The Investing Show

Is Active Fund Management Stuck in the Past?The financial industry is often seen as fast-moving and innovative — but is that reputation deserved?In this episode, we dive into the surprising realities of active fund management with Professors Yuval Millo (University of Warwick) and Crawford Spence (King’s Business School), two of the authors behind Inertia: Purposeful Inefficiencies in Financial Markets.Drawing on interviews with around 70 active fund managers and equity analysts across the UK and US, Millo and Spence reveal a world where risk-taking is punished, mediocrity is rewarded, and even industry insiders avoid the very products they sell.Why does this inertia persist? What does it mean for the future of active investing? And why do so many financial advisers still push active funds?Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that lays bare the inner workings — and contradictions — of an industry resistant to change.

The last ten years transformed investing, but Jason Butler says that was just the warm-up act.While passive funds slashed costs and robo-advisers democratized investing, he believes we're on the brink of something much bigger.His prediction? The UK will lead a global financial revolution by 2035, delivering AI-powered personalised strategies, reducing costs, and making today's investment access look primitive. Jason breaks down his bold vision in the latest episode of The Investing Show from Timeline.

Retirement is a huge life change. And yet most people don’t start thinking about it, let alone start planning for it, as early as they should.In this episode, Robin Powell talks to Pete Matthew about how to prepare, financially and otherwise, for the life you really want. Pete is one of the UK’s best-known financial voices, Pete Matthew — author, podcaster, and Chartered Financial Planner — about his brand-new book, The Meaningful Money Retirement Guide. Pete shares hard-earned wisdom from 25 years in the business. He’l be covering what he describes as the three crucial phases of retirement: from the final sprint before you stop working, through the transition itself, to building a new, purpose-filled life after work. If you’re just starting to think about what your life might look like beyond full-time work, this episode is packed with insights and practical advice you won’t want to miss.

Every investor makes mistakes. And, whether or not they want to admit it, many commit the same errors again and again.So what are the most common investment mistakes? And how can you avoid making them? Our guest on this episode is Joachim Klement. Joachim is a former Chief Investment Officer, who now works as an investment strategist at the investment bank Panmure Liberum. He’s an author, and his blog, Klement on Investing, is highly acclaimed.Joachim discusses five of the most common mistakes investors make and how you can avoid repeating them.

The shift from active investing to index funds is accelerating—billions are being saved in management fees, and actively managed funds are seeing record outflows. But why is this happening, and what does it mean for the future of investing?In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Tim Edwards, Managing Director and Global Head of Index Investment Strategy at S&P Dow Jones Indices. Tim breaks down the dominance of index funds, explains why today’s tech-heavy market isn’t as unusual as it seems, and shares his insights on whether passive investing will ever hit its limit.Are we witnessing a permanent transformation in investing? Or will active fund managers make a comeback? Tune in to find out!Subscribe for more insights on finance & investing!

In this episode, Robin is joined by financial expert David Owen to discuss the complexities of financial advisor fees and why good advice can be life-changing. David shares his thoughts on the shift from traditional percentage-based fees to fixed fees, offering a clearer, more predictable model. He also highlights key questions to ask when choosing a financial advisor and why understanding your fee structure is crucial. If you’ve ever wondered how to get the most value from financial advice, this episode is a must-watch!#FinancialAdvice #Investing #FixedFees #MoneyMatters #TheInvestingShow---------------------------------------------------About The Investing Show:Powered by TIMELINE, The Investing Show is your go-to resource for making informed investment decisions. Hosted by Robin Powell and Abraham Okusanya, we bring you the latest industry developments, expert advice, and strategies for successful financial planning.Stay Connected:🎬 Subscribe to THE INVESTING SHOW YouTube channel ▶️ https://bit.ly/4cHKyBqFollow THE INVESTING SHOW:📲 LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3XNdJ1HSupport THE INVESTING SHOW:☑️ Subscribe to the channel: https://bit.ly/3mu2ZSb📣 Share this video with friends and colleagues🧑🏼‍💻 Like and Comment on our videosOur Sponsor:📈 TIMELINE empowers Financial Advisers, supporting the UK's 10 million retirees. With top-tier planning technology and portfolio management, TIMELINE helps Financial Advisers deliver exceptional value to their clients. 🔺TRIAL IT for just £1 today ➡️ https://bit.ly/4bv1wSD

