Automakers face targets and tariffs, FCA calls for crypto rules, and tax rebate scams rise

AJ Bell Money & Markets

This week’s episode of the AJ Bell Money and Markets podcast looks at the challenges being faced by global automakers. (01:31) In the UK the speed of the transition to net zero and fines for not meeting targets has been cited as one reason behind Stellantis’ decision to close its factory in Luton. The government has said it will consult on the phase out as Ford’s UK boss calls for incentives for motorists. (06:42) Danni Hewson explains how Donald Trump’s threat to introduce tariffs on day one of his presidency is likely to hit the auto sector particularly hard including US firms like General Motors which has a huge manufacturing hub in Mexico.

There’s been a flurry of takeover action on London markets (10:15) with Direct Line turning down Aviva’s approach which would create the UK’s largest car insurer, but pub and restaurant group Lounger’s is backing a £338 million bid from Fortress saying its growth hasn’t been reflected by its market valuation.

(23:16 )With Christmas fast approaching Laura Suter looks into warnings that many Black Friday deals aren’t all they’re cracked up to be and assesses a warning from HMRC that scammers are using the lure of tax rebates to catch people out.

With the number of UK adults owning crypto currencies on the rise the FCA has said it will finally look to regulate the sector. A third of investors wrongly believe they could complain to the regulator if something went wrong. (28:23)

Plus, Imogen Harris from the Premier Miton Global Smaller Companies Fund on why a $22 billion company is considered to be a small cap in the UK (14:16) and Nick Clay from Redwheel Global Equity Income Fund on whether companies now care more about share buybacks than dividends (39:31)