Who’s won themselves a hoodie? Find out in this week’s PlayingFTSE Show!

With Paul away on top secret business, the Steves are looking after this week’s show. What have they been doing, what have they been buying, and what have they been thinking about?

First, though, it’s the business of sorting out the competition from last week. Steve’s put his replies to all of the correct comments into a random comment finder and we’re using that to draw one on the spot. It’s a tricky business, so bear with us. But keep your fingers crossed, while you do…

In UK stock news, Persimmon has announced a cut to its dividend. The FTSE’s top laggard is guiding weak for the future and reported poorly for the last trading period. But is this anything to do with the business, or just some macroeconomic headwinds. We give our views.

Next, it’s the big news. The really big news. Trading 212 has unleashed the Portuguese Exchange. With so many new stocks to invest in, what are Steve and Steve thinking about? There’s also the news that they’re changing the way they display and report prices. Will it help Steve W’s portfolio? Can anything do that?

After that, it’s a viewer question. Someone in last week’s comments has fastened on to Steve W’s scepticism about Meta Platforms and its stock-based compensation. Why is it a real cost when it doesn’t involve paying out cash? Steve and Steve tackle this one together as Steve W starts to show signs of being a bit under the weather.

One way of bringing down stock-based comp costs is by getting rid of workers. Elon Musk has been doing that. Trouble is, it’s not quite as straightforward as that. With Twitter no longer publicly traded, it’s not like we’re going to buy shares any time soon, but are there important lessons for investors like us to learn?

Lastly, there’s the minor detail of the stock market going UP for a change. Remember when that was all they did? So have they. The latest inflation report from the US is showing an encouraging trend and share prices are responding. But is this just another false dawn, or is the bottom now in with Paul still sitting on his cash?

Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast!