Who’s bought a Zapdos this week? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show!

Big divergences in the stock market this week. The FTSE 100 is up, the S&P 500 is down and both of the Steves round to zero – make of that what you like.

Cava – the Greek version of Chipotle Mexican Grill – has reported earnings. And the stock market really liked them.

Sales are growing, the company’s opening more stores, and it’s branching out into salmon. But does the valuation make any sense?

Diageo’s share price fell 13% after it’s annual results. One reason for that is a dividend cut, but Steve W’s not surprised.

There’s also a change in direction from premiumisation to products with broader appeal. But is that a winning strategy or a risk?

Transmedics continues to go from strength to strength. The firm has the best product in a recession-resistant industry and it’s expanding into Europe.

It’s more expensive than a sandwich cooler, but if it can keep going there could be good things for investors. Steve D has the latest on this one.

Axon Enterprise is a rare example of a tech stock that looks AI-proof. It’s very well-protected by its hardware division.

Stock-based comp has always been an issue, but management is making moves to address it. Is it enough, or still egregious?

Axsome Therapeutics is a stock we don’t cover often. In fact, we don’t really talk about life sciences that much – but this is a good one.

Repurposing existing molecules has led to some explosive revenue growth. And there’s the potential for a lot more on the way in April…

Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast!

► Get a free fractional share!

This show is sponsored by Trading 212! To get free fractional shares worth up to 100 EUR / GBP, you can open an account with Trading 212 through this link https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE. Terms apply.

When investing, your capital is at risk and you may get back less than invested.

Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results.

► Get 15% OFF Fiscal.ai:

Huge thanks to our sponsor, Fiscal.ai, the best investing toolkit we've discovered! Get 15% off your subscription with code below and unlock powerful tools to analyze stocks, discover hidden gems, and build income streams. Check them out at Fiscal.ai!

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► Follow Us On Substack:

Sign up for our Substack and get light-hearted, info-packed discussions on everything from market trends and investing psychology to deep dives into different asset classes. We’ll analyse what makes the best investors tick and share insights that challenge your thinking while keeping things engaging.

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► Support the show:

Appreciate the show and want to offer your support? You could always buy us a coffee at: https://ko-fi.com/playingftse

(All proceeds reinvested into the show and not to coffee!)

► Timestamps:

0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS

7:38 CAVA

22:09 DIAGEO

33:08 TRANSMEDICS

47:15 AXON ENTERPIRSE

57:26 AXSOME THERAPEUTICS

► Show Notes:

What’s been going on in the financial world and why should anyone care? Find out as we dive into the latest news and try to figure out what any of it means. We talk about stocks, markets, politics, and loads of other things in a way that’s accessible, light-hearted and (we hope) entertaining. For the people who know nothing, by the people who know even less. Enjoy

► Wanna get in contact?

Got a question for us? Drop it in the comments below or reach out to us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/

► Enquiries:

Please email - playingftsepodcast@gmail(dot)com

► Disclaimer:

This information is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions.

Where is Steve W seeing cockroaches? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show!

Steve D’s portfolio has been running away with it, once again. At the other end, there’s a tie for last place in this week’s leaderboard – but between who or what?

There are a lot of people who claim to being the next Warren Buffett, but Mohnish Pabrai has a closer connection than most. And he’s got a new ETF that launched last week.

It’s not a closet index, but is it worth paying for? Steve D doesn’t think so and Steve W thinks there’s a big difference between the Wagons ETF and Berkshire Hathaway…

The stock market didn’t like Klarna’s results and the share price is down in a big way. But are investors making a mistake and presenting an unusually good opportunity here?

A key theme of the show in recent months has been paying attention to how companies recognise revenues. And Steve D is wondering whether this might be one more for the list.

Molina Healthcare is a stock that’s been attracting the attention of some high-profile value investors recently. As well as those guys, Steve W has been taking an interest.

The company has been hammered through a difficult Medicaid situation, but it has a structural advantage over competitors. So at unusual lows, is it time to consider buying?

Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast!

► Get a free fractional share!

This show is sponsored by Trading 212! To get free fractional shares worth up to 100 EUR / GBP, you can open an account with Trading 212 through this link https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE. Terms apply.

When investing, your capital is at risk and you may get back less than invested.

Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results.

