Where are the 2027 Test Matches taking place? Find out on this week’s PlayingFTSE Show!

A truly dreadful week for both Steves in the stock market. The FTSE 100 and the S&P 500 are both up and they’re down over 3% – each.

That’s not great, but what’s been doing the damage? And in a week where most of their portfolios are red, how have they managed to focus almost entirely on shares that are up?!

Judges Scientific was one of our top UK growth stocks for 2026. But that hasn’t really come to fruition and the latest update from the company isn’t particularly strong.

The macroeconomic pressure is still on in the US and China. And with the next Geotek expedition now moving further into the distance, Steve D is getting ready to take action…

Roper Technologies is one of the stocks Steve W decided to buy as a counter to the rise of AI. And the stock is up on the latest earnings, which seem to be showing strong signs.

Revenues and profits are growing and AI integration is pushing the business higher. But is the firm missing a huge chance to be more aggressive with its capital allocation right now?

3i has been one of the FTSE 100’s biggest disappointments since we got interested in it. A strong update, however, and the stock seems to be heading back to its former glories.

As usual, it’s all about Action. The recent challenges look like a temporary setback, but where are we now in terms of growth, valuation, and future prospects?

Forget Tesla – the S&P 500’s big-name report this week was Alphabet. Steve W thinks the update looked pretty good, but investors don’t seem to agree – the stock fell on the news.

Across the company, AI looks like it’s helping products and services. Free cash flow might have gone negative, but the market was ready for that… wasn’t it?

Only on this week’s PlayingFTSE Podcast!

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What's happening in the markets — and why should you care? We break down the week's biggest financial news, stocks, and economic mayhem in a way that's actually enjoyable to listen to. No jargon, no waffle, just straight-talking chat about money, markets, and the madness in between.

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► Timestamps:

0:00 INTRO & OUR WEEKS

7:33 JUDGES OUT - BUT WHATS IN?

23:23 ROPER TECHNOLOGIES

38:04 3I

50:08 ALPHABET

► Show Notes:

Playing FTSE is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions.