MONEY FM 89.3 - Your Money With Michelle Martin

What if Singapore’s next big winners aren’t in the STI - but quietly sprinting just beside it asks Michelle Martin, as she explores the rise of the new iEdge Singapore Next 50 indices. This mid-cap cluster - from ComfortDelGro to Sheng Siong and PropNex - is filled with familiar names but how has it done relative to the STI? PhillipCapital’s Dan Chang joins us to decode why investors are warming to mid-caps across logistics, data centres, hospitality and industrials. We break down how to evaluate mid-cap fundamentals, manage volatility, and decide between index exposure and selecting winners. If you’ve overlooked Singapore’s mid-caps, this episode might just rewrite your playbook.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Walmart just sent a signal about the state of the US shopper - and it’s not what you may think. Michelle Martin and Ryan Huang unpack Walmart’s blockbuster quarter, surging e-commerce momentum, and its dramatic leap from NYSE to NASDAQ. Then it’s UP or DOWN time: from Gap’s denim-fuelled revival to Bath & Body Works’ earnings stumble. Markets whiplash on Nvidia’s stunning numbers while ByteDance and Hongkong Land paint very different pictures. Plus, Labubu - the tiny monster with a huge cult following - is heading to Hollywood. Will this toy break the movie curse?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI-enhanced investing meets Singapore’s $5B market catalyst - and Manulife is at the centre of both. Singapore’s equity markets just received a major boost as MAS appointed Manulife IM among six global managers under its $5-billion Equity Market Development Programme. At the same time, Manulife is rolling out a powerful new AI engine that slashes analyst review time by up to 80%, redefining how investment teams generate insights and assess risk. We unpack what AI-driven public-markets investing really looks like and 2026 positioning.with Colin Purdie, Global CIO of Public Markets at Manulife Investment Management. Plus: the overlooked risks and hidden opportunities investors may be missing. All this and more - hosted by Michelle Martin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Global real estate is finally stabilising - but the opportunities and risks are not where most investors think. As 2025 closes, the real estate cycle is shifting: interest-rate steadiness, gradual price discovery, and a cautious return of transactions. Michelle Martin speaks with Keith Ong, CEO of RealVantage, to decode what this means for investors in 2026. We unpack capital-market signals, and the foreign-buyer landscape Plus, sector picks for 2026 - from data centres to senior living - and the risks investors still underestimate across the US, Australia, UK and Asia. All this and more, hosted by Michelle Martin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A blockbuster Nvidia beat, weakening consumer signals at Target, and surprise moves from Palo Alto Networks, Block, Nokia, Xiaomi, and SGX - we break down the drivers behind global and local market sentiment. Nvidia just delivered one of the most closely watched earnings results of the year - and the AI giant did not disappoint. Market View dives into Nvidia’s 65% profit surge and what it signals for the broader AI trade. We run through a tech-heavy Up or Down round featuring Palo Alto Networks and Block. Target cuts its profit outlook as US consumers tighten spending. Nokia, Xiaomi and SGX headline Round 2 as the AI infrastructure story accelerates. All this and a check-in on the STI - hosted by Michelle Martin with Ryan Huang.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Money and Me dives into whether the AI boom is becoming a bubble or just shaking out the excess. We unpack why the odds of a December Fed cut have dropped below 50% and what that means for investors. Cheng Chye Hsern, Head of Investment, Providend breaks down hyperscalers’ rising debt-fuelled capex and the red flags to watch. Singapore’s big three banks report sharply different earnings - we explore how NIM compression, fee income and credit costs are reshaping the sector’s outlook. Hosted by Michelle Martin, with insights investors need as volatility returns.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A giant in the clean-energy supply chain is about to face its biggest trading test yet - and global markets are bracing. CATL’s six-month lockup expiry threatens to unleash selling pressure just as the Hong Kong-listed giant trades at a hefty premium. Who may hold? Why could others cash out. In the US, which of the Mag 7 are sliding? As the AI trade unravels, Apple is standing out as a relative outperformer. Meta scores a decisive win against the FTC, and Cloudflare, Baidu, PDD and Nio take the spotlight in our UP or DOWN segment. Listen as Michelle Martin with Ryan Huang, parse the mixed signals across tech and China names.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What risks may be hiding behind the “democratisation of PE” narrative? Tim Phillips of TimTalksMoney breaks down liquidity traps, private-credit ETFs, and the red flags every investor should spot. Then we shift to the big retail question: Can you build your entire retirement plan using ETFs alone? We compare ETF-only strategies for a 35-year-old with $50K versus a 55-year-old with $500K. All this and more, in Money and Me hosted by Michelle Martin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We start with a blockbuster IPO. Pinkfong’s Baby Shark empire makes waves with it's debut, stirring questions about Korea’s content boom. U.S. markets wobble as Nvidia, Tesla, and crypto-linked stocks drag investor sentiment lower. Michelle Martin runs a rapid “Up or Down” lightning round across tech, aviation, regional plays, and Singapore blue chips. Then a check in on local markets with Jardine Matheson and Venture Corp in focus. Plus: how Indonesian instant noodles have became a global premium trend. Hosted by Michelle Martin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The global automotive industry is undergoing its greatest transformation in a century - electrification, digital ownership and self-driving technology. In this episode, we explore how Borneo Motors Singapore - a brand that has grown with the nation since 1925 - is reinventing itself for a new era. Magdalene Tan, Marketing Director of Borneo Motors Singapore, joins Michelle Martin to unpack strategy, heritage and the next chapter of automotive evolution.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Industrial REITs are steady, yields are juicy, and rates are falling - so is now the moment to move? Hosted by Michelle Martin, this episode breaks down why industrial S-REITs have held firm with strong occupancy and rental reversions. We explore how the wider S-REIT universe has staged a 2025 rebound on easing debt costs and a friendlier rate outlook. With T-bills slipping near 1.37 - 1.4%, Kenny Loh weighs in on whether REIT yields of 5 - 6% still offer real value. Is this rally just a “rates are going down” trade - or the early innings of a broader re-rating? Kenny also shares clear strategies for conservative investors navigating income, risk and timing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Oracle of Omaha makes a surprise tech bet - what does Warren Buffett know that the rest of the market doesn’t? Hosted by Michelle Martin with Ryan Huang, we break down the Berkshire Hathaway portfolio twist. What earnings in the week ahead are being watched closely? We dive into a mixed week for US indices and the shifting narratives driving investor positioning. Luxury markets heat up as Bernard Arnault shops Chinese brands in Shanghai. UP or DOWN features Pop Mart’s Labubu, Frasers Property and more. Plus, how the STI is trading today - and your “Last Word” from the global box office.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SoftBank just dumped Nvidia in the midst of this AI frenzy - is this a warning signal, or the smartest money move of the year? As rare-earth stocks roar and governments scramble for critical minerals, we ask whether a new multi-decade commodities supercycle is forming - or whether geopolitics is simply inflating another hype cycle. Michael Burry is also sounding alarms, accusing hyperscalers like Amazon, Alphabet, and Microsoft of chasing an AI dream without a proven business model. We unpack SoftBank’s Nvidia exit, the mineral race, and the AI-infrastructure boom versus bubble debate. What’s real, what’s noise, and what’s actually investable right now? All this and more - hosted by Michelle Martin with insights from Arun Pai of Monk’s Hill VenturesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Swiss sneaker-maker On, chip giant AMD, Cisco Systems, and local names like ComfortDelGro, ST Engineering, AEM, Food Empire, JB Foods, and Seatrium take centrestage, as markets react to blockbuster guidance upgrades and renewed AI optimism. We break down what’s driving the surge in On’s sales, the key soundbites from AMD’s Lisa Su, and Cisco’s profit engine. Plus -UP or DOWN verdicts across Singapore corporates as the STI hits fresh records led by Jardine Matheson and Hongkong Land. And in the “Last Word,” a mall becomes a theme park as Netflix launches “Netflix House.” All that and more - hosted by Michelle Martin with Ryan Huang.