► Get 15% OFF Fiscal.ai:

Huge thanks to our sponsor, Fiscal.ai, the best investing toolkit we've discovered! Get 15% off your subscription with code below and unlock powerful tools to analyze stocks, discover hidden gems, and build income streams. Check them out at Fiscal.ai!

https://fiscal.ai/?via=steve

► Follow Us On Substack:

Sign up for our Substack and get light-hearted, info-packed discussions on everything from market trends and investing psychology to deep dives into different asset classes. We’ll analyse what makes the best investors tick and share insights that challenge your thinking while keeping things engaging.

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https://playingftse.substack.com/

► Support the show:

Appreciate the show and want to offer your support? You could always buy us a coffee at: https://ko-fi.com/playingftse

(All proceeds reinvested into the show and not to coffee!)

► Timestamps:

0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS

7:19 WAGONS FUND

23:28 KLARNA

47:14 MOLINA HEALTHCARE

► Show Notes:

What’s been going on in the financial world and why should anyone care? Find out as we dive into the latest news and try to figure out what any of it means. We talk about stocks, markets, politics, and loads of other things in a way that’s accessible, light-hearted and (we hope) entertaining. For the people who know nothing, by the people who know even less. Enjoy

► Wanna get in contact?

Got a question for us? Drop it in the comments below or reach out to us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/

► Enquiries:

Please email - playingftsepodcast@gmail(dot)com

► Disclaimer:

This information is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions.

Who doesn’t like Mondays? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show!

A difficult week in the stock market for both Steves. But which one’s done badly and which one’s been awful?

Adyen’s results are in. It’s the usual growth of roughly 20% and the stock has – as usual – moved in a vertical direction, so not much to report, right?

Actually no, there’s a lot to talk about and not just how much better than PayPal the company is. So get strapped in for a long one – Steve D’s on form this week.

Roper Technologies is a stock that’s found its way onto Steve W’s buy list. The SaaS selloff has pushed the share price down dramatically and it now looks like an opportunity.

It’s a collection of vertical software businesses under one roof. And with management is making the right moves in response to the stock going down, could this be the moment?

Monday.com is down mightily recently, as part of the broader software selloff. Steve D, though, is eyeing this one as a potential opportunity as the earnings are coming in strong.

There’s not so much good news on the guidance front. But with the stock down 50% since the start of the year, is it just too cheap to ignore?

Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast!

► Get a free fractional share!

This show is sponsored by Trading 212! To get free fractional shares worth up to 100 EUR / GBP, you can open an account with Trading 212 through this link https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE. Terms apply.

When investing, your capital is at risk and you may get back less than invested.

Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results.

► Get 15% OFF Fiscal.ai:

Huge thanks to our sponsor, Fiscal.ai, the best investing toolkit we've discovered! Get 15% off your subscription with code below and unlock powerful tools to analyze stocks, discover hidden gems, and build income streams. Check them out at Fiscal.ai!

https://fiscal.ai/?via=steve

► Follow Us On Substack:

Sign up for our Substack and get light-hearted, info-packed discussions on everything from market trends and investing psychology to deep dives into different asset classes. We’ll analyse what makes the best investors tick and share insights that challenge your thinking while keeping things engaging.

You’ll also find our new 10-week investing and research course available right now. It’s completely free, with no sign-up required, no payment, and none of the usual BS. Don't miss out. Join us today and get stuck in.

https://playingftse.substack.com/

► Support the show:

Appreciate the show and want to offer your support? You could always buy us a coffee at: https://ko-fi.com/playingftse

(All proceeds reinvested into the show and not to coffee!)

► Timestamps:

0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS

10:14 ADYEN

38:48 AD BREAK

38:54 ROPER TECH

55:19 MONDAY.COM

► Show Notes:

What’s been going on in the financial world and why should anyone care? Find out as we dive into the latest news and try to figure out what any of it means. We talk about stocks, markets, politics, and loads of other things in a way that’s accessible, light-hearted and (we hope) entertaining. For the people who know nothing, by the people who know even less. Enjoy

► Wanna get in contact?

Got a question for us? Drop it in the comments below or reach out to us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/

► Enquiries:

Please email - playingftsepodcast@gmail(dot)com

► Disclaimer:

This information is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions.

What does SteveD think about when he wakes up in the morning? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show!

It’s been quite the week in the stock market. But which Steve has been busy, and which has been biding his time waiting for an opportunity?

Alphabet posted some outstanding results for the fourth quarter of 2025. Cloud growth is rapid and search is going from strength to strength boosted by Gemini.

The stock fell, though, on news of a big capex spend somewhere between $175 and $185bn for this year. Is that too much (and why is the firm still paying a dividend)?

