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Commercial Awareness with Watson’s Daily business and financial news

Commercial Awareness with Watson’s Daily business and financial news

By Peter Watson

Watson’s Daily is the newsletter that improves your COMMERCIAL AWARENESS. In this podcast, the writer of Watson’s Daily talks about the week’s news and its implications. Peter Watson is an ex-stockbroker (13 years at 4 different investment banks in London and Tokyo) who advised some of the world’s biggest financial institutions on the UK, European and Japanese stock markets. He uses this experience to break down and explain key business and financial markets news in an approachable way! He also does the occasional podcast on career-related matters an ex-headhunter.
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Episode 311: Recovery in the travel industry vs Tesco’s cheap and cheerful Christmas…#WeAskWatson

Commercial Awareness with Watson’s Daily business and financial newsOct 07, 2021

00:00
19:32
Episode 873: affordable Easter eggs vs a rise in M&A activity…#WeAskWatson

Episode 873: affordable Easter eggs vs a rise in M&A activity…#WeAskWatson

In this episode, Duncan and I talk about how rampant chocolate prices are going to filter through and how M&A activity is definitely showing signs of life…
Mar 28, 202422:55
Episode 872: the Baltimore bridge vs the “finfluencer” crackdown…#WeAskWatson

Episode 872: the Baltimore bridge vs the “finfluencer” crackdown…#WeAskWatson

In this episode, Duncan and I talk about the commercial implications of the Baltimore Bridge crash and the FCA’s crackdown on “finfluencers”…
Mar 27, 202424:13
Episode 871: Retail rebound vs surge pricing at Legoland…#WeAskWatson

Episode 871: Retail rebound vs surge pricing at Legoland…#WeAskWatson

In this episode, Duncan and I talk about a bottoming out of retail sales and why surge pricing isn’t a good idea for Merlin Entertainment! We had a few minor sound issues with this episode, but nothing disastrous! Just so you know, Duncan was not in a cave at the beginning of this recording 😂
Mar 26, 202421:38
Episode 870: Peter & Ralph’s weekly chat (week commencing 18th March 2024)

Episode 870: Peter & Ralph’s weekly chat (week commencing 18th March 2024)

In this episode, Ralph and I talk about Reddit’s IPO and the “QuitTok” trend…
Mar 24, 202455:32
Episode 869: Hong Kong’s new law vs Unilever ditching ice cream…#WeAskWatson

Episode 869: Hong Kong’s new law vs Unilever ditching ice cream…#WeAskWatson

In this episode, Megan and I talk about the potential impact of Hong Kong’s new, tighter security law and whether Unilever’s ditching of its ice cream business is a good idea…
Mar 20, 202422:30
Episode 868: Peter & Ralph’s weekly chat (week commencing 11th March 2024)

Episode 868: Peter & Ralph’s weekly chat (week commencing 11th March 2024)

In this episode, Ralph and I talk about crypto developments and the potential fate of TikTok…
Mar 17, 202446:33
Episode 867: Peter & Ralph's weekly chat (w/c

Episode 867: Peter & Ralph's weekly chat (w/c

In this week's episode, Ralph and I talk about alternative energy...

Mar 03, 202453:59
Episode 866: Nvidia’s triumph vs warehousing consolidation…#WeAskWatson

Episode 866: Nvidia’s triumph vs warehousing consolidation…#WeAskWatson

In this episode, Christian and I talk about Nvidia’s strong performance and about the recent trend of consolidation in warehousing…
Feb 22, 202424:12
Episode 865: Barclays’ new plan vs resistance to the China influx…#WeAskWatson

Episode 865: Barclays’ new plan vs resistance to the China influx…#WeAskWatson

In this episode, Christian and I talk about Barclays’ new plan and how industries are getting increasingly paranoid at being superseded by Chinese companies…
Feb 21, 202427:33
Episode 864: mining job cuts vs motor financing dodginess…#WeAskWatson

