Playing FTSE

playingftsepodcast
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Investing
  • Updated Weekly

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. 13h ago

    Ins, Outs & Shaking All Abouts -- Is That Really What It's All About?

    Where are the 2027 Test Matches taking place? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show! A truly dreadful week for both Steves in the stock market. The FTSE 100 and the S&P 500 are both up and they’re down over 3% – each. That’s not great, but what’s been doing the damage? And in a week where most of their portfolios are red, how have they managed to focus almost entirely on shares that are up?! Judges Scientific was one of our top UK growth stocks for 2026. But that hasn’t really come to fruition and the latest update from the company isn’t particularly strong. The macroeconomic pressure is still on in the US and China. And with the next Geotek expedition now moving further into the distance, Steve D is getting ready to take action… Roper Technologies is one of the stocks Steve W decided to buy as a counter to the rise of AI. And the stock is up on the latest earnings, which seem to be showing strong signs. Revenues and profits are growing and AI integration is pushing the business higher. But is the firm missing a huge chance to be more aggressive with its capital allocation right now? 3i has been one of the FTSE 100’s biggest disappointments since we got interested in it. A strong update, however, and the stock seems to be heading back to its former glories. As usual, it’s all about Action. The recent challenges look like a temporary setback, but where are we now in terms of growth, valuation, and future prospects? Forget Tesla – the S&P 500’s big-name report this week was Alphabet. Steve W thinks the update looked pretty good, but investors don’t seem to agree – the stock fell on the news. Across the company, AI looks like it’s helping products and services. Free cash flow might have gone negative, but the market was ready for that… wasn’t it? Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast! ► Free Share + Exclusive Deals — Start Here: 🎁 Free Fractional Share — Open a Trading 212 account through our link and grab shares worth up to £/€100, completely free. Terms apply. 👉 https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE When investing, your capital is at risk. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. 📊 15% Off Fiscal.ai — The investing toolkit we actually use. Analyse stocks, spot hidden opportunities, and build income streams. 👉 https://fiscal.ai/?via=steve ► About Playing FTSE: What's happening in the markets — and why should you care? We break down the week's biggest financial news, stocks, and economic mayhem in a way that's actually enjoyable to listen to. No jargon, no waffle, just straight-talking chat about money, markets, and the madness in between. For people who want to get smarter about investing — without wanting to fall asleep. ► Free Investing Course + Newsletter: 📬 Join us on Substack for our completely free 10-week investing and research course — no sign-up fees, no paywalls, no nonsense. Plus regular deep dives on market trends, investor psychology, and asset classes that will genuinely make you think differently. 👉 https://playingftse.substack.com/ ► Enjoyed the Episode? ☕ Buy us a coffee (we'll spend it on the show, promise): 👉 https://ko-fi.com/playingftse 💬 Drop a question in the comments or find us on Instagram: 👉 https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/ 📩 Business enquiries: playingftsepodcast@gmail.com ► Timestamps: 0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS 7:33 JUDGES OUT - BUT WHATS IN? 23:23 ROPER TECHNOLOGIES 38:04 3I 50:08 ALPHABET ► Show Notes: Playing FTSE is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions.

