Merryn Talks Money

Latest Episodes:

How to Find—and Force—Value From Tokyo to Seoul Oct 13, 2025

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Activist investing is back. On this week's episode of Merryn Talks Money, Merryn Somerset Webb speaks with Joe Bauernfreund, chief executive of Asset Value Investors, about buying quality companies at deep discounts—and actively forcing a catalyst.

The conversation spans Japan’s ongoing governance-driven rerating, South Korea’s push to be the new Japan and moneymaking special situations from Mitsubishi Logistics to News Corp. They also unpack why AVI tilts away from the US, how private-equity trusts and buybacks can unlock value and what the future might be for the UK’s ailing investment trust industry.

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In Gold We Trust: What Surging Metals Say About a Shaky Economy Oct 10, 2025

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On this week's markets roundup, Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek dive into the surging precious metals market — from gold’s decades-long shine to silver’s sudden rally — and what the “debasement trade” says about global confidence in fiat currencies. They unpack investor psychology, fiscal risks facing the UK, and why even major institutions are rethinking the classic 60/40 portfolio. Plus, a discussion on stamp duty and whether cutting it could truly revive Britain’s housing and equity markets.

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We Speak to the Pensions Expert Who is Taking His Tax-Free Cash Now Oct 08, 2025

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John Stepek, senior reporter and author of the Money Distilled newsletter, is joined by pensions expert Tom McPhail to talk about pension protection. It's no secret that UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves is looking for ways to raise cash to balance the nation's books in the upcoming November budget. Stepek and McPhail discuss ways to keep your pension protected and keep more of your money.

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Can Gold Keep Rallying? Oct 06, 2025

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Gold’s on a tear — and host Merryn Somerset Webb asks Dominic Frisby, investor and author of the investment newsletter The Flying Frisby and a new book The Secret History of Gold why. They dig into central-bank buying, de-dollarization, and the metal’s timeless allure, from Roman coins to modern ETFs, plus the case for $7k gold and the pivotal $50 line in silver. Practical takeaways include how physical sovereigns, miners, and ETFs can fit into a portfolio today.

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UK IPOs Have Dried Up, US Tech Booms, and Japan’s Surprise Rally Oct 03, 2025

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In this week's markets round up, hosts Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek discuss the news that London has slipped out of the world’s top 20 initial public offering markets as the third quarter ends, overtaken by Mexico and Singapore. Meanwhile, US tech stocks surge despite bubble worries, and Japan’s market hits fresh highs with renewed investor enthusiasm.
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What Labour’s Tax Talk Really Means for Your Money Oct 01, 2025

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This week, host Merryn Somerset Webb and senior reporter John Stepek examine the policy signals coming out of the Labour Party conference—and what they could mean for your finances. They break down why a standalone wealth tax looks unlikely, the risks of lowering the VAT threshold for small businesses, and the political realities shaping pension reform. Plus, they consider whether proposals to tackle youth unemployment could shift the debate on work and welfare.

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Could a Fiscal Crisis Bring Down the Government? Sep 29, 2025

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Roger Lee, head of equity strategy at Cavendish, joins Merryn Somerset Webb to explain why he thinks the UK’s worsening public finances could morph from “slowly, then suddenly” into a fiscal event, and what that means for the Labour government, Britain’s international standing and investors.

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Introducing IVF Disrupted: The Kindbody Story Sep 28, 2025

Show notes

Kindbody, one of the largest fertility companies in the US, sought to disrupt egg freezing and IVF by combining spa vibes with Silicon Valley efficiency. The startup raised millions, opened dozens of clinics, and became a billion-dollar unicorn. But its ambition came with consequences. In IVF Disrupted: The Kindbody Story, reporter Jackie Davalos takes listeners beyond Kindbody’s millennial-friendly waiting rooms and into the clinics themselves, showing the sometimes-heartbreaking consequences of bringing the “move fast and break things” mentality to the business of creating life.

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Burnham’s Bond Gamble, Gavekal’s Turkish Play, and Gold’s Crowded Hedge Sep 26, 2025

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In this week’s Markets Wrap, hosts Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek weigh Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham’s bond-market remarks against fiscal reality, unpack financial services group Gavekal’s so-called “Turkish Portfolio” of equities, and consider gold’s role as a hedge in an increasingly crowded market.
As always, questions and comments welcome at merrynmoney@bloomberg.net

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Your Money Questions Answered: Pensions, Taxes and the UK’s Debt Outlook Sep 24, 2025

Show notes

In lieu of a personal finance episode this week, Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek host a mailbag session answering listener questions on pensions, taxation, absolute return funds, and the risks around UK debt. They clarify common misconceptions, discuss practical investment considerations, and explore how policy decisions could shape the financial outlook.
As always, send thoughts to merrynmoney@bloomberg.net

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