MONEY FM 89.3 - Your Money With Michelle Martin

In China’s 2026 market, survival isn’t about buying the dip - it’s about finding the moat. In this episode, hosted by Michelle Martin, we dissect why investors are shifting from momentum plays to structural dominance with Willie Keng, Founder of Dividend Titan (https://www.dividendtitan.com/). We explore four defining themes and why hyper-competitive sectors are being left behind. From China Tower’s near-97% telecom dominance to Tencent’s evolving identity from growth darling to cash-generating powerhouse, we unpack where durability lies. We also assess whether LVMH can maintain pricing power amid China’s luxury fatigue and the rise of local brands. Finally, in an easter egg moment, our guest shares his view on the rush for gold from the value investor perspective.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will dividends, one-off gains and Washington politics reshape market momentum this week? In this episode, hosted by Michelle Martin with Ryan Huang, we unpack why OCBC’s Q4 profit rose 3% to S$1.75 billion and what its special dividend signals about capital strength. We compare performance across Singapore’s banking trio - OCBC, DBS, and UOB - and examine why OCBC shares are outperforming. Then we turn to Singapore Airlines, where record operating revenue contrasts sharply with a steep drop in net earnings after last year’s Vistara one-off gain. From there, we assess what investors will be listening for as U.S. President Donald Trump delivers his State of the Union - tariffs, cost-of-living pressures, and election risk in focus. In UP or DOWN, we track deal tension around Warner Bros. Discovery, Paramount, Stripe, PayPal, JPMorgan Chase, and Genting Singapore, before checking whether the STI is clawing back losses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From a pop-up in London to a 10-brand international group - how do you scale in F&B without losing soul? In this episode, hosted by Michelle Martin, Chef-Founder Dave Pynt of Burnt Ends Hospitality Group shares his journey from dishwashing to growing a culinary empire. Hard work, an attention to customer needs and smart pivots figure large, in his 13-year journey. We unpack the growth of the group from Michelin-starred Burnt Ends to Meatsmith and The Ledge in the Maldives and Bali. Dave reveals how new concepts are born while staying true to the group’s wood-fire ethos. We explore the operational realities of scaling talent, culture and consistency across borders. Finally, we ask what’s next - partnerships, new markets, or experiences diners haven’t imagined yet.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the real AI opportunity in 2026 isn’t in the stocks everyone already owns? In this episode, hosted by Michelle Martin, we explore whether the crowded “AI Builder” trade is reaching diminishing returns and where capital could rotate next. Guest Raisah Rasid, Vice President, Global Market Strategist, JP Morgan Asset Management, maps out under-owned sectors quietly integrating AI for margin expansion. We examine how traditionally low-margin industries could see profitability leap as automation scales. With Trump’s global tariff rate rising from 10% to 15%, we unpack what Asia’s calm reaction - including the STI’s resilience - is signaling. We also look at how investors can diversify away from mega-cap concentration without losing AI exposure. Finally, we ask what contrarian AI view could define the rest of 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is AI now a valuation divider? In this episode, hosted by Michelle Martin with Ryan Huang, we unpack UOB’s 7% dip in Q4 profit to S$1.41 billion and what it signals for Singapore banks amid a shifting rate environment. FedEx moves to recover tariff costs after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling, just as President Trump doubles down on global tariffs - rattling U.S. stocks. IBM tumbles 13% on fears an Anthropic programming breakthrough could disrupt legacy code businesses. Meanwhile, Paramount raises its bid for Warner Bros Discovery in a high-stakes move to counter Netflix. We also assess how the STI is holding up amid global volatility and whether this is rotation - not retreat. Companies in focus: UOB | FedEx | IBM | Anthropic | Paramount | Warner Bros Discovery | NetflixSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Singapore witnessing a durable capital markets revival - or the final act of a liquidity-driven surge? In this episode, hosted by Michelle Martin, we examine whether the STI’s charge past 5,000 marks a structural re-rating of Singapore equities or a cyclical rebound fuelled