  2. Jul 19

    Banks, Buildings & Discount Ferraris

    What are bumpers for? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show! The Steves are flying again this week, with both well ahead of the FTSE 100 and the S&P 500. But which surprise name has been driving both portfolios higher? Since we identified it as a top UK stock for 2026, Vistry has been the FTSE 250’s worst performers this year. And it’s down again after announcing H1 profits below expectations. Steve W, however, thinks there are encouraging signs for H2. So could the UK’s most heavily-shorted stock be set for a comeback in the second half of the year? It’s earnings season in the S&P 500 and that means one thing: banks. This time, it’s Steve D covering the Wall Street results from Wall Street. The news is pretty positive, which shouldn’t be a big surprise. But is a victory lap in order closer to home with a FTSE 100 name in the Britbox? Steve W has a new name on his list of stocks to buy. It’s Exor – a Dutch holding company trading at a huge discount to its NAV. By itself, that’s not necessarily anything new. But it’s biggest asset might be a unique opportunity to get exposure to a premium name at a huge discount. Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast! ► Free Share + Exclusive Deals — Start Here: 🎁 Free Fractional Share — Open a Trading 212 account through our link and grab shares worth up to £/€100, completely free. Terms apply. 👉 https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE When investing, your capital is at risk. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. 📊 15% Off Fiscal.ai — The investing toolkit we actually use. Analyse stocks, spot hidden opportunities, and build income streams. 👉 https://fiscal.ai/?via=steve ► About Playing FTSE: What's happening in the markets — and why should you care? We break down the week's biggest financial news, stocks, and economic mayhem in a way that's actually enjoyable to listen to. No jargon, no waffle, just straight-talking chat about money, markets, and the madness in between. For people who want to get smarter about investing — without wanting to fall asleep. ► Free Investing Course + Newsletter: 📬 Join us on Substack for our completely free 10-week investing and research course — no sign-up fees, no paywalls, no nonsense. Plus regular deep dives on market trends, investor psychology, and asset classes that will genuinely make you think differently. 👉 https://playingftse.substack.com/ ► Enjoyed the Episode? ☕ Buy us a coffee (we'll spend it on the show, promise): 👉 https://ko-fi.com/playingftse 💬 Drop a question in the comments or find us on Instagram: 👉 https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/ 📩 Business enquiries: playingftsepodcast@gmail.com ► Timestamps: 0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS 11:07 VISTRY 25:50 BIG BANK ROUNDUP 49:38 EXOR ► Show Notes: Playing FTSE is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions.

  3. Jul 12

    Stocks We're Buying, Selling & Fundsmith Meltdowns!

    Who’s not impressed by the seaside? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show! This week, Steve W’s had one to forget (just). But Steve D’s managed to do a better job – enough to keep the show’s dignity intact. It’s time to finalise the changes in the Britbox. And there’s a bit of a change from what we talked about last week.  Our viewers have suggested RELX and Sage, but Steve D’s got an eye on the London Stock Exchange Group. The big question, though, is what’s gone wrong with Steve W’s choice?? In the Eurobox, Steve W’s got a new name to look at. It’s a growth stock with a familiar business model that could have a long runway for future earnings increases. Steve D’s got some strong ideas as well. But the big question is what’s going to make way for these new stocks that we’re wanting to buy? Is this the beginning of the end for Fundsmith? We usually think these headlines are a bit overblown, but the latest letter to shareholders has a worrying tone to it. The results are one thing – even the best in the business go through periods of underperformance. But a fundamental change of strategy looks like a more worrying sign. Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast! ► Free Share + Exclusive Deals — Start Here: 🎁 Free Fractional Share — Open a Trading 212 account through our link and grab shares worth up to £/€100, completely free. Terms apply. 👉 https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE When investing, your capital is at risk. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. 📊 15% Off Fiscal.ai — The investing toolkit we actually use. Analyse stocks, spot hidden opportunities, and build income streams. 👉 https://fiscal.ai/?via=steve ► About Playing FTSE: What's happening in the markets — and why should you care? We break down the week's biggest financial news, stocks, and economic mayhem in a way that's actually enjoyable to listen to. No jargon, no waffle, just straight-talking chat about money, markets, and the madness in between. For people who want to get smarter about investing — without wanting to fall asleep. ► Free Investing Course + Newsletter: 📬 Join us on Substack for our completely free 10-week investing and research course — no sign-up fees, no paywalls, no nonsense. Plus regular deep dives on market trends, investor psychology, and asset classes that will genuinely make you think differently. 👉 https://playingftse.substack.com/ ► Enjoyed the Episode? ☕ Buy us a coffee (we'll spend it on the show, promise): 👉 https://ko-fi.com/playingftse 💬 Drop a question in the comments or find us on Instagram: 👉 https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/ 📩 Business enquiries: playingftsepodcast@gmail.com ► Timestamps: 0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS 8:37 BRITBOX INS AND OUTS 26:32 EUROBOX INS AND OUTS 46:04 FUNDSMUDGE ► Show Notes: Playing FTSE is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions.

  4. Jul 5

    Revealing All of Our Stocks!