Amazon shares dropped 10% after news of a $200bn capex spend. But Steve W doesn’t think that’s a huge amount in the context of AWS’s Q4 revenues.

Analysts at D.A. Davidson don’t agree, though. They think the company is faltering and being left behind by competitors – does Steve D agree?

It's been a long time since we talked about Atlassian. But the stock has been caught up in the SAAS selloff this week and Steve D thinks it's time to look again.

What would it take for an AI newcomer to do serious damage to an incumbent software company? Or is this a huge buying opportunity in the sector?

Only on this week's PlayingFTSE Podcast!

► Get a free fractional share!

This show is sponsored by Trading 212! To get free fractional shares worth up to 100 EUR / GBP, you can open an account with Trading 212 through this link https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE. Terms apply.

When investing, your capital is at risk and you may get back less than invested.

Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results.

► Get 15% OFF Fiscal.ai:

Huge thanks to our sponsor, Fiscal.ai, the best investing toolkit we've discovered! Get 15% off your subscription with code below and unlock powerful tools to analyze stocks, discover hidden gems, and build income streams. Check them out at Fiscal.ai!

https://fiscal.ai/?via=steve

► Follow Us On Substack:

Sign up for our Substack and get light-hearted, info-packed discussions on everything from market trends and investing psychology to deep dives into different asset classes. We’ll analyse what makes the best investors tick and share insights that challenge your thinking while keeping things engaging.

You’ll also find our new 10-week investing and research course available right now. It’s completely free, with no sign-up required, no payment, and none of the usual BS. Don't miss out. Join us today and get stuck in.

https://playingftse.substack.com/

► Support the show:

Appreciate the show and want to offer your support? You could always buy us a coffee at: https://ko-fi.com/playingftse

(All proceeds reinvested into the show and not to coffee!)

► Timestamps:

0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS

9:11 ALPHABET EARNINGS

31:28 AMAZON

50:07 ATLASSIAN

► Show Notes:

What’s been going on in the financial world and why should anyone care? Find out as we dive into the latest news and try to figure out what any of it means. We talk about stocks, markets, politics, and loads of other things in a way that’s accessible, light-hearted and (we hope) entertaining. For the people who know nothing, by the people who know even less. Enjoy

► Wanna get in contact?

Got a question for us? Drop it in the comments below or reach out to us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/

► Enquiries:

Please email - playingftsepodcast@gmail(dot)com

► Disclaimer:

This information is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions.

Where can you find PDF files? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show!

Both Steves are between the indices this week. But we’re doing something a bit different with the return (for one week only) of our games.

SAAS companies have been falling lately and we’ve been (mostly) paying attention. So Steve D has a quiz about how far they are from their highs.

See how you get on at home. A point if you can get closer than Steve W, he scores one if you’re further away – can you win at this game?

It’s time for a closer look at Mastercard and Visa. They’re a value investor’s worst nightmare – outstanding businesses that are never cheap but keep on outperforming.

Steve D’s been checking out both. And he’s having a closer look at whether buying today might be something that he looks back on positively in 2028.

Meta Platforms saw its share price rise after Q4 earnings. But the big question for investors is why – the firm is set to ramp up its capital expenditures in a big way in 2026.

Steve W thinks a more positive tone from the CEO might be part of the story. And at a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of around 21 going forward, it’s relatively cheap…

We’ve not been looking at Stride for very long, but Steve D is off to a cracking start with the stock. A huge lift after earnings means it’s time to reassess the thesis.

AI has been a major disruptor for the SAAS space in the last few months. But could Stride’s ability to get people jobs be invaluable in an unemployment-driven recession?

3i has been one of the FTSE 100’s leading lights over the last 10 years. And the stock is recovering from a crash a few months ago, but the company is doing… ok.

Action’s like-for-like sales remain a bit of a challenge, especially in France. But with two new countries to expand into, is there still enough growth to justify a big multiple?

Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast!

► Get a free fractional share!

This show is sponsored by Trading 212! To get free fractional shares worth up to 100 EUR / GBP, you can open an account with Trading 212 through this link https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE. Terms apply.

When investing, your capital is at risk and you may get back less than invested.

Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results.

► Get 15% OFF Fiscal.ai:

Huge thanks to our sponsor, Fiscal.ai, the best investing toolkit we've discovered! Get 15% off your subscription with code below and unlock powerful tools to analyze stocks, discover hidden gems, and build income streams. Check them out at Fiscal.ai!

https://fiscal.ai/?via=steve

► Follow Us On Substack:

Sign up for our Substack and get light-hearted, info-packed discussions on everything from market trends and investing psychology to deep dives into different asset classes. We’ll analyse what makes the best investors tick and share insights that challenge your thinking while keeping things engaging.

