Playing FTSE

playingftsepodcast

We're a UK based podcast discussing all types of investing. Light-hearted and info-packed, we'll try our best to bring you great coverage of the markets, stocks, politics, and loads of other things in a way that’s accessible and (we hope) entertaining!

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Avg 1 hr 12 min
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Sunday · 59 min
Empires, Dynasties and Broken Promises
Who makes the best mayonnaise? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show! Steve D is back, but probably wishing he wasn’t. It’s a story of the bad and the worse in the stock market this week as the S&P 500 marches on… Shares in Vistry are down – again – after the results of the new CEO’s investigation. There’s a £400m writedown and an important change of direction for the business. Both Steves have owned this, but it’s been one set of bad news after another. And Steve D has made a big decision… Exor is a stock that has confounded value investors for some time. It trades at a huge discount to its net asset value, but could that be about to change? There’s a share buyback programme on the way and the potential for an exciting new investment. Steve W thinks this one looks interesting. It’s been a tough couple of years for Nike shareholders and the news isn’t really getting any better. Kylian Mbappe has moved to a competitor. On Running has been taking share from the market leader for some time. But with the stock now trading at the same multiples as Nike, is it worth a look at these prices? Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast! ► Free Fractional Shares + Exclusive Deals — Start Here: 🎁 Free Fractional Share — Open a Trading 212 account through our link and grab shares worth up to £/€100, completely free. Terms apply. 👉 https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE When investing, your capital is at risk. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. 📊 15% Off Fiscal.ai — The investing toolkit we actually use. Analyse stocks, spot hidden opportunities, and build income streams. 👉 https://fiscal.ai/?via=steve ► About Playing FTSE: What's happening in the markets — and why should you care? We break down the week's biggest financial news, stocks, and economic mayhem in a way that's actually enjoyable to listen to. No jargon, no waffle, just straight-talking chat about money, markets, and the madness in between. For people who want to get smarter about investing — without wanting to fall asleep. ► Free Investing Course + Newsletter: 📬 Join us on Substack for our completely free 10-week investing and research course — no sign-up fees, no paywalls, no nonsense. Plus regular deep dives on market trends, investor psychology, and asset classes that will genuinely make you think differently. 👉 https://playingftse.substack.com/ ► Enjoyed the Episode? ☕ Buy us a coffee (we'll spend it on the show, promise): 👉 https://ko-fi.com/playingftse 💬 Drop a question in the comments or find us on Instagram: 👉 https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/ 📩 Business enquiries: playingftsepodcast@gmail.com ► Timestamps: 0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS 5:01 VISTRY 20:43 EXOR 40:46 ON HOLDINGS ► Show Notes: Playing FTSE is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions.
September 20 · 1 hr 11 min
We Meet ISA Investor!
**Check Out ISA Investor on YouTube** https://www.youtube.com/@ISAInvestorUK Where is Steve D? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show! This week, Steve W is sitting down with ISA Investor UK. A long-time listener with an overlapping past, this mysterious investor has a unique approach to the markets. A portfolio worth over £1,000,000 would be enough for most people. But ISA Investor UK just keeps on going – at least, for the time being. What motivates someone to keep pushing forward after so much success? And how might his approach to risk change in the future? ISA Investor’s portfolio is a really interesting one. There’s no big hyperscaler tech and it’s focused on a few key ideas that have been working really well. AI, healthcare, and commodities producers dominate the portfolio. And that speaks to a much deeper investing strategy that’s worth thinking about going forward… Unlike a lot of our usual guests, ISA Investor UK is active with options. But only selectively and in some very specific cases. Hedging and passive income are legitimate strategies for options traders, but not really ISA Investor. Steve W wants to know why not. We’ve not really talked about KGHM on the show before. And that might be an oversight on our part, given our previous interest in copper and mining stocks. ISA Investor explains the rationale for looking at a company that combines low production costs with relatively low political risks. One to consider buying? In our quick-fire round, we’re talking about ASML, Intuitive Surgical, and Uber. But are these cases of ISA INvestor, or ISA OUtvestor? There are some surprising results from our guest. And there’s also an interesting story about Airbnb to talk about… Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast! ► Free Share + Exclusive Deals — Start Here: 🎁 Free Fractional Share — Open a Trading 212 account through our link and grab shares worth up to £/€100, completely free. Terms apply. 👉 https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE When investing, your capital is at risk. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. 📊 15% Off Fiscal.ai — The investing toolkit we actually use. Analyse stocks, spot hidden opportunities, and build income streams. 👉 https://fiscal.ai/?via=steve ► About Playing FTSE: What's happening in the markets — and why should you care? We break down the week's biggest financial news, stocks, and economic mayhem in a way that's actually enjoyable to listen to. No jargon, no waffle, just straight-talking chat about money, markets, and the madness in between. For people who want to get smarter about investing — without wanting to fall asleep. ► Free Investing Course + Newsletter: 📬 Join us on Substack for our completely free 10-week investing and research course — no sign-up fees, no paywalls, no nonsense. Plus regular deep dives on market trends, investor psychology, and asset classes that will genuinely make you think differently. 👉 https://playingftse.substack.com/ ► Enjoyed the Episode? ☕ Buy us a coffee (we'll spend it on the show, promise): 👉 https://ko-fi.com/playingftse 💬 Drop a question in the comments or find us on Instagram: 👉 https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/ 📩 Business enquiries: playingftsepodcast@gmail.com ► Timestamps: 0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS 2:00 MEET ISA INVESTOR 12:50 PORTFOLIO 25:02 OPTIONS 35:51 ISA’S STOCK 49:13 IN-VESTOR OR OUT-VESTOR ► Show Notes: Playing FTSE is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions.