    Who’s turning 2026 around? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show! Q2 is in the books, so it’s time to check in on what the Steves have been buying and selling. And there are some surprising updates from both of them… Steve D’s been making some moves in his portfolio in Q2. And the big story is a major new buy making its way to position number three in his portfolio. It’s a big bet on a big company – a name that everyone seems to be talking about at the moment. But why has Steve chosen to make his move now? Steve W’s made one big move in Q2 – and he’s been talking about it for months. It’s finally time for the big reveal as to what it is.  The stock is a FTSE 100 start we’ve had an eye on for some time. But what about Microsoft creeping up in his portfolio? The Eurobox has been a bit of a mixed bag in Q2. It started off slowly, but things are starting to pick up.  The story has been familiar with some wider macro themes – defence and data centres. But what changes does Steve D have in mind? The Britbox has done better than either Steve in Q2 – and outperformed the FTSE 100. But it hasn’t all been straightforward. Cohort and Renishaw have been the leading lights. No surprise there, but Steve W hsa a shocking idea for what to add (good job we take a week to think about it). Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast! ► Free Share + Exclusive Deals — Start Here: 🎁 Free Fractional Share — Open a Trading 212 account through our link and grab shares worth up to £/€100, completely free. Terms apply. 👉 https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE When investing, your capital is at risk. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. 📊 15% Off Fiscal.ai — The investing toolkit we actually use. Analyse stocks, spot hidden opportunities, and build income streams. 👉 https://fiscal.ai/?via=steve ► About Playing FTSE: What's happening in the markets — and why should you care? We break down the week's biggest financial news, stocks, and economic mayhem in a way that's actually enjoyable to listen to. No jargon, no waffle, just straight-talking chat about money, markets, and the madness in between. For people who want to get smarter about investing — without wanting to fall asleep. ► Free Investing Course + Newsletter: 📬 Join us on Substack for our completely free 10-week investing and research course — no sign-up fees, no paywalls, no nonsense. Plus regular deep dives on market trends, investor psychology, and asset classes that will genuinely make you think differently. 👉 https://playingftse.substack.com/ ► Enjoyed the Episode? ☕ Buy us a coffee (we'll spend it on the show, promise): 👉 https://ko-fi.com/playingftse 💬 Drop a question in the comments or find us on Instagram: 👉 https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/ 📩 Business enquiries: playingftsepodcast@gmail.com ► Timestamps: 0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS 9:46 SD 13F 31:22 SW 13F 51:24 EUROBOX 59:35 BRITBOX ► Show Notes: Playing FTSE is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions.

  5. Jun 28

    Semis, Sheds & Stealthy Taxes

    What unusual things have been going on with Vistry shares? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show! They say a broken clock is right twice a day. Steve W’s now been right twice in a month, as the crowded semiconductor trade started to unwind this week.  Micron has been one of the big beneficiaries of the run on data centre stocks. And its latest results are nothing short of incredible.  The stock market feels like Warren Buffett’s story of Cinderella. But as investors dance in the room where the clocks have no hands, Steve W doesn’t think it’s midnight yet. Steve D’s checking in on Avingtrans – a super impressive UK growth stock. Like Diploma and Halma, it’s exposed to some of the big trends right now.  It trades at a much lower multiple, though. And with size on its side, is a 9% decline from its highs a chance to buy? UK stocks – especially real estate investment trusts – have been takeover targets recently. The latest one, however, is FTSE 100 REIT Segro.  It’s the subject of a takeover bid from Prologis – a Steve D stock. But despite a big premium to the previous closing price, Steve W thinks there’s a complication. What do the government’s latest moves mean for your Stocks and Shares ISA? Not a lot, as long as you were planning on buying equities in them. They’re not really designed for hoarding cash. But Steve D has a smart workaround for investors who want to try and hang out in a money market fund… Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast! ► Free Share + Exclusive Deals — Start Here: 🎁 Free Fractional Share — Open a Trading 212 account through our link and grab shares worth up to £/€100, completely free. Terms apply. 👉 https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE When investing, your capital is at risk. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. 📊 15% Off Fiscal.ai — The investing toolkit we actually use. Analyse stocks, spot hidden opportunities, and build income streams. 👉 https://fiscal.ai/?via=steve ► About Playing FTSE: What's happening in the markets — and why should you care? We break down the week's biggest financial news, stocks, and economic mayhem in a way that's actually enjoyable to listen to. No jargon, no waffle, just straight-talking chat about money, markets, and the madness in between. For people who want to get smarter about investing — without wanting to fall asleep. ► Free Investing Course + Newsletter: 📬 Join us on Substack for our completely free 10-week investing and research course — no sign-up fees, no paywalls, no nonsense. Plus regular deep dives on market trends, investor psychology, and asset classes that will genuinely make you think differently. 👉 https://playingftse.substack.com/ ► Enjoyed the Episode? ☕ Buy us a coffee (we'll spend it on the show, promise): 👉 https://ko-fi.com/playingftse 💬 Drop a question in the comments or find us on Instagram: 👉 https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/ 📩 Business enquiries: playingftsepodcast@gmail.com ► Timestamps: 0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS 08:47 MICRON 23:50 AVINGTRANS 41:08 SEGRO PROLOGIS 56:49 ISA TAX!? ► Show Notes: Playing FTSE is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions.

