MONEY FM 89.3 - Your Money With Michelle Martin

Copper has overtaken iron ore as BHP’s biggest earnings engine for the first time, as the mining giant delivers a 30% jump in underlying profit and its highest dividend in four years. Michelle Martin looks at what BHP’s results tell investors about the long-term copper story. Meanwhile, Meta faces a potentially enormous legal test over allegations surrounding social-media addiction, and Alibaba sharpens its focus on AI with the sale of its gaming business. Plus, which industry is being hit by climate change?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI can summarise a 300-page book in seconds, but what happens to our ability to concentrate, think deeply and stay with a book? Only 28% of adults in Singapore read books weekly, according to an NLB study. Now, the National Library Board is launching ReadSG, a five-year national movement aimed at turning reading into an everyday habit - complete with challenges and incentives for putting in the minutes. Melissa Tam, Chief Executive Officer of NLB, joins Michelle Martin to discuss whether our reading habits are being reshaped by the digital world, why sustained reading still matters in the age of AI, how parents can raise readers, and the simple ways we can rebuild our “reading muscle.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could sticking to familiar choices like cash and stocks leave a gap in your portfolio? A new BlackRock survey offers fresh insight into where investors are putting their money. Michelle Martin speaks with Koay Hui Sien, Head of iShares Fixed Income Product Strategy for APAC at BlackRock, about the opportunity cost of holding too much cash, concentration risk in ETFs and what bond ETFs can offer when interest rates are uncertain. Plus, how do bond ETFs actually generate income, how do they behave differently from dividend stocks and REITs, and should they have a place in your portfolio?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does investing like Warren Buffett look like now that the Oracle of Omaha has retired? Michelle Martin follows the money at Berkshire Hathaway as the Greg Abel era takes shape, with fresh bets on US housing and a bigger position in Alphabet. What might Berkshire be seeing in a difficult housing market, and is its growing appetite for tech really such a departure from the Buffett playbook? In China, Goldman Sachs is looking beyond the usual AI names to companies supplying the hardware behind the boom. Could printed circuit boards, data centres and robotics components offer another way into the AI trade - and how much should investors factor in geopolitics? On Wall Street, Home Depot, Target, Lowe’s and Walmart put the American consumer under the microscope, while minutes from the Federal Reserve’s divided July meeting could offer clues on where rates go next. Plus, Michelle goes Up or Down on Stripe’s US$7 billion OpenRouter deal, WuXi AppTec after its huge rally and Alibaba as Qwen passes three billion downloads. And why are Chinese consumers more optimistic about AI than Americans? Where might Singapore sit? Finally, Spider-Man crosses US$2 billion as Hollywood rediscovers the power of the big-screen blockbuster. Hosted by Michelle Martin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What deserves a place on your reading list? Michelle Martin dives into the latest Straits Times bestseller list and picks out the books that caught her attention. From ancient classics to Japanese fiction and big novels about family, identity and the choices that shape our lives, Michelle goes beyond the rankings to introduce her picks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore is proposing significant changes to its en bloc rules, potentially making it easier for some ageing developments to be sold collectively - even when a sizeable group of owners wants to stay. Michelle Martin speaks with Daniel Sim, Founder of Golden Goose Properties, about what really drives a successful collective sale, how homeowners can judge whether an en bloc payout is enough to buy a suitable replacement home, and the protections for owners who oppose a sale. With the new changes, how will you be able to tell if an en bloc is a windfall or a disruption? Here is what you need to know.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wall Street hits another record as inflation cools and oil prices fall - but where are the real opportunities for investors? Michelle Martin breaks down Reddit’s jump on joining the S&P 500, Workday’s takeover-fuelled surge, AMD’s multibillion-dollar debt raise and renewed interest in Chinese healthcare stocks. In Singapore, why is Olam falling despite reporting S$1.9 billion in profit? What does MSCI’s removal of Sembcorp mean for the stock, why is Genting Singapore under pressure, and what’s driving CDL’s earnings surge? Plus, leadership turmoil at India’s Tata Group and the bullish case for the company behind jeans. Hosted by Michelle Martin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can a song do more than lift your mood? Music therapy is increasingly being used alongside medical care to help people living with cancer manage pain, anxiety, nausea, sleep problems and difficult emotions. Michelle Martin speaks with Germaine Yong, Music Therapist at 365 Cancer Prevention Society, about what happens in the brain and body when we hear music, what actually takes place in a music therapy session, and why music can sometimes reach us when words cannot. They also explore how music may support caregivers and simple ways families can use it to create comfort and connection at home.