You’ll also find our new 10-week investing and research course available right now. It’s completely free, with no sign-up required, no payment, and none of the usual BS. Don't miss out. Join us today and get stuck in.

https://playingftse.substack.com/

► Support the show:

Appreciate the show and want to offer your support? You could always buy us a coffee at: https://ko-fi.com/playingftse

(All proceeds reinvested into the show and not to coffee!)

► Timestamps:

0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS

7:27 GETTING SAASY QUIZ

18:40 MASTERCARD & VISA

35:43 META

49:23 STRIDE

1:01:17 3I (ACTION)

► Wanna get in contact?

Got a question for us? Drop it in the comments below or reach out to us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/

► Enquiries:

Please email - playingftsepodcast@gmail(dot)com

► Disclaimer:

This information is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions.

► Get a free fractional share!This show is sponsored by Trading 212! To get free fractional shares worth up to 100 EUR / GBP, you can open an account with Trading 212 through this link https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE. Terms apply.When investing, your capital is at risk and you may get back less than invested.Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results.► Get 15% OFF Fiscal.ai:Huge thanks to our sponsor, Fiscal.ai, the best investing toolkit we've discovered! Get 15% off your subscription with code below and unlock powerful tools to analyze stocks, discover hidden gems, and build income streams. Check them out at Fiscal.ai!https://fiscal.ai/?via=steve► Follow Us On Substack:Sign up for our Substack and get light-hearted, info-packed discussions on everything from market trends and investing psychology to deep dives into different asset classes. We’ll analyse what makes the best investors tick and share insights that challenge your thinking while keeping things engaging.You’ll also find our new 10-week investing and research course available right now. It’s completely free, with no sign-up required, no payment, and none of the usual BS. Don't miss out. Join us today and get stuck in.https://playingftse.substack.com/► Support the show:Appreciate the show and want to offer your support? You could always buy us a coffee at: https://ko-fi.com/playingftse(All proceeds reinvested into the show and not to coffee!)► Timestamps:► Show Notes:What’s been going on in the financial world and why should anyone care? Find out as we dive into the latest news and try to figure out what any of it means. We talk about stocks, markets, politics, and loads of other things in a way that’s accessible, light-hearted and (we hope) entertaining. For the people who know nothing, by the people who know even less. Enjoy► Wanna get in contact?Got a question for us? Drop it in the comments below or reach out to us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/► Enquiries: Please email - playingftsepodcast@gmail(dot)com► Disclaimer: This information is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions.

Who’s struggling in Sri Lanka? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show!

Down weeks all round this time in the stock market. But Steve D at least has something worth reporting from the last seven days

It might be a tough time for private equity, but KKR still have a view on the stock market for 2026. And it’s one that should give both Steves a lot of reason for optimism.

According to their forecasts, high quality beats low quality, asset-light beats asset-heavy in 2026. Is that set to play right into this show’s hands?

Netflix stock is near a 52-week low and it fell again after its latest earnings report. The reported numbers were decent, but sales growth going forward is set to be a bit lighter.

The bigger issue, though, is the firm’s bid to take over Warner Brothers Discovery. There’s a lot of risk involved, but Steve W thinks it might be that the company can’t lose…

Wise is a UK stock we both like and it’s soaring after the latest update. It’s very strong – but not really in a way beyond what we’ve come to expect from the firm.

Is the stock market finally coming to see what’s going on? Or is there another reason why the share price has pushed higher as it prepares for a dual listing?

Judges Scientific is one of our top growth stocks, but it fell sharply earlier this week. The company’s guidance was very weak, but Steve W thinks things could turn around sharply.

Demand in the US has been the issue, but Congress has thrown out the administration’s plans to cut research funding. So is a huge recovery on the cards in the next few months?

Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast!

► Get a free fractional share!

This show is sponsored by Trading 212! To get free fractional shares worth up to 100 EUR / GBP, you can open an account with Trading 212 through this link https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE. Terms apply.

When investing, your capital is at risk and you may get back less than invested.

Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results.

► Spreadsheet Link:

Link for the spreadsheet!