  6. Jun 21

    Not Yet, But Maybe: Warsh, Veeva, Adobe

    What does Steve D use to edit our show? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show! It’s been an odd week in the stock market. But Steve D extends his winning streak to two in a row as Steve W drops back into the middle of the pack.  This week saw Kevin Warsh’s first meeting as Fed Chair. And there weren’t any major surprises… or were there? The new chief is surprisingly quiet – to the point of not issuing a dot for the plot – on cutting interest rates. But Steve D’s wondering whether he could be playing the long game. Michael Burry’s been buying shares in Veeva Systems and it’s made its way onto Steve W’s radar. This, however, isn’t just your usual SAAS selloff. There’s competition from Salesforce for the firm to try and fend off. But at a hugely depressed multiple, do the potential rewards mean the risks are worth it? Adobe has been one of the most discussed SAAS stocks in the last few months. And it’s easy to see why – the stock has crashed.  The company isn’t hiding from the problems – it’s struggling to convert customers and it’s prioritising retention. Is this a bargain opportunity, or a potential value trap? Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast! ► Free Share + Exclusive Deals — Start Here: 🎁 Free Fractional Share — Open a Trading 212 account through our link and grab shares worth up to £/€100, completely free. Terms apply. 👉 https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE When investing, your capital is at risk. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. 📊 15% Off Fiscal.ai — The investing toolkit we actually use. Analyse stocks, spot hidden opportunities, and build income streams. 👉 https://fiscal.ai/?via=steve ► About Playing FTSE: What's happening in the markets — and why should you care? We break down the week's biggest financial news, stocks, and economic mayhem in a way that's actually enjoyable to listen to. No jargon, no waffle, just straight-talking chat about money, markets, and the madness in between. For people who want to get smarter about investing — without wanting to fall asleep. ► Free Investing Course + Newsletter: 📬 Join us on Substack for our completely free 10-week investing and research course — no sign-up fees, no paywalls, no nonsense. Plus regular deep dives on market trends, investor psychology, and asset classes that will genuinely make you think differently. 👉 https://playingftse.substack.com/ ► Enjoyed the Episode? ☕ Buy us a coffee (we'll spend it on the show, promise): 👉 https://ko-fi.com/playingftse 💬 Drop a question in the comments or find us on Instagram: 👉 https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/ 📩 Business enquiries: playingftsepodcast@gmail.com ► Timestamps: 0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS 6:18 THE FED 27:17 VEEVA 43:42 ADOBE ► Show Notes: Playing FTSE is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions.

