Why Invest?

In this debut “Macro Musings” edition of the Why Invest? podcast, the W1M Multi Asset team opens the door to the conversations normally held behind the scenes. They explore the forces shaping today’s markets - from US exceptionalism and inflationary pressures to liquidity, energy policy, and the growing influence of AI investment. They reflect on the psychology of portfolio construction, the impor...

In this episode of Why Invest , Helen Thomas, Founder and CEO of Blonde Money, discusses how political risk is shaping financial markets. Helen explores the challenges of rising debt, ageing populations and why productivity growth is so critical to fiscal sustainability. She highlights the growing fragility of institutions, the political volatility gripping the UK, US, and Europe, and the legacy o...

In this episode of Why Invest? host, Luke Hyde-Smith, speaks with Zahra Ward-Murphy, Strategist at Absolute Strategy Research (ASR). The conversation explores why ASR currently favours a modest equity overweight, the resilience of US growth, and how regime shifts in policy, inflation, and credit supply are reshaping portfolio construction. Zahra also discusses the case for a “real asset revival”,...

In this episode of Why Invest? Luke Hyde-Smith is joined by market veteran and investment futurist Mark Latham. With over 40 years in commodities and fund management, Mark shares his journey from running a leading resources fund to founding Commodity Intelligence and The Angry Portfolio. They discuss the growing influence of technology across real-world industries, the challenges traditional secto...

In this episode, host Luke Hyde-Smith is joined by guest co-host Stefan Rheinwald and renowned market strategist and author of the Greed & Fear newsletter, Chris Wood. They explore the current contradictions in the Trump agenda, the state of US equity markets, and the implications of surging AI investment. The conversation spans global markets, with Wood sharing his outlook on Japan’s corporat...

In this episode host, Luke Hyde-Smith, is joined by renowned investor and author Ruchir Sharma, Chairman of Rockefeller International and Founder of Breakout Capital. They discuss Sharma’s top investment trends for 2025 and examine the evolving global economic landscape at the halfway point of the year. The conversation also delves into themes from Sharma’s latest book, What Went Wrong with Capita...

In this episode, Luke Hyde-Smith speaks with Peter Davies, Partner & Head of Developed Markets Strategy at Lansdowne Partners. Peter reflects on his investment journey, sharing how his experience has shaped his current global long-only approach. Peter outlines the core themes driving Lansdowne’s Developed Markets Strategy and highlights undervalued areas, emphasising that many of today’s stron...

In this episode of the Why Invest? podcast, host Luke Hyde-Smith is joined by Kallum Pickering, Chief Economist at Peel Hunt, for a wide-ranging discussion on key issues shaping the UK’s economic outlook. They explore the links between energy policy, productivity, and long-term growth, as well as the current state of UK capital markets and how reforms could unlock new opportunities. Kallum offers...

In this episode of Why Invest? host Luke Hyde-Smith is joined by Paul Podolsky, former Bridgewater executive, author, and founder of Kate Capital. Paul shares his journey from journalism in 1990s Russia, to macro investing at one of the world’s most successful hedge funds. They explore the current macroeconomic backdrop, including US policy volatility and rising geopolitical tensions and discuss w...

In this episode of the Why Invest? podcast Luke Hyde-Smith is joined by Kiril Sokoloff, Founder of 13D Research & Strategy. Known for his contrarian and thematic investment approach, Kiril shares insights that bridge finance, geopolitics, philosophy, and history. The discussion explores current economic turbulence, the role of China and India in the global economy and the importance of free ca...

In this episode of the Why Invest? podcast, host Luke Hyde-Smith is joined by broadcaster and podcast host Alex Payne. Alex shares the journey from his early days at Sky Sports to launching The Good, The Bad and The Rugby podcast with Mike Tindall and James Haskell, now one of the UK's biggest commercial podcast brands. He discusses the business behind the show, his entrepreneurial venture The Inf...

In this episode of the Why Invest? podcast, hosts James Carter and Alexandra Buchan-Heelas are joined by Zuleika Salter, Partner and Head of Private Growth Capital at Cavendish. The conversation explores the evolving landscape of venture capital in the UK and Zuleika’s own unconventional path into finance. They unpack the differences between venture capital and private equity, the role of advisors...