In this episode, Robin speaks with Victor Hagani, a financial expert and author, about the critical relationship between risk and return in investing. Hagani shares his personal experience with high-risk investing, including his time as a founding partner of Long-Term Capital Management (LTCM), where a dramatic collapse in 1998 taught him painful lessons about the dangers of excessive risk. He emphasises the importance of understanding risk and its impact on long-term wealth building, advocating for low-cost, passive investing strategies like index funds.Hagani explains how actively picking stocks is one of the most competitive activities in the world, with returns that often fail to beat the broader market once costs are considered. He introduces the "Cost Matters Hypothesis" from Vanguard founder John Bogle, which argues that higher fees associated with active investing erode returns, making index funds a more efficient choice for most investors. Hagani also presents the "Risk Matters Hypothesis," explaining that active investors tend to take on more risk than they realise, leading to potentially lower returns.Through personal anecdotes and insightful analysis, this episode offers valuable takeaways for both novice and experienced investors looking to navigate the complexities of risk and make smarter financial decisions.

Are you new to investing, unsure where to start, or overwhelmed by all the jargon? Or maybe you’ve been investing for a while but wonder if there’s a better way to grow your wealth? In this episode of The Investing Show, Robin chats with Ryan King, a chartered accountant, author, and founder of Making Money Simple.Ryan shares his journey of starting to invest as a university student, the mistakes he made early on, and how he built a six-figure investment portfolio by following simple, golden rules: diversification, low fees, and consistency. He breaks down complex concepts like compounding and index funds in a way that’s easy to understand, while offering practical tips on how to get started—even if you only have £10.This conversation is packed with insights, relatable stories, and actionable advice that can help you take control of your financial future. If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to start investing, this might just be the push you need.Why You Should Watch:- Learn the basics of investing without the confusion.- Discover the power of starting small and staying consistent.- Hear Ryan’s golden rules for stress-free, long-term investing success.Stop waiting—start watching and take the first step toward building your wealth! 🚀

In this episode, we sit down with Gina and Alan Miller, two leading voices in the fight for stronger consumer protection within the financial industry. Together, they tackle key issues surrounding the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the introduction of the new Consumer Duty. Joined by Andy Agathangelou, we explore the ongoing challenges of trust, transparency, and fees, and the widening advice gap. Our guests weigh in on how to strike the right balance between fostering economic growth and ensuring consumer interests are safeguarded. Tune in for a deep dive into the importance of duty of care and the critical need for better financial education. 🎬 THE INVESTING SHOW YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/3mu2ZSb Follow THE INVESTING SHOW: 📲LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3jWZ5n3 4 ways to support THE INVESTING SHOW: 1. ☑️ Subscribe to the channel: https://bit.ly/3mu2ZSb 2. 📣 Tell someone about us 3. 🧑🏼‍💻 Like and Comment on our Videos Our Sponsor: 📈 TIMELINE Empowers Financial Advisers supporting the UK's 10 million retirees. With best-in-class planning technology and portfolio management, Timeline enables Financial Advisers to deliver exceptional value to their clients. FREE trial available - https://www.timeline.co/

