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Is the doctor in or out when it comes to Greggs? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show!

This week, we’ve got something different on the show. It’s an interview with the UK’s leading independent stock picker!

Dr. James Fox writes at GuruFocus and Fool UK. And he’s here to talk with Steve W about stocks, shares, and investing. 

James tells us about taking control of his finances from an advisor at the age of 18 and reveals what the first stock he ever bought was. It’s not one you might guess.

He also shares a bit about what type of investor he sees himself as and what he does when he’s not investing. Anyone for a sumac-based soft drink?

Finding stocks to buy is one of the most important things for investors. So how does the best in the business go about it? 

James talks Steve W through his process and the key metric he uses to screen for investment ideas. It’s not one we talk about much, but it has a good pedigree.

Building a diversified portfolio is the ambition of a lot of long-term investors. But it’s a bit different for someone who also owns their own drinks business.

James talks through the balance of his pension in terms of UK and US stocks. And he also shares his views on the attractiveness of bonds at the moment.

We don’t talk much about Pinterest on our show, but James thinks it’s a stock listeners should know about. And he’s here to give us a run-through on why.

It’s growing impressively and trades at a reasonable P/E multiple. But is a heavy skew towards the US in terms of revenues a risk or an opportunity?

We couldn’t have the UK’s leading independent stock picker on and not get his views on some stocks. And we’ve got quite the lineup to get through. 

The big question, though, is what James thinks about Greggs. It’s one of his favourite stocks to write about, but why does he have such as strong view on it?

Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast!

► Get a free 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 Finchat.io:

Huge thanks to our sponsor, FinChat.io, 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 FinChat.io!

https://finchat.io/playingftse/?lmref=iQl2VQ

► Follow Us On Substack:

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!)

There are many ways to help support the show, liking, commenting and sharing our episodes with friends! You can also check out our clothing merch store: https://playingftse.teemill.com/

We get a small cut of anything you buy which will be reinvested back into the show...

► Timestamps:

0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS

3:01 BACKGROUND

20:20 FINDING STOCKS

34:28 PORTFOLIO BREAKDOWN

48:52 PINTEREST

1:00:53 THE DOCTOR IS IN?

► Wanna get in contact?

Got a question for us? Drop it in the comments below or reach out to us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/playingftseshow

Or 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.

What happens if you try to widen your cavities too much? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show!

A stellar week for Steve D in the stock market and an adequate one for Steve W. So spirits are high as we set up for recording, but how long will that last?

Macfarlane is a small cap UK packaging stock. It’s up against bigger competition when it comes to distribution, but its manufacturing business is impressive.

Steve W has been taking a look at this one after some recent weakness. But is this one for his portfolio, or one for the upcoming vacancy in the Britbox?

It’s been a long time since we looked at Forterra – our favourite UK brick company. But have things got better since the firm was running up debt while paying dividends?

The answer is yes – and no. Demand has started to pick up as the UK government looks to push things along, but the balance sheet still needs some work. 

Diageo put up some strong growth numbers in its most recent earnings report. But not everything is what it seems with the FTSE 100 spirits company.

There’s a lot of demand pulled forward in advance of potential tariffs, but there’s also some signs of a plan emerging. Is that enough to make the stock a buy?

Nvidia stock is up following (yet) a(nother) strong report. The firm has managed to shrug off the US government restricting its sales to China in impressive style.

Steve D’s been having a look at the numbers and thinks there’s still some mighty sales priced in. But Steve W isn’t so sure (though he liked the stock better at $90)...

Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast!

► Get a free 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 Finchat.io:

Huge thanks to our sponsor, FinChat.io, 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 FinChat.io!

https://finchat.io/playingftse/?lmref=iQl2VQ

► Follow Us On Substack:

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!)

There are many ways to help support the show, liking, commenting and sharing our episodes with friends! You can also check out our clothing merch store: https://playingftse.teemill.com/

We get a small cut of anything you buy which will be reinvested back into the show...

► Timestamps:

0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS

4:32 MACFARLANE

19:37 FORTERRA

37:15 DIAGEO

50:47 NVIDIA

► 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 Twitter: https://twitter.com/playingftseshow

Or 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.

► Get a free 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 Finchat.io:

Huge thanks to our sponsor, FinChat.io, 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 FinChat.io!

https://finchat.io/playingftse/?lmref=iQl2VQ

► Episode Notes:

What’s Steve W been waiting 17 years to do? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show!

Both Steves have underperformed the S&P 500 this week. But Steve D has made a move to correct this and Steve W has a very specific reason why. 

Last week, Steve W said Greggs shares would go up. And they did, but they’re still well below where they were at the start of the year. 

Management is taking credit for it, but is it actually just to do with the good weather we’ve been having lately? Or is there something more exciting going on?

There are exciting things going on at Alphabet. Google’s parent company isn’t just sitting around waiting for lawsuits – it’s getting on the case with AI. 

Gemini’s becoming a PA, Astra can see down your camera, and our thumbnail software is getting a boost. And then there’s Waymo with an actual robotaxi network…

Diploma is a FTSE 100 stock that we’ve had an eye on for a long time. And it’s up after the most recent results, which are pretty good illustration of why. 

Everything is up. Organic revenue growth is strong, profits are well up, and the latest acquisitions are integrating nicely – what else is there to want from an investment?

Bloomsbury is a recent addition to the FTSE 250. But it’s results for the 2024-25 year leave a bit to be desired and the stock is down as a result. 

There’s no way a decline in profits is a positive thing, but with no Sarah J. Maas book this year, that might not be a problem. So is this a buying opportunity for Steve D?

Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast!

► 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!)

There are many ways to help support the show, liking, commenting and sharing our episodes with friends! You can also check out our clothing merch store: https://playingftse.teemill.com/

We get a small cut of anything you buy which will be reinvested back into the show...

► Timestamps:

0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS

7:59 GREGGS

20:03 GOOGLE I/O

44:32 DIPLOMA

56:35 BLOOMSBURY

► 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 Twitter: https://twitter.com/playingftseshow

Or 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.

► Get a free 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 Finchat.io:

Huge thanks to our sponsor, FinChat.io, 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 FinChat.io!

https://finchat.io/playingftse/?lmref=iQl2VQ

► Episode Notes:

Who’s been buying a secret stock? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show!

Contrasting fortunes for the Steves this week. Steve W has underperformed both the FTSE 100 and the S&P 500, but Steve D has outperformed them both… put together!

Earlier this week, shares in 3i fell 7%. Then they recovered within about half an hour – how is anyone supposed to buy a dip like that? 

Steve W has been paying attention to this one. And as Action – the private equity firm’s largest investment continues to do well, there might have been an opportunity…

United Health shares have had an awful year so far in 2025. CEOs have been departing and there’s now an investigation into Medicare fraud on the way. 

The stock is unusually cheap, though. And Steve D thinks when the company makes it through to the other side of its problems, things could look very different.

Compass Group is a FTSE 100 stock that we’ve never looked at before. But Steve W thinks it’s time to change that – there’s a lot to like about the contract caterer.

The firm combines a lot of the business models that we like. The only trouble is, it doesn’t look like this is a big secret that the market is missing right now…

It’s time for another look at Cava – the fast-growing Greek restaurant chain. The stock has been up and down since its IPO and Steve D has been following closely.

At the moment, though, it’s dividing opinion. Unusually, Steve D can’t make the numbers add up on this one, but Steve W thinks it’s about right where it is…

Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast!

► 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!)

There are many ways to help support the show, liking, commenting and sharing our episodes with friends! You can also check out our clothing merch store: https://playingftse.teemill.com/

We get a small cut of anything you buy which will be reinvested back into the show...

► Timestamps:

0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS

8:20 3I

21:42 UNITED HEALTH

36:13 COMPASS GROUP

51:35 CAVA

► 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 Twitter: https://twitter.com/playingftseshow

Or 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.