by policy tailwinds. With Jason Saw, Group Head of Investment Banking at CGS International, we unpack Budget 2026’s S$1.5 billion EQDP top-up and the new Anchor Fund - and what they mean for price discovery and pre-IPO pipelines. We explore how improving breadth - with more small- and mid-cap counters trading above S$1 million daily - signals deeper liquidity and broader participation. The conversation turns to sector leadership: banks, offshore oil & gas, construction, AI-linked plays, and real estate - where fundamentals and sentiment intersect. We assess whether rising IPO activity and corporate actions point to sustainable issuer confidence across primary and secondary markets. Finally, we ask how investors can “read” momentum cycles to gauge when expansion gives way to consolidation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Markets are anything but sleepy this morning as we come to grips with US global tariff hikes to 15%. US President Donald Trump is reimposing temporary 15% tariffs after a Supreme Court setback - Michelle asks what this means for Singapore exporters and global trade deals. MIchelle and Ryan unpack how Digital Core REIT, backed by Digital Realty, is pivoting to an “offensive” strategy despite a vacant US asset and weak unit performance. We examine how earnings take centre stage with Nvidia, Workday, Dell Technologies and Intuit all reporting this week. In UP or DOWN, we size up Latin America’s record rally, Rolls-Royce Holdings’ buyback plans, CoreWeave’ funding jitters, and Minor International’ debt-cutting REIT ambitions. Closer to home, the STI extends gains past 5,000 as Yangzijiang Shipbuilding and Genting Singapore outperform while Singapore Exchange lags. And for our Last Word, both explore how Japan’s “nekonomics” turned feline fandom into a multi-billion-dollar GDP contributor.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if you could own a slice of a prime building in Singapore for the price of a holiday - and trade it like a stock? In this episode, hosted by Michelle Martin, we unpack whether real estate tokenisation is a breakthrough or just a buzzword. What do you actually own? How does tokenised property differ from a REIT? How as an investor can you tell whether liquidity is real or theoretical? Does Singapore’s strong REIT market make tokenisation redundant - or is there a genuine access advantage? To what extent is tokenisation of property an opportunity in Singapore - or still a wait-and-see experiment? Michelle Martin speaks with Keith Ong, CEO, RealVantage for his view on the issues.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can you really call yourself the world’s biggest retailer if your edge comes from the cloud? In this episode, hosted by Michelle Martin with Ryan Huang, we unpack how Amazon dethroned Walmart in 2025 revenue - but only thanks to AWS. Strip out cloud, and the retail crown looks very different. We examine Walmart’s softer profit print, its quiet online gains, and why its stock is beating Amazon year-to-date. In Singapore, DBS upgrades Genting Singapore amid strong cash reserves and a constructive gaming environment. Plus: Sea Ltd & Google’s AI tie-up, Nestlé’s ice cream exit, New Balance vs Nike, OUE REIT & UOB’s One Raffles Place sale, and the STI’s charge past 5,000. Hear about: Amazon | Walmart | AWS | DBS | Genting Singapore | Sea Ltd | Google | Nestlé | New Balance | Nike | OUE REIT | UOB | Yangzijiang Shipbuilding | Mapletree Logistics TrustSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If AI can replace junior lawyers overnight, what does that mean for your portfolio tomorrow? In this episode, hosted by Michelle Martin, with guest Arun Pai, Associate Partner, Monk’s Hill Ventures we unpack how an AI model from Anthropic is unsettling legal firms and deepening the AI scare trade across tech markets. Why did billions evaporate in a single session - was it panic, or a recognition that business models are being rewritten? We explore whether value now lies in proprietary data, ecosystem dominance, or AI infrastructure control.In Asia, Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani and Larry Fink of BlackRock are urging Indians to pivot from gold into domestic equities - could this fuel a 1990s-style retail boom? We assess India’s growth outlook and whether capital rotation signals explosive expansion ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One legend exits, a streaming war reignites, and AI redraws the market map - where should investors focus now? In this episode, hosted by Michelle Martin with Ryan Huang, we unpack Warren Buffett’s last portfolio reshuffle at Berkshire Hathaway - trimming Apple, Amazon and Bank of America while adding some well-known names. Berkshire has now been a net seller for 13 straight quarters - is the Oracle signalling caution at peak valuations? In media, Warner Bros Discovery’s $70B content deal with Netflix faces a last-minute push from Paramount - can it outbid and reshape the streaming battlefield? Tech leads markets higher as Nvidia inks a multi-year AI infrastructure deal with Meta, potentially squeezing Broadcom’s edge. In UP or DOWN, we size up Palo Alto Networks’ profit miss, Moderna’s FDA review reversal, and Yangzijiang Maritime’s proposed buyback. Back home, the STI reopens with CapitaLand Investment up while OCBC, DFI Retail and Hongkong Land lag - is Singapore ready to gallop into the Year of the Horse? Hear about Berkshire Hathaway, Apple, Amazon, Bank of America, New York Times, Domino’s Pizza, Chevron, Warner Bros Discovery, Netflix, Paramount, Nvidia, Meta, Broadcom, Palo Alto Networks, Moderna, Yangzijiang Maritime, CapitaLand Investment, OCBC, DFI Retail, Hongkong Land.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our episode takes us from dormitories in Dubai to data centres in Seattle as investors navigate a market that feels both ambitious and anxious. Centurion Corp eyes Middle East expansion as Amazon stumbles, AMD faces scepticism, and Anthropic rides a post-Super Bowl surge - all while the STI flirts with the 5,000 mark. In this episode, hosted by Michelle Martin with Ryan Huang, we unpack Centurion’s “baby steps” into migrant housing demand across the Gulf. US markets pause but remain jittery, with AI reshaping sentiment around Amazon, AMD and Palo Alto Networks. Corporate earnings from Walmart and DoorDash add to the week’s catalysts as India hosts the AI Impact Summit featuring Microsoft and Anthropic. Back home, Yangzijiang Shipbuilding and Keppel Corp outperform while DBS lags the STI.Plus, in UP or DOWN, we size up GuocoLand’s movies and whether Anthropic’s marketing momentum signals something bigger. Hear about:Centurion Corporation, Amazon, AMD, Anthropic, Microsoft, Palo Alto Networks, DoorDash, Walmart, GuocoLand, Yangzijiang Shipbuilding, Keppel Corp, DBS.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Singapore’s AI ambitions to China’s EV and bubble tea giants - where is the smartest risk-reward right now? Singapore’s Budget 2026 signals an accelerated AI roadmap just as Chinese growth names like BYD, XPeng, Pop Mart and Guming Holdings capture investor attention, hosted by Michelle Martin. We unpack Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s innovation-led strategy and what it could mean for Singapore equities and AI infrastructure plays. Then we pivot to China’s EV landscape as global registrations soften and policy shifts test demand resilience. BYD’s battery leadership and export muscle face off against XPeng’s tech-driven autonomy ambitions.Pop Mart’s IP-powered collectibles and Guming’s beverage expansion highlight the power - and risk - of consumer identity investing. Are these companies building durable global franchises, or riding policy tailwinds and cyclical momentum?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can your child’s $10,000 today really turn into $86,000 - and what does Budget 2026 have to do with it?Michelle Martin unpacks the latest Budget goodies - from CDC vouchers and CPF top-ups to corporate tax rebates - and what they mean for families, seniors and businesses. Daniel Sim, Founder of Golden Goose Properties, breaks down the new voluntary CPF investment scheme and whether those in their late 40s should even consider taking market risk. We explore the bold 864% CPF growth strategy for kids, and the real trade-offs between long-term compounding and short-term liquidity. Plus, what Singapore’s new AI Park at One-North could mean for District 5 property values, rental premiums and long-term capital appreciation. A practical, future-focused conversation on money, mindset and opportunity - hosted by Michelle Martin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tucked away at Raffles Hotel is a new start-up with a hefty six figure annual fee for members. It aims to help its members live longer, healthier lives with preventive health checks and premium therapies on the market. Michelle Martin sits down with Ashish Chordia, Co-Founder and CEO of ELYX, to explore Singapore’s first concierge longevity service at Raffles Hotel. Instead of fragmented advice and annual check-ups, ELYX offers a coordinated “Circle of Experts” supported by an AI Healthspan Co-Pilot and research team. We unpack how data can dynamically shape health in this deep dive into the future