Curious about evidence-based investing and how it works for UK investors? In this episode, we break down the essentials of evidence-based investing (EBI) with two experts in the field—Laurentius van den Worm, Head of Investment Strategy at Timeline, and James Gillespie, an investment solutions strategist. Together, we’ll explore what EBI truly means, whether you need a financial adviser, and the best options for your investments. Don’t worry, we’ll keep it jargon-free and accessible. Tune in to gain practical insights on how to invest the smart way! 🎬 THE INVESTING SHOW YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/3mu2ZSb Follow THE INVESTING SHOW: 📲LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3jWZ5n3 4 ways to support THE INVESTING SHOW: 1. ☑️ Subscribe to the channel: https://bit.ly/3mu2ZSb 2. 📣 Tell someone about us 3. 🧑🏼‍💻 Like and Comment on our Videos Our Sponsor: 📈 TIMELINE Empowers Financial Advisers supporting the UK's 10 million retirees. With best-in-class planning technology and portfolio management, Timeline enables Financial Advisers to deliver exceptional value to their clients. FREE trial available - https://www.timeline.co/

Are you tired of the constant hustle and bustle of the stock market? Do you find yourself overwhelmed by the myriad of investment strategies and financial jargon? Then this video is for you! Join us for an enlightening conversation with Roy Stevens, author of The Sloth Investor: Simplifying Investing for All. In this episode, you'll discover: The Five Bedrock Principles of Sloth Investing: Learn how simplicity, low fees, global diversification, time, and a headstrong approach can revolutionize your investment strategy. Financial Education Insights: As a teacher in Hong Kong, Roy shares his passion for integrating financial literacy into education, highlighting the crucial role of parents and educators in shaping young minds. Personal Journey: Roy’s candid recount of his reluctant start in investing, spurred by his father-in-law, provides a relatable and inspiring narrative for novice and seasoned investors alike. Whether you’re a seasoned investor, a student, or someone just beginning to explore the world of finance, this video offers valuable insights into adopting a calm, thoughtful approach to investing—much like the leisurely, wise sloth. 🌿 Don’t miss out on this unique perspective that challenges the frenetic pace of modern investing. Click play to slow down and learn how to make your money work for you the slothful way! 🦥📈

🔍 Thematic funds are gaining popularity, driving significant fees for asset managers. But are they leaving investors exposed to excessive risk? Join us in Episode 22 of The Investing Show as we delve into the rising demand for thematic funds and explore their true impact on your portfolio. In this episode: Robin Powell interviews Jeffery Ptak, Chief Ratings Officer at Morningstar, who provides expert insights into the world of thematic funds. Discover why these funds are all the rage, the substantial rise in assets under management, and why more advisers and investment consultants recommend them. But do thematic funds really make good investments? 📊 Don't miss this in-depth analysis and learn about the potential risks and rewards of thematic investing.

Dive into the resilience of US equities in the latest episode of The Investing Show! Join Robin Powell as he interviews Ben Carlson from Ritholtz Wealth Management, one of America's most prominent market commentators. 🔍 In this episode: Explore why US stocks have bounced back from the Covid crash Understand how they've shrugged off negative economic news, including higher inflation and interest rates Gain insights from Ben Carlson on the factors contributing to the strong performance of US equities Ben Carlson, a popular blogger and author, shares his expert analysis on what’s driving the resilience of the US stock market. Don’t miss this deep dive into market dynamics and the future of US equities.

📺🌟 In Episode 20 of The Investing Show, join hosts Abraham Okusanya and Robin Powell as they dive deep into the complexities of retirement planning with Justin King, author of 'The Retirement Café Handbook.' 🔍 In this episode: Understand why many people enter retirement without a solid plan Learn essential strategies for a fulfilling and financially secure retirement Explore financial preparations and long-term care considerations Gain valuable insights and practical advice to help you plan for a comfortable and stress-free retirement. Don't miss this enlightening discussion!

In this episode of The Investing Show, Jonathan DeYeo, an evidence-based financial planner and author of 'Mindful Investing,' discusses the intersection between mindfulness and financial success. He explores how mindfulness, by fostering a non-judgmental approach to the present moment, can improve emotional relationships with money, empower better decision-making amidst information overload, and guide individuals toward aligned financial choices while emphasizing the importance of self-understanding in financial planning.