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inclusion is under siege. As companies scale back DEI amid political backlash, can Asia offer a new lens for belonging - one rooted in empathy and economics? Lyn R. Lee, former Global Chief DEI Officer at Shell and author of Tiny Rice Grains (Penguin Random House SEA), joins Michelle Martin to explore the future of diversity in a politically divided world. She discusses how small acts of inclusion ripple into systemic change, and how Asian perspectives can redefine leadership courage and care. Discover how to move beyond compliance, make psychological safety real, and build workplaces where every “tiny grain” counts. Hosted by Michelle Martin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A fierce debate has erupted over investment-linked insurance plans. Are ILPs misunderstood tools for long-term wealth, or overly complex, high-cost products investors should avoid? Christopher Tan, CEO of Providend, returns to address his criticisms of his arguments following his Business Times column, which challenged the value of ILPs. He breaks down industry rebuttals on compounding bonuses, adviser fees, and fund access, and explains why his firm continues to steer clear of them. Hear both sides of the ILP story, from consumer confusion to claims of strategic tax and estate planning benefits - and decide where you stand. Hosted by Michelle Martin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Profits are up, but not everyone’s cheering. Sea Limited doubles earnings while Singtel posts a massive jump - yet investors aren’t entirely convinced. SoftBank cashes out of Nvidia to fund its AI future. Which of these moves spells confidence - and which signals caution? From Sea’s Shopee, Garena, and Monee to Singtel’s Optus and NCS, we unpack the region’s big earnings stories. Then we head to SoftBank and its 5.8 billion dollar Nvidia sale. Plus, our UP or DOWN spotlight hits JD.com, Sony, BHG Retail REIT, and SingPost. We wrap with the Straits Times Index rally led by Genting Singapore, UOL Group, and City Developments. Hosted by Michelle Martin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A race against time - and one that could save you real money. As the year ends, many Singaporeans hurry to make their S$15,300 SRS contribution to cut their tax bill - but how does the scheme work We unpack withdrawal rules, explain whether you’ll eventually pay tax, and why 1 in 5 SRS dollars sits idle earning just 0.05% interest Should you invest your SRS instead, and how do rising statutory retirement ages affect when you can access your money? We break down the crucial 1 July 2026 deadline to lock in the penalty-free withdrawal age of 63. Hosted by Michelle Martin with guest Elijah Lee, Senior Financial Services Manager, Phillip Securities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Markets are moving. US lawmakers strike a compromise to end the shutdown, sending the S&P 500 and Nasdaq sharply higher, with Nvidia, Palantir among the day’s top gainers. We unpack Warren Buffett’s plan to step down as Berkshire Hathaway CEO, go quiet, and accelerate philanthropy - and what it means for Berkshire Hathaway investors. Our UP or DOWN game spotlights TSMC, Restaurant Brands , Vicom and YZJ Financial. We also take stock of the Straits Times Index, where Genting Singapore, DBS and ST Engineering made moves. Finally - a surreal “Last Word” - Paris launches a cemetery lottery! Get your finance wrap for the morning. Hosted by Michelle Martin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A toy titan stumbles - is the Labubu craze losing its bite? Pop Mart gets smashed by a livestream backlash while collector demand cools. Carl Icahn revs engines with a big bet on Monro’s struggling auto-service business. Wall Street slips despite solid earnings; investors weigh labour softness & shutdown risks. UP or DOWN: Ikea, Pfizer, Sri Trang, Boustead. Local highlights, STI movers - hosted by Michelle MartinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Has Singapore quietly become one of the world’s hottest IPO destinations? The city-state has rocketed into the global top 10, overtaking London as real-estate listings power its rise. Globally, IPOs are rebounding as 2025 sees stronger deal flow