MONEY FM 89.3 - Your Money With Michelle Martin

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.

Can artificial intelligence help you choose the perfect cup of tea for your body? Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore has partnered with Singapore wellness brand Luli to launch what it says is the country's first AI-powered Traditional Chinese Medicine afternoon tea experience. Michelle Martin speaks with Ryan from Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore and Jovalene Teo, CEO and Founder of Luli and Aiteaic, about how the collaboration came together, why hotels are embracing personalised wellness, the science behind AI-powered TCM recommendations, and whether technology can make ancient wellness practices more accessible, engaging and enjoyable - without losing their authenticity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore's markets are entering uncharted territory. The Monetary Authority of Singapore has surprised investors by tightening monetary policy, signalling confidence in the economy while warning that inflationary pressures - particularly from higher energy prices - remain a concern. At the same time, the Straits Times Index has surged to a record high, prompting fresh debate over whether investors should increase their exposure to Singapore equities. Is the so-called "Orchard Road Effect" turning Singapore into Asia's premium investment destination, and could the STI climb even higher? We also examine the latest volatility in AI and semiconductor stocks. With chipmakers under pressure despite continued demand for AI infrastructure, is this a buying opportunity or a signal to be more selective? Joining Michelle Martin is Cheng Chye Hsern, Head of Investment at Providend, to discuss whether record highs should deter investors, how rising oil prices could shape markets in the months ahead, and where the best investment opportunities may lie for the second half of 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wall Street fell as investors questioned whether surging AI spending will deliver sufficient returns, sending Tesla and Alphabet sharply lower despite another strong earnings season. Intel bucked the trend with its fastest revenue growth in nearly 15 years, fuelled by AI demand. Closer to home, Allianz is expanding in Singapore through a S$2.9 billion acquisition of HSBC Life Singapore after its unsuccessful bid for Income Insurance. We also look at Brent crude staying above US$100 a barrel and stocks on the move, including Oracle, Lockheed Martin and Eli Lilly.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore's blue-chip stocks have enjoyed a strong run, but where might investors find the next source of market-beating returns? Michelle Martin speaks with John Cheong, Head of Small & Mid Cap Research at UOB Kay Hian, about four Singapore-listed companies that have made the firm's conviction list. They discuss what separates a high-quality small-cap from a value trap, whether there's a common investment theme linking the picks, and why Beng Kuang Marine has emerged as one of the team's more compelling ideas. John also explains the catalysts, execution risks and characteristics he looks for when identifying companies with the potential to deliver outsized long-term growth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore launches its first Singapore Depository Receipts with SpaceX, Sea and Grab making their SGX debut. We unpack what SDRs mean for investors, look at Wall Street's AI-driven rally, discuss why semiconductor stocks remain the market's biggest debate, and round up the latest movers including Super Micro, General Motors, the Japanese yen and Kubota's breakthrough water-from-air technology.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Straits Times Index has quietly outperformed many major global markets this year, even as Wall Street continues to dominate headlines with artificial intelligence, Big Tech and record valuations. So what's driving the STI's resilience? Is this simply a rotation into value stocks and banks, or does it reflect stronger fundamentals in Singapore's market? Michelle Martin speaks with Nirgunan Tiruchelvam, Head of Consumer and Internet Research at Aletheia Capital, to unpack what's behind the divergence between Singapore and US equities. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When her husband's hair transplant failed, Kate Cheung took things into her own hands - literally! Michelle Martin speaks with Kate Cheung, Founder of The Scalp Studio, one of Singapore's earliest scalp micropigmentation practitioners. Trained by leading experts in New York and London, Kate has performed more than 1,000 scalp micropigmentation (SMP) procedures in just four years. What is the process about, and how long does the illusion of greater hair density last? Are more women trying SMP out? Find out in this episode of Live Well With Michelle. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore is home to some of the market's most recognisable names, from SGX, Singtel and Singapore Airlines to Keppel, CapitaLand Investment and SATS. But while these companies are often seen as national champions, does that automatically make them great investments? Michelle Martin speaks with Alvin Chow, Co-founder of Dr Wealth, about how investors should distinguish between a great business and a great stock. They discuss whether strong companies can still disappoint if expectations are already priced in, and where overlooked opportunities may lie instead. The conversation examines the latest developments across Singapore's blue-chip names - from SGX's surge in trading activity and Singtel's capital recycling strategy, to CapitaLand Investment's asset-light transformation, SIA's record revenue but lower profits, SATS' global expansion, and Keppel's ongoing business reshaping. Alvin also shares which company offers the strongest long-term investment case today and the biggest mistake retail investors make when assuming a great company will automatically deliver great returns.