes: What’s been going on in the financial world and why should anyone care? Find out as we dive into the latest news and try to figure out what any of it means. We talk about stocks, markets, politics, and loads of other things in a way that’s accessible, light-hearted and (we hope) entertaining. For the people who know nothing, by the people who know even less. Enjoy ► Wanna get in contact? Got a question for us? Drop it in the comments below or reach out to us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/ ► Enquiries: Please email - playingftsepodcast@gmail(dot)com ► Disclaimer: This information is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions.

    1h 8m

  6. 11 JAN

    Huge Buys At This UK REIT + EU Tech and US Defense Changes!

    Where is Botley? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show! Steve W is feeling pretty good about his portfolio – ahead of the S&P 500 and the FTSE 100. But Steve D is feeling even better – new year, new us? Defence stocks were one of the stock market’s top themes for 2025. But a pair of announcements from Donald Trump caused chaos in share prices on Thursday. One prohibited dividends and share buybacks, but the other proposed to raise US defence spending to $1.5trn in 2027. Steve W’s been looking at what it means for UK stocks. Steve D has been taking a closer look at a stock we’ve been interested in before. Nemetschek is the European version of Autodesk – except that it might be better.  A collection of niche software businesses that have been shifting to subscription models might be attractive. It’s in the Eurobox, but is it one to consider buying? Stocks with a 9% dividend yield rarely come without a catch. In that spirit, Steve W’s been looking at Regional REIT, which might have more going on than it seems at first sight. Occupancy levels are low and interest costs are set to increase. But the company has plans to turn its portfolio around, so could there be an opportunity on the other side? We all know the UK’s real Warren Buffett isn’t Terry Smith – it’s Mike Ashley. And he’s been piling into a stock (via derivatives) that Steve D likes the look of.  Grainger is one we’ve talked about before. It’s a REIT with a very nice portfolio, plans to expand, and a knack for filling its properties faster than it can build them… Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast! ► Get a free fractional share! This show is sponsored by Trading 212! To get free fractional shares worth up to 100 EUR / GBP, you can open an account with Trading 212 through this link https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE. Terms apply. When investing, your capital is at risk and you may get back less than invested. Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results. ► Get 15% OFF Fiscal.ai: Huge thanks to our sponsor, Fiscal.ai, the best investing toolkit we've discovered! Get 15% off your subscription with code below and unlock powerful tools to analyze stocks, discover hidden gems, and build income streams. Check them out at Fiscal.ai! https://fiscal.ai/?via=steve ► Follow Us On Substack: Sign up for our Substack and get light-hearted, info-packed discussions on everything from market trends and investing psychology to deep dives into different asset classes. We’ll analyze what makes the best investors tick and share insights that challenge your thinking while keeping things engaging. Don't miss out! Sign up today and start your journey with us. https://playingftse.substack.com/ ► Support the show: Appreciate the show and want to offer your support? You could always buy us a coffee at: https://ko-fi.com/playingftse (All proceeds reinvested into the show and not to coffee!) ► Timestamps: 0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS 9:29 DEFENCE ANNOUNCEMENTS 25:40 NEMETSCHEK 47:00 REGIONAL REIT 1:03:19 GRAINGER ► Show Notes: What’s been going on in the financial world and why should anyone care? Find out as we dive into the latest news and try to figure out what any of it means. We talk about stocks, markets, politics, and loads of other things in a way that’s accessible, light-hearted and (we hope) entertaining. For the people who know nothing, by the people who know even less. Enjoy ► Wanna get in contact? Got a question for us? Drop it in the comments below or reach out to us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/ ► Enquiries: Please email - playingftsepodcast@gmail(dot)com ► Disclaimer: This information is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions.

    1h 17m

  7. 1 JAN

    Making New & Reviewing Old Predictions!

