When should you fire your fund manager? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show!

Both Steves were pleasantly surprised when they looked at their portfolios this week. Neither is good, but Steve D has done less badly than most.

We had a request to talk about what the UK’s Warren Buffett has been saying recently. So Steve W checked out the Fundsmith Meeting.

There were no excuses, apparently. But is Terry Smith right about AI, or is this going to be the latest obstacle for the fund?

3i – one of the FTSE 100’s top-performers in recent years – crashed this week. And Steve D’s been looking at why.

Like-for-like sales growth in its key subsidiary – Action – is set to be modest. So is it really worth an EBITDA multiple of 18.5?

Diploma – one of the UK’s top growth stocks – continues to go from strength to strength. The firm has upped its guidance for 2026.

There’s no question this is a strong sign, but how much of it is a cyclical boost? And why is the company’s model for organic growth so low?

Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast!

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► Timestamps:

0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS

7:08 FUNDSMITH

25:09 3I

45:51 DIPLOMA

► 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

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► 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.