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore’s banks are delivering record results, but with wealth management increasingly driving growth, which of DBS, OCBC and UOB offers the strongest investment case? Michelle Martin speaks with Alvin Chow, Co-founder of Dr Wealth, about what the numbers reveal and where value may lie beyond the STI. They examine Singapore’s new and first mid-cap focused ETF, we also take a closer look at component stock CSE Global as data-centre demand drives revenue growth. Plus, what can investors learn from the spectacular unravelling of Open AI researcher Leopold Aschenbrenner’s leveraged AI bets?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ST Engineering and CapitaLand Investment deliver stronger earnings - but which has the more compelling growth story from here? Michelle Martin breaks down the numbers and what investors should be watching next. Why did Cisco fall despite beating expectations? What does Bank of America’s US$1.9 billion Jio Credit deal say about its ambitions in India? Why are SK Hynix and Samsung in focus amid reports of Temasek investment plans? And what does a US$12.5 billion Lakers valuation tell us about the value of elite sports franchises? Plus, Digital Core REIT, NTT DC REIT and Food Empire enter the local spotlight; and Google’s latest Pixel phones raise a bigger question - is AI really enough to make us upgrade our smartphones?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What would make you put work and routine on hold, take your three young children out into the world, and spend a year travelling together? Daniel Ng and Gina Cheong, co-founders of Aww Media, decided there might never be a better time. With a budget of around S$150,000, their family of five embarked on a year-long adventure around the world. Michelle Martin catches up with them from Colombia to find out what the Instagram pictures don't show: illnesses and injuries, travelling with three children when plans fall apart, managing money for a year on the road, and what constant time together has revealed about their family. Has the experience changed how they think about money, work, comfort and what makes a life well lived? And what do they hope their children will remember when the year is over?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should S-REIT managers tell investors more about what lies ahead? Michelle Martin speaks with Kenny Loh, REIT Specialist and Wealth Advisory Director, about the push for stronger forward guidance from Singapore REITs and whether greater transparency could lead to better investment decisions. What would constitute meaningful guidance? What are investors currently hearing from investor-relations teams? Could more guidance improve management accountability, or encourage short-term decision-making simply to hit a number? And should REITs that communicate more transparently ultimately command higher valuations?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sea Limited delivers another profitable quarter as Shopee hits new highs - but has its 40 percent share-price rally run too far? Nvidia releases a new open AI model and mobilises US$500 billion to finance AI infrastructure, raising questions about risk and China. CoreWeave shares surge as revenue doubles, while India’s L&T targets the rare-earth magnet market. Why are global investors favouring Taiwanese stocks over their South Korean rivals? Michelle Martin also examines Singapore Land’s 90 percent profit jump and million-dollar losses at Sentosa Cove. Plus, the boy from “Baby Shark” prepares to make his debut as a singer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you a start-up founder who can code-switch in different societies? In this episode of READ, Michelle Martin speaks with Vinnie Lauria author of Mind the Gap, about the cultural blind spots that can derail international expansion. From investing in Carousell to Redmart, Vinnie has since 2011, has been bridging Asia internet & mobile companies. The founding partner of Golden Gate Ventures, talks to Michelle about his new book which argues business leaders need to understand and include "culture" as part of the playbook for global expansion. The book that has hit #2 on the Straits Times Bestseller list. Michelle Martin finds out why. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nearly half of consumers are already using AI to help guide savings and investment decisions. But when does a useful financial tool become a dangerous shortcut? On Money and Me, Michelle Martin speaks with Christopher Tan, CEO of Providend, about what AI can genuinely do well when it comes to investing and financial planning - and where its limitations matter most.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI is creating a new cybersecurity arms race - and investors are taking notice. Michelle Martin looks at why CrowdStrike and Palo Alto Networks have hit record highs after Black Hat put the growing threat from AI agents firmly in focus. Could cybersecurity be the next major leg of the AI trade? Then, Microsoft is charging back, with Bernstein seeing a path to another 30% upside. TSMC’s sales surge 45% as AI hardware demand stays hot, while Intel turns to a US$15 billion stock offering to fund its ambitions. Also on Market View: Greg Abel begins putting Berkshire Hathaway’s enormous cash pile to work, Indonesian equities approach bull-market territory, and Singapore raises its 2026 growth forecast to 4.5–5.5%. Plus, what the latest DBS, OCBC and UOB results tell investors about the outlook for Singapore banks - and why Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey has become a US$1.1 billion blockbuster. Hosted by Michelle Martin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The STI has enjoyed a strong run, but not every blue chip has kept pace. 3 stocks have all lagged the benchmark - after years of disruption, restructuring and investor patience being put to the test. Michelle Martin speaks with Chin Hui Leong, Co-founder of The Smart Investor, to examine whether the market is overlooking opportunity or correctly pricing in risk. They unpack DFI Retail’s exit from its food business, Hongkong Land’s shift away from its long-held investment-property model, and Genting Singapore’s major RWS 2.0 investment cycle. What needs to change for investors to return? Which valuations look compelling? And of these three laggards, which offers the strongest case for a comeback and which deserves the most caution?