September 13 · 1 hr 4 min
Chips, Dinosaurs and Strippers
What’s got more flavour than an Oxo cube? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show! It’s been a dreadful week for both Steves in the stock market. Steve W’s losses are three times greater than the FTSE 100 or the S&P 500. And Steve D’s are worse! Nvidia shares have done pretty well this year, but not as well as over 200 other S&P 500 stocks. That’s despite the latest results continuing to be nothing short of stellar. Steve W thinks it’s time to start asking a different question. What’s the company’s strategy for after the data centre buildout and can it cope with the competition? Steve D has a new UK stock to take a look at – Frontier Developments. It’s a video games business, think managing theme parks, F1 teams, and zoos. The interesting assets are the firm’s licenses. With Warhammer 40,000 on board and a new Disney title on the way, could this be an under-the-radar stock to buy? Rosebank Industries is a FTSE 250 name that James Fox – one of our previous guests – likes a lot. And it’s in a very familiar type of industry for this show. Buying, improving, and selling is a business model that we’ve seen a lot. But is this company more like QXO, 3i, or Avingtrans? Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast! ► Free Share + Exclusive Deals — Start Here: 🎁 Free Fractional Share — Open a Trading 212 account through our link and grab shares worth up to £/€100, completely free. Terms apply. 👉 https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE When investing, your capital is at risk. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. 📊 15% Off Fiscal.ai — The investing toolkit we actually use. Analyse stocks, spot hidden opportunities, and build income streams. 👉 https://fiscal.ai/?via=steve ► About Playing FTSE: What's happening in the markets — and why should you care? We break down the week's biggest financial news, stocks, and economic mayhem in a way that's actually enjoyable to listen to. No jargon, no waffle, just straight-talking chat about money, markets, and the madness in between. For people who want to get smarter about investing — without wanting to fall asleep. ► Free Investing Course + Newsletter: 📬 Join us on Substack for our completely free 10-week investing and research course — no sign-up fees, no paywalls, no nonsense. Plus regular deep dives on market trends, investor psychology, and asset classes that will genuinely make you think differently. 👉 https://playingftse.substack.com/ ► Enjoyed the Episode? ☕ Buy us a coffee (we'll spend it on the show, promise): 👉 https://ko-fi.com/playingftse 💬 Drop a question in the comments or find us on Instagram: 👉 https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/ 📩 Business enquiries: playingftsepodcast@gmail.com ► Timestamps: 0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS 7:17 NVIDIA 26:43 FRONTIER 43:03 ROSE ► Show Notes: Playing FTSE is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions.
September 6 · 1 hr 11 min
Top 10 Solar Stocks + Investing in a Sports Team?!
When did Steve D nearly buy a sports team? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show! Steve W’s back from holiday, but he doesn’t have anything good to report from this week in the stock market. Nor does Steve D for that matter… In general, people who buy sports franchises aren’t doing so for investment reasons. But Steve W’s been looking at one on the stock market that might just be interesting. Manchester United has a brand with a loyal fanbase and the company outperforms its rivals even when the team is dreadful. Could that be worth a look for investors? If James Fox is right that power – specifically solar – is the next big thing, investors are going to want to know what to look at. And Steve D’s been on the case for us. 10 stocks follow – in two sets of five. Some are better-known than others, but are any of them worth buying at today’s depressed prices? Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast! ► Free Share + Exclusive Deals — Start Here: 🎁 Free Fractional Share — Open a Trading 212 account through our link and grab shares worth up to £/€100, completely free. Terms apply. 👉 https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE When investing, your capital is at risk. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. 📊 15% Off Fiscal.ai — The investing toolkit we actually use. Analyse stocks, spot hidden opportunities, and build income streams. 👉 https://fiscal.ai/?via=steve ► About Playing FTSE: What's happening in the markets — and why should you care? We break down the week's biggest financial news, stocks, and economic mayhem in a way that's actually enjoyable to listen to. No jargon, no waffle, just straight-talking chat about money, markets, and the madness in between. For people who want to get smarter about investing — without wanting to fall asleep. ► Free Investing Course + Newsletter: 📬 Join us on Substack for our completely free 10-week investing and research course — no sign-up fees, no paywalls, no nonsense. Plus regular deep dives on market trends, investor psychology, and asset classes that will genuinely make you think differently. 👉 https://playingftse.substack.com/ ► Enjoyed the Episode? ☕ Buy us a coffee (we'll spend it on the show, promise): 👉 https://ko-fi.com/playingftse 💬 Drop a question in the comments or find us on Instagram: 👉 https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/ 📩 Business enquiries: playingftsepodcast@gmail.com ► Timestamps: 0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS 1:22 MANCHESTER UNITED 18:18 FIVE SOLAR STOCKS INTRO 24:20 NEXTPOWER 27:45 BLOOM ENERGY 30:43 FIRST SOLAR 32:53 SHOALS TECH 35:20 ARRAY TECH 45:10 SOLAREDGE 48:16 ENPHASE 51:00 SUNRUN 54:07 TOYO 58:00 FLUENCE ENERGY ► Show Notes: Playing FTSE is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions.
August 30 · 1 hr 26 min
The Doctor Is Back! And His Diagnosis Is Clear...
**Check Out James On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trade_pass/** What’s harder: building a data centre in space or a house in the UK? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show! This week, we have something a bit different. With Steve W on holiday, it’s the return of the UK’s Number 1 independent stock picker – Dr. James Fox! It’s been quite the year in the stock market. And James is here to break it all down for us – as well as telling us where he thinks we’re heading from here. Unlike a lot of investors, James doesn’t mind timing the stock market. He’s focused on buying low and selling high, which is what the best investors do. On top of that, though, he’s got some very specific things he looks for in an investment. So what’s he been buying and selling over the last few months? AI has been the theme of 2026 and some time before and Micron has been one of our guest’s top-performing stocks. But he also has some reservations about the industry. Sooner or later, someone has to make some money in the industry. James, however, thinks the hardware buildout could still have years left to run… Energy is the other big theme James has been looking at. It’s well-known that data centres need a lot of power and that has to come from somewhere. Is solar the answer? It solves a lot of the problem of grid connectivity and with the US focused on oil, it’s hard to argue that the stocks are consensus choice right now… It’s been a tough year for Terry Smith and Fundsmith. But the UK’s Warren Buffett has announced a change of strategy and it looks a bit like closer alignment with James. Despite this, our guest isn’t entirely convinced by some of the latest Fundsmith moves. And one stock that’s particularly interesting at the moment is AppLovin. Is the doctor in or out on Adobe, MercadoLibre, and SpaceX? And what about BAE Systems, Barratt Redrow and Wise? It’s our quickfire stock discussion with the UK’s top-ranked independent stock picker. This is one you won’t want to miss. Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast!
