What are the Pip and universal credit changes and who is affected?

Carson Block, the well-known short-seller (and founder of Muddy Waters Research), sits down with Matthew Partridge to discuss his high-stakes strategy of betting against companies—and surprisingly, where he sees opportunities for traditional "long" investors too. He shares red flags to watch for and why some sectors might be riskier than they appear.

Editor’s Note: Short-selling often gets a bad rap, but Block’s insights cut both ways—warning about pitfalls while hinting at overlooked opportunities. For everyday investors, it’s a rare peek into the mind of someone who profits from calling out corporate weaknesses, which could help spot warning signs in their own portfolios. Even if you’re not betting against stocks, his perspective on market risks is worth a listen.

Xiaomi's new electric SUV, the SU7, is off to a blazing start in China, racking up a staggering 240,000 pre-orders in less than a day. The rush began with 200,000 orders in just three minutes when bookings opened, signaling strong consumer excitement. Priced between $35,366 and $43,000, the SUV is being seen as a potential rival to Tesla’s popular Model Y in China’s competitive EV market.

Editor’s Note: Xiaomi, better known for smartphones, is making a serious play for the EV space—and Chinese drivers are responding. This isn’t just another car launch; it’s a sign that Tesla’s dominance in China could face real competition. For consumers, more options mean better tech and possibly lower prices. For the industry, it’s proof that tech giants can shake up auto markets overnight.

UBS analysts are doubling down on their confidence in Rightmove, the UK's leading property listings platform, calling it their top pick in the European classifieds sector. Despite broader market jitters, they see it as a resilient player with strong growth potential—likely due to its dominant market position and steady demand for housing data.

Editor’s Note: For investors keeping an eye on European classifieds, this is a signal that Rightmove remains a safe bet—even when economic winds shift. It’s not just about property listings; it’s about trust in a platform that’s become almost synonymous with UK home searches. If UBS is bullish, others might follow suit.

Investment firm Canaccord has upped its price target for Driven Brands (a major auto service company) after noticing stronger performance in their oil change business. Basically, more people are getting oil changes—a sign that either drivers are maintaining their cars better or that Driven’s marketing or operations are clicking. Either way, analysts see it as a good sign for the company’s bottom line.

Editor’s Note: If you’re an investor, this is a small but meaningful signal that Driven Brands might be on a better track than expected. For everyone else, it’s a peek into how everyday habits—like delaying or skipping oil changes—can ripple out to big financial moves. Plus, it hints at broader trends: Are people holding onto cars longer? Is routine maintenance bouncing back post-pandemic? Those little questions can move markets.

Renaissance Macro’s Neil Dutta argues that Fed Governor Christopher Waller is positioning himself as the de facto leader of the central bank, even pushing for interest rate cuts ahead of the official chair, Jerome Powell. Dutta suggests Waller’s influence is growing so much that he’s effectively acting as a "shadow chair"—hinting he could be the top contender for the role when Powell’s term ends.

Editor’s Note: The Fed’s internal dynamics matter because its decisions on interest rates ripple through everything from mortgages to stock markets. If Waller’s gaining clout, it could signal a shift toward more aggressive rate cuts—something markets are hungry for. But it also raises questions about leadership stability at a time when the economy’s still on shaky ground.