Time in the Market

In the latest episode of our award-winning podcast series we take a pivot away from an exclusive investment conversation and, instead, turn to a crucial soft skill, Critical Thinking. To help explore this important topic we are privileged to host Dr Pippa Grange, a lauded applied psychologist and author, and former Head of People and Team Development at The Football Association. The conversation i...

In the latest Ben Squared podcast the resident pairing pivot to a more focused conversation on the UK. Up for debate is the interest rate outlook and the relatively even split at the Bank of England, as well as some broad commentary about the backdrop for inflation and health of the labour market.  The conversation concludes with some comments on how these views are reflected in our investment str...

In the latest Ben Squared podcast the original duo is back in control, reviewing what has been a remarkable week for economic data and ‘events’. The focus is the US jobs report and consequences for Fed policy, though some time is taken to review the live debate over ‘data quality’ and ‘personnel’ within this realm. The conversation concludes with a look at earnings and impact (or not) of tariffs....

In the latest Ben Squared podcast, Ben Jones hosts his longtime friend and colleague Chris Mellor as they discuss what ETF investors are buying and selling, trade deals, and why the latest economic data point to economic resiliency. This podcast was recorded on 29 July 2025. *This podcast is for UK Professional Clients Only. Capital at Risk. Past performance does not predict future returns Hosted...

In the latest Ben Squared podcast Ben Jones steps into the role as host and is joined by Mike Bessell from Invesco’s Real Estate Team. Ben and Mike discuss what they see in US and UK inflation data and whether their views have changed in recent weeks. Mike then offers a deep dive into the global real estate market, changes in pension regulations towards alternatives, and where real estate flows ar...

In the latest Ben Squared podcast we welcome special guest David Aujla, a Multi-Asset Fund Manager from Invesco to the studio. The focus of the conversation, following a brief intrusion from an additional (high profile) touring guest, is on portfolio ‘implementation’. Specific areas of coverage include managing ‘Mag 7’ exposure, the active v passive debate and the merits (or not) of small caps. A...

In the latest Ben Squared podcast we welcome a returning guest to the studio, in the form of Graham Hook – Invesco’s Head of UK Government Affairs. As (likely) anticipated, the conversation focuses on the drama of recent policy U-turns by the government and the potential fiscal and economic consequences. Time is made, however, to discuss wider policy decisions and intentions, as well as the health...

In the latest episode of our award-winning podcast series we are privileged to host Marko Papic, lauded Geopolitical Investment Strategist, author, media star and author. In a fast-paced, insightful and highly entertaining conversation we discuss how US politics, fiscal and monetary policy are shaping Marko’s view on the equity, bond and currency markets – with a particular focus on the dollar. Th...

In the latest Ben Squared podcast we begin by discussing the ‘investment learnings’ from the recent Middle East flare up. We then pivot to a review of the driving forces behind global stock market strength, with many international indices approaching and/or attaining all-time highs. The conversation then concludes with some analysis of the recent German budget and NATO summit, picking out the most...

In the latest episode of our award-winning podcast series we take the opportunity to discuss the risks and opportunities that present within the global equity universe. In a blended macro and micro conversation, we begin by reviewing the impact of US Trade Policy, European/German Fiscal and recessionary threats on Stephen’s investment strategy. We then flip to a sector and stock specific debate, c...

In the latest Ben Squared podcast we discuss the troubling developments in the Middle East, focusing on the consequences for the oil price and global equities. We then reflect upon last week’s policy choices and communications from the US Federal Reserve and Bank of England, before concluding with some comment on gold. This podcast was recorded on 23rd June 2025.   *This podcast is for UK Professi...

In the latest Ben Squared podcast we briefly discuss developments in the Middle East before focusing on both the typical and atypical market reactions. In the final segment of the podcast we look ahead to a host of Central Bank meetings this week, reflecting upon how recent data may impact decision making for the remainder of the year. This podcast was recorded on 16th June 2025.  *This podcast is...