August 23 · 1 hr 15 min
Building, Credit & Market Measuring
What’s the most crowded trade right now? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show! Another middling performance from Steve and Steve this week. But with both the FTSE 100 and the S&P 500 down, that’s not really anything to shout about… Steve W’s been looking at the state of the stock market right now. The Bank of America Fund Manager Survey for August is throwing up some interesting data. Investors are still concerned about AI and the semiconductor trade. But they’re getting more bullish, so is this the time to buy, sell, or hold? Steve D has been watching Klarna since the stock went public. The market hasn’t really been impressed so far and the share price is down big this week. Nonetheless, the business has posted some very strong growth figures ahead of expectations. With weaker guidance coming, though, is the fall justified? We’ve had a request to check in on Howden Joinery Group – a FTSE 100 kitchen supplier. So Steve W’s picking this up for the latest news. Competition is ramping up, especially from B&Q. But can it disrupt well-established relationships and a business that’s growing even as its market contracts? The time to buy stocks is when they’re cheap. And Steve D’s Nemetschek is a great example of a company that’s doing well despite a falling share price. There’s strong growth and AI integration has been a huge boost for the specialist building software firm. So what’s Steve’s next move? Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast! ► Free Share + Exclusive Deals — Start Here: 🎁 Free Fractional Share — Open a Trading 212 account through our link and grab shares worth up to £/€100, completely free. Terms apply. 👉 https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE When investing, your capital is at risk. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. 📊 15% Off Fiscal.ai — The investing toolkit we actually use. Analyse stocks, spot hidden opportunities, and build income streams. 👉 https://fiscal.ai/?via=steve ► About Playing FTSE: What's happening in the markets — and why should you care? We break down the week's biggest financial news, stocks, and economic mayhem in a way that's actually enjoyable to listen to. No jargon, no waffle, just straight-talking chat about money, markets, and the madness in between. For people who want to get smarter about investing — without wanting to fall asleep. ► Free Investing Course + Newsletter: 📬 Join us on Substack for our completely free 10-week investing and research course — no sign-up fees, no paywalls, no nonsense. Plus regular deep dives on market trends, investor psychology, and asset classes that will genuinely make you think differently. 👉 https://playingftse.substack.com/ ► Enjoyed the Episode? ☕ Buy us a coffee (we'll spend it on the show, promise): 👉 https://ko-fi.com/playingftse 💬 Drop a question in the comments or find us on Instagram: 👉 https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/ 📩 Business enquiries: playingftsepodcast@gmail.com ► Show Notes: Playing FTSE is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions.
August 16 · 1 hr 2 min
Monday, Adyen and is Abel Able?
What day of the week does Monda.com report earnings on? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show! Steve D has absolutely run away with it in the stock market this week. With Steve W, it depends on how you measure things… Adyen shares have been driving Steve D’s portfolio higher. But there are quite a few things to pay attention to. A move to buying over building and a push to buy computing power at the high end of the cycle look out of character. The stock, however, is still well below its 5-year high… Berkshire Hathaway without Warren Buffett in charge doesn’t feel quite the same. But is that a bad thing? Steve W’s been looking at the latest earnings report. Insurance was weak, but let’s be honest – the really interesting bit is Greg Abel knocking a hole in the $300bn cash pile. The stock market is starting to decide what it thinks of software companies. And it’s sorting them into winners and losers. Which one is Monday.com? It’s a bit hard to tell - the numbers look pretty robust, but it’s making the kind of moves of a company under AI pressure… Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast! ► Free Share + Exclusive Deals — Start Here: 🎁 Free Fractional Share — Open a Trading 212 account through our link and grab shares worth up to £/€100, completely free. Terms apply. 👉 https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE When investing, your capital is at risk. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. 📊 15% Off Fiscal.ai — The investing toolkit we actually use. Analyse stocks, spot hidden opportunities, and build income streams. 👉 https://fiscal.ai/?via=steve ► About Playing FTSE: What's happening in the markets — and why should you care? We break down the week's biggest financial news, stocks, and economic mayhem in a way that's actually enjoyable to listen to. No jargon, no waffle, just straight-talking chat about money, markets, and the madness in between. For people who want to get smarter about investing — without wanting to fall asleep. ► Free Investing Course + Newsletter: 📬 Join us on Substack for our completely free 10-week investing and research course — no sign-up fees, no paywalls, no nonsense. Plus regular deep dives on market trends, investor psychology, and asset classes that will genuinely make you think differently. 👉 https://playingftse.substack.com/ ► Enjoyed the Episode? ☕ Buy us a coffee (we'll spend it on the show, promise): 👉 https://ko-fi.com/playingftse 💬 Drop a question in the comments or find us on Instagram: 👉 https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/ 📩 Business enquiries: playingftsepodcast@gmail.com ► Timestamps: 0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS 6:34 ADYEN 25:40 BERKSHIRE 44:24 MONDAY ► Show Notes: Playing FTSE is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions.
August 9 · 1 hr 14 min
E-Commerce to SaaS: BIG Earnings Recap
What’s Michael Burry buying? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show! It’s a close-run thing in the stock market this week. At least, it is between Steve and Steve – the FTSE 100 and the S&P 500 are nowhere to be seen really… MercadoLibre shares fell after strong revenue growth – and lower profits. The company is investing to strengthen its position, but is this a good thing? Amazon, Shoppee, and Temu are all coming for the Brazilian e-commerce market. Steve D, however, isn’t really worried… It’s been quite the year for SAAS stocks and Steve D has the good, the bad, and the ugly. The difference between them is quite striking. We’ve had the right framework for thinking about these on the show – so far. But which name has been the runaway winner in Steve’s portfolio? Uber shares went down – and then back up again – after earnings this week. The issue is a familiar one in the form of heavy spending and uncertain returns. It’s not the only company looking to maintain its competitive position in a changing world. But is it going to turn out more like Rightmove, or Microsoft? Progyny losing Amazon as a customer should have been a huge blow. But while it hasn’t been a good thing, the company has continued moving forward. That’s hugely impressive. So why did the stock fall after this week’s earnings report? Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast! ► Free Share + Exclusive Deals — Start Here: 🎁 Free Fractional Share — Open a Trading 212 account through our link and grab shares worth up to £/€100, completely free. Terms apply. 👉 https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE When investing, your capital is at risk. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. 📊 15% Off Fiscal.ai — The investing toolkit we actually use. Analyse stocks, spot hidden opportunities, and build income streams. 👉 https://fiscal.ai/?via=steve ► About Playing FTSE: What's happening in the markets — and why should you care? We break down the week's biggest financial news, stocks, and economic mayhem in a way that's actually enjoyable to listen to. No jargon, no waffle, just straight-talking chat about money, markets, and the madness in between. For people who want to get smarter about investing — without wanting to fall asleep. ► Free Investing Course + Newsletter: 📬 Join us on Substack for our completely free 10-week investing and research course — no sign-up fees, no paywalls, no nonsense. Plus regular deep dives on market trends, investor psychology, and asset classes that will genuinely make you think differently. 👉 https://playingftse.substack.com/ ► Enjoyed the Episode? ☕ Buy us a coffee (we'll spend it on the show, promise): 👉 https://ko-fi.com/playingftse 💬 Drop a question in the comments or find us on Instagram: 👉 https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/ 📩 Business enquiries: playingftsepodcast@gmail.com ► Timestamps: 0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS 07:07 MERCADO LIBRE 26:50 SAAS 47:28 UBER 1:04:04 PROGYNY ► Show Notes: Playing FTSE is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions.
