Market Matters is a monthly podcast from Kepler Trust Intelligence that delivers big-picture insights from leading investment specialists, exploring the opportunities, challenges, and risks shaping investors’ portfolios.
This month, we are joined by Alexandra Jackson, manager of the Rathbone UK Opportunities fund, which invests in UK mid-cap companies.
In this episode, Alexandra talks us through her route to becoming a fund manager, in which sector she thinks the UK stock market's stardust resides, why the picture for UK plc and our economy isn't as bad as some think, and riding the highs and lows of her best and worst investment.
00:00 Introduction
00:58 Background to becoming a fund manager
04:42 What's surprised Alexandra most about the stock market this year
06:46 Reasons why the UK outperformed in 2025 and will performance broaden in 2026?
11:37 How the dividend yield of UK mid caps could draw 'tourist' investors into the market
12:45 Views on the health of the UK stock market
15:25 What more the government could do to reinvigorate the UK stock market
17:06 Painting a positive picture of the UK economy
20:08 Winners and losers from the artificial intelligence boom
21:37 Parts of the UK stock market to be wary of
22:13 The UK stock market's stardust sector
24:05 Alexandra's best and worst investments and the lessons learned from them
26:01 Best piece of investment advice
27:13 Further information
27:31 Risk warning
Please note that this podcast was recorded on 28 January 2026.
Our latest market insights: https://www.trustintelligence.co.uk/investor/articles
More information on the Rathbone UK Opportunities fund: https://www.rathbones.com/en-gb/asset-management/financial-intermediary/equities/rathbone-uk-opportunities-fund