Episode 864: mining job cuts vs motor financing dodginess…#WeAskWatson

In this episode, Christian and I talk about Anglo American’s big announcement and who is potentially most exposed to the outcome of the FCA’s latest investigation…
Feb 20, 202423:32
Episode 863: Gaming slowdown vs potential pub shutdowns…#WeAskWatson

Episode 863: Gaming slowdown vs potential pub shutdowns…#WeAskWatson

In this episode, Christian and I talk about a slowdown in gaming and increasing pressure on the government to cut VAT for the hospitality industry…
Feb 19, 202424:19
Episode 862: Peter & Ralph's Weekly Chat (w/c 12th February 2024)

Episode 862: Peter & Ralph's Weekly Chat (w/c 12th February 2024)

In this episode, Ralph and I talk about hydrogen fuel cells, motor finance problems and the prospects for the UK's residential property market...

Feb 18, 202452:22
Episode 861: Temu’s bid for glory vs Hong Kong’s ongoing demise…#WeAskWatson

Episode 861: Temu’s bid for glory vs Hong Kong’s ongoing demise…#WeAskWatson

In this episode, Hrutika and I talk about Temu’s bid to catch up with Shein and how Latham & Watkins’s latest move confirms the shift in how global companies are doing business in Hong Kong these days…
Feb 14, 202417:52
Episode 860: employment visas vs my theory on the M&A turnaround…#WeAskWatson

Episode 860: employment visas vs my theory on the M&A turnaround…#WeAskWatson

In this episode, Hrutika and I talk about the race for visas and why I think there are early signs of an M&A turnaround…
Feb 12, 202419:10
Episode 859: Peter & Ralph's Weekly Chat (w/c 5th February 2024)

Episode 859: Peter & Ralph's Weekly Chat (w/c 5th February 2024)

In this episode, Ralph and I talk about ExxonMobil and its fixation on ESG investors as well as how global supply chains are changing to take into account potential geopolitical risks.

Feb 12, 202439:35
Episode 858: the TikTok fashion effect vs the danger of cheap EVs…#WeAskWatson

Episode 858: the TikTok fashion effect vs the danger of cheap EVs…#WeAskWatson

In this episode, Duncan and I talk about TikTok’s effect on apparel retailers and whether Ford’s plan to focus on smaller EVs is actually a good thing…
Feb 08, 202420:52
Episode 857: Sports streaming vs Japanese convenience stores…#WeAskWatson

Episode 857: Sports streaming vs Japanese convenience stores…#WeAskWatson

In this episode, Duncan and I talk about a major development in sports streaming and how Japanese convenience store operator Lawson is getting a new backer!
Feb 07, 202413:43
Episode 856: the Parisian SUV vote vs Microsoft doing more AI…#WeAskWatson

Episode 856: the Parisian SUV vote vs Microsoft doing more AI…#WeAskWatson

In this episode, Duncan and I talk about the result of the vote on SUV parking charges in Paris (this COULD have big implications down the line!) and why Microsoft’s AI news idea SOUNDS good but may be tricky to pull off…
Feb 06, 202423:54
Episode 855: Peter & Ralph's Weekly Chat - AI and EVs in The Hype Cycle

Episode 855: Peter & Ralph's Weekly Chat - AI and EVs in The Hype Cycle

In this episode, Ralph and I talk about AI and EVs and where they are in The Hype Cycle!