August 2 · 1 hr 13 min
Bugs, Bakes and Bots
What’s Steve D doing with his tights? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show! The Steves are back to winning ways in the stock market. But Steve W’s had a disaster on one name in particular… The FTSE 100 made new highs, but Rentokil shares fell 20% in a day. Steve W owns this one and he’s been having a closer look. Results for Q2 don’t look too bad. But lower organic growth, operating margins, and declining market share isn’t a good combination. Greggs shares might be at the start of a comeback. The stock surged after results this week, despite some good – but not great – results. Is it a short squeeze, or is there more going on? Steve D has the latest news on the number of sausage rolls people are ordering when they don’t have to ask for them in person. Microsoft shares surged this week after the company’s Q4 (as they call it) results. Revenue growth is strong and capex looks under control, but Steve W is looking at something else. Satya Nadella outlined a really interesting plan. Instead of competing with OpenAI and Anthropic, why not just let them compete with each other and cash in? We’ve had a user question from a viewer! How do we screen for stocks and what do we use? The short answer is that we don’t really. But the reasons could be more involved and complicated than you might think… Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast! ► Free Share + Exclusive Deals — Start Here: 🎁 Free Fractional Share — Open a Trading 212 account through our link and grab shares worth up to £/€100, completely free. Terms apply. 👉 https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE When investing, your capital is at risk. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. 📊 15% Off Fiscal.ai — The investing toolkit we actually use. Analyse stocks, spot hidden opportunities, and build income streams. 👉 https://fiscal.ai/?via=steve ► About Playing FTSE: What's happening in the markets — and why should you care? We break down the week's biggest financial news, stocks, and economic mayhem in a way that's actually enjoyable to listen to. No jargon, no waffle, just straight-talking chat about money, markets, and the madness in between. For people who want to get smarter about investing — without wanting to fall asleep. ► Free Investing Course + Newsletter: 📬 Join us on Substack for our completely free 10-week investing and research course — no sign-up fees, no paywalls, no nonsense. Plus regular deep dives on market trends, investor psychology, and asset classes that will genuinely make you think differently. 👉 https://playingftse.substack.com/ ► Enjoyed the Episode? ☕ Buy us a coffee (we'll spend it on the show, promise): 👉 https://ko-fi.com/playingftse 💬 Drop a question in the comments or find us on Instagram: 👉 https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/ 📩 Business enquiries: playingftsepodcast@gmail.com ► Timestamps: 0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS 7:33 RENTOKIL 21:21 GREGGS 38:43 MICROSOFT 55:38 HOW WE SCREEN FOR STOCKS ► Show Notes: Playing FTSE is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions.
July 26 · 1 hr 8 min
Ins, Outs & Shaking All Abouts -- Is That Really What It's All About?
Where are the 2027 Test Matches taking place? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show! A truly dreadful week for both Steves in the stock market. The FTSE 100 and the S&P 500 are both up and they’re down over 3% – each. That’s not great, but what’s been doing the damage? And in a week where most of their portfolios are red, how have they managed to focus almost entirely on shares that are up?! Judges Scientific was one of our top UK growth stocks for 2026. But that hasn’t really come to fruition and the latest update from the company isn’t particularly strong. The macroeconomic pressure is still on in the US and China. And with the next Geotek expedition now moving further into the distance, Steve D is getting ready to take action… Roper Technologies is one of the stocks Steve W decided to buy as a counter to the rise of AI. And the stock is up on the latest earnings, which seem to be showing strong signs. Revenues and profits are growing and AI integration is pushing the business higher. But is the firm missing a huge chance to be more aggressive with its capital allocation right now? 3i has been one of the FTSE 100’s biggest disappointments since we got interested in it. A strong update, however, and the stock seems to be heading back to its former glories. As usual, it’s all about Action. The recent challenges look like a temporary setback, but where are we now in terms of growth, valuation, and future prospects? Forget Tesla – the S&P 500’s big-name report this week was Alphabet. Steve W thinks the update looked pretty good, but investors don’t seem to agree – the stock fell on the news. Across the company, AI looks like it’s helping products and services. Free cash flow might have gone negative, but the market was ready for that… wasn’t it? Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast! ► Free Share + Exclusive Deals — Start Here: 🎁 Free Fractional Share — Open a Trading 212 account through our link and grab shares worth up to £/€100, completely free. Terms apply. 👉 https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE When investing, your capital is at risk. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. 📊 15% Off Fiscal.ai — The investing toolkit we actually use. Analyse stocks, spot hidden opportunities, and build income streams. 👉 https://fiscal.ai/?via=steve ► About Playing FTSE: What's happening in the markets — and why should you care? We break down the week's biggest financial news, stocks, and economic mayhem in a way that's actually enjoyable to listen to. No jargon, no waffle, just straight-talking chat about money, markets, and the madness in between. For people who want to get smarter about investing — without wanting to fall asleep. ► Free Investing Course + Newsletter: 📬 Join us on Substack for our completely free 10-week investing and research course — no sign-up fees, no paywalls, no nonsense. Plus regular deep dives on market trends, investor psychology, and asset classes that will genuinely make you think differently. 👉 https://playingftse.substack.com/ ► Enjoyed the Episode? ☕ Buy us a coffee (we'll spend it on the show, promise): 👉 https://ko-fi.com/playingftse 💬 Drop a question in the comments or find us on Instagram: 👉 https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/ 📩 Business enquiries: playingftsepodcast@gmail.com ► Timestamps: 0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS 7:33 JUDGES OUT - BUT WHATS IN? 23:23 ROPER TECHNOLOGIES 38:04 3I 50:08 ALPHABET ► Show Notes: Playing FTSE is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions.
