This week Nick talks to Andrew Jones

Andrew led Metric Property Investments Plc as co-founder and CEO from its launch in March 2010 until its successful merger with London & Stamford in January 2013, when he took the helm as Chief Executive of the newly formed LondonMetric. His extensive real estate experience includes a pivotal role at British Land, where he served as Executive Director and Head of Retail after joining through the Pillar acquisition in 2005. As a Board member at British Land, he oversaw shopping centers and retail park portfolios. Currently, Andrew brings his expertise to InstaVolt, a leading electric vehicle charging network, as a Non-Executive Director. He previously served on the Board of Unite plc for six years as a Non-Executive Director.

In this episode, Nick and Andrew explore his career journey and insights into the real estate industry. Andrew shares how his early interest in investing led him to a career in commercial real estate, starting in the late 1980s during a recession. He discusses his experience working with major firms like British Land before founding LondonMetric Property in 2010. The conversation covers the evolution of retail, from high streets to retail parks, the impact of online shopping, and the importance of understanding consumer behaviour. Andrew also explains LondonMetric’s focus on resilient sectors like logistics, convenience retail, healthcare, entertainment and leisure, along with their asset management strategy, including “triple net” leases and tenant mix optimisation.

Looking ahead, Andrew shares his perspective on growth opportunities through acquisitions and strategic mergers while maintaining a focus on the UK market. He highlights the challenges of high street retail compared to retail parks and discusses LondonMetric’s approach to income generation and long-term investing.

Andrew's book choices where:
Barbarians at the Gate by Bryan Burrough
https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/barbarians-at-the-gate-book-bryan-burrough-9780099469155
The Predators' Ball by Connie Bruck
https://www.abebooks.co.uk/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=31852760243
The Big Short by Michael Lewis
https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/big-short-book-michael-lewis-9781846142574
Adventures in Time: Nelson, Hero of the Seas by Dominic Sandbrook
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Adventures-Time-Nelson-Hero-Seas/dp/0241552214/

Andrew's podcast choices where:
We Study Billionaires - The Investor’s Podcast Network
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/we-study-billionaires-the-investors-podcast-network/id928933489

Acquired with Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/acquired/id1050462261

This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.

This week Nick talks to Steve Ruffley

Steve Ruffley is a professional trader of nearly 25 years. Steve offers personalised trading risk management and mentoring packages and is a published author with The Pro Retail Trader: How to Generate Professional-level Returns as a Retail Trader.

The discussion explores Steve Ruffley’s career in financial markets, detailing his journey from a university dropout to a professional trader. Initially working at PricewaterhouseCoopers, he later discovered his passion for trading in Gibraltar, where he joined a proprietary trading firm. Ruffley reflects on the challenges of professional trading, including high financial targets and the transition from floor trading to electronic platforms. After a stint in risk management, he returned to independent trading, focusing on indices and forex. He emphasises the importance of discipline, confidence, and quick decision-making in trading, distinguishing between retail and professional approaches. Steve also shares insights on market adaptability, critiques the growing influence of AI in trading, and discusses his latest book, The Pro Retail Trader, which aims to guide retail traders in advancing their skills. He expresses scepticism toward Bitcoin as a tradable asset and highlights the role of algorithmic trading.

Steve's published books are:
The Pro Retail Trader: How to Generate Professional-level Returns as a Retail Trader
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pro-Retail-Trader-Generate-Professional-level/dp/1804091375

The Ruff Guide to Trading: Make Money in the Markets
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ruff-Guide-Trading-Money-Markets/dp/0857194003/

Steve's film choice was: Rocky IV
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rocky-IV-Vs-Drago/dp/B09MNTHVQZ

Steve's Music choices where:
Battleship Chain by The Georgia Satellites
https://open.spotify.com/track/0dJEQ01IPN4ukqRsPrm4ab

This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.

Season 4 kicks off with Nick talking to friend of the show, Dr Daniel Daniel who runs the The Crypto Investing Program.

Since the U.S. election in November Bitcoin has experienced a significant bull run, with its price surging from approximately $69,000 on Election Day to over $100,000 by mid-January 2025. This upward trajectory is largely attributed to the election of President Donald Trump, who has expressed strong support for cryptocurrencies. His administration's pro-crypto stance, including plans to establish the U.S. as a "crypto capital" and the appointment of digital assets expert Paul Atkins as SEC Chair, has bolstered investor confidence.

Nick and Daniel discuss the state of the cryptocurrency market in early 2025. Daniel attributes the current bull run to cyclical market patterns, the halving event, and President Trump's pro-crypto stance. He highlights Bitcoin's rise to over $100,000, predicts its peak around $150,000 during this cycle, and emphasizes its role as a store of generational wealth akin to gold. Daniel explains his preference for altcoins, which offer higher short-term returns, and shares insights into selecting promising projects using his "golden list." He also warns of the prevalence of scams in the crypto space and advises caution. The conversation touches on the potential impact of spot ETFs and the importance of timing in the volatile crypto market.

Daniel's Music choices where:
Music by Madonna
https://open.spotify.com/track/2fzykVsO2Di5jnofUNX3YE
Bryan Adams Summer of 69
https://open.spotify.com/track/0GONea6G2XdnHWjNZd6zt3
Good Feeling Song by Flo Rida
https://open.spotify.com/track/2LEF1A8DOZ9wRYikWgVlZ8

This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.