and an 89% surge in proceeds amid calmer markets. EY’s Chan Yew Kiang walks us through what’s driving the US, Greater China, and Southeast Asia - and why Hong Kong’s comeback matters. We explore sector trends, cross-border listings, and whether more issuers are choosing New York over home turf. Investors get a forward look at catalysts heading into 2026 - hosted by Michelle Martin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if cities could remember — and literature was the witness? The George Town Literary Festival (GTLF) returns for its 15th edition, exploring “Urban Myths and Memories” in Penang. This bold, internationally recognised festival champions free expression, world literature, and provocative conversations at the cultural edge. With 37 writers from 13 countries, GTLF gathers acclaimed voices, poets and performers to examine identity, politics, place and imagination. We ask Festival Manager Julia Tan what Singapore readers can expect - from standout writers to unmissable panels shaping regional literary discourse. A journey into storytelling, memory and why festivals still matter - hosted by Michelle Martin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does one of the busiest malls in China have no shoppers, yet billions in sales? China’s growth may be slowing, but its transformation is accelerating. Join Michelle Martin as she chats with Willie Keng, Founder of Dividend Titan, who toured Shanghai and Hangzhou with institutional investors. Discover how live-streaming has become China’s most powerful consumption engine, why local brands like Proya are winning hearts, and how asset-light models are reshaping industries. This podcast includes a specially recorded "Easter Egg" where Willie shares his views on the rise of robotics in China from AI-driven hotels to its place in building technology. Investors, you don't want to miss this view of China’s new playbook.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Singapore’s banking results to Elon Musk’s trillion-dollar payday - markets are buzzing with big money moves. Singapore’s three big banks - DBS, OCBC, and UOB - are showing their hand this earnings season, revealing who’s playing defense and who’s cashing in. Michelle Martin breaks down the numbers behind OCBC’s steady profits and DBS’s record highs, plus UOB’s caution. Across the Pacific, Trump’s deal with Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk could reshape the obesity drug market. And Tesla’s US$1 trillion pay plan for Elon Musk? It’s the governance story investors can’t ignore. Plus, a quick game of Up or Down featuring Genting Singapore, SingTel, CapitaLand Investment, and SGX.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The private-credit boom promises high returns and flexibility - but is the shine justified? Private credit is booming - but beneath its reputation for stability and diversification lies a more complicated story. In this episode, hosted by Michelle Martin, Morningstar’s Senior Analyst Arvind Subramanian breaks down what private credit really is, why borrowers and investors are piling in, and the key marketing claims investors should interrogate. He explains how low volatility may reflect opacity rather than safety, why diversification benefits are overstated, and how floating rates can both protect and punish portfolios. We also unpack the hidden risks around leverage, liquidity, and covenant protection. Ultimately, private credit can play a role, but investors need to scrutinize fees, transparency, and risk.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big earnings shocks and tariff twists keep markets on edge. DBS and UOB headline today as Q3 earnings diverge, with UOB hit by a 72% plunge while DBS holds up better than expected. In the U.S., tariff-linked stocks like Lululemon, Macy’s, and Mattel rallied as the Supreme Court heard challenges to Trump-era import duties. We also play Up/Down with McDonald’s, Pinterest, Snap, Apple, Google, HKEX, PropNex, and Yangzijiang Shipbuilding. Yangzijiang sinks after a major BlackRock selldown, while Singtel finds a bid. Hosted by Michelle Martin with Ryan Huang.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore’s inheritance expectations are rising - and so are the stakes. Over half of Singaporeans say they expect to receive or have already received an inheritance, with one in five anticipating a million-dollar windfall. Michelle Martin unpacks Etiqa Insurance’s new Wealth Transfer Insights Report with Jess Tan, Chief Distribution Officer, Etiqa Insurance Singapore. They explore how Singaporeans are rethinking legacy, why financial literacy is key to managing sudden wealth, and what families can do to avoid conflict and ensure smooth intergenerational planning. Hosted by Michelle Martin. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big brands, bold bets, and billion-dollar questions. Michelle Martin and Ryan Huang unpack Yum Brands’ plan to potentially sell Pizza Hut after a strong quarter led by Taco Bell and KFC. Plus, a check-in on Aramco, Pfizer, Spotify, and SIA Engineering’s earnings - who’s up, who’s down? Then, a look at Singapore’s new $1 billion wellness attraction, the Khoon Group sanctions fallout, and why Norway’s wealth fund is saying no to Elon Musk’s trillion-dollar pay deal. Hosted by Michelle Martin with Ryan Huang. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As interest rates tumble to three-year lows, Singapore’s homeowners are racing to refinance their HDB loans. Could now be the smartest time to switch from HDB’s 2.6% rate to a bank loan? Or are there hidden risks that could derail your savings goals? From lock-in penalties to cash rebates and the one-way nature of HDB refinancing, learn what every borrower needs to check before signing. Then, turn your attention to retirement - how much insurance coverage do you really need to protect your future without overpaying? Hosted by Michelle Martin with guest Daniel Sim, Founder of Golden Goose Properties. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The AI wave just got louder - Palantir posts a sixfold profit surge while Grab edges closer to sustainable profitability. Investors are also buzzing over Amazon’s mega cloud deal with OpenAI and Nvidia, and whispers of a CapitaLand–Mapletree merger shake up Singapore’s market scene. From global tech breakouts to local REIT speculation, Michelle unpacks the trends that could shape portfolios next quarter. Featuring insights on Palantir, Nvidia, Amazon, Grab, Jardine Matheson, and CapitaLand. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earnings are soaring, rates are falling, and investors can’t decide whether to celebrate or brace for impact. Join Michelle Martin and trading expert Simon Ree, Founder of Tao of Trading, as they unpack a blockbuster week for markets - from Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, and Meta’s AI-driven profits to the Fed’s latest rate cut and the U.S. - China trade truce. Can trillion-dollar tech giants hold their lead as AI spending skyrockets? And how long can markets keep levitating on optimism alone? Plus, a sneak peek into Simon’s upcoming Tao of Trading Mastermind Live in Singapore. Hosted by Michelle Martin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big Oil meets Big Tech - as ExxonMobil and Chevron beat Wall Street expectations while pivoting toward powering AI’s next frontier. Join the market ride from ExxonMobil and Chevron’s earnings to the AI-fueled spending surge at Alphabet, Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon. Michelle and Ryan unpack whether an AI bubble could be forming, what’s fueling U.S. markets, and what to watch this week - from Palantir and Pfizer to McDonald’s, Warner Bros Discovery, and YZJ Maritime. Hosted by Michelle Martin with Ryan Huang.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when the private equity boom meets a world of higher rates and lower liquidity? INSEAD Professor Claudia Zeisberger returns with a rewritten edition of Mastering Private Equity for a new financial era. Discover how investors are shifting from growth to stability, embracing private debt, and navigating the surge in secondaries and continuation funds. Hear how democratising the once-exclusive world of private capital is reshaping the landscape.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gold surges past US$4,000. Tech valuations swing. Emerging markets rise as supply chains shift east. Are KGI’s “ACE” pillars - Alternatives, Credit, and Elite Stocks - still winning in 2025? Bryan Low, Head of International Wealth for Singapore at KGI, joins Michelle Martin to unpack opportunities driven by the AI boom, shifting geopolitical risks, emerging markets and the resilience of REITs in income portfolios. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gold surges, Hong Kong banks tumble, and Uniqlo hits another record - what’s really driving markets this week? HSBC’s massive Hang Seng buyout shocks investors, while Wall Street buzzes over the “debasement trade” as commodities soar. Michelle Martin and Ryan Huang unpack what’s behind gold at US$4,000, silver at US$50, and Asia’s shifting sentiment. Plus: quick takes on PepsiCo, TSMC, Delta, Ferrari, Top Glove, and Fast Retailing. From matcha trends to market turns - this is your morning market intelligence, hosted by Michelle Martin with Ryan Huang.