S1 · E4
July 19 · 1 hr 7 min
Banks, Buildings & Discount Ferraris
What are bumpers for? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show! The Steves are flying again this week, with both well ahead of the FTSE 100 and the S&P 500. But which surprise name has been driving both portfolios higher? Since we identified it as a top UK stock for 2026, Vistry has been the FTSE 250’s worst performers this year. And it’s down again after announcing H1 profits below expectations. Steve W, however, thinks there are encouraging signs for H2. So could the UK’s most heavily-shorted stock be set for a comeback in the second half of the year? It’s earnings season in the S&P 500 and that means one thing: banks. This time, it’s Steve D covering the Wall Street results from Wall Street. The news is pretty positive, which shouldn’t be a big surprise. But is a victory lap in order closer to home with a FTSE 100 name in the Britbox? Steve W has a new name on his list of stocks to buy. It’s Exor – a Dutch holding company trading at a huge discount to its NAV. By itself, that’s not necessarily anything new. But it’s biggest asset might be a unique opportunity to get exposure to a premium name at a huge discount. Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast! ► Free Share + Exclusive Deals — Start Here: 🎁 Free Fractional Share — Open a Trading 212 account through our link and grab shares worth up to £/€100, completely free. Terms apply. 👉 https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE When investing, your capital is at risk. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. 📊 15% Off Fiscal.ai — The investing toolkit we actually use. Analyse stocks, spot hidden opportunities, and build income streams. 👉 https://fiscal.ai/?via=steve ► About Playing FTSE: What's happening in the markets — and why should you care? We break down the week's biggest financial news, stocks, and economic mayhem in a way that's actually enjoyable to listen to. No jargon, no waffle, just straight-talking chat about money, markets, and the madness in between. For people who want to get smarter about investing — without wanting to fall asleep. ► Free Investing Course + Newsletter: 📬 Join us on Substack for our completely free 10-week investing and research course — no sign-up fees, no paywalls, no nonsense. Plus regular deep dives on market trends, investor psychology, and asset classes that will genuinely make you think differently. 👉 https://playingftse.substack.com/ ► Enjoyed the Episode? ☕ Buy us a coffee (we'll spend it on the show, promise): 👉 https://ko-fi.com/playingftse 💬 Drop a question in the comments or find us on Instagram: 👉 https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/ 📩 Business enquiries: playingftsepodcast@gmail.com ► Timestamps: 0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS 11:07 VISTRY 25:50 BIG BANK ROUNDUP 49:38 EXOR ► Show Notes: Playing FTSE is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions.
S1 · E3
July 12 · 1 hr 6 min
Stocks We're Buying, Selling & Fundsmith Meltdowns!
Who’s not impressed by the seaside? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show! This week, Steve W’s had one to forget (just). But Steve D’s managed to do a better job – enough to keep the show’s dignity intact. It’s time to finalise the changes in the Britbox. And there’s a bit of a change from what we talked about last week. Our viewers have suggested RELX and Sage, but Steve D’s got an eye on the London Stock Exchange Group. The big question, though, is what’s gone wrong with Steve W’s choice?? In the Eurobox, Steve W’s got a new name to look at. It’s a growth stock with a familiar business model that could have a long runway for future earnings increases. Steve D’s got some strong ideas as well. But the big question is what’s going to make way for these new stocks that we’re wanting to buy? Is this the beginning of the end for Fundsmith? We usually think these headlines are a bit overblown, but the latest letter to shareholders has a worrying tone to it. The results are one thing – even the best in the business go through periods of underperformance. But a fundamental change of strategy looks like a more worrying sign. Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast! ► Free Share + Exclusive Deals — Start Here: 🎁 Free Fractional Share — Open a Trading 212 account through our link and grab shares worth up to £/€100, completely free. Terms apply. 👉 https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE When investing, your capital is at risk. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. 📊 15% Off Fiscal.ai — The investing toolkit we actually use. Analyse stocks, spot hidden opportunities, and build income streams. 👉 https://fiscal.ai/?via=steve ► About Playing FTSE: What's happening in the markets — and why should you care? We break down the week's biggest financial news, stocks, and economic mayhem in a way that's actually enjoyable to listen to. No jargon, no waffle, just straight-talking chat about money, markets, and the madness in between. For people who want to get smarter about investing — without wanting to fall asleep. ► Free Investing Course + Newsletter: 📬 Join us on Substack for our completely free 10-week investing and research course — no sign-up fees, no paywalls, no nonsense. Plus regular deep dives on market trends, investor psychology, and asset classes that will genuinely make you think differently. 👉 https://playingftse.substack.com/ ► Enjoyed the Episode? ☕ Buy us a coffee (we'll spend it on the show, promise): 👉 https://ko-fi.com/playingftse 💬 Drop a question in the comments or find us on Instagram: 👉 https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/ 📩 Business enquiries: playingftsepodcast@gmail.com ► Timestamps: 0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS 8:37 BRITBOX INS AND OUTS 26:32 EUROBOX INS AND OUTS 46:04 FUNDSMUDGE ► Show Notes: Playing FTSE is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions.
July 5 · 1 hr 9 min
Revealing All of Our Stocks!