► Get a free 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 Finchat.io:

Huge thanks to our sponsor, FinChat.io, 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 FinChat.io!

https://finchat.io/playingftse/?lmref=iQl2VQ

► Episode Notes:

Who did Steve W meet this week? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show!

In a shortened week as we record early, Steve W has outperformed the FTSE 100 and the S&P 500. And Steve D has outperformed Steve W.

Warren Buffett is handing over the leadership of Bekrshire Hathaway at the end of the year. But will having Greg Abel in charge make any difference?

Steve W thinks so. A more hands-on approach to the company’s subsidiaries could generate better operating results, but it might make it harder to use that big cash pile.

Disney shares have been rising after an impressive set of earnings. Subscribers in the streaming division are growing and there’s a new park on the way in an unusual location.

That’s a surprise given the way Snow White has gone at the box office and the state of the US economy. Steve D has the details. 

UK retail has been terrible this year. But Steve W thinks there might be some signs of recovery on the way. 

Same-store-sales at B&M have been deteriorating less quickly and JD Wetherspoon has recently posted some strong results. So could this be time to consider buying?

MercadoLibre has been growing impressively on all front. Its e-commerce division, payment platform and delivery network are all reaching new highs. 

It’s the one that got away for both Steves, but we keep talking about it on the show to remind ourselves of what not to do. But who made a bigger mess of this?

Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast!

► 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!)

There are many ways to help support the show, liking, commenting and sharing our episodes with friends! You can also check out our clothing merch store: https://playingftse.teemill.com/

We get a small cut of anything you buy which will be reinvested back into the show...

► Timestamps:

0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS

7:10 BERKSHIRE & BUFFETT

23:23 DISNEY

40:46 UK HIGH STREET UPDATE

55:02 MERCADO LIBRE

► 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 Twitter: https://twitter.com/playingftseshow

Or 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.

► Get a free 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 Finchat.io:

Huge thanks to our sponsor, FinChat.io, 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 FinChat.io!

https://finchat.io/playingftse/?lmref=iQl2VQ

► Episode Notes:

Who has more than one internet provider? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show!

Steve W has outperformed the indexes this week, but has Steve D? That’s a complicated question that depends on exactly when we’re talking about.

The Amazon share price is treading water on a day the S&P 500 is climbing. But was the slowing growth in AWS from the latest earnings report really much of a problem?

Free cash flow has been negative, but the company investing might be a good thing in the long term. But in the short term – what about tariffs and building inventories?

Apple shares have been falling after the company’s quarterly earnings. Services growth slowed and the company is moving its manufacturing to Vietnam and India. 

That means the nonsense about a $3,500 iPhone isn’t – in all likelihood – ever going to be a reality. But in terms of innovation, investors are really looking for the next thing.

Duolingo is an odd business. But the stock has been a terrific investment and the share prices is up over 20% in a day after the firm’s most recent earnings report. 

Steve W is confused by the business – impressed, but confused. Steve D, though, thinks that a move beyond languages into some other educational areas could be a big winner.

Senior is in the Britbox, but we’ve never really talked about it on the show. And It’s a firm that’s in transition at the moment as it divests one of its operating divisions.

That could boost profits and long-term performance. But Steve W said last week that it doesn’t seem like a great time to be doing divestitures right now…

Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast!

► 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!)

There are many ways to help support the show, liking, commenting and sharing our episodes with friends! You can also check out our clothing merch store: https://playingftse.teemill.com/

We get a small cut of anything you buy which will be reinvested back into the show...

► Timestamps:

0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS

6:11 AMAZON

26:35 APPLE

40:53 DUOLINGO

55:22 SENIOR

► 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 Twitter: https://twitter.com/playingftseshow

Or 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.

► Get a free 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 Finchat.io:

Huge thanks to our sponsor, FinChat.io, 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 FinChat.io!

https://finchat.io/playingftse/?lmref=iQl2VQ

► Episode Notes:

Who’s been dusting off their cricket spikes – and who hasn’t? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show!