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Markets are entering a new phase of the AI investment story. While demand for artificial intelligence remains exceptionally strong, investors are becoming more discerning about which companies will ultimately translate that demand into sustainable profits. Michelle Martin explores why TSMC's strong earnings still triggered a semiconductor sell-off, what Deutsche Bank says is the next big question for AI investing, and why money is rotating into healthcare and financials. Plus, Abbott Laboratories surges on strong earnings, Alphabet stumbles after another Gemini delay, and why oil fell despite escalating tensions in the Middle East. Three key investor takeaways round out today's Market View.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dr Arthur Chin, author of The Scrolling Generation: Managing Screen Time and Protecting Our Kids' Mental Health, explains why today's biggest challenge isn't simply how long children spend online, but how algorithms and AI are shaping their attention, emotions and behaviour. We explore the warning signs parents often miss, why school rules alone won't solve the problem. Michelle Martin finds out about the practical ways families can build healthier digital habits without declaring war on technology.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For years, many people believed public sector jobs were among the safest. But GovTech's decision to restructure its workforce is a reminder that in today's economy, no role is completely immune to change. If retrenchment can happen in organisations that are performing well,how long could your savings last? What would you do if your income stopped tomorrow? And is financial preparedness only part of the equation? In this episode of Money and Me, Elijah Lee, Senior Financial Services Manager at Phillip Securities, shares lessons from his own retrenchment experience and from helping clients navigate career disruptions in this conversation with Michelle Martin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michelle Martin highlights the deeply personal, spiritually informed first book by Member of Parliament, Chair of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Education and author Daryl David.Darryl shares why he chose 'peace' as a central frame for his ideas on leadership. He talks about the leaders that have inspired this book and those who inspired him to be a better leader. If you are interested in leading with head, heart and soul, Michelle says, this is the book to pick up. Can this book help anyone become a better leader? Is leading with peace compatible with corporate cultures that value difference and perspective taking? And in an age of AI, uncertainty and constant change, what does it take to remain centred while making difficult decisions? Find out in this episode of Read.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should you buy Apple before the investor update? Are Big Tech earnings about to reset market expectations? And could China's AI challenger Moonshot become the next blockbuster IPO? Michelle Martin also unpacks Samsung Biologics' major deal, Spain's World Cup windfall, the "Drake Curse", and why Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey is already rewriting box office history. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Netflix shares tumble despite double-digit revenue growth, reminding investors that lofty expectations can outweigh solid results. Hosted by Michelle Martin, this episode explores why TSMC continues to ride the AI wave while Nvidia expands its physical AI ambitions and Alphabet faces fresh pressure over delays to Gemini 3.5 Pro. We also discuss Blackstone-backed AirTrunk's planned Singapore REIT IPO, the global pullback in AI stocks, and why some strategists believe US small caps are enjoying their strongest run in decades. Plus, in Up or Down: SpaceX comes under pressure after a failed Starship test and growing short interest, while Thailand's stock market stages one of the year's most surprising turnarounds.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Follow the smart money! Where are sophisticated investors deploying capital and what might that mean for you? Maureen Li, Founder and CEO of ABIEL Property Investment Group, shares insights into commercial property investing and why it's attracting growing interest and where the next chapter of Singapore's property story is unfolding in this conversation with Michelle Martin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wall Street's earnings season is gathering pace, and the biggest banks are proving that market volatility can be highly profitable. Morgan Stanley posts record revenue and earnings as equities trading surges, while wealth management reaches a milestone US$10 trillion in client assets. Back home, DBS unveils an ambitious plan to double assets under management to S$1 trillion by 2030, betting that artificial intelligence and Asia's growing affluent population will fuel its next phase of growth. Is the bank's remarkable share price rally justified - and what should investors watch next? Michelle Martin also rounds up the latest moves on Wall Street, where resilient corporate earnings continue to outweigh concerns over higher oil prices and geopolitical tensions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A passenger is pulled halfway out of an aircraft at 16,000 feet. A two-year-old becomes the only eyewitness to one of Britain's most notorious murders. Two extraordinary cases offer profound lessons about how the human mind responds when life changes in an instant. Hosted by Michelle Martin, this episode explores what happens to the brain under extreme stress, why memory isn't a perfect recording of events, and how trauma can reshape our relationships, identity and sense of safety. Forensic and clinical psychologist Dr Daniela Schreier, Forensic and Clinical Psychologist from Ihsan Living explains why some people develop lasting psychological scars while others experience remarkable resilience. Most importantly, we ask: What can these stories teach the rest of us? This conversation offers practical insights into living well - not by avoiding life's hardest