  7. Jun 14

    Meta and Nintendo's Dirty Tactics

    Why does the sound of an ocarina make grown men cry? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show! It’s a win for both Steves in the stock market this week. A proper one too – they’re both up while the rest of the market is down! Steve D’s looking at Nintendo again. It’s a business where an installed console base opens up high-margin software revenues.  Sometimes, however, a game comes along that people just buy the hardware specifically for. And Zelda: Ocarina of Time is one of those… Meta has been a complicated AI stock. It’s been spending like Amazon and Alphabet, but without the customer base to sell its computing power on to. The company, however, is starting to show what it’s been working on – AI agents. Steve W has the pros and cons of the latest venture. It’s an interesting time to be in cybersecurity. And Rubrik is an interesting name in within that interesting industry. AI looks set to make life easier for threats and hackers. But could the solution be not just keeping them out but putting things back after? Shares in Halma crashed 17% after earnings this week. The results, however, were almost exactly what Steve W forecasted. The company’s growth was largely driven by data centre construction. But when Diploma announced a similar story last month, the stock market loved it… Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast! ► Free Share + Exclusive Deals — Start Here: 🎁 Free Fractional Share — Open a Trading 212 account through our link and grab shares worth up to £/€100, completely free. Terms apply. 👉 https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE When investing, your capital is at risk. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. 📊 15% Off Fiscal.ai — The investing toolkit we actually use. Analyse stocks, spot hidden opportunities, and build income streams. 👉 https://fiscal.ai/?via=steve ► About Playing FTSE: What's happening in the markets — and why should you care? We break down the week's biggest financial news, stocks, and economic mayhem in a way that's actually enjoyable to listen to. No jargon, no waffle, just straight-talking chat about money, markets, and the madness in between. For people who want to get smarter about investing — without wanting to fall asleep. ► Free Investing Course + Newsletter: 📬 Join us on Substack for our completely free 10-week investing and research course — no sign-up fees, no paywalls, no nonsense. Plus regular deep dives on market trends, investor psychology, and asset classes that will genuinely make you think differently. 👉 https://playingftse.substack.com/ ► Enjoyed the Episode? ☕ Buy us a coffee (we'll spend it on the show, promise): 👉 https://ko-fi.com/playingftse 💬 Drop a question in the comments or find us on Instagram: 👉 https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/ 📩 Business enquiries: playingftsepodcast@gmail.com ► Timestamps: 0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS 11:37 NINTENDO 31:46 META 48:45 RUBRIK 1:04:27 HALMA ► Show Notes: Playing FTSE is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions.

  8. Jun 7

    London Calling, Silicon Stalling

    Who can’t keep it in his pants? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show! We recorded this show on Thursday before the stock market dropped on Friday. Pity, that might have helped Steve W’s performance this week… It’s been a while since we looked at the London Stock Exchange Group. But Steve D thinks it’s time to check back in.  The stock has been something of an AI casualty as the market doubts its data moat. The latest results, however, seem to tell a different story… Since Warren Buffett stepped down as CEO, Berkshire Hathaway has been a busy place. Greg Abel’s taken a $10bn stake in Alphabet. It’s the kind of deal ordinary investors can’t do. But is it a sign that the AI spending that’s been propping the market up is coming to an end? Broadcom shares fell sharply after the company’s earnings report. So could this be a chance to consider buying? It’s not a stock we’ve ever talked about on the show before. That’s because one particular investor owns it… Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast! ► Free Share + Exclusive Deals — Start Here: 🎁 Free Fractional Share — Open a Trading 212 account through our link and grab shares worth up to £/€100, completely free. Terms apply. 👉 https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE When investing, your capital is at risk. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. 📊 15% Off Fiscal.ai — The investing toolkit we actually use. Analyse stocks, spot hidden opportunities, and build income streams. 👉 https://fiscal.ai/?via=steve ► About Playing FTSE: What's happening in the markets — and why should you care? We break down the week's biggest financial news, stocks, and economic mayhem in a way that's actually enjoyable to listen to. No jargon, no waffle, just straight-talking chat about money, markets, and the madness in between. For people who want to get smarter about investing — without wanting to fall asleep. ► Free Investing Course + Newsletter: 📬 Join us on Substack for our completely free 10-week investing and research course — no sign-up fees, no paywalls, no nonsense. Plus regular deep dives on market trends, investor psychology, and asset classes that will genuinely make you think differently. 👉 https://playingftse.substack.com/ ► Enjoyed the Episode? ☕ Buy us a coffee (we'll spend it on the show, promise): 👉 https://ko-fi.com/playingftse 💬 Drop a question in the comments or find us on Instagram: 👉 https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/ 📩 Business enquiries: playingftsepodcast@gmail.com ► Timestamps: 0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS 8:31 LSEG 33:39 BERKSHIRE & GOOGLE 50:13 BROADCOM ► Show Notes: Playing FTSE is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions.

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

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
    319
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © playingftsepodcast
  • Show Website
    Playing FTSE

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