The Personal Investor
Business & Finance
About
With its approachable style and no-nonsense views, The Personal Investor is the essential weekly investing podcast for smart investors. Join Ed Monk as he explores investing, financial news, stock markets and economics. With his 360˚ view of the world of investment, Ed provides a well-balanced take on the latest developments together with expert insights to help you grow your capital, manage your investment portfolio and make the most of the money markets. Popular for its jargon-free approach, clear analysis and fresh perspective, The Personal Investor podcast helps shine a light on the latest market developments for the savvy UK investor. “Excellent mar...
Episodes
- Double tax? 9 steps to tackle the IHT change coming for your pension
This episode discusses upcoming changes to Inheritance Tax impacting pensions and the potential need to overhaul financial plans. Marianna Hunt explains and offers steps to mitigate risk. Ed Monk and Marianna Hunt provide insights for UK i…
- Market news today - markets at a crossroads
This episode of The Personal Investor discusses market news including shares and bonds at a crossroads due to soaring earnings from the AI investment boom, alongside the impact of the Middle East conflict on the economic outlook. Tom Steve…
- 10 years of Premium Bonds vs. shares - which one wins?
This episode of The Personal Investor discusses the 10-year performance of Premium Bonds against shares. Jemma Slingo explains the comparison, while Ed Monk provides insights on managing investments and capital growth.
- Market news today - tech stocks back on the front foot
This episode discusses market news, including technology stocks driving the market to new highs, the acceleration of earnings season with a focus on the Magnificent Seven, and upcoming central bank rate decisions. Tom Stevenson from Fideli…
- Markets defying gravity? The indicators for what happens next
This episode of The Personal Investor discusses why markets have stormed back to new highs despite ongoing risk and uncertainty, and which indicators investors should watch. Tom Stevenson explains the situation, joined by Ed Monk and Jemma…
- Market news today - a fragile V-shaped rally
Tom Stevenson from Fidelity discusses the factors influencing global equity markets this week, including Gulf-related volatility and strong earnings growth.
- How - and when - should you take tax-free cash from your pension?
Jemma Slingo joins Ed Monk on The Personal Investor to discuss the considerations for taking tax-free cash from a pension. They explore the methods available and how to determine which approach may be suitable for individual financial situ…
- 5 essential checks to make for the new tax year
In this episode of The Personal Investor, Ed Monk and Jemma Slingo discuss five essential financial checks to perform at the start of the new tax year. The discussion aims to help investors stay on track with their long-term savings and in…
- Market news today - weary investors sit on their hands
Tom Stevenson from Fidelity reviews the latest market activity, noting a decline in shares following stalled peace talks and tensions regarding the Straits of Hormuz. This episode covers the key factors influencing investor sentiment this…
- The biggest questions investors need answers to now
Ed Monk and Tom Stevenson discuss how investors can navigate the financial implications of the Middle East conflict. They explore potential safe haven assets and strategies for managing investment portfolios during market volatility.
- Smart investors use these investments for income - here’s how
In this episode of The Personal Investor, Ed Monk and guest Richard Evans discuss how investors can use investment trusts to generate reliable, inflation-beating income. They also provide insights into managing investment portfolios and cu…
- Market news today - Markets stabilise as Iran deadline looms
Fidelity's Jemma Slingo discusses current market movements and the focus on the upcoming Iran and US deal deadline.
- Taking 11 years of income from £100k investments - here’s what’s left
This episode of The Personal Investor analyzes how a £100,000 investment pot has performed since 2015 for those who retired under pension freedoms. Ed Monk and Tom Stevenson discuss the findings and offer insights on managing investment po…
- Who counts as rich? What frozen tax limits are costing you
This episode of The Personal Investor examines how UK tax thresholds impact pay and who is classified as wealthy by the tax system. Ed Monk and Jemma Slingo discuss the effects of frozen tax limits on wages and provide insights for UK inve…
- Market news today - 2022 revisited
Fidelity's Tom Stevenson reviews the recent market news, including a look back at 2022 and the impact on balanced portfolios.
- Interest rates turned upside down - here’s what happens next
Ed Monk and Tom Stevenson discuss the recent turnaround in interest rates and explore whether further rate hikes are expected in 2026. The episode provides insights on what these developments mean for households and investors.
- These are the money lessons to teach your children
Claer Barrett joins host Ed Monk on The Personal Investor to discuss financial lessons for children. They provide insights into the good and bad money habits that parents can pass on to help their kids manage finances later in life.
- Market news today - investors welcome US de-escalation in Middle East conflict
Tom Stevenson from Fidelity reviews the market news of the week, focusing on investor reaction to US de-escalation in the Middle East conflict.
- If I made my first investment today - here’s what I’d do
In this episode, Ed Monk and investment journalist Holly Mead discuss the best approach for making a first investment in 2026. They analyze market developments and provide insights for managing investment portfolios and capital growth.
- Market news today - central banks respond to inflation threat
In this episode of The Personal Investor, Tom Stevenson from Fidelity reviews recent market news, including the impact of Gulf conflict on inflation, central bank responses, shifts in US market investment, and concerns regarding private cr…
- What investments we’re buying in our ISAs in 2026
Jemma Slingo, Ed Monk, and Tom Stevenson discuss their ISA investment choices, provide analysis on financial developments, and offer expert insights for UK investors to manage their portfolios.
- Market turbulence: Here’s why savvy investors won’t be panicking
Ed Monk and Tom Stevenson discuss how seasoned investors handle current market turbulence. The episode provides insights on managing investment portfolios and navigating money markets.
- Market news today - markets fall after historic oil price surge
Tom Stevenson from Fidelity reviews recent market movements as equities and bonds decline following a historic surge in oil prices during the second week of the Middle East conflict.
- What to do 10 years, 5 years and 2 years from retirement
In this episode of The Personal Investor, host Ed Monk and guest Marianna Hunt discuss financial planning strategies for those ten, five, and two years away from retirement.
- Invest as a lump-sum or in stages? What the numbers say
Ed Monk and Jemma Slingo analyze whether investing a lump sum or phasing money over time is more effective for returns. They examine the numbers behind these investment strategies to help investors manage their portfolios.
- Market news today - markets rattled by Middle East conflict
This episode covers investor reactions to the conflict in the Middle East and the upcoming UK Spring Statement. Jemma Slingo from Fidelity discusses the current news influencing the markets.
- The ‘set-and-forget’ funds I’m buying for the next decade
In this episode of The Personal Investor, Tom Stevenson joins host Ed Monk to discuss investment funds suitable for a long-term, 'set-and-forget' strategy spanning the next decade.
- Should parents pay uni costs or let their children take a student loan?
Hosts Ed Monk and Andrew Oxlade discuss student loans, including recent changes, and analyze whether parents should fund university costs or maintain their investments. The episode offers financial insights aimed at helping UK investors ma…
- Market news today - markets climb the wall of worry
Tom Stevenson from Fidelity discusses major market trends, including trade war developments, US stock rotation, and the end of earnings season amidst political uncertainty. This episode of The Personal Investor reviews current market news.
- Premium Bonds: who should buy them - and who shouldn’t?
Ed Monk and Jemma Slingo discuss the suitability of Premium Bonds as a savings vehicle, comparing them to other investment options to help listeners decide when they are an appropriate choice.
- Why don’t UK investors like UK companies?
Ed Monk and Tom Stevenson discuss the reasons behind UK investors moving away from the domestic market. They explore why UK funds have experienced ten consecutive years of net outflows and the shift away from home bias.
- Market news today - the AI glass turns half empty
Tom Stevenson from Fidelity reviews recent market news, including the shift in sentiment regarding AI's impact on business models, easing inflation in the US and Europe, and the cooling effect of market broadening on tech sector sell-offs.
- Did your cash savings lose value last year?