Who’s turning 2026 around? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show! Q2 is in the books, so it’s time to check in on what the Steves have been buying and selling. And there are some surprising updates from both of them… Steve D’s been making some moves in his portfolio in Q2. And the big story is a major new buy making its way to position number three in his portfolio. It’s a big bet on a big company – a name that everyone seems to be talking about at the moment. But why has Steve chosen to make his move now? Steve W’s made one big move in Q2 – and he’s been talking about it for months. It’s finally time for the big reveal as to what it is. The stock is a FTSE 100 start we’ve had an eye on for some time. But what about Microsoft creeping up in his portfolio? The Eurobox has been a bit of a mixed bag in Q2. It started off slowly, but things are starting to pick up. The story has been familiar with some wider macro themes – defence and data centres. But what changes does Steve D have in mind? The Britbox has done better than either Steve in Q2 – and outperformed the FTSE 100. But it hasn’t all been straightforward. Cohort and Renishaw have been the leading lights. No surprise there, but Steve W hsa a shocking idea for what to add (good job we take a week to think about it). Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast! ► Free Share + Exclusive Deals — Start Here: 🎁 Free Fractional Share — Open a Trading 212 account through our link and grab shares worth up to £/€100, completely free. Terms apply. 👉 https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE When investing, your capital is at risk. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. 📊 15% Off Fiscal.ai — The investing toolkit we actually use. Analyse stocks, spot hidden opportunities, and build income streams. 👉 https://fiscal.ai/?via=steve ► About Playing FTSE: What's happening in the markets — and why should you care? We break down the week's biggest financial news, stocks, and economic mayhem in a way that's actually enjoyable to listen to. No jargon, no waffle, just straight-talking chat about money, markets, and the madness in between. For people who want to get smarter about investing — without wanting to fall asleep. ► Free Investing Course + Newsletter: 📬 Join us on Substack for our completely free 10-week investing and research course — no sign-up fees, no paywalls, no nonsense. Plus regular deep dives on market trends, investor psychology, and asset classes that will genuinely make you think differently. 👉 https://playingftse.substack.com/ ► Enjoyed the Episode? ☕ Buy us a coffee (we'll spend it on the show, promise): 👉 https://ko-fi.com/playingftse 💬 Drop a question in the comments or find us on Instagram: 👉 https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/ 📩 Business enquiries: playingftsepodcast@gmail.com ► Timestamps: 0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS 9:46 SD 13F 31:22 SW 13F 51:24 EUROBOX 59:35 BRITBOX ► Show Notes: Playing FTSE is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions.
June 28 · 1 hr 17 min
Semis, Sheds & Stealthy Taxes
What unusual things have been going on with Vistry shares? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show! They say a broken clock is right twice a day. Steve W’s now been right twice in a month, as the crowded semiconductor trade started to unwind this week. Micron has been one of the big beneficiaries of the run on data centre stocks. And its latest results are nothing short of incredible. The stock market feels like Warren Buffett’s story of Cinderella. But as investors dance in the room where the clocks have no hands, Steve W doesn’t think it’s midnight yet. Steve D’s checking in on Avingtrans – a super impressive UK growth stock. Like Diploma and Halma, it’s exposed to some of the big trends right now. It trades at a much lower multiple, though. And with size on its side, is a 9% decline from its highs a chance to buy? UK stocks – especially real estate investment trusts – have been takeover targets recently. The latest one, however, is FTSE 100 REIT Segro. It’s the subject of a takeover bid from Prologis – a Steve D stock. But despite a big premium to the previous closing price, Steve W thinks there’s a complication. What do the government’s latest moves mean for your Stocks and Shares ISA? Not a lot, as long as you were planning on buying equities in them. They’re not really designed for hoarding cash. But Steve D has a smart workaround for investors who want to try and hang out in a money market fund… Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast! ► Free Share + Exclusive Deals — Start Here: 🎁 Free Fractional Share — Open a Trading 212 account through our link and grab shares worth up to £/€100, completely free. Terms apply. 👉 https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE When investing, your capital is at risk. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. 📊 15% Off Fiscal.ai — The investing toolkit we actually use. Analyse stocks, spot hidden opportunities, and build income streams. 👉 https://fiscal.ai/?via=steve ► About Playing FTSE: What's happening in the markets — and why should you care? We break down the week's biggest financial news, stocks, and economic mayhem in a way that's actually enjoyable to listen to. No jargon, no waffle, just straight-talking chat about money, markets, and the madness in between. For people who want to get smarter about investing — without wanting to fall asleep. ► Free Investing Course + Newsletter: 📬 Join us on Substack for our completely free 10-week investing and research course — no sign-up fees, no paywalls, no nonsense. Plus regular deep dives on market trends, investor psychology, and asset classes that will genuinely make you think differently. 👉 https://playingftse.substack.com/ ► Enjoyed the Episode? ☕ Buy us a coffee (we'll spend it on the show, promise): 👉 https://ko-fi.com/playingftse 💬 Drop a question in the comments or find us on Instagram: 👉 https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/ 📩 Business enquiries: playingftsepodcast@gmail.com ► Timestamps: 0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS 08:47 MICRON 23:50 AVINGTRANS 41:08 SEGRO PROLOGIS 56:49 ISA TAX!? ► Show Notes: Playing FTSE is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions.
June 21 · 1 hr 11 min
Not Yet, But Maybe: Warsh, Veeva, Adobe
What does Steve D use to edit our show? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show! It’s been an odd week in the stock market. But Steve D extends his winning streak to two in a row as Steve W drops back into the middle of the pack. This week saw Kevin Warsh’s first meeting as Fed Chair. And there weren’t any major surprises… or were there? The new chief is surprisingly quiet – to the point of not issuing a dot for the plot – on cutting interest rates. But Steve D’s wondering whether he could be playing the long game. Michael Burry’s been buying shares in Veeva Systems and it’s made its way onto Steve W’s radar. This, however, isn’t just your usual SAAS selloff. There’s competition from Salesforce for the firm to try and fend off. But at a hugely depressed multiple, do the potential rewards mean the risks are worth it? Adobe has been one of the most discussed SAAS stocks in the last few months. And it’s easy to see why – the stock has crashed. The company isn’t hiding from the problems – it’s struggling to convert customers and it’s prioritising retention. Is this a bargain opportunity, or a potential value trap? Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast! ► Free Share + Exclusive Deals — Start Here: 🎁 Free Fractional Share — Open a Trading 212 account through our link and grab shares worth up to £/€100, completely free. Terms apply. 👉 https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE When investing, your capital is at risk. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. 📊 15% Off Fiscal.ai — The investing toolkit we actually use. Analyse stocks, spot hidden opportunities, and build income streams. 👉 https://fiscal.ai/?via=steve ► About Playing FTSE: What's happening in the markets — and why should you care? We break down the week's biggest financial news, stocks, and economic mayhem in a way that's actually enjoyable to listen to. No jargon, no waffle, just straight-talking chat about money, markets, and the madness in between. For people who want to get smarter about investing — without wanting to fall asleep. ► Free Investing Course + Newsletter: 📬 Join us on Substack for our completely free 10-week investing and research course — no sign-up fees, no paywalls, no nonsense. Plus regular deep dives on market trends, investor psychology, and asset classes that will genuinely make you think differently. 👉 https://playingftse.substack.com/ ► Enjoyed the Episode? ☕ Buy us a coffee (we'll spend it on the show, promise): 👉 https://ko-fi.com/playingftse 💬 Drop a question in the comments or find us on Instagram: 👉 https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/ 📩 Business enquiries: playingftsepodcast@gmail.com ► Timestamps: 0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS 6:18 THE FED 27:17 VEEVA 43:42 ADOBE ► Show Notes: Playing FTSE is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions.