Feb 04, 202438:50
Episode 854: Ferrari roars vs the Parisian SUV vote…#WeAskWatson

Episode 854: Ferrari roars vs the Parisian SUV vote…#WeAskWatson

In this episode, Duncan and I talk about Ferrari’s continued success and why Parisians want to triple parking charges for SUV owners…
Feb 02, 202421:38
Episode 852: Red Sea sanctions and Evergrande’s nightmares…#LegalLiz

Episode 852: Red Sea sanctions and Evergrande’s nightmares…#LegalLiz

In this episode, LegalLiz and I talk about what it means when countries impose sanctions on a practical basis and the implications of Evergrande’s liquidation (and what it means when companies go bust)…
Feb 01, 202430:16
Episode 853: Boohoo’s nightmares vs Temu taking on Amazon…#WeAskWatson

Episode 853: Boohoo’s nightmares vs Temu taking on Amazon…#WeAskWatson

In this episode, Duncan and I talk about Boohoo’s finance problems (and potentially whether it could become a target) as well as Temu trying to spend its way to beating Amazon in the US…
Feb 01, 202421:31
Episode 851: Hong Kong law changes vs council finances…#WeAskWatson

Episode 851: Hong Kong law changes vs council finances…#WeAskWatson

In this episode, Duncan and I talk about the impact of proposed security law changes in Hong Kong and what needs to be done about council finances to stop them going bust!
Jan 31, 202422:19
Episode 850: Flutter’s emigration vs nosey bosses…#WeAskWatson

Episode 850: Flutter’s emigration vs nosey bosses…#WeAskWatson

In this episode, Duncan and I talk about why Flutter wants to switch its primary listing to New York and why bosses are getting so nosey…
Jan 30, 202425:21
Episode 849: Post Office woes, financial sector consolidation &Musk’s Swedish misadventure…#LegalLiz

Episode 849: Post Office woes, financial sector consolidation &Musk’s Swedish misadventure…#LegalLiz

This is a new branch of the podcast where I discuss current themes with my friend Liz, who will give a more legal perspective. Apologies for the sound in places on my side - I sound a bit like a robot, but we get there 👍 We recorded this about a week-and-a-half ago…
Jan 29, 202439:15
Episode 848: Cooler holidays vs AI naughtiness…#WeAskWatson

Episode 848: Cooler holidays vs AI naughtiness…#WeAskWatson

In this episode, Duncan and I talk about holiday trends and how X and Taylor Swift crossed paths this weekend…
Jan 29, 202423:04
Episode 847: Peter & Ralph's Weekly Chat (w/c 22nd January 2024)

Episode 847: Peter & Ralph's Weekly Chat (w/c 22nd January 2024)

In this edition, Ralph and I talk about the effect that the Houthi rebels are having on global inflation and the diverging fortunes of the luxury sector...

Jan 28, 202439:05
Episode 846: Peter & Ralph's THEMES FOR 2024

Episode 846: Peter & Ralph's THEMES FOR 2024

In this episode, Ralph and I talk about the themes I mention in this year's Watson's Yearly: populism/democracy, near-shoring, more deglobalisation, renewables, more targeted AI and the growth of the Middle East and India.

Jan 21, 202452:39
Episode 845: Why Ralph is a genius and how AI could change the insurance industry!

Episode 845: Why Ralph is a genius and how AI could change the insurance industry!

This is an episode that I recorded before Christmas with Ralph where we had an interesting discussion about how AI can change the insurance industry. Ralph is an expert in insurance, so you should definitely give this a watch/listen!

Jan 21, 202442:12
Episode 844: Trainline’s good news vs AI replacing journalism…#WeAskWatson

Episode 844: Trainline’s good news vs AI replacing journalism…#WeAskWatson

In this episode, Duncan and I talk about some good news for Trainline and potentially bad news for journalism…
Dec 15, 202323:45
Episode 843: wage growth easing vs AI potentially taking insurance jobs…

Episode 843: wage growth easing vs AI potentially taking insurance jobs…

In this episode, Duncan and I talk about wage growth’s slowing momentum as well as how AI might be changing the insurance industry…
Dec 13, 202321:58
Episode 842: MI5 briefs business vs the Begbies Traynor dilemma…#WeAskWatson

Episode 842: MI5 briefs business vs the Begbies Traynor dilemma…#WeAskWatson

In this episode, Duncan and I talk about businesses getting briefed by MI5 and how, on the one hand, you want Begbies Traynor to do well and why, on the other hand, you hope they don’t!
Dec 12, 202318:30
Episode 841: Peter & Ralph's Weekly Chat (w/c 4th December 2023)

Episode 841: Peter & Ralph's Weekly Chat (w/c 4th December 2023)

In this episode, Ralph and I talk about Spotify's massive headcount reduction and what the company could do to grow its business in the future...APOLOGIES - the sound is a bit weird at the beginning for some reason but it gets better pretty soon 👍

Dec 10, 202338:11
Episode 840: Peter & Ralph's Weekly Chat (w/c 27th November 2023)

Episode 840: Peter & Ralph's Weekly Chat (w/c 27th November 2023)

In today's episode, Ralph and I talk about positive uses for AI, what comes next for X after Elon Musk's outburst and how AI may affect the future of work (according to the government).

Dec 05, 202351:15
Episode 839: PwC’s new AI chatbot vs Robinhood in the UK…#WeAskWatson

Episode 839: PwC’s new AI chatbot vs Robinhood in the UK…#WeAskWatson

In this episode, Duncan and I talk about PwC’s new AI chatbot and the prospects for Robinhood launching in the UK…
Dec 01, 202322:18
Episode 838: Secondhand marketplaces vs Barclays sacking clients…#WeAskWatson

Episode 838: Secondhand marketplaces vs Barclays sacking clients…#WeAskWatson

In this episode, Duncan and I talk about the increasing popularity of secondhand marketplaces and why Barclays sacking clients isn’t all that shocking…
Nov 29, 202323:19
Episode 837: Indian coal mining vs why the Bank of England’s forecasts are so rubbish…#WeAskWatson

Episode 837: Indian coal mining vs why the Bank of England’s forecasts are so rubbish…#WeAskWatson

In this episode, Marta and I talk about India’s plans to increase coal mining activity and why the Bank of England has been so rubbish with its economic forecasts…
Nov 27, 202319:04
Episode 836: Peter & Ralph's Weekly Chat (w/c 20th November 2023)

Episode 836: Peter & Ralph's Weekly Chat (w/c 20th November 2023)

In this week's episode, Ralph and I talk about the Autumn Statement and the shenanigans at OpenAI. Apologies that the sound isn't top notch for this episode.

Nov 26, 202341:03
Episode 835: OpenAI thoughts vs reaction to the Autumn Statement…#WeAskWatson

Episode 835: OpenAI thoughts vs reaction to the Autumn Statement…#WeAskWatson

In this episode, Julia and I talk about what’s next for OpenAI and some thoughts on the Autumn Statement…
Nov 23, 202322:25
Episode 834: the Deliveroo decision vs the scandal at Binance…#WeAskWatson

Episode 834: the Deliveroo decision vs the scandal at Binance…#WeAskWatson

In this episode, Julia and I talk about the latest decision on employees/contractors at Deliveroo and Binance’s money laundering founder…
Nov 22, 202320:14
Episode 833: More OpenAI drama vs Fisker looking dodgy…#WeAskWatson

Episode 833: More OpenAI drama vs Fisker looking dodgy…#WeAskWatson

In this episode, Julia and I talk about the latest on OpenAI and Fisker looking a bit shaky…
Nov 21, 202313:58
Episode 832: Halfords’ rejects an offer vs the high drama at OpenAI…#WeAskWatson

Episode 832: Halfords’ rejects an offer vs the high drama at OpenAI…#WeAskWatson

In this episode, Duncan and I talk about Halfords rejecting an offer and the leadership shenanigans going on at OpenAI! I’ve never seen anything like this before!
Nov 20, 202323:37
Episode 831: Peter & Ralph's Weekly Chat (w/c 13th November 2023)

Episode 831: Peter & Ralph's Weekly Chat (w/c 13th November 2023)

In this episode, Ralph and I discuss the drama at OpenAI, Hotel Chocolat going to Mars and real estate portfolio rebalancing between the West End, City and Canary Wharf...

