In this episode of Investing, Markets & Money, we’re joined by @CMEGroup Chief Economist Erik Norland to break down what futures markets are really telling us about the global economy.

We discuss:

- Why inflation — not recession — is the market’s biggest fear

- What soaring gold, silver, and platinum prices are signalling

- How futures markets act as an early warning system

- Why the bond market may be smarter than the stock market

- What the yield curve tells us about growth, rates, and recession risk

- How central bank policy and government debt are reshaping markets

- Which futures markets affect mortgages, fuel prices, and everyday costs

This conversation explains how professional investors read futures, bonds, and commodities — often before the headlines catch up.

If you want clearer insight into inflation, interest rates, gold, bonds, and where markets may be heading next, this episode is for you.

#Investing #FinancialMarkets #Economy #Inflation #Recession #FuturesMarkets #BondMarket

#GoldPrice #InterestRates #YieldCurve #MacroEconomics #Commodities #MarketOutlook #InvestingPodcast

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Amazon - https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/68a66097-24d8-403e-a86f-70fab0d2d686/The-Armchair-Trader-Podcast

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Use the chapters to jump to inflation, gold, bonds, or futures market signals.

00:00 What Futures Markets Reveal About the Economy

00:42 What CME Group Does (And Why It Matters)

01:59 How Futures Markets Signal Economic Direction

04:01 Inflation vs Recession: What Markets Fear Most

05:31 Why Central Banks Treat Gold Like a Currency

06:15 Is the Bond Market Smarter Than the Stock Market?

09:10 Bond Vigilantes, Government Debt & Market Discipline

10:42 What a 100-Year Bond Really Tells Investors

12:04 Can Futures Markets Predict Headlines?

13:11 Market Fear, Volatility & the VIX Explained

14:52 Which Futures Markets Affect Everyday Life?

16:26 Commodities as Portfolio Diversifiers

18:11 The Yield Curve Explained (Without Jargon)

20:22 What the Yield Curve Signals Right Now

21:12 One Rule Retail Investors Should Follow in Futures

24:15 Education, Risk & Using Futures Responsibly

Is the UK commercial real estate market poised for a massive rebound?

In this episode, Bradley Biggins from Schroder Real Estate Investment Trust reveals why we may have reached a critical turning point. Following a 25% valuation correction, Schroder now forecasts total returns of 8 - 10% per annum over the next four years.

Discover how high construction costs are limiting supply and driving rental growth, while the ‘Green Premium’ sees sustainable assets commanding rents up to 40% higher than older units. We also explore the impact of interest rates and hybrid working on future property returns.

00:00 Intro to Schroder Real Estate

01:20 How healthy is the UK's commercial real estate market?

03:18 What's the big drag on lack of supply?

03:53 How has investor appetite varied?

04:56 How do interest rates affect the market?

06:19 EPC ratings

08:17 Occupier sentiment and hybrid working

09:48 Private equity geting involved in the market

11:24 Schroder Real Estate paying dividends

13:39 New acquisitions and disposals

16:54 When to redevelop and when to buy from new

18:31 What's the key selling point for UK commercial property?

In this episode, we sit down with Dr Mike Jones, Managing Director of Impact Minerals [ASX:IPT], to discuss the incredible potential of High Purity Alumina (HPA). From preventing Tesla battery fires to creating scratch-proof sapphire glass, HPA is the critical mineral you haven't heard of yet.

Mike explains how the unique Lake Hope Project in Western Australia aims to become the lowest-cost HPA producer globally. We dive into the economics of the project, the recent acquisition of game-changing processing technology, and what this means for investors.

Topics covered:

What is High Purity Alumina (HPA)?

The role of HPA in Lithium-Ion battery safety.

How Impact Minerals plans to undercut global production costs.

The $1.2 Billion AUD project valuation.

Disclaimer: The content of this video is for information and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research.

#ImpactMinerals #LakeHope #LithiumBattery #HPA #AustralianMining #SyntheticSapphire #Semiconductor #BatteryTech #MikeJones #alumina

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Quantum computing is moving from theory to reality — and investors are paying attention. In this episode, we break down the future of quantum computing investing, including the race toward Q-day, the rise of post-quantum cryptography, and the companies pushing innovation forward.

Our guest, WisdomTree’s Elvira Kuramshina, explains how quantum computers actually work, why they won’t replace classical systems, and the sectors likely to see the biggest disruption across cybersecurity, cloud computing, drug discovery, finance, and more.

If you want to understand quantum investing opportunities, the risks, and the timeline to commercialisation, this episode is for you.

Topics we cover:

- How quantum computers differ from classical machines

- Q-day and its impact on global cybersecurity

- Post-quantum cryptography and new NIST standards

- Public companies leading early quantum adoption

- How to approach quantum computing investing

- Long-term risks and opportunities for markets

Sign up for our free investing newsletter - https://www.thearmchairtrader.com/newsletter/

Chapters:

00:00 What is quantum computing?

04:07 Where does quantum computing fit with AI?

05:37 What is Q-day and why does it matter?

12:27 The quantum ecosystem: hardware, software & cloud

15:04 Quantum computing Government strategies

17:58 Quantum safe standards to future proof systems

19:28 How to think about quantum computing investing

24:16 Are there expansion constraints of the technology?

27:50 Building a quantum computing investment strategy

In this episode of Investing, Markets & Money, we dive into one of the most common questions for new investors in the UK: how do you actually start investing? Whether you're thinking about opening your first Stocks & Shares ISA, exploring SIPPs, or trying to understand the difference between funds, ETFs and individual shares, this episode breaks everything down in plain English.

We’re joined by Richard Hunter, Head of Markets at Interactive Investor, winner of the “Best Investment Platform” at the Online Money Awards. Richard shares super-useful insights for beginners — from why keeping all your money in cash can cost you over time, to how diversification works, and why compounding is such a powerful long-term force.

In this episode:

Why investing often beats cash over the long run

The best tax-efficient accounts: ISA vs SIPP

Should beginners buy funds, ETFs, or shares?

How diversification really works (and what mistakes to avoid)

The power of compound interest

Hands-off investing options for people who don’t want to stock-pick

What Interactive Investor offers for new, early-stage investors

If you're just starting your investment journey — or thinking about taking your first step — this episode gives you the confidence and clarity you need.

👉 Listen, follow and share if you enjoy the show

👉 Sign up for our free weekly investing newsletter at www.thearmchairtrader.com/newsletter

👉 Check out more resources at www.ii.co.uk

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Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-armchair-trader-podcast/id1454640070

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00:00 Introduction to Interactive Investors

02:37 Why should people invest?

04:02 Tax-efficient structures

06:05 Do people tend to buy just stocks, just funds or a mix?

08:42 Investing in what you know

09:18 What help do ii provide to new investors?

10:28 Diversifying your investments

12:35 Having to part with winners

13:53 Compounding

14:59 How often to check your portfolio

16:24 Don't want to make the decisions yourself?

17:33 Find out more about Interactive Investor at ii.co.uk

In this episode of the Investing, Markets & Money podcast, host Stuart Fieldhouse talks with Dan Blondal, CEO of Nano One Materials, about the company’s latest breakthroughs in lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery technology — and what they mean for investors.

Nano One has secured $5 million in new funding from Natural Resources Canada, complementing earlier support from the U.S. Department of Defense and the Government of Quebec, as it scales up its LFP demonstration plant. Blondal explains how this non-dilutive capital helps the company grow while building a cleaner, more sustainable battery supply chain for North America and beyond.

We also dive into:

⚡ How Nano One’s patented “one-pot process” eliminates wastewater and reduces costs

🌍 Why governments are backing the decoupling of battery supply chains from China

🤝 Strategic partnerships with Sumitomo Metal Mining and Rio Tinto

🇺🇸 The rise of the Arkansas Lithium Technology Accelerator (ALTA)

💡 What investors can expect next as Nano One expands into Europe

If you’re following the EV, clean-tech, or battery materials sectors — or just want to understand where the next big opportunities lie — this is a must-listen conversation.

Visit the Nano One website: https://nanoone.ca/

📩 Get our free newsletter for insights on Stocks, ETFs, Commodities, and Global Markets: www.thearmchairtrader.com/newsletter/

00:00 More funding for Nano One

02:57 Geopolitical background and decoupling from China

07:52 The Sumitomo collaboration

10:14 Joining the Arkansas Lithium Technology Accelerator (ALTA) program

14:00 Why is Arkansas taking the lead?

15:26 The Rio Tinto partnership

17:35 New patents approved

18:31 Impact of China's export restrictions

22:27 Nano One's involvement with Europe and the G7

24:39 Future plans

In this episode of the Investing, Markets & Money podcast from The Armchair Trader, we talk with Brett Heath, CEO of Metalla Royalty & Streaming (NYSE/TSX: MTA) — an innovative company in the gold and mining royalty space.

Brett explains how royalty companies make money without ever operating a mine, the growth story behind Metalla’s $700 million market cap, and why royalties can offer investors exposure to gold, silver, and copper without the same risks faced by traditional miners.

Topics covered:

• How royalty and streaming models work

• Metalla’s $6M investment that became a major gold discovery

• Why the royalty model scales with minimal overhead

• Outlook for gold, silver, and copper in 2025–2030

• The next growth phase for Metalla Royalty

Find more on Metalla Royalties and Streaming. Visit the website: https://www.metallaroyalty.com/

📩 Subscribe to our free newsletter for reglar insights on Stocks, ETFs, Commodities, and Global Markets: https://www.thearmchairtrader.com/newsletter/

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00:00 Intro to Metalla Royalty and how royalty companies work

03:51 Hanging on to portfolio companies

05:09 How Metalla sources investments

07:45 Metalla's plans for the next year or two

12:49 Spread of gold, silver and copper companies

13:58 Operational and downside risks

18:16 Criteria for new investments

23:20 Commodity cycle outlook and growing the business

26:56 How do mining companies pay - cash or bullion?