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1TznNUa7Asty2IvxfqPQV6PWWC4UUU-T7q3-AedlJQX4/edit?usp=drivesdk

► Get 15% OFF Fiscal.ai:

Huge thanks to our sponsor, Fiscal.ai, the best investing toolkit we've discovered! Get 15% off your subscription with code below and unlock powerful tools to analyze stocks, discover hidden gems, and build income streams. Check them out at Fiscal.ai!

https://fiscal.ai/?via=steve

► Follow Us On Substack:

Sign up for our Substack and get light-hearted, info-packed discussions on everything from market trends and investing psychology to deep dives into different asset classes. We’ll analyse what makes the best investors tick and share insights that challenge your thinking while keeping things engaging.

You’ll also find our new 10-week investing and research course available right now. It’s completely free, with no sign-up required, no payment, and none of the usual BS.

Don't miss out. Join us today and get stuck in.

https://playingftse.substack.com/

► Timestamps:

0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS

7:10 KKR’S GUIDE TO THE MARKETS

28:27 NETFLIX

44:00 WISE

56:31 JUDGES SCIENTIFIC

► Show Notes:

What’s been going on in the financial world and why should anyone care? Find out as we dive into the latest news and try to figure out what any of it means. We talk about stocks, markets, politics, and loads of other things in a way that’s accessible, light-hearted and (we hope) entertaining. For the people who know nothing, by the people who know even less. Enjoy

► Wanna get in contact?

Got a question for us? Drop it in the comments below or reach out to us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/

► Enquiries:

Please email - playingftsepodcast@gmail(dot)com

► Disclaimer:

This information is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions.

Who’s spent £130 on Vistry shares? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show!

Steve D’s managed the show’s standard performance – between the FTSE 100 and the S&P 500 this week. Steve W, on the other hand…

Earnings season for the S&P 500 is underway with the big banks reporting. And their share prices didn’t react particularly well, but the stocks still look unusually expensive.

By contrast, Visa and Mastercard have fallen back into more familiar P/E territory. So is there a better opportunity there with a short-term distraction on the table?

The Diageo share price has been a disaster for the last couple of years. But as the details of the new CEO’s plan to turn the firm around become clear, Steve W is getting interested.

Selling off some of the company’s non-core holdings could release more cash than you might think. There are, however, still some big challenges still to deal with.

Vistry is a stock both Steves have had a close eye on for 2026. But the stock market’s reaction to its most recent update was not positive at all.

With a big government project on the way, is the dip an opportunity? Or are there still major concerns ahead for investors in the housebuilding sector?

Steve D’s VAT Group has had a great week. A 16% jump puts the stock level with Applied Materials and Lam Research – two of its major customers – since the start of the year.

The AI drive has been fuelling strong demand across the semiconductor equipment industry. And there’s a lot to like about a company that sells components…

Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast!

► Get a free fractional share!

This show is sponsored by Trading 212! To get free fractional shares worth up to 100 EUR / GBP, you can open an account with Trading 212 through this link https://www.trading212.com/Jdsfj/FTSE. Terms apply.

When investing, your capital is at risk and you may get back less than invested.

Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results.

► Get 15% OFF Fiscal.ai:

Huge thanks to our sponsor, Fiscal.ai, the best investing toolkit we've discovered! Get 15% off your subscription with code below and unlock powerful tools to analyze stocks, discover hidden gems, and build income streams. Check them out at Fiscal.ai!

https://fiscal.ai/?via=steve

► Follow Us On Substack:

Sign up for our Substack and get light-hearted, info-packed discussions on everything from market trends and investing psychology to deep dives into different asset classes. We’ll analyze what makes the best investors tick and share insights that challenge your thinking while keeping things engaging.

Don't miss out! Sign up today and start your journey with us.

https://playingftse.substack.com/

► Support the show:

Appreciate the show and want to offer your support? You could always buy us a coffee at: https://ko-fi.com/playingftse

(All proceeds reinvested into the show and not to coffee!)

► Timestamps:

0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS

5:29 US BANKS

21:48 VAT GROUP

38:32 DIAGEO

54:20 VISTRY

► Show Notes:

What’s been going on in the financial world and why should anyone care? Find out as we dive into the latest news and try to figure out what any of it means. We talk about stocks, markets, politics, and loads of other things in a way that’s accessible, light-hearted and (we hope) entertaining. For the people who know nothing, by the people who know even less. Enjoy

► Wanna get in contact?

Got a question for us? Drop it in the comments below or reach out to us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playing_ftse/

► Enquiries:

Please email - playingftsepodcast@gmail(dot)com

► Disclaimer:

This information is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions.