Walker Crips' Market Commentary

Hosted by Walker Crips Investment Management Limited

Business News Commentary

Website RSS feed

Episodes

259

Latest episode

Nov 2026

Language

About the show

This weekly podcast from the team at Walker Crips Investment Management provides an in depth commentary on the macro economic factors driving global markets, whilst also focusing on individual stocks that are making headlines. This podcast is intended to be Walker Crips Investment Management’s own commentary on markets. It is not investment research and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy, sell or trade in any of the investments, sectors or asset classes mentioned. The value of any investment and the income arising from it is not guaranteed and can fall as well as rise, so that you may not get back the amount you originally invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Movements in exchange rates can have an adverse effect on the value, price or income of any non-sterling denominated investment. Nothing in this podcast constitutes advice to undertake a transaction, and if you require professional advice you should contact your financial adviser or your usual contact at Walker Crips. Walker Crips Investment Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is a member of the London Stock Exchange. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

November 10, 20268 min

Rates rise as inflation bites

The Bank of England raised the base interest rate by 0.25% to 4% on Thursday, its first increase since August 2023, with Consumer Price Index ("CPI") inflation at 3.5% for the year to September from 3.1% in August and the Bank expecting it to reach around 5% in the second quarter of 2027 as the energy shock feeds through. Governor Andrew Bailey said a further increase could come as early as December, with the minutes pointing the same way. Households were already under strain: the Lloyds house price index fell 1.2% in the year to October, its steepest annual fall in three years, and British Retail Consortium data showed retail footfall down 4.7% over the same period, providing an indication of consumer sentiment... Stocks featured: Endeavour Mining, Fresnillo and Ithaca Energy To find out more about the investment management services offered by Walker Crips, please visit our website: https://www.walkercrips.co.uk/ This podcast is intended to be Walker Crips Investment Management’s own commentary on markets. It is not investment research and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy, sell or trade in any of the investments, sectors or asset classes mentioned. The value of any investment and the income arising from it is not guaranteed and can fall as well as rise, so that you may not get back the amount you originally invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Movements in exchange rates can have an adverse effect on the value, price or income of any non-sterling denominated investment. Nothing in this podcast constitutes advice to undertake a transaction, and if you require professional advice you should contact your financial adviser or your usual contact at Walker Crips. Walker Crips Investment Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 226344) and is a member of the London Stock Exchange. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

November 3, 20268 min

Markets rally after the Budget

Chancellor John Healey's first Budget last Wednesday raised taxes while keeping the planned current budget surplus by 2030, and it did not trigger the gilt market sell-off some investors had feared, with the 10-year UK gilt yield easing to 5.28% from 5.36%. The bank corporation tax surcharge was temporarily doubled to 6%, and £20.4 billion was committed to the National Wealth Fund and the British Business Bank. Gas standing charges are to be scrapped for around 23 million households from 2027. Data released in Nationwide’s latest House Price Index showed annual house price growth slowing to 0.5% for the year to October from 0.8% in September, which the mortgage lender attributed to higher energy prices and mortgage costs... Stocks featured: AstraZeneca, Babcock International and Haleon To find out more about the investment management services offered by Walker Crips, please visit our website: https://www.walkercrips.co.uk/ This podcast is intended to be Walker Crips Investment Management’s own commentary on markets. It is not investment research and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy, sell or trade in any of the investments, sectors or asset classes mentioned. The value of any investment and the income arising from it is not guaranteed and can fall as well as rise, so that you may not get back the amount you originally invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Movements in exchange rates can have an adverse effect on the value, price or income of any non-sterling denominated investment. Nothing in this podcast constitutes advice to undertake a transaction, and if you require professional advice you should contact your financial adviser or your usual contact at Walker Crips. Walker Crips Investment Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 226344) and is a member of the London Stock Exchange. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 27, 20268 min

Markets braced for Wednesday's Budget

UK inflation accelerated to 3.5% in the year to September from 3.1% in August, its fastest pace since October 2025 and above the 3.4% consensus, driven by transport and motor fuels. Producer input price inflation reached 8.3% from 6.7% in August, with crude oil the largest contributor, pointing to cost pressure still in the pipeline. Unemployment fell to 4.7% in the three months to August from 4.9%, giving the Bank of England little reason to ease before its next base interest rate decision next month. Public sector net borrowing of £24.52 billion in September left the year-to-date figure £6 billion above the Office for Budget Responsibility forecast, ahead of the UK Budget tomorrow, 28th October... Stocks featured: Experian, Fresnillo and London Stock Exchange Group To find out more about the investment management services offered by Walker Crips, please visit our website: https://www.walkercrips.co.uk/ This podcast is intended to be Walker Crips Investment Management’s own commentary on markets. It is not investment research and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy, sell or trade in any of the investments, sectors or asset classes mentioned. The value of any investment and the income arising from it is not guaranteed and can fall as well as rise, so that you may not get back the amount you originally invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Movements in exchange rates can have an adverse effect on the value, price or income of any non-sterling denominated investment. Nothing in this podcast constitutes advice to undertake a transaction, and if you require professional advice you should contact your financial adviser or your usual contact at Walker Crips. Walker Crips Investment Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 226344) and is a member of the London Stock Exchange. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 26, 202610 min

Walker Crips Pre-Budget Briefing 2026

Navigating the upcoming budget: Key takeaways for investors Join Walker Crips Investment's Senior Investment Analyst Alan Philip and Investment Director James Richards as they break down potential policy shifts and what the latest budget announcements could mean for your investments. To find out more about investing with Walker Crips, please click here to request a call back . Important information This podcast is intended to be Walker Crips Investment Management’s own commentary on markets. It is not investment research and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy, sell or trade in any of the investments, sectors or asset classes mentioned. The value of any investment and the income arising from it is not guaranteed and can fall as well as rise so that you may not get back the amount you originally invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Movements in exchange rates can have an adverse effect on the value, price or income of any non-sterling denominated investment. Presenters and contributors to this podcast may hold personal positions in securities, assets, or themes discussed. These views are entirely their own and should not be interpreted as a recommendation to buy or sell any financial instrument. Nothing in this podcast constitutes advice to undertake a transaction and if you require professional advice, you should contact your financial adviser or your usual contact at Walker Crips. Walker Crips Investment Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is a member of the London Stock Exchange. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 20, 20268 min

Oil prices and the AI sell-off

The UK economy grew 0.1% in August from July, against expectations of a 0.1% decline, with production up 0.8%, services flat and construction down 0.2%, leaving the month's Gross Domestic Product ("GDP") growth resting on one sector. The trade deficit narrowed to £920 million from £2.32 billion in July. Consumer evidence was softer, with the British Retail Consortium reporting retail sales up 1.3% in September on an annual basis, slowing from 2.3% a year earlier as households braced for higher bills and taxes. Ahead of the budget on 28th October, the Institute for Fiscal Studies said higher inflation would erode departmental spending power. The 10-year gilt yield fell 7 basis points to 5.37%... Stocks featured: Antofagasta, Autotrader Group and JD Sports Fashion To find out more about the investment management services offered by Walker Crips, please visit our website: https://www.walkercrips.co.uk/ This podcast is intended to be Walker Crips Investment Management’s own commentary on markets. It is not investment research and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy, sell or trade in any of the investments, sectors or asset classes mentioned. The value of any investment and the income arising from it is not guaranteed and can fall as well as rise, so that you may not get back the amount you originally invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Movements in exchange rates can have an adverse effect on the value, price or income of any non-sterling denominated investment. Nothing in this podcast constitutes advice to undertake a transaction, and if you require professional advice you should contact your financial adviser or your usual contact at Walker Crips. Walker Crips Investment Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 226344) and is a member of the London Stock Exchange. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 13, 20268 min

Oil prices fuel inflation fears

The UK composite purchasing managers' index ("PMI"), a survey which tracks the health of the UK private-sector economy, eased to 52 in September from 52.5 in August, leaving activity growing but more slowly, and the British Retail Consortium put total footfall down 2.9% in the year to September from 1.7% in August. Gilts moved against that softness, the yield rising 7 basis points to 5.44%, as the market priced the Middle East energy shock's inflationary effect and the fiscal risk ahead of Chancellor John Healey's 28 October budget. The Institute for Fiscal Studies argued that inflation, rather than the chancellor's headroom, is the central problem, since rising prices erode departmental budgets while lifting tax receipts... Stocks featured: Barratt Redrow, Experian and Sage Group To find out more about the investment management services offered by Walker Crips, please visit our website: https://www.walkercrips.co.uk/ This podcast is intended to be Walker Crips Investment Management’s own commentary on markets. It is not investment research and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy, sell or trade in any of the investments, sectors or asset classes mentioned. The value of any investment and the income arising from it is not guaranteed and can fall as well as rise, so that you may not get back the amount you originally invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Movements in exchange rates can have an adverse effect on the value, price or income of any non-sterling denominated investment. Nothing in this podcast constitutes advice to undertake a transaction, and if you require professional advice you should contact your financial adviser or your usual contact at Walker Crips. Walker Crips Investment Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 226344) and is a member of the London Stock Exchange. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 6, 20268 min

UK economy defies the pressure

The UK economy grew faster than first thought in the second quarter of 2026, with UK gross domestic product ("GDP") revised up to 0.5% from 0.4% by the Office for National Statistics (“ONS”), with the services sector doing most of the work. The manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index ("PMI"), a survey of how manufacturers themselves see conditions, edged up to 51.9 in September from 51.7, holding above the 50 mark that separates growth from contraction. Households looked less comfortable with Nationwide reporting annual house price growth halved to 0.8% in September from 1.6%, the weakest since December 2025. The 10-year gilt yield was little changed at 5.37%, keeping borrowing costs in focus ahead of the budget in three weeks’ time... Stocks featured: ConvaTec Group, IG Group Holdings and Whitbread To find out more about the investment management services offered by Walker Crips, please visit our website: https://www.walkercrips.co.uk/ This podcast is intended to be Walker Crips Investment Management’s own commentary on markets. It is not investment research and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy, sell or trade in any of the investments, sectors or asset classes mentioned. The value of any investment and the income arising from it is not guaranteed and can fall as well as rise, so that you may not get back the amount you originally invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Movements in exchange rates can have an adverse effect on the value, price or income of any non-sterling denominated investment. Nothing in this podcast constitutes advice to undertake a transaction, and if you require professional advice you should contact your financial adviser or your usual contact at Walker Crips. Walker Crips Investment Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 226344) and is a member of the London Stock Exchange. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

September 29, 20269 min

Next month's budget comes into focus

UK economic activity data has softened as the Budget on 28 October draws closer. The flash composite Purchasing Managers' Index ("PMI") fell to 51.7 in September from 52.5 on weaker services growth, though manufacturing was more resilient at 52 and input cost inflation accelerated on higher fuel costs. The Confederation of British Industry (“CBI”) retail sales balance fell to minus 55 from minus 48, orders placed with suppliers declining at the fastest rate since the survey began in 1983. Public sector net borrowing was above expectations at £18.27 billion in August, from £15.35 billion a year earlier, and the 10-year gilt yield rose eight basis points to 5.37%... Stocks featured: Auto Trader, Kingfisher and Smiths Group To find out more about the investment management services offered by Walker Crips, please visit our website: https://www.walkercrips.co.uk/ This podcast is intended to be Walker Crips Investment Management’s own commentary on markets. It is not investment research and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy, sell or trade in any of the investments, sectors or asset classes mentioned. The value of any investment and the income arising from it is not guaranteed and can fall as well as rise, so that you may not get back the amount you originally invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Movements in exchange rates can have an adverse effect on the value, price or income of any non-sterling denominated investment. Nothing in this podcast constitutes advice to undertake a transaction, and if you require professional advice you should contact your financial adviser or your usual contact at Walker Crips. Walker Crips Investment Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 226344) and is a member of the London Stock Exchange. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

September 22, 20269 min

Inflation puts rates under pressure

The Bank of England held the base interest rate at 3.75% last Thursday by a six to three vote, the dissenters favouring an immediate increase, and warned that rates may need to rise if the energy shock feeds into more persistent inflation. It also slowed balance sheet reduction, giving gilt markets relief and leaving the 10-year yield five basis points lower at 5.29%. The decision followed consumer price index ("CPI") inflation of 3.1% for the year to August, up from 2.9% on higher motor fuel costs, though Core CPI (which excludes energy, food, alcohol and tobacco) held at 2.6% and CPI services at 3.4%. Unemployment held at 4.9% in the three months to July against the 5% expected.... Stocks featured: Airtel Africa, AstraZeneca and Barratt Redrow To find out more about the investment management services offered by Walker Crips, please visit our website: https://www.walkercrips.co.uk/ This podcast is intended to be Walker Crips Investment Management’s own commentary on markets. It is not investment research and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy, sell or trade in any of the investments, sectors or asset classes mentioned. The value of any investment and the income arising from it is not guaranteed and can fall as well as rise, so that you may not get back the amount you originally invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Movements in exchange rates can have an adverse effect on the value, price or income of any non-sterling denominated investment. Nothing in this podcast constitutes advice to undertake a transaction, and if you require professional advice you should contact your financial adviser or your usual contact at Walker Crips. Walker Crips Investment Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 226344) and is a member of the London Stock Exchange. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

September 15, 20268 min

Oil prices fuel inflation fears

Last week, UK investors closely monitored macroeconomic signals while looking ahead to the Bank of England's (“BoE”) forthcoming monetary policy meeting, where expectations remain firm that the base rate will be held at 3.75%. The pressure on central bank decision makers remains intense as the domestic inflation picture continues to present a challenge. Headline Consumer Price Index (“CPI”) inflation reached 2.9% in July, and market participants are awaiting Wednesday's August figures to gauge whether price pressures are broadening. However, domestic economic fundamentals provided a welcome boost at the end of the week, with UK gross domestic product (“GDP”) data outperforming forecasts and indicating resilience in business activity. This positive surprise buoyed overall market sentiment, further supported by perceived political stability under Prime Minister Andy Burnham, whose strong public approval ratings continue to reassure international investors... Stocks featured: Associated British Foods, BP and Sage Group To find out more about the investment management services offered by Walker Crips, please visit our website: https://www.walkercrips.co.uk/ This podcast is intended to be Walker Crips Investment Management’s own commentary on markets. It is not investment research and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy, sell or trade in any of the investments, sectors or asset classes mentioned. The value of any investment and the income arising from it is not guaranteed and can fall as well as rise, so that you may not get back the amount you originally invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Movements in exchange rates can have an adverse effect on the value, price or income of any non-sterling denominated investment. Nothing in this podcast constitutes advice to undertake a transaction, and if you require professional advice you should contact your financial adviser or your usual contact at Walker Crips. Walker Crips Investment Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 226344) and is a member of the London Stock Exchange. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.