The this episode of the Why Invest? podcast, host Luke Hyde-Smith is joined by Bob Brackett, Head of Americas Energy Transition and Managing Director Senior/Research Analyst at Bernstein, covering Global Metals & Mining.  The discussion explores the critical role of commodities in the global economy, the evolution of energy markets, and the future of metals and mining. They touch on the i...

The latest episode of Why Invest? host Luke Hyde-Smith is joined by Jennifer Fisher, Head of Equities and Saker Nusseibeh, CEO of Federated Hermes Limited. The discussion explores the evolution of responsible investing, sustainable finance, and the industry's approach to ESG. They touch on the rise of passive investing, the role of governance in long-term investment strategies, and the misconcepti...

In this episode, hosts Tom Saville and Alexandra Buchan-Heelas are joined by Ben Stafford, CEO of Regenerate Asset Management, an impact manager specialising in private markets, with a focus on regenerative agriculture and natural capital. Ben shares his journey from renewable energy to impact investing in agriculture, highlighting how regenerative practices can offer both ecological and financial...

In our first episode of 2025, host Luke Hyde-Smith is joined by Brendan Williams, Co-Founder and CEO of NuWave, a trailblazing alcohol-free beer brand. The conversation dives into the innovation behind NuWave, a beer that’s not only alcohol-free but also mood-enhancing, thanks to adaptogenic botanicals. Brendan discusses the challenges and rewards of transitioning from multinational corporations t...

To close out 2024, we welcome the acclaimed financial journalist, John Authers. With over 30 years of experience at the Financial Times and Bloomberg, John shares his expert insights on the year, including the resilience of the U.S. economy, the evolving battle against inflation, and the growing influence of geopolitics on markets. He reflects on the lessons learned in financial journalism, the op...

In this episode, Luke Hyde-Smith interviews Alister Hibbert, Fund Manager and Head of BlackRock’s Strategic Equity Team, to explore his career journey, investment philosophy, and insights on the evolving equity landscape. Alister shares what sparked his passion for investing, the lessons he learned from influential mentors, and his approach to identifying high-quality companies with sustainable re...

In this episode, Luke Hyde-Smith is joined by Kathryn Porter, founder of independent energy consultancy and blog, Watt-Logic .   Kathryn shares her perspectives on the UK's energy transition goals, particularly the ambitious target for net-zero emissions and the challenges that may impede progress. She discusses the viability of renewables, the potential role of nuclear energy, difficulties o...

In this episode host Tom Saville sits down with Eric Peters, CEO and CIO of One River Asset Management and Coinbase Asset Management to discuss the economic forces shaping the future for investors. From fiscal challenges and market volatility to technological disruption and the evolving global landscape, Eric offers his expert insights on navigating uncertainty, the role of innovation, and how to...

In this episode Luke Hyde-Smith and James Carter sit down with John Emerson, Vice Chair of Capital Group International and former U.S. Ambassador to Germany. They delve into the upcoming U.S. election, discussing the potential impact of a Trump or Harris presidency on policies ranging from tariffs to Ukraine. John shares his unique insights on global geopolitics, drawing from his experience in int...

In this episode, Luke Hyde-Smith hosts renowned financial columnist Merryn Somerset Webb, who shares her insights on inflation, private markets, and UK equities. They discuss Merryn's recent article advocating for a simplified British ISA, her views on shareholder engagement, and the broader implications of financial policy. Merryn also reflects on her career in financial journalism and the import...

In this episode, Tom Saville and Luke Hyde-Smith sit down with James Heal, Chief Investment Officer at Transition Net Zero Advisers, to explore the cutting-edge world of decarbonisation and climate technology investments. James delves into the strategies behind Transition Net Zero Advisers, an investment advisory and asset management firm focused on climate change mitigation and adaptation. J...

In this episode, host Luke Hide-Smith interviews the remarkable Pip Hare, one of the few women to ever complete the Vendée Globe - a gruelling solo, non-stop and without assistance round-the-world sailing race. Pip shares her incredible journey to competing, discussing the physical and mental challenges, thorough preparation, and the importance of risk management. She also delves into how the resi...

In this episode Luke Hyde-Smith sits down with Marcus Phayre-Mudge, Head of Property at Columbia Threadneedle Investments and manager of the TR Property Investment Trust. Marcus shares his insights on the current property market dynamics, the impact of interest rates, and the future opportunities in commercial real estate. He discusses the resilience of listed property companies, the significance...