Contrasting fortunes for the Steves this week. Steve D has outperformed and Steve W has missed out – but the game has a long way to run yet for both our investors. 

Alphabet’s latest earnings report was incredibly impressive, but the stock market has largely shrugged it off. Why?

Could it be because the firm is losing antitrust cases and investors are worried about a potential breakup? Steve D has been looking for ancient wisdom to figure out what to do.

We don’t talk about Tesla often, but Steve W thinks things have got interesting recently. Thet latest earnings were terrible, but that’s not it.

It looks like Elon Musk might have managed to clear the way for regulatory approval for robotaxis. So could this be the key moment?

Intel has been outperforming expectations recently. But it’s been doing it with flat sales and negative earnings per share. 

Can the new CEO turn things around and get the foundry business selling to a company not called Intel? That’s probably the big question… but also: what’s Pat Gelsinger up to?

Steve W has been into DCC shares recently. But it’s just sold its healthcare business for less than analysts had been hoping for it to.

The stock is down as a result, but is there a bigger lesson for investors? Admiral and WH Smith have also struggled to get good prices for divestitures recently…

Tariffs and falling oil prices have been making life difficult for Enphase recently. But could it be a good time to consider buying the stock?

The situation is dynamic and volatile and that makes things hard for the company. That, though, might mean things could start getting a lot better very quickly.

Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast!

► 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!)

There are many ways to help support the show, liking, commenting and sharing our episodes with friends! You can also check out our clothing merch store: https://playingftse.teemill.com/

We get a small cut of anything you buy which will be reinvested back into the show...

► Timestamps:

0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS

6:36 ALPHABET

19:46 TESLA

29:55 INTEL

39:44 DCC

49:17 ENPHASE

► 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 Twitter: https://twitter.com/playingftseshow

Or 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.

► Get a free 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 Finchat.io:

Huge thanks to our sponsor, FinChat.io, 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 FinChat.io!

https://finchat.io/playingftse/?lmref=iQl2VQ

► Episode Notes:

After a two-week break, we’re back! Did we miss anything? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show!

The new financial year is off to an uninspiring start for both Steves. In the last week, both have underperformed the FTSE 100 and the S&P 500.

It’s that time of the quarter when we talk about Netflix and how well it’s done. And it’s put up strong numbers on the top and bottom lines with a positive outlook to go with it.

Steve W, though, has been thinking about the company’s move to shift away from disclosing its subscriber numbers. And Steve D has some other risks in mind.

ASML shares took a bit of a hit this week after the latest earnings update. But while the short term is uncertain, investors would do well to look at the bigger picture.

Steve W is interested in potential competitors. So Steve D is taking the opportunity to remind us of this company’s moat and how difficult it is to displace. 

Shares in Wise are now back to where they were when the stock first launched on the public markets in 2021. But the company makes a lot more money these days.

It’s got a much stronger competitive position, too. But what is Steve D’s big fear about the stock moving forward from an investment perspective?

Sartorius shares have been climbing steadily recently. Before that, though, they spent a good couple of years going the other way at quite a rate.

It’s been an interesting week for the company, though, with Eli Lilly launching a new anti-obesity treatment. So is this a smart way to invest around that theme?

Shares in FTSE 100 distributor Bunzl fell 25% in a day after the company’s first quarter update. Steve W thinks the report isn’t good, but the response is an overreaction.

Contracting margins and the loss of a key customer are never positive signs. But the guidance for the full year isn’t obviously 25% below where it was before.

Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast!

► 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!)

There are many ways to help support the show, liking, commenting and sharing our episodes with friends! You can also check out our clothing merch store: https://playingftse.teemill.com/

We get a small cut of anything you buy which will be reinvested back into the show...

► Timestamps:

0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS

4:37 NETFLIX

19:40 ASML

31:43 WISE

43:22 SARTORIUS

53:52 BUNZL

► 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 Twitter: https://twitter.com/playingftseshow

Or on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/

► 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.