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DBS posts another record quarter, lifting profits and rewarding shareholders with a higher dividend. Disney surprises Wall Street with strong earnings, while US stocks hover near record highs on hopes of easing geopolitical tensions. We also examine why Eli Lilly continues to dominate the weight-loss drug market, whether SpaceX investors should stay the course after a disappointing post-IPO performance, and ask if every diversified portfolio should include an oil major as protection against geopolitical shocks. Plus, a debate over whether AI is creating genuine long-term winners - or the next investment bubble.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why do some people still get their message across when the receiver is angry while the rest of us feel like we are hitting a brick wall in our struggle to be heard? In this episode, Michelle Martin explores Just Listen by Mark Goulston, a psychiatrist who trained FBI hostage negotiators and argues that influence begins not with speaking, not with persuasion but with an act that lowers resistance. Discover practical techniques to build empathy, defuse conflict, and connect with even the most difficult people. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could Tesla and SpaceX ever merge, or are geopolitical realities too great to overcome? We examine SpaceX's first earnings report as a public company and whether investors sitting on losses should take comfort from the recoveries of companies like Meta - or worry about becoming the next Alibaba. We also debate whether soaring profits at the world's biggest oil companies are a sign of corporate greed or simply the consequence of geopolitical conflict. Plus, Arun shares how investors can separate genuine AI winners from companies merely riding the hype.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Geopolitical tensions continue to reshape global markets, with Big Oil emerging as one of the biggest winners. Michelle Martin looks at why BP and Saudi Aramco are posting blockbuster profits as higher energy prices boost earnings, even as U.S. President Donald Trump criticises oil giants over soaring fuel costs. She also examines why SpaceX shares fell despite beating revenue expectations, as investors questioned the hefty cost of its AI ambitions. Plus, Wall Street hits fresh record highs, Jeff Bezos plans another multi-billion-dollar Amazon share sale, HSBC delivers a strong earnings beat, and it's a crucial week for Singapore's banks as DBS, OCBC and UOB prepare to report results.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, millions of people track their sleep, heart rate, stress and activity using smartwatches and fitness trackers. But are we making full use of these devices, or are we simply checking numbers without knowing what to do next? Michelle Martin speaks with Edwan Chiam, Founder of Signsbeat, about how wearable technology could evolve from passive tracking to personalised health guidance. Edwan noticed the health of people around him was taking sharp turns; that inspired him and his co-founder to launch Singapore health-tech startup Signsbeat. Their mission? To help people move beyond simply collecting health data and start understanding what that data is really telling them. They discuss how Singaporeans are using smartwatches today, the health metrics that matter most, common misconceptions about wearable data, and how better interpretation of physiological signals could empower individuals to make smarter decisions about their health and wellbeing. Guest: Edwan Chiam, Founder, Signsbeat.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Straits Times Index has just delivered its strongest monthly gain since November 2020, surging 8.8% to a fresh record high. But after such a powerful rally, where do investors go from here? Michelle Martin speaks with Tim Phillips, Founder of TimTalksMoney, about what's been driving Singapore's stock market, and what to watch as Singapore's major banks report earnings, as Michelle asks whether there are still compelling buying opportunities still exist despite the market's record run.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Markets extended their gains as investors rewarded companies delivering strong earnings despite an uncertain economic backdrop. Michelle Martin examines Grab's stronger-than-expected quarterly results and raised outlook, Palantir's blockbuster AI-fuelled growth, and why all eyes are on SpaceX ahead of its latest earnings report. She also looks at Wall Street's push towards record highs, Microsoft's best run in more than two decades, Amazon's return to a US$3 trillion valuation, Snap's optimism around AI-powered smart glasses, Parkway Life REIT's resilient performance, First Sponsor's disappointing results, and why the Japanese yen is back in focus.