31:24 Can production satisfy projected demand?

Gold and silver are on fire — but can the rally last? In this episode of Investing, Markets & Money, host Stuart Fieldhouse talks with Michael Brown of Pepperstone about what’s really moving global markets.

They break down the surge in precious metals, the renewed fears around U.S. banks, and whether debt and deficits could finally catch up with policymakers. Michael shares insights on U.S.–China trade tensions, the AI-driven S&P 500 rally, and why UK stocks remain chronically undervalued.

You can find more market insight from Michael and the Pepperstone team here - https://pepperstone.com/en-gb/analysis/

👉 Subscribe for more insights on markets, ETFs, and investing trends from the world’s top strategists and analysts.

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00:00 Precious metals: gold and silver trades

04:50 The US Dollar and US banks

07:45 US debt and borrowing trends

11:25 Tariffs and the US-China trade war

15:25 The S&P 500 and the AI bubble

21:05 UK stocks and the UK budget

25:22 Why such intense speculation on the Budget?

Host Stuart Fieldhouse chats with Jean Roche, manager of the Schroders UK Mid-Cap Investment Trust, to discuss what defines a mid-cap stock, the FTSE 250 outlook, share buybacks, and where she’s finding opportunity in UK defence and retail stocks.

If you’ve been wondering whether UK equities are undervalued or how mid-cap investing compares to large and small-cap strategies, this episode offers deep insight from one of the most experienced managers in the market.

Our thanks to Schroders for the use of their studio for this episode. You can find out more about Schroder UK Mid-Cap Fund here - https://www.schroders.com/en-gb/uk/individual/funds-and-strategies/investment-trusts/schroder-uk-mid-cap-fund-plc/

🎧 Subscribe for more investing insights and market analysis every week.

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Listen on:

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Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-armchair-trader-podcast/id1454640070

Amazon - https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/68a66097-24d8-403e-a86f-70fab0d2d686/The-Armchair-Trader-Podcast

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00:00 What is a Mid Cap stock?

02:00 Jean's investment philosophy regarding Mid Caps

05:05 Why so many share buybacks right now?

08:13 Why Mid Caps and not Large Caps?

11:25 The wider UK economy and equity market

15:18 UK sectors and themes to watch

18:28 When a company makes it into the FTSE 100

22:20 How does Jean protect the downside risk?

25:00 Key contributors to the trust's performance

27:17 Looking ahead to UK market opportunites and risks

The FCA has just approved listed crypto ETFs for retail investors, opening the door to #Bitcoin and #Ethereum exposure through regular brokerage accounts — no wallets, no private keys, no hassle.

In this episode of Investing, Markets & Money, host Stuart Fieldhouse talks with Dovile Silenskyte from WisdomTree's Digital Assets team about what this decision means for UK investors, how #crypto ETPs actually work, and why this could be a game changer for mainstream adoption.

We cover:

✅ What makes crypto ETPs safer and simpler than direct crypto ownership

✅ How Bitcoin and Ethereum ETPs are structured and backed

✅ The differences between physical and synthetic exposure

✅ Whether crypto ETPs could soon be held in ISAs and SIPPs

✅ Smart allocation tips — how much crypto might make sense in your portfolio

If you’ve been curious about adding crypto exposure without the wallet headaches, this episode is for you.

🎧 Subscribe for more investing insights and market analysis every week.

👉 Join our free investing newsletter: https://www.thearmchairtrader.com/newsletter/

Useful links

WisdomTree Europe website - https://www.wisdomtree.eu/en-gb/strategies/crypto-currency

FCA approval of Crypto ETPs for retail investors - https://www.thearmchairtrader.com/crypto/a-safer-way-into-the-cryptocurrency-maze/

UK allows crypto ETPs in ISAs and SIPPs - https://www.thearmchairtrader.com/crypto/uk-allows-crypto-in-isas-and-pensions/

#CryptoETF #BitcoinETF #Investing #UKInvestors #WisdomTree #CryptoNews #ETFs #FCA #Ethereum #DigitalAssets #InvestingPodcast #FinancialMarkets #InvestingEducation

00:00 Introduction to WisdomTree in crypto markets

01:54 Allowing access for retail investors

02:50 Managing your own wallets

03:37 What are crypto ETFs?

05:00 Do ETF managers use pure crypto exposure?

05:52 How crypto custody works

08:58 Ethereum yield from staking, and risks

11:15 Benefits for investors of the ETF model

12:00 Reduced liquidity risk

12:40 Including in ISAs and SIPPs

13:33 Coins becoming available

15:36 Leveraged crypto products

17:52 How much to own in your portfolio?

19:08 Actively managed crypto products and fees

22:09 Finding out more at wisdomtree.eu