moments, but by learning how we can live through them and perhaps even thrive after adversity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SpaceX, IPO Fever and the One Mistake Most Investors Make SpaceX's record-breaking IPO captivated investors around the world, delivering a spectacular first-day rally before giving back much of those gains. But is chasing the hottest IPOs a winning investment strategy, or a recipe for disappointment? Michelle Martin speaks with Paul Chew, Head of Research at Phillip Securities, to unpack fresh research comparing IPO performance across Singapore and the US. Why have Singapore Mainboard IPOs largely underperformed while Catalist listings have delivered stronger early gains? What really happens when insider lock-up periods expire? And how should investors separate genuine long-term opportunities from market hype? Using blockbuster listings including SpaceX, Visa, Meta (Facebook), Alibaba, Centurion Accommodation REIT, MetaOptics and Lum Chang Creations, we explore the data behind IPO investing and build a practical framework for deciding when a new listing deserves a place in your portfolio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two numbers that may reveal more about your future health than almost anything else? In "Ask a Cardiologist", Michelle finds out more about the "silent killer" damaging the heart, brain and kidneys long before symptoms appear. This episode explores what your blood pressure is really telling you, the everyday habits that make the biggest difference, and the latest advances in treatment for people whose hypertension remains difficult to control. Hosted by Michelle Martin with Dr. Chin Chee Tang, Senior Consultant Cardiologist at the National Heart Centre Singapore.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After months of AI-fuelled gains, investors hit the brakes on semiconductor stocks, sending SanDisk, Micron, Western Digital, Marvell Technology and Oracle sharply lower this week as concerns grew over lofty valuations and massive AI spending. Yet money didn't leave tech entirely - it rotated into profitable software names. Which names have gained ground? We unpack what this shift says about the next phase of the AI boom, why JPMorgan Chase's strong earnings are reassuring investors about the health of the US economy, and what IBM's disappointing outlook reveals about rising expectations for AI. We also examine whether softer US inflation could give the Federal Reserve more room to cut rates, and why geopolitics may matter more than inflation in the days ahead. Plus, the stocks and sectors investors should keep firmly on their watchlist. Hosted by Michelle Martin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We have 3 small cap Singapore ideas to dissect and also take on Trump's U-turn on a proposed Hormuz shipping toll to the next phase of the AI boom. We separate signal from noise in a market driven by geopolitics, earnings and investor psychology, looking at Wall Street's earnings season and what South Korea's sharp market sell-off teaches. The heart of the discussion with Swapnil Mishra, Author of "Investing for the Clueless, Reckless and Overly Cautious" unpacks what could be the next major investment opportunity, after NVIDIA. Hosted by Michelle Martin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI's biggest chipmaker is smashing records - but oil prices, legal battles and geopolitical tensions are testing investor confidence. Hosted by Michelle Martin, we unpack TSMC's blockbuster revenue growth ahead of earnings, the latest Middle East tensions pushing oil prices higher, and Apple's legal clash with OpenAI over its hardware ambitions. We also ask whether DBS deserves its S$200 billion valuation, examine the legal challenge to the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger, and look at Lum Chang Creations' move to the SGX Mainboard.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women - yet many don't realise menopause marks a critical turning point for cardiovascular health. Hosted by Michelle Martin, Dr Pinakin V. Parekh explains how hormonal changes during menopause can increase risk of a heart attack. We also discuss hormone therapy, prevention and why women need a more integrated approach to midlife healthcare.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Debt can build wealth - or quietly destroy it. So where's the line? Hosted by Michelle Martin, Christopher Tan, CEO of Providend, explores whether attitudes towards borrowing are changing among younger Singaporeans. From mortgages and credit cards to investment leverage and premium financing for insurance, we examine when debt is a powerful financial tool - and when it becomes a dangerous trap. Plus, what are the financial and psychological guardrails that can help borrowers avoid costly mistakes?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosted by Michelle Martin, this episode previews a pivotal week for investors as earnings season kicks off with JPMorgan Chase and Netflix, while fresh inflation data and renewed U.S.-Iran tensions add another layer of uncertainty. We unpack Bank of America's top earnings picks, ask whether AI momentum can continue after standout performances from SK Hynix and Meta.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michelle speaks with the first Gastroenterologist in Singapore to be recognised as a National Fellow by World Obesity Federation, to find out about advances in weight control. As science transforms our understanding of obesity, experts now recognise it as a chronic disease shaped by biology, hormones and the brain - not just lifestyle choices. Hosted by Michelle Martin in conversation with Dr Ravishankar Asok-kumar, Senior Consultant, Gastroenterologist and Advanced Therapeutic Endoscopist at Singapore General Hospital, this episode explores why weight regain is so common, where GLP-1 medications and new minimally invasive treatments fit, and why personalised obesity care could change not just our weight, but our long-term health, confidence and quality of life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.