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many people assume becoming breathless is simply part of getting older - but it could be a sign of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a progressive lung condition that is often diagnosed too late. Michelle Martin speaks with Dr Jim Teo, Respiratory Physician at O2 Healthcare Group, about why COPD is frequently mistaken for normal ageing, the warning signs people shouldn't ignore, and how delayed diagnosis can dramatically reduce lung function. Dr Teo shares the story of a 75-year-old patient whose lung capacity fell to just 30%, explains how pulmonary rehabilitation can improve quality of life. Listeners share their pressing questions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is the best way to spend during retirement? Michelle Martin speaks with Grace Tay, Associate Director at Finexis Advisory, about one of the most overlooked aspects of retirement planning: the decumulation phase. They discuss why retirement investing requires a completely different mindset. The conversation also explores the 4% withdrawal rule. You may actually do better with spending a different drawdown percentage. Grace shares practical insights into structuring retirement income to preserve wealth, maintain financial confidence, and enjoy a more secure retirement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Markets are entering a pivotal week as investors brace for another wave of corporate earnings and a closely watched US jobs report that could shape expectations for Federal Reserve policy. Michelle Martin examines why Bank of America is bullish on Spotify and Ralph Lauren ahead of earnings, the diverging fortunes of Apple and Amazon, and what results from Palantir, AMD, Disney, Uber and Airbnb could reveal about AI, consumer spending and travel demand. She also looks at Berkshire Hathaway's steady rise, Nio's strong vehicle deliveries, the Straits Times Index's impressive July performance, the debate over Great Eastern's rally, and why the latest Spider-Man blockbuster is proving that the right franchise can still deliver box office magic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beyond dialysis there is still kidney care! When chronic kidney disease reaches an advanced stage, many patients assume dialysis is the only option. But it may not always be the best choice. Singapore has launched Renalssance, a pioneering national initiative that integrates palliative care earlier into the treatment of advanced kidney disease. Michelle Martin speaks with A/Prof Yeo See Cheng, Senior Consultant and kidney specialist at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, about how Renalssance is reshaping kidney care.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big Tech earnings take centre stage as Apple and Amazon deliver sharply contrasting messages to investors. Michelle Martin examines why Apple’s strong sales weren’t enough to reassure markets, while Amazon’s massive AI investment plans sent its shares soaring. She also looks at Hongkong Land’s S$1.1 billion Wheelock Place acquisition, strong earnings from Great Eastern and Seatrium, Jardine Cycle & Carriage’s special dividend proposal, and why South Korea’s Kospi has become one of Asia’s best-performing stock markets recently. Hosted by Michelle Martin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coming soon - Wakuda at MBS will be transformed. You'll also be able to experience Wakuda elsewhere in Asia. Michelle Martin speaks with John Kunkel, Founder and CEO of 50 Eggs Hospitality Group, whose portfolio includes CHICA, Lime Fresh Mexican Grill and WAKUDA, to find out how the visionary identifies winning concepts and his thoughts on the future of luxury hospitality.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How are retail traders responding to a year dominated by geopolitical tensions, volatile oil prices and shifting market sentiment? Michelle Martin speaks with Dani Magner, Chief Growth Officer at Plus500, whose platform serves around 33 million users worldwide, about what trading data from Singapore reveals about investor behaviour in 2026. This discussion is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as investment advice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michelle Martin gets up close with a personality typology system that can help explain why people react so differently to the very same situation. In the first episode of a new Live Well with Michelle series, Michelle Martin sits down with Cindy Leong, Founder of The Enneagram Academy, to explore the Enneagram, they unpack what sets the Enneagram apart from other personality models, why it focuses on our core motivations rather than just behaviour, and how understanding your type can reveal hidden strengths, blind spots, and recurring patterns in relationships and at work. This episode lays the foundation for a series that will explore each of the nine Enneagram types in depth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Markets weighed a flurry of corporate earnings alongside an unusually divided Federal Reserve, leaving investors with fresh questions about where opportunities lie. Michelle Martin unpacks Keppel's sharp drop in headline profit and why its underlying business tells a much stronger story as the company continues its asset-light transformation. She also explores why DBS believes StarHub could emerge as an unexpected winner following the collapse of the M1-Simba deal, and what renewed consolidation could mean for Singapore's telecom sector. The programme also covers a strong turnaround at Starbucks, a volatile night on Wall Street following a split Fed decision, and the latest winners and losers from the AI investment cycle, including Microsoft, Samsung Electronics and Meta Platforms. Plus, Singtel's reported plans to unlock value from its fast-growing data centre business, Nxera, through a potential dual listing and REIT, and in the Last Word, why FIFA's proposed US$20 billion commercial rights deal raises bigger questions about the growing influence of private capital in global sport.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore's stock market is evolving - what do investors need to know about the upcoming changes? As Singapore launches sweeping reforms - including the Equity Market Development Programme and the upcoming SGX-Nasdaq Global Listing Board - investors are being promised broader opportunities beyond the market's dominant banks and REITs. Michelle Martin speaks with Hunter Beaudoin, Analyst, Manager Research at Morningstar, about whether these reforms are fundamentally changing Singapore's investment landscape. The conversation also explores liquidity risks, the active versus passive debate, and practical ways investors can build exposure to Singapore equities as the market enters a new phase.