In the latest Ben Squared podcast we discuss the major investment themes/calls of the year and whether they still hold, chiefly Equities over Bonds, International Equities over US Equities, dollar bearishness, gold bullishness and zero rate cuts from the Fed (in 2025). This podcast was recorded on 10th June 2025.  *This podcast is for UK Professional Clients Only. Capital at Risk. Past performance...

In the latest Ben Squared podcast we begin by reviewing recent developments in US Trade Policy as US courts make a remarkable intervention. From there we move on to the latest updates on the One Big Beautiful Bill, and potential consequences for US debt and monetary policy. We also take some time to review the policy dynamics between President Trump and the Fed Chair before concluding with a  remi...

In the latest Ben Squared podcast we begin by reviewing recent developments in US Trade Policy as a familiar approach is undertaken with the EU. From there we pivot to the bond market where a more expansive US fiscal agenda seems to be meeting the ire of Treasury holders. This podcast was recorded on 27th May 2025.   *This podcast is for UK Professional Clients Only. Capital at Risk. Past performa...

In the latest Ben Squared podcast we begin by reviewing the recent stock market strength, primarily in the context of evolving US trade policy, before pivoting to a potentially more worrying backdrop for US Treasuries. To finish we debate the Bank of England’s interest rate strategy considering the strengths and weaknesses within the UK labour market. This podcast was recorded on 19th May 2025.  *...

In the latest episode of our award-winning podcast series we take the opportunity to revisit UK equities which may just be starting to capture the interest of both domestic and international investors. Joining the conversation and providing expert insight, we are delighted to welcome Beth Shard from Invesco’s UK equity team. In the discussion Beth is asked for her thoughts on the health of the UK...

In the latest Ben Squared podcast we reflect on the promising developments unfolding in trade policy, both from the US and the rest of the world! Incorporating this progress we then review recent decisions and communications from the US Federal Reserve and the Bank of England. This podcast was recorded on 12th May 2025. *This podcast is for UK Professional Clients Only. Capital at Risk. Past perfo...

In the latest Ben Squared podcast we revisit the conflict between resilient hard data and despondent levels of sentiment within the economy. From there we reflect on how such challenges may shape central bank policy, before concluding with a review of our current investment strategy. This podcast was recorded on 6th May 2025.  *This podcast is for UK Professional Clients Only. Capital at Risk. Pas...

In another busy Ben Squared podcast we first reflect on Trump’s ‘remarkable’ first 100 days in office, before pivoting to (what appears) a further easing in trade tensions, before revisiting the challenge to US exceptionalism. We conclude with thoughts on the conflict between resilient hard data (such as Retail Sales) and collapsing soft data (such as consumer confidence). As always, the conversat...

In this latest Ben Squared podcast, and with markets continuing to struggle, we discuss the burgeoning concerns over recessionary risks, but also the extent to which there are positive offsets (if any?). From there we pivot to the increasing pressure being placed upon the Federal Reserve, and its Chair, by the US Trump Administration to cut interest rates. We conclude by bringing both elements tog...

In the latest episode of our award-winning podcast series we take a deeper dive into the Emerging Markets. As is usual, the primary focus is to gain a deeper understanding of economic conditions, and to review the investment opportunities and risks that currently present within the asset class. Joining to provide expert analysis, we’re delighted to welcome Chris Tennant, a highly regarded Emerging...

In this latest Ben Squared podcast we are compelled to continue the discussion on US Trade Policy as a gradual easing in the Trump Administration’s approach offers some relief to markets – at least in the very short-term. Of course, uncertainty remains over the final destination for tariff settings, and a discussion over recessionary threats is necessary. To conclude the conversation, a debate is...

In this latest podcast our focus remains on the fallout from US Trade Policy, analysing the degree to which recessionary risks have risen and the potential policy response. Discussions do not centre entirely on the US, however, indeed time is taken to review how other important regions are managing this challenge and executing their own fiscal agenda, independent of trade disruption. We conclude w...

In this special/bonus addition of the Ben Squared podcast, we discuss the market turmoil in response to the dramatic developments in US Trade Policy. The conversation begins with an analysis of the market reaction, and where it has been more or less rational, before turning to a broader debate on recessionary risks and the challenge for monetary policy decision makers. The conversation concludes w...