    ► Get a free fractional share! This show is sponsored by Trading 212! To get free fractional shares worth up to 100 EUR / GBP, you can open an account with Trading 212 through this link https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE. Terms apply. When investing, your capital is at risk and you may get back less than invested. Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results. ► Get 15% OFF Fiscal.ai: Huge thanks to our sponsor, Fiscal.ai, the best investing toolkit we've discovered! Get 15% off your subscription with code below and unlock powerful tools to analyze stocks, discover hidden gems, and build income streams. Check them out at Fiscal.ai! https://fiscal.ai/?via=steve ► Follow Us On Substack: Sign up for our Substack and get light-hearted, info-packed discussions on everything from market trends and investing psychology to deep dives into different asset classes. We’ll analyze what makes the best investors tick and share insights that challenge your thinking while keeping things engaging. Don't miss out! Sign up today and start your journey with us. https://playingftse.substack.com/ ► Support the show: Appreciate the show and want to offer your support? You could always buy us a coffee at: https://ko-fi.com/playingftse (All proceeds reinvested into the show and not to coffee!) ► Timestamps: 0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS 10:03 BRITBOX AND EUROBOX CHANGES 28:04 REVIEWING PREDICTIONS 48:37 NEW PREDICTIONS ► Show Notes: What’s been going on in the financial world and why should anyone care? Find out as we dive into the latest news and try to figure out what any of it means. We talk about stocks, markets, politics, and loads of other things in a way that’s accessible, light-hearted and (we hope) entertaining. For the people who know nothing, by the people who know even less. Enjoy ► Wanna get in contact? Got a question for us? Drop it in the comments below or reach out to us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/ ► Enquiries: Please email - playingftsepodcast@gmail(dot)com ► Disclaimer: This information is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions.

    1h 11m

  8. 25/12/2025

    Portfolio Reviews + Eurobox & Britbox Results!

    Whose portfolio has been gold and whose has been meh? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show! Merry Christmas Everyone! We’re actually recording this about a week early, but we’re excited to be sharing the big day with all of you. It’s the most wonderful time of the year. We’re reporting on how our portfolios have done and giving you the satisfaction of pointing out how much better than us you are. Steve D has had a pretty good year. If you squint, he’s ahead of the S&P 500, but you do have to have had a few by the time this show goes out to let him get away with it. The big news is that he’s selling out of Alphabet just as Berkshire Hathaway is moving in. But he’s also building a cash pile that looks a lot like Warren Buffett’s, so what’s he up to? Steve W has not had a good year. To say anything else, you’d have to be blind drunk on the Christmas spirits and even then, that probably wouldn’t be enough to do it. Bunzl, Diageo, Celebrus, and 3i have been ruining things this year. But is he going to do anything differently next year, or will it just be more of the same and hoping for the best? The Eurobox has done quite well, mostly because we don’t really know what we’re doing with these stocks. But does that mean we can’t change a winning team? By contrast, the Britbox has been an interesting mixture of outstanding performers and complete rubbish. The net overall result is… rubbish, so what are we going to do about it? Only on this Christmas PlayingFTSE Podcast! ► Get a free fractional share! This show is sponsored by Trading 212! To get free fractional shares worth up to 100 EUR / GBP, you can open an account with Trading 212 through this link https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE. Terms apply. When investing, your capital is at risk and you may get back less than invested. Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results. ► Get 15% OFF Fiscal.ai: Huge thanks to our sponsor, Fiscal.ai, the best investing toolkit we've discovered! Get 15% off your subscription with code below and unlock powerful tools to analyze stocks, discover hidden gems, and build income streams. Check them out at Fiscal.ai! https://fiscal.ai/?via=steve ► Follow Us On Substack: Sign up for our Substack and get light-hearted, info-packed discussions on everything from market trends and investing psychology to deep dives into different asset classes. We’ll analyze what makes the best investors tick and share insights that challenge your thinking while keeping things engaging. Don't miss out! Sign up today and start your journey with us. https://playingftse.substack.com/ ► Support the show: Appreciate the show and want to offer your support? You could always buy us a coffee at: https://ko-fi.com/playingftse (All proceeds reinvested into the show and not to coffee!) ► Timestamps: 0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS 7:31 REVIEWING STEVE D’S PORTFOLIO 30:19 REVIEWING STEVE W’S PORTFOLIO 49:10 EUROBOX & BRITBOX UPDATE ► Show Notes: What’s been going on in the financial world and why should anyone care? Find out as we dive into the latest news and try to figure out what any of it means. We talk about stocks, markets, politics, and loads of other things in a way that’s accessible, light-hearted and (we hope) entertaining. For the people who know nothing, by the people who know even less. Enjoy ► Wanna get in contact? Got a question for us? Drop it in the comments below or reach out to us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/ ► Enquiries: Please email - playingftsepodcast@gmail(dot)com ► Disclaimer: This information is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions.

    1h 3m
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About

We're a UK based podcast discussing all types of investing. Light-hearted and info-packed, we'll try our best to bring you great coverage of the markets, stocks, politics, and loads of other things in a way that’s accessible and (we hope) entertaining!

Information

  • Creator
    playingftsepodcast
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    295
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © playingftsepodcast
  • Show Website
    Playing FTSE

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