Welcome to Episode 18 of The Investing Show! Join hosts Abraham Okusanya and Robin Powell as they dive into the crucial topic of 'Getting Your Affairs in Order' with special guest Matthew Hutton, a former tax consultant and minister in the Church of England. In this episode: Abraham Okusanya and Robin Powell host a discussion with Matthew Hutton, a former tax consultant and minister in the Church of England. Discover the importance of preparing for the inevitable and how it can be a thoughtful gift to your loved ones. Matthew shares valuable insights on making a will, arranging lasting powers of attorney, and other crucial considerations.

Welcome to a special episode of The investing Show, focusing on recent events at St James’s Place, the UK’s largest financial advice chain. As well as advice, SJP also provides asset management and life insurance. It has more than 900,000 clients, and 4,600 advisers. It has more than £150 billion under management. Despite its success, SJP has long been criticised for its high and often opaque fees. Its share price has fallen more than 43 per cent in 2023, mostly in anticipation of reforms to its charging structure. The company has now announced that it’s scrapping exit fees, which were particularly controversial, from the end of 2025. Robin Powell has been speaking to Jason Butler about the changes at SJP and what they mean for SJP clients, for consumers generally and for the financial advice profession. Jason used to be a financial planner and is now an entrepreneur. He’s also an author and a columnist for the FT.

The episode features an interview with Victor Haghani, a former hedge fund manager, discussing his shift from complex investment strategies to a simpler approach. He emphasises the significance to 'buy and hold', maintaining a two-part portfolio and shares insights on portfolio construction and asset allocation. The conversation highlights how he's trading strategies have changed over the years and the importance of adhering to fundamental investment principles for long-term success.

In Episode 15 of The Investing Show, we delve into the fascinating collapse of Long Term Capital Management (LTCM) 25 years ago. Featuring an interview with Victor Haghani, a founding LTCM partner, the episode reveals how LTCM's initial success with complex mathematical models gave way to a catastrophic crisis triggered by unforeseen events like Russia's debt default. Haghani's personal insights shed light on the lessons learned, and his post-LTCM journey led him to endorse low-cost index investing. This episode challenges conventional wisdom, emphasising the importance of diversified, long-term investment strategies in the face of unexpected market turbulence. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion.

Join us in episode 14 of The Investing Show as we dive into a hot topic: residential property investment. In this episode, Robin Powell interviews Norma Cohen, an expert in pensions, investing, and property, to explore whether investing in bricks and mortar is still a wise financial move. Norma uncovers the hidden costs of property, such as transaction fees and illiquidity, and why she believes equities may offer a better path to financial security. She also touches on the challenges of downsizing and unlocking capital from your family home. 🏘️ Discover why the conventional wisdom of "my house is my pension fund" might not hold true, and why buying a house isn't the same as building an income stream. Plus, Norma provides insights into the UK's buy-to-let market and the impact of tax changes and interest rates on property investments. Watch the full episode here and discover the pros and cons of investing in residential property in today's market. 🏠

In episode 13 of The Investing Show, hosts Abraham Okusanya and Robin Powell dissect the enigmatic economics of the fund management industry. Managing an astounding $100 trillion in assets globally, this industry enjoys exceptionally high-profit margins, with median employee salaries in the UK far exceeding the national average. The misalignment of interests between fund managers and investors is a key issue, as fees are charged as a percentage of assets, ensuring profitability for managers regardless of performance, resulting in long-term costs for investors. The episode also explores the potential for fund managers to pass on economies of scale to consumers and highlights the challenge of "groupthink" within the industry. While the legacy of Jack Bogle's emphasis on putting investors first is discussed, there is optimism about the gradual growth of index funds in the UK, challenging the conventional high-fee model in the fund management sector. The episode unravels the complex dynamics of an industry straddling profit motives and fiduciary responsibilities, shedding light on the potential for transformation in the world of fund management.