► Get a free 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 Finchat.io:

Huge thanks to our sponsor, FinChat.io, 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 FinChat.io!

https://finchat.io/playingftse/?lmref=iQl2VQ

► Episode Notes:

Who’s picked the wrong week to go on holiday from a podcasting perspective? Find out in this week’s PlayingFTSE Show!

This show was recorded on March 30th. Fortunately, not much happened in the last week or so…

It’s time to look back at what we’ve bought over the last three months and how our portfolios have fared. Steve D’s up first.

There are some obvious discounts in some of the REITs Steve owns and Amazon is looking like it’s come down a lot. So is the plan to go buying on the latest dip?

Steve W has been diving into AIM stocks in the last three months. So far, that hasn’t been a success, but it’s still early days for those particular investments.

New positions in Celebrus and Tristel stand out alongside some other less imaginative investments. But what’s the plan for the next three months?

Steve D has been busy on the selling side as well. Pfizer and Diageo have gone entirely and Progyny and Disney have been reduced after some well-timed buys.

It’s surprising how much some big and well-established firms have been struggling lately. But Rightmove has also made its way out of Steve D’s portfolio for a different reason.

Unimaginatively, Steve W has made three sales in the last three months. One was Citigroup (which looks brilliant) and another was Dowlais, which looks… ok.

The other one was Primary Health Properties and that looks like a mistake. The stock is about where it was when Steve sold it, but he’s made a bit of a mess of his calculations… 

Around three months ago, we started a portfolio of UK stocks and a portfolio of European shares. And the European investments have made a decent start. 

There have been some outstanding performances, especially from the likes of Carl Zeiss Meditec. But which of the Steves has been contributing more?

With the UK shares portfolio, there’s a familiar theme. Barclays, NatWest, and Admiral lead the way after a strong first quarter for financials stocks. 

Bringing up the rear is Greggs – obviously – which has had a terrible 2025 to date. But what else has been faltering along with the FTSE 100 food chain?

Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast!

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► Timestamps:

0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS

5:03 STEVE D BUYS

21:30 STEVE W BUYS

34:00 STEVE D SELLS

44:00 STEVE W SELLS

56:10 EUROBOX & BRITBOX UPDATES

► 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

► 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.

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When investing, your capital is at risk and you may get back less than invested.

Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results.

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► Episode Notes:

Who’s been adjusting numbers this week? Find out in this week’s PlayingFTSE Show! 

It’s been a short week between recordings. But there’s still plenty of time for the Steves to have been making portfolio moves and paying attention to stock market news.

The Spring Statement this week brought some interesting news. In the short term, growth is set to fall and inflation is set to rise, but is there anything positive to report?

Steve W finds the Chancellor sticking to her principles and looking to keep borrowing under control admirable. But it’s hard to be that positive about the UK at the moment.

It’s been a few weeks since Steve W talked about Associated British Foods. But we’ve had a request from a listener to take another look. 

The company is driven by Primark, which has performed poorly recently. At the moment, though, it’s trading at a price that might well reflect this – so is it a buy?

Shares in Vistry fell sharply this week when the company’s latest trading update turned out to be… as bad as everyone expected. But they weren’t obviously any worse.

Steve D has the news and still has a positive view on the business. With the stock down, the ongoing share buybacks could be about to make a big impact on the stock…

Cohort is a military technology conglomerate that we haven’t talked about on the show before. But Steve W has been looking and thinks there’s a lot going for it.

With the UK government set to increase its defence spending, the company stands to benefit. The share price, though, is up over 100% over the last 12 months, so is it too late?

Shares in Ashtead Technology have been rising after the company’s latest trading update. Steve D has the news and it’s very impressive. 

Revenues and profits are up and they’re up by a lot. So with the stock at a P/E ratio of 15, is Steve W about to let this one slip away?

Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast!

► 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

5:10 SPRING STATEMENT

18:20 ASSOCIATED BRITISH FOODS

29:40 VISTRY

38:55 COHORT

50:35 ASHTEAD TECH

► 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 Twitter: https://twitter.com/playingftseshow

Or 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.