June 14 · 1 hr 21 min
Meta and Nintendo's Dirty Tactics
Why does the sound of an ocarina make grown men cry? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show! It’s a win for both Steves in the stock market this week. A proper one too – they’re both up while the rest of the market is down! Steve D’s looking at Nintendo again. It’s a business where an installed console base opens up high-margin software revenues. Sometimes, however, a game comes along that people just buy the hardware specifically for. And Zelda: Ocarina of Time is one of those… Meta has been a complicated AI stock. It’s been spending like Amazon and Alphabet, but without the customer base to sell its computing power on to. The company, however, is starting to show what it’s been working on – AI agents. Steve W has the pros and cons of the latest venture. It’s an interesting time to be in cybersecurity. And Rubrik is an interesting name in within that interesting industry. AI looks set to make life easier for threats and hackers. But could the solution be not just keeping them out but putting things back after? Shares in Halma crashed 17% after earnings this week. The results, however, were almost exactly what Steve W forecasted. The company’s growth was largely driven by data centre construction. But when Diploma announced a similar story last month, the stock market loved it… Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast! ► Free Share + Exclusive Deals — Start Here: 🎁 Free Fractional Share — Open a Trading 212 account through our link and grab shares worth up to £/€100, completely free. Terms apply. 👉 https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE When investing, your capital is at risk. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. 📊 15% Off Fiscal.ai — The investing toolkit we actually use. Analyse stocks, spot hidden opportunities, and build income streams. 👉 https://fiscal.ai/?via=steve ► About Playing FTSE: What's happening in the markets — and why should you care? We break down the week's biggest financial news, stocks, and economic mayhem in a way that's actually enjoyable to listen to. No jargon, no waffle, just straight-talking chat about money, markets, and the madness in between. For people who want to get smarter about investing — without wanting to fall asleep. ► Free Investing Course + Newsletter: 📬 Join us on Substack for our completely free 10-week investing and research course — no sign-up fees, no paywalls, no nonsense. Plus regular deep dives on market trends, investor psychology, and asset classes that will genuinely make you think differently. 👉 https://playingftse.substack.com/ ► Enjoyed the Episode? ☕ Buy us a coffee (we'll spend it on the show, promise): 👉 https://ko-fi.com/playingftse 💬 Drop a question in the comments or find us on Instagram: 👉 https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/ 📩 Business enquiries: playingftsepodcast@gmail.com ► Timestamps: 0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS 11:37 NINTENDO 31:46 META 48:45 RUBRIK 1:04:27 HALMA ► Show Notes: Playing FTSE is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions.
June 7 · 1 hr 8 min
London Calling, Silicon Stalling
Who can’t keep it in his pants? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show! We recorded this show on Thursday before the stock market dropped on Friday. Pity, that might have helped Steve W’s performance this week… It’s been a while since we looked at the London Stock Exchange Group. But Steve D thinks it’s time to check back in. The stock has been something of an AI casualty as the market doubts its data moat. The latest results, however, seem to tell a different story… Since Warren Buffett stepped down as CEO, Berkshire Hathaway has been a busy place. Greg Abel’s taken a $10bn stake in Alphabet. It’s the kind of deal ordinary investors can’t do. But is it a sign that the AI spending that’s been propping the market up is coming to an end? Broadcom shares fell sharply after the company’s earnings report. So could this be a chance to consider buying? It’s not a stock we’ve ever talked about on the show before. That’s because one particular investor owns it… Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast! ► Free Share + Exclusive Deals — Start Here: 🎁 Free Fractional Share — Open a Trading 212 account through our link and grab shares worth up to £/€100, completely free. Terms apply. 👉 https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE When investing, your capital is at risk. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. 📊 15% Off Fiscal.ai — The investing toolkit we actually use. Analyse stocks, spot hidden opportunities, and build income streams. 👉 https://fiscal.ai/?via=steve ► About Playing FTSE: What's happening in the markets — and why should you care? We break down the week's biggest financial news, stocks, and economic mayhem in a way that's actually enjoyable to listen to. No jargon, no waffle, just straight-talking chat about money, markets, and the madness in between. For people who want to get smarter about investing — without wanting to fall asleep. ► Free Investing Course + Newsletter: 📬 Join us on Substack for our completely free 10-week investing and research course — no sign-up fees, no paywalls, no nonsense. Plus regular deep dives on market trends, investor psychology, and asset classes that will genuinely make you think differently. 👉 https://playingftse.substack.com/ ► Enjoyed the Episode? ☕ Buy us a coffee (we'll spend it on the show, promise): 👉 https://ko-fi.com/playingftse 💬 Drop a question in the comments or find us on Instagram: 👉 https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/ 📩 Business enquiries: playingftsepodcast@gmail.com ► Timestamps: 0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS 8:31 LSEG 33:39 BERKSHIRE & GOOGLE 50:13 BROADCOM ► Show Notes: Playing FTSE is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions.