In this episode of The Investing Show, Abraham Okusanya and Robin Powell discuss the challenges of pensions and potential reforms. They mention the disparity between public and private sector pensions and the need for reform to bridge the gap. John Ralfe, a pensions expert, emphasises the importance of reducing costs for taxpayers and suggests a flat-rate tax top-up to make the system fairer. They also debate whether pension funds should support the UK economy and discuss liability-driven investing (LDI) and its benefits when done properly. Overall, the focus is on finding solutions to improve private-sector pensions and make the system more equitable for all.

In this episode of The Investing Show, Abraham Okusanya and Robin Powell dive into the pressing issue of pension savings and the challenges that pension savers face. They interview John Ralfe, an experienced professional in the pension space, to gain insights into the current state of pensions in the UK. 💷 Ralfe discusses the decline of private sector defined benefit pensions and the shift towards defined contribution schemes. He emphasises the need for individuals to save more, work longer, and adjust retirement expectations. The episode also explores the importance of managing debt, the role of investing in equities, and the impact of low-cost, evidence-based investing. Join the discussion and gain valuable insights into the pension crisis and potential solutions. 🤝

In this episode of 'The Investing Show,' Robin Powell interviews Dr. Ylva Baeckström, an academic author and campaigner, about the challenges faced by women in the financial industry. Dr. Baeckström highlights the importance of promoting diversity and inclusivity within the financial sector. Women are often excluded from seeking financial advice and investing, resulting in significantly lower pension savings compared to men. She also discusses historical factors that have shaped women's perception of finance and calls for parents to educate their children, especially daughters, about money management from an early age. The discussion concludes with Abraham Okusanya, the co-host, expressing agreement with Dr. Baeckström's perspective and emphasising the need for significant changes in hiring practices and the portrayal of financial advice as a relationship-building profession. As a parent himself, Abraham acknowledges the responsibility of parents in fostering financial literacy among children and shares his commitment to continuing their education in this area.

Learn what active fund managers really think of passive investing in this Investing Show episode. Professor Crawford Spence from King's College London shares surprising insights from a study of 70 people in London, New York, and Chicago, mainly asset managers, equity analysts, and other professionals connected to active fund management. The study reveals the psychological complexity behind what active fund managers think about passive investing and why they see it as a threat to their market share. Find out why some active fund managers even invest their own money in index funds, the main type of passive investing vehicle.

In this video, Robin Powell speaks with Helena Wardle, a financial planner and entrepreneur, about what financial planning really means. According to Wardle, financial planning is about understanding your own circumstances around money and using that knowledge to give yourself direction for achieving your goals. She provides additional tips and advice on how to find the best Financial Planner and how to get the best out of the service they provide. Financial advice is an important aspect of your life...and you should be spending more time on it than you do in the queue for your Starbucks! ☕😲 Abraham shares his analysis on why there is often a misunderstanding on the Financial Planning profession, the value they really add and if AI really stands a chance in the industry...🤖 Don't miss out on this fantastic episode, to gain the latest industry insights!

Get financial advice for every aspect of life with Paul Lewis' new book, Money Box. From savings to insurance, learn how to navigate the complexities of the finance system and protect yourself from bad advice. Learn all about Paul's new book in our latest episode, where Robin Powell asks all the questions you want answers to! 📖 In this YouTube video, Abraham shares his analysis on effective capital allocation and finding the right financial adviser. Plus, tips on financial education for kids. Don't miss out on this essential guide for ages 0-99. ✍️

Episode 6 of The Investing Show looks at 2022 and what it's meant for investors - can you remember a year quite like this one? In the episode, Abraham shares his insight on why "This time ISN'T different" for many investors and the impact on UK bonds and equities. Robin Powell also interviews Joe Wiggins, Chief Investment Officer at Fundhouse (UK) on why markets are so inherently unpredictable. Joe gives insight into how diversification has broken down this year, but despite the challenging times, all investment styles go through difficult times. Finally, Abraham provides further analysis on what investors can learn about the pain they experienced in 2022.