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore Airlines falls into a quarterly loss as higher fuel costs and expenses linked to Air India weigh on earnings, sending its shares lower. Meanwhile, Singapore equities are heading for their best month since 2020, led by a powerful rally in bank stocks. We also look at Wall Street, where the Nasdaq-100 edges closer to correction territory as semiconductor shares weaken. SK Hynix disappoints despite record AI-driven revenue growth, Hongkong Land sees a turning point for Hong Kong office rents, and Singapore's newest IPO enjoys a strong market debut.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why did Steve Jobs wear the same black turtleneck, Mark Zuckerberg the same grey T-shirt, and Barack Obama rotate only blue and grey suits? For these leaders, simplifying what they wore was about reducing decision fatigue, not fashion. Michelle Martin speaks with Maninder Krishnan, Founder of Image and Me, about how busy professionals can apply the same principles without sacrificing personal style. This conversation offers practical strategies to help you dress with greater purpose, confidence and ease.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's one of the busiest weeks of the year for markets. Michelle Martin speaks with Simon Ree, founder of Tao of Trading, about how investors should navigate a pivotal Federal Reserve meeting, a flood of earnings from Microsoft, Meta, Apple and Amazon, and the risks of trading around major market events. They discuss why uncertainty calls for disciplined risk management, the common earnings trap that catches retail investors, and why many portfolios may be less diversified than they appear. Simon also lets us into his stock playbook.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michelle starts with the news of the day: the removal of the 15-month wait-out period. From today, private residential property owners who purchase a non-subsidised HDB resale flat without taking an HDB housing loan will no longer be subject to the 15-month wait-out period. Why has the Government made the change, and what could it mean for Singapore's HDB resale market? Then we turn to China, where the country's semiconductor ambitions have taken another leap. Chipmaker CXMT has made a spectacular stock market debut, with shares soaring nearly 500% and its founder pledging billions of dollars in employee bonuses. Meanwhile, Apple has reclaimed the title of the world's most valuable company from Nvidia, while SpaceX has seen its valuation shrink by the equivalent of an entire Tesla. We'll also unpack mixed earnings and the latest results from Singapore-listed REITs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Frailty doesn't usually begin with a dramatic fall - it often starts with subtle changes that are easy to overlook, from slowing down when getting out of a chair to avoiding stairs or walking less. Michelle Martin speaks with Associate Professor Tim Xu from the Singapore Institute of Technology about the early warning signs of frailty, why mobility loss is not an inevitable part of ageing, and what older adults and their families can do to maintain strength, balance and confidence. They also discuss new research into SIT's 12-week "Say No to Frailty" programme, how community rehabilitation is helping seniors remain independent in their own homes, and the habits we should all adopt now to help us live longer and stronger.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you making investment decisions today that could quietly undermine your retirement tomorrow? Michelle Martin speaks with Willie Keng, Founder of Dividend Titan (www.dividendtitan.com), about the four "silent enemies" of retirement investing. Plus, Willie walks us through a dividend investor's take on a megacap stock listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange. Michelle and Willie discuss why its market leadership, pricing power, and growing dividends make it a consumer staples company worth watching.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore surprises markets again as the Monetary Authority of Singapore tightens monetary policy, signalling confidence in the economy while moving to contain renewed inflation risks from higher oil prices. We unpack what the move means for the Singapore dollar, local equities and whether it could offer clues ahead of this week's pivotal US Federal Reserve meeting. We also look at China's blockbuster AI memory-chip IPO, which saw CXMT soar on its Shanghai debut, fuelling optimism around the country's semiconductor ambitions. Also hear about and the corporate stories moving Samsung, Shein, UOB and Raffles Medical in our Up or Down segment, before ending with the latest box office winner Michelle caught recently.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A high-profile case involving online messages and blurred interpersonal boundaries has sparked difficult conversations about attachment, perception and when persistent contact crosses the line. Why can two people experience the same relationship so differently? How can emotional closeness develop without a physical relationship? And at what point does genuine interest become unhealthy fixation? Michelle Martin speaks with Dr. Daniela Schreier, forensic and clinical psychologist at Ihsan Living, about the psychology of obsessive attachment, idealisation, cognitive bias and boundary recognition. Together they explore why some people struggle to let go, how internal narratives can distort reality, and what healthy attachment looks like in relationships built on mutual respect rather than emotional dependence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.