Share Sounds.

Christmas is with us again, celebrating the birth of Jesus over two thousand years ago. This year, however, it is overshadowed by the horrific events in the Middle East: so our Thought for Christmas includes a reference to Bishop Steven of Oxford looking across the millenia in his recent address (see link below), and our comments reflect the contrast between the yearning for solidarity (whether national or otherwise) and the failure to show respect for others, however different they may be. Background music: 'Erev Shel Shoshanim' by E's Jammy Jams Bishop of Oxford address: https://youtu.be/t0_IhB4LMNE?si=C9bHOvwUR5Y4lfZA

Adam Cox is in conversation with Liam Randall, the Head of Strategy, Insights, and Systems at Debt Free Advice. Together, they delve into the revelations of a recent report shedding light on the severe debt issues prevailing in the UK. Liam sheds light on the prevalent types of debt observed by the service and identifies the demographic most susceptible to these financial challenges. The conversation also touches upon the impactful assistance provided by Debt Free Advice to individuals in 2023. https://debtfreeadvice.com/

The Bank of England has reached the peak with interest rates in this cycle. That's the firm view of the markets and most analysts, despite three members of the nine-strong Monetary Policy Committee disagreeing and voting for a rate hike this week. The question has now shifted from how high will rates go, to when will they be cut? The boldest predictions are for more than 1% to be shaved off the base rate next year. Does that fit with the Bank's 'hawkish hold' of the base rate this week? Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert look at what next for interest rates both here and in the US - and whether markets are running away with themselves. Plus, two years after they finally started to properly rise, what does heading back to a point where rates may fall mean for borrowers, savers and investors? Also on this week's show, is it better to use the central heating or an electric heater, the 'better' plan for a state pension triple-lock replacement, and the reasons Lee wants you to get in touch. And make sure you listen to find out why the team want to know how long your kettle takes to boil...

We look back on 2023, crown a few winners, and revisit some stories you may have forgotten about! Bill Mann and Jason Moser discuss the data points that capture how 2023 has felt for investors, companies, and homeowners, why 2023 was rosy for NVIDIA and the cruise lines, and not so great for Dollar General, and the IPO and product launch that were totally forgotten this year. Then, 19 minutes in, Dave Meier – the VP of Growth and Analytics and the host of the On The Market Podcast at Bigger Pockets – talks through insights from Bigger Pockets State of Real Estate Investing Report, and some interesting areas to watch in 2024. Finally, 34 minutes in, Jason and Bill break down two stocks on their radar: Okta and Crispr. Stocks discussed: NVDA, CCL, RCL, DG, CAVA, META, CRSP, OKTA. Host - Dylan Lewis; Guests - Bill Mann, Jason Moser, Dave Meyer, Deidre Woollard

If you’re an entertainment company in need of some money, then Netflix would like a word. Ricky Mulvey and Nick Sciple discuss Occidental Petroleum’s acquisition of private energy producer, CrownRock, Disney licensing shows out of its walled garden, why Netflix is can afford to be a buyer right now, and Google’s antitrust loss against Epic Games. Plus, 14 minutes in, Robert Brokamp interviews Mark Kantrowitz the author of “How to Appeal for More College Financial Aid” about the recent changes to the FAFSA. Stocks discussed: OXY, XOM, NFLX, DIS, WBD, GOOG, GOOGL, AAPL. Hosts - Ricky Mulvey, Robert Brokamp; Guests - Nick Sciple, Mark Kantrowitz

Social anxiety and judgement of other people often go hand in glove, but both are debilitating: at an individual level, at a community level and, it has be said, at a national level. This episode steers people towards respect for others, recognising their value and building positive and empowering relationships — a key part of the Christmas message.

Neil Shah of Edison Group discusses his model portfolio The Illuminator which, sticking to certain parameters, has outperformed the FTSE 100 Index over 8 times since it started in 2008. He explains how it works, what's in it and reveals that, from January, it will be freely available to all. He also discusses an insightful interview with Polar Capital Technology Trust's Alastair Unwin. It reveals that the trust has pivoted to a 75% investment in AI and associated companies. Just 25 minutes long, investors can see it here: https://www.edisongroup.com/edison-tv/delving-into-ai-with-polar-capitals-alastair-unwin/33029/

James Cameron-Wilson celebrates UK box office +43% WoW and +173% YoY. It's the prequel Wonka that's responsible which, while a little woke and lightening Roald Dahl's dark world, is nonetheless great fun, somewhat in the moud of Mary Poppins. While Timothy Chalamet doesn't have the requisite magic, Hugh Grant excels. The music (there should be more) and dialogue is delicious and the young audience when James saw it forgot all about toilet breaks. James also saw Leave The World Behind on Netflix. Starring Julia Roberts, against type, it's an often implausible, but hugely enjoyable, Hitchcockian thriller taking its audience on a roller-coaster ride with comic underpinning.

Steve Caplin delves into the latest AI developments. Google's Gemini AI can work with text, audio, images, video or even hand-drawn pictures. The forthcoming TV news Channel1 has AI presenters and reporters and will use "trusted news sources". Steve demonstrated how it translates on the fly. Amazon, meanwhile is to invest $4bn in a startup to generate a chatbot called "Claude". Most impressive – and potentially scary – is BrainGPT which converts thoughts into text. There's a crowdfunded e-scooter which folds down to the size of a briefcase while a Dutch shipbuilder has come up with an e-vessel to support offshore wind farms that can recharge from the turbines it is servicing.

Political commentator Mike Indian discusses Rishi Sunak and the Rwanda Bill, which led to Robert Jenrick's resignation. With the Tory party once more engaged in ferocious in-fighting, are the Prime Minister's days numbered? Discussing the clampdown on legal migration, with a net 750,000 migrants last year, Mike wondered if our politicians, on all sides, are in tune with the public, especially in the Red Wall areas. Discussing why we are so bad at forward planning in the UK, Mike felt that Keir Starmer, if he is to become PM, needs a plan to show how people's lives will be improved.