May 31 · 1 hr 17 min
Fuel, Fuel and AI Fuel
Who gets away with calling a liquid ‘gas’? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show! Both Steves are in the middle of the indices – as usual – this week. But the software rally is finally creating notable returns from one name. Warren Buffett is barely out of the CEO seat and Berkshire Hathaway is buying an airline. Do these people never learn? Steve W’s been taking a look. And there’s something about this time compared to the pre-pandemic buys that’s catching his eye. We don’t talk about Costco stock enough on this show. So Steve D’s setting out to put that right this week with a look at their earnings. They look solid enough, but the stock market didn’t like it. At 48 times earnings, though, can anyone have any complaints if it goes down? BP shares are down this week as the FTSE 100 oil company dispensed with its Chairman. And it all feels a bit Spurs-y – at least, to Steve W. It’s not going to affect short-term results and it’s probably a positive over the long term. So is this a chance to buy the stock at a discount? Has MongoDB cracked the stock market code? It seems to have worked out what tech investors want to hear. The database company seems nicely-positioned for the rise of AI. And as Steve D points out – people are starting to believe it… Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast! ► Free Share + Exclusive Deals — Start Here: 🎁 Free Fractional Share — Open a Trading 212 account through our link and grab shares worth up to £/€100, completely free. Terms apply. 👉 https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE When investing, your capital is at risk. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. 📊 15% Off Fiscal.ai — The investing toolkit we actually use. Analyse stocks, spot hidden opportunities, and build income streams. 👉 https://fiscal.ai/?via=steve ► About Playing FTSE: What's happening in the markets — and why should you care? We break down the week's biggest financial news, stocks, and economic mayhem in a way that's actually enjoyable to listen to. No jargon, no waffle, just straight-talking chat about money, markets, and the madness in between. For people who want to get smarter about investing — without wanting to fall asleep. ► Free Investing Course + Newsletter: 📬 Join us on Substack for our completely free 10-week investing and research course — no sign-up fees, no paywalls, no nonsense. Plus regular deep dives on market trends, investor psychology, and asset classes that will genuinely make you think differently. 👉 https://playingftse.substack.com/ ► Enjoyed the Episode? ☕ Buy us a coffee (we'll spend it on the show, promise): 👉 https://ko-fi.com/playingftse 💬 Drop a question in the comments or find us on Instagram: 👉 https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/ 📩 Business enquiries: playingftsepodcast@gmail.com ► Timestamps: 0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS 9:25 DELTA & BERKSHIRE 23:39 COSTCO 45:03 BP 57:42 MONGODB ► Show Notes: Playing FTSE is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions.
May 24 · 1 hr 13 min
Seals, Space & Printing Money
Who’s firing the money printer? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show! It’s been an ok week for the Steves in the stock market this week. And some unfamiliar names are starting to show signs of life... The big story this week is SpaceX’s upcoming IPO. Steve D’s been looking at the S1 and it’s fair to say he isn’t hugely impressed. It’s fair to say that it’s hard to make the numbers add up without some very bullish assumptions. But is looking at numbers the right way to think about this one? FTSE 100 growth machine Diploma keeps going from strength to strength. 15% organic growth is up there with anything we’ve seen. Steve W, however, is a bit wary. It’s celarly benefitting from some external tailwinds, but is he being too uncharitable about a great set of results? Nvidia’s earnings blew the doors off, but the stock went nowhere. In fact, it went down slightly? Why? Steve W’s worried about the firm’s credibility, but Steve D thinks it might have to do with a $5.5trn market cap… Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast! ► Free Share + Exclusive Deals — Start Here: 🎁 Free Fractional Share — Open a Trading 212 account through our link and grab shares worth up to £/€100, completely free. Terms apply. 👉 https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE When investing, your capital is at risk. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. 📊 15% Off Fiscal.ai — The investing toolkit we actually use. Analyse stocks, spot hidden opportunities, and build income streams. 👉 https://fiscal.ai/?via=steve ► About Playing FTSE: What's happening in the markets — and why should you care? We break down the week's biggest financial news, stocks, and economic mayhem in a way that's actually enjoyable to listen to. No jargon, no waffle, just straight-talking chat about money, markets, and the madness in between. For people who want to get smarter about investing — without wanting to fall asleep. ► Free Investing Course + Newsletter: 📬 Join us on Substack for our completely free 10-week investing and research course — no sign-up fees, no paywalls, no nonsense. Plus regular deep dives on market trends, investor psychology, and asset classes that will genuinely make you think differently. 👉 https://playingftse.substack.com/ ► Enjoyed the Episode? ☕ Buy us a coffee (we'll spend it on the show, promise): 👉 https://ko-fi.com/playingftse 💬 Drop a question in the comments or find us on Instagram: 👉 https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/ 📩 Business enquiries: playingftsepodcast@gmail.com ► Timestamps: 0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS 08:03 SPARCE EX 34:51 DIPLOMA 50:47 NVIDIA ► Show Notes: Playing FTSE is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions.
May 17 · 1 hr 14 min
Our Worst Ever Week in the Stock Market?
Who queues for a vegan sausage roll? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show! This could be the worst week in the stock market for both Steves. But they’re here to talk about it nonetheless. Are things finally looking up for Greggs shares? It looks like it – improving like-for-like sales and a rising share price say so. Steve W’s been taking a look. But there’s something else in the firm’s cash flow statement that’s catching his attention. Steve D is on the case with Klarna and looking at its operating leverage. There’s plenty of it and the company’s even profitable… sort of. The stock market is starting to come around, but zooming out suggests a potential opportunity. Is either Steve buying? Compass might be the FTSE 100 stock that both Steves wish they owned. And it continues to go from strength to strength. Organic growth is impressive and the firm is rolling out its FoodBuy platform across its markets. What’s next for the company? Monday.com’s latest results look very impressive. There’s strong growth across the board and it doesn’t look like slowing down. It’s just starting to look like AI might in fact be a catalyst that drives this company forward. Steve D has the latest. Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast! ► Free Share + Exclusive Deals — Start Here: 🎁 Free Fractional Share — Open a Trading 212 account through our link and grab shares worth up to £/€100, completely free. Terms apply. 👉 https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE When investing, your capital is at risk. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. 📊 15% Off Fiscal.ai — The investing toolkit we actually use. Analyse stocks, spot hidden opportunities, and build income streams. 👉 https://fiscal.ai/?via=steve ► About Playing FTSE: What's happening in the markets — and why should you care? We break down the week's biggest financial news, stocks, and economic mayhem in a way that's actually enjoyable to listen to. No jargon, no waffle, just straight-talking chat about money, markets, and the madness in between. For people who want to get smarter about investing — without wanting to fall asleep. ► Free Investing Course + Newsletter: 📬 Join us on Substack for our completely free 10-week investing and research course — no sign-up fees, no paywalls, no nonsense. Plus regular deep dives on market trends, investor psychology, and asset classes that will genuinely make you think differently. 👉 https://playingftse.substack.com/ ► Enjoyed the Episode? ☕ Buy us a coffee (we'll spend it on the show, promise): 👉 https://ko-fi.com/playingftse 💬 Drop a question in the comments or find us on Instagram: 👉 https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/ 📩 Business enquiries: playingftsepodcast@gmail.com ► Timestamps: 0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS 07:38 GREGGS 22:22 KLARNA 45:45 COMPASS 57:56 MONDAY.COM ► Show Notes: Playing FTSE is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions.

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