Ed Monk and Marianna Hunt examine the performance of UK cash savings against inflation, discussing whether investments may offer a better alternative for capital growth. The hosts provide expert insights on managing investment portfolios a…
- ‘I have a £500k retirement fund - is it enough?’
Ed Monk and Jemma Slingo discuss whether a £500,000 retirement fund is sufficient and explore different methods for generating income from a pot of that size. The episode examines how to manage investment portfolios and navigate current fi…
- Market news today - Japanese stock soar on LDP landslide
Fidelity's Tom Stevenson reviews recent market activity, including the rise of Japanese stocks following an LDP election result, the recovery of US tech stocks, and the stabilization of precious metals.
- State Pension in 2026/27 - and what will it be worth in the future?
Ed Monk and Marianna Hunt discuss the 2026/27 State Pension outlook and the future of the Triple Lock. They provide analysis on financial developments to assist UK investors with portfolio management.
- This is how I’ll turn my pension into income
Tom Stevenson joins Ed Monk on The Personal Investor to discuss his personal strategy for generating retirement income from his pension. They examine his chosen assets, withdrawal amounts, and potential risks to his retirement plan.
- Market news today - gold and silver fall again
Tom Stevenson from Fidelity reviews the week's market news, including the decline of gold and silver, interest rate updates in the UK and Europe, and Japan's upcoming snap election.
- Gold price surge! And should copper be your next buy?
Ed Monk and Jemma Slingo discuss the rising interest in metals like gold, silver, and copper for investment portfolios. They examine current market trends and provide analysis for UK investors looking to manage their capital.
- Five money mistakes to avoid in your 20s
Marianna Hunt joins Ed Monk to discuss common financial mistakes to avoid during your 20s. The episode covers managing wage growth and credit access while offering insights on capital growth and investment portfolio management.
- Market news today - Gold and Korea smash through 5,000
Tom Stevenson from Fidelity reviews the week's market movements, including record highs for gold and Korean shares, a decline in Japanese shares, and the upcoming US interest-rate decision.
- Will stocks recover from tariff talk?
In this episode of The Personal Investor, Ed Monk and Tom Stevenson discuss how trade and tariff concerns are impacting markets in early 2026. They analyse past trends to help investors navigate current financial developments.
- Market news today - shares climb a wall of geo-political worry
Tom Stevenson from Fidelity discusses how geopolitical tensions are affecting the current bull market and looks at the role of precious metals as a safe-haven asset.
- Why it’s a myth that UK shares have a problem
In this episode of The Personal Investor, host Ed Monk speaks with Fidelity Special Situations manager Alex Wright about the outlook for the UK stock market. They examine the factors driving its performance and discuss the future of UK sha…
- Is 2026 a good year to retire?
Ed Monk and Marianna Hunt discuss the factors affecting those planning to retire in 2026, including market trends for shares, cash, annuities, and the State Pension. They explore how these elements influence retirement planning and portfol…
- Market news today - 2026 starts as 2025 ended
The Personal Investor covers the beginning of 2026, including the continued market melt-up and gold reaching a record high. Tom Stevenson from Fidelity analyzes the key stories driving market activity.
- Tom’s picks: ‘Where I’m investing this year’
In this episode of The Personal Investor, Tom Stevenson shares three funds he is adding to his portfolio this year and explains the reasoning behind these choices. Hosts Ed Monk and Tom Stevenson also discuss the latest financial developme…
- Ask us anything: your questions on AI, gold and risks for investors in 2026
Ed Monk and Tom Stevenson answer listener questions regarding AI, the impact of politics in 2026, and the future performance of gold. They provide insights into managing investment portfolios and current market developments.
- Market news today - FTSE 100 breaks 10,000
Jemma Slingo of Fidelity reviews key market news including the FTSE 100 reaching 10,000, US intervention in Venezuela, and Christmas trading reports from retailers.
- £250k pension: here’s the retirement income you can expect
In this episode of The Personal Investor, hosts Ed Monk and Jemma Slingo discuss the potential retirement income generated by a £250,000 pension pot. They provide insights into current financial developments for UK investors.