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can Asia’s economic resilience and the AI revolution shield its markets from U.S. political turbulence? Morningstar’s Kai Wang joins Michelle Martin to break down where the real long-term value lies in Asia’s equity landscape. From semiconductors powering the AI wave to Macao’s gaming revival and China’s restaurant rebound, discover how investors can look past the noise. Hear insights on sectors set to thrive amid trade fragmentation, consumer shifts, and policy change. A data-driven roadmap to the next phase of Asia’s growth, hosted by Michelle Martin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gold smashes through the $4,000 mark for the first time ever, igniting debate over whether this is a 1970s-style inflation hedge moment or a sign of fear overtaking fundamentals. Michelle Martin breaks down what’s driving the record surge, why Ray Dalio says investors should own more gold, and how the U.S. shutdown and Wall Street’s pause tie into this moment. Plus, Singapore’s STI rallies as DBS hits a historic S$150 billion valuation. In “Up or Down,” Michelle spotlights Grab, CapitaLand Ascendas REIT, LG Electronics, Trilogy Metals, and Dell - and what their latest moves reveal about market sentiment. Hosted by Michelle Martin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What would you do if $129,600 landed back in your account overnight? Hosted by Michelle Martin, this episode dives into the maturity of Singapore’s first-ever 10-year Savings Bond and what investors might be weighing to do next. Elijah Lee from Phillip Securities joins to unpack reinvestment strategies, the trade-offs between safety, liquidity, and yield, and how SSBs stack up against T-Bills and SGS bonds. Learn whether to hold, ladder, or redeploy your cash - and where the smartest low-risk opportunities may lie now. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

OpenAI doubles down on the AI arms race - first Nvidia, now AMD. But what does a trillion-dollar chip war mean for investors? Hosted by Michelle Martin, this episode breaks down OpenAI’s new stake in AMD, Figma’s AI moment, and record-breaking highs on Wall Street and in Tokyo. We also look at Thailand’s capital market revamp, Malaysia’s hidden gems spotlighted by UOB Kay Hian, and Singapore’s STI climbing higher. Companies featured: OpenAI, AMD, Nvidia, Figma, Spotify, LG Electronics, ST Engineering, and UOB Kay Hian.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meet Mr Hyun Soo Kim, Founder and CEO of Sun Biotech, who’s spent 25 years developing vaccines for diseases big pharma overlooks. From pioneering the first WHO-prequalified vaccine from China to launching affordable options for Asia, his mission is saving lives, not chasing margins. Michelle Martin explores how purpose and innovation intersect in vaccine development. Discover how one man’s conviction is reshaping public health in the Global South. Hosted by Michelle Martin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Markets are brushing off a U.S. government shutdown - but how long can they ignore the risks? OpenAI’s $500 billion valuation, record gold prices, and Bitcoin at $120K all raise new questions about bubbles, belief, and safe havens. Michelle Martin and Simon Ree unpack whether this is Dot-Com 2.0 or durable growth. They explore George Soros’ bubble logic, the Fed’s data blackout, and how investors can spot real earnings in the AI frenzy. Expect talk of OpenAI, Tesla, JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, Delta, and Bitcoin as Q3 earnings season kicks off. Hosted by Michelle Martin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI is reshaping everything from Foxconn’s factory floors to investors’ portfolios. Record sales, surging Nvidia demand, and OpenAI’s $400B Stargate project fuel this week’s tech momentum. Michelle unpacks whether we’re in an AI bubble - or just the next phase of growth. She also spotlights market movers including Foxconn, Nvidia, Microsoft, TSMC, Keppel, DBS, Freeport-McMoRan, and Asahi. Get her take on Singapore’s latest rally and the week’s must-watch earnings from Dell, McCormick, and Delta. Hosted by Michelle Martin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.