Nov 20, 202344:32
Episode 830: Peter & Ralph's Weekly Chat (w/c 6th November 2023)

Episode 830: Peter & Ralph's Weekly Chat (w/c 6th November 2023)

In this episode, Ralph and I talk about the difference between the way that the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas war are being perceived and the "normalisation" of Aldi and Lidl.

Nov 20, 202344:31
Episode 829: Hotel Chocolat goes to Mars vs Cruise-in for a bruisin’…#WeAskWatson

Episode 829: Hotel Chocolat goes to Mars vs Cruise-in for a bruisin’…#WeAskWatson

In this episode, Duncan and I talk about Hotel Chocolat going to Mars and the prospects for GM’s Cruise given its recent problems…
Nov 17, 202321:50
Episode 828: Offshore windfarm subsidies vs Ocado’s big announcement…#WeAskWatson

Episode 828: Offshore windfarm subsidies vs Ocado’s big announcement…#WeAskWatson

In this episode, Duncan and I talk about the government offering higher subsidies to new offshore windfarms and how Ocado’s new client could open a whole new revenue stream…
Nov 16, 202320:06
Episode 827: What’s next for The Body Shop vs shifting from the City to the West End…#WeAskWatson

Episode 827: What’s next for The Body Shop vs shifting from the City to the West End…#WeAskWatson

In this episode, Duncan and I talk about what’s next for The Body Shop and why emphasis seems to be shifting from the City to the West End…
Nov 15, 202320:24
Episode 826: Cabinet reshuffling vs tequila as The Next Big Thing…#WeAskWatson

Episode 826: Cabinet reshuffling vs tequila as The Next Big Thing…#WeAskWatson

In this episode, Duncan and I talk about Sunak’s Cabinet reshuffle and why Diageo wants us all to drink tequila!
Nov 14, 202324:46
Episode 825: LIFE SKILLS SERIES - HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT CAREER!

Episode 825: LIFE SKILLS SERIES - HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT CAREER!

In this episode, Ralph and I talk about how to choose the right career FOR YOU!


We have a wide-ranging talk about practical ways to get on the right career path. I hope you find this useful! You can find more in his book using the details below.


About me:

Before I started writing Watson's Daily, I've been a stockbroker, headhunter and careers consultant and tested out a number of career paths (but not necessarily gone down all of them!). In one of the selections I went through, I even had a gun pointed to my head (and no, that wasn't for investment banking 🤣) and the longest single interview session I've been subject to was a 12 hour one at a well-known American investment bank! I've learned a lot and thought that my experiences could help you!


For more info about Ralph, please scroll down.

If you want to read about this in more depth, please check out Ralph's book here:

Mark Hebwood. Happiness Rules. London 2018. Get it on: amazon (paperback, kindle), apple i-books 

Interview with Mark Hebwood: https://www.clays.co.uk/case-study-mark-hebwood/

 Amazon link:

 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Happiness-Rules-Mark-Hebwood/dp/099565090X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1698322360&sr=8-1

About Ralph: Ralph Hebgen, writing as Mark Hebwood, has worked as a research analyst in the City of London for almost 20 years. In his first book, “Happiness Rules”, he turns his analytical mind to an examination of how we can build meaningful lives for ourselves. Readers have said that his study is a uniquely analytical yet very human approach to the question of happiness, that it is like a conversation with a friend, like Buddhism without the spirituality. Ralph holds qualifications in the humanities, business studies and actuarial mathematics. He is married and lives in London.

Nov 10, 202359:41
Episode 824: Nintendo’s plans vs rules for ESG ratings…#WeAskWatson

Episode 824: Nintendo’s plans vs rules for ESG ratings…#WeAskWatson

In this episode, Dimitrios and I talk about Nintendo’s plans for films and the UK government’s intentions to regulate ESG ratings agencies…
Nov 09, 202325:21