Episode 5 of The Investing Show takes a look at how the global financial markets have panned out in 2022. Taking a deep dive into what investors should be focussing on and how fund managers are managing your money. In the episode, Robin Powell interviews David Pitt-Watson, co-author of "What they do with your money" and a key member of the Transparency Task Force, which is the collaborative, campaigning community dedicated to driving up the levels of transparency in financial services, right around the world. David discusses the variation in fees and charges, High-Frequency Trading, the importance of transparency and other prolific topics. Finally, Abraham provides further analysis on the different levels of fees and the complications associated with professionals and end investors fully understanding what they mean when it comes to managing their money and future returns.

Episode 4 of The Investing Show looks at active and passive investing (and the debate that seemingly surrounds it) with Ian Tonks, Professor of Finance at the University of Bristol. Ian is involved in an ongoing study on domestic active equity funds in the UK. Anyone who knows the subject, active vs. passive, knows the debate has a clear winner. But are investors viewing low-cost passive funds as a safe option, and is there an intuitive appeal for active funds? Questions are raised on whether it is best to use an active fund manager who actively picks stocks for you? Or should you simply invest in low-cost index funds that attract the whole market? Finally Abraham dives into the details on why active managers underperform index funds, and why there is a 0% chance of consistent outperformance...and it isn't due to a lack of skill. 👀🤔

Episode 3 of the Investing Show examines the Bear Market with the world-renowned behavioural scientist Professor Meir Statman of Santa Clara University and the pressure on both investors and advisers to act in such times 📊. Around the world, stock markets and even government bonds have fallen in value this year, some experiencing the worst performance since 1970. It's very important that investors stay disciplined, but it's not always easy. There are many ways a good financial adviser can add value but it's in volatile times such as these that they really come into their own. Part of their job, says Professor Statman, is to stop you doing something foolish. However, the pressure on financial advisers to act is huge. Investors expect the financial professionals who manage their money to do something. As Abraham observes, this pressure to act is not just from the expectation of the investor as their professional adviser but the pressure in career terms of getting a decision wrong and therefore it's huge. Finally Abraham outlines how he hopes this current downturn is a lesson to people that long-term investing isn't about following the crowd, speculating, and doing what everybody does. He asserts that it's about putting your money to great use in great companies in the world who are creating goods, services and products that everyday people use and make all of our lives better 🙌.

In this episode, we look at one of the biggest indicators of people's tendency to be swayed by bad investment advice: their susceptibility to put their faith in pseudo-profound financial jargon. We are joined by two of the authors of a new academic study by the University of Linköping in Sweden who sought to measure consumers' ability to detect financial bullsh*t using an online survey of investors. The study revealed the effect of seemingly impressive verbal financial assertions that are actually meaningless on people's behaviour. Mario Klenzer and Gustav Tinghög join us to reveal a series of fascinating findings from their research which was sparked by an interest in how confusing the financial landscape could be for consumers whether they were looking at a banking product, insurance, or making an investment. As well as the guest interviews and expert insight, Abraham and Robin offer their own opinions and commentary on the study. Let us know what you think, and don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss our forthcoming shows. Thanks to our sponsors, Timeline!

In episode 1, presenters Robin Powell and Abraham Okusanya discuss Neil Woodford, the star Fund Manager who spectacularly fell to earth as we pass the third anniversary of one of the biggest financial mis-selling scandals in the UK. We look at the lessons investors can learn, and speak to two authors who know more about the Woodford scandal than anyone else: journalists Owen Walker from the FT and David Ricketts from Financial News. Both Owen and David have written books on the subject and reported regularly on it over the last three years. As well as the guest interviews and expert insight, Abraham and Robin offer their own opinions and commentary on the scandal. Let us know what you think, and don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss our forthcoming shows. Thanks to our sponsors, Timeline!