of personalised health optimisation and executive longevity - hosted by Michelle Martin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is artificial intelligence about to upend trucking, property, and even your portfolio playbook? A former karaoke firm, Algorhythm Holdings, sparks an “AI Scare Trade” after unveiling its SemiCab logistics platform - rattling trucking and real estate services stocks as investors reassess disruption risk. Back home, Singapore’s S$155 billion Budget 2026 boosts AI adoption and business competitiveness just as the Straits Times Index surges past 5,000 for the first time. Wilmar International and United Overseas Land power the rally, with broker targets from UOB Kay Hian and Maybank Securities hinting at further upside. In UP or DOWN, we track Restaurant Brands, Pinterest, Instacart and Cisco as earnings and tariffs reshape sentiment. And in our Last Word, Britney Spears’ US$200 million catalog sale to Primary Wave reminds us that songs now live on balance sheets as much as playlists. A cross-asset conversation on disruption, liquidity and valuation - hosted by Michelle Martin with Ryan Huang. Hear about : Algorhythm Holdings (SemiCab), Wilmar International, United Overseas Land, Restaurant Brands International, Pinterest, Instacart, Cisco, Primary Wave.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You asked for it! Michelle Martin sits down with Dion Thong, Senior Manager, Retirement Withdrawals Department, CPF Board, to demystify CPF LIFE with questions listeners sent in. They tackle common fears - is CPF LIFE truly for life, what happens to your money when you pass on, and is the “up to 6%” interest too good to be true? We unpack enrollment rules, the threshold for inclusion, whether you can switch plans later, and what you can do today to boost your monthly payouts Find out: which plan best protects against inflation, which gives the highest starting payout, and how risk-pooling really works behind the scenes. A clear, practical guide to making one of retirement’s most irreversible decisions - hosted by Michelle Martin with guest Dion Thong, Senior Manager, Retirement Withdrawals Department, CPF Board.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From red ink to record profits - but how are Grab investors reacting? Grab posts its first full-year profit of US$268 million - and launches a US$500 million buyback - even as shares slide on concerns over growth and its US$425 million acquisition of Stash Financial. On Budget Day, we unpack what Singapore’s AI push, tighter CDC payouts and upskilling drive could mean for markets and households. In UP or DOWN: Apple’s Siri stumbles, McDonald’s value strategy delivers, Cloudflare rides the AI agent wave, and real estate services stocks wobble in the latest AI scare trade. Back home, the STI edges closer to 5,000, with SGX and Singtel leading while CapitaLand Investment slips. And in The Last Word - Avicii’s Wake Me Up crosses 3 billion streams, proving disruption often sounds risky before it sounds iconic. Hosted by Michelle Martin with Ryan Huang. In focus today : Grab, Stash Financial, Apple, McDonald’s, Cloudflare, Singapore Exchange (SGX), Singtel, CapitaLand Investment, Spotify.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if Budget 2026 could change the way you use your SRS , own your first home and teach your children about money? Ahead of Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s statement, we unpack ideas that could meaningfully reshape financial security in Singapore from a personal finance perspective. Elijah Lee, Senior Financial Services Manager, Phillip Securities, shares his view on why SRS reform could be a powerful lever for retirement flexibility and tax efficiency. We examine how stronger first-property support can balance affordability without reigniting a property bubble, think through structural cost-of-living solutions - and why financial literacy in schools may be the ultimate long-term hedge. A forward-looking conversation on Singapore budget priorities, hosted by Michelle Martin. For more Budget 2026 insights:https://www.moneyfm893.sg/whats-on/budget-2026/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hasbro soars, Mattel stumbles - and the gap between winners and losers has never looked wider. From a tale of two toymakers to sharp earnings surprises across global giants, today’s Market View unpacks what really drives stocks UP or DOWN. Hasbro jumps to a one-year high as new IP like K-Pop Demon Hunters and Harry Potter reignite growth, while Mattel sinks on discounting pressure and weak holiday sales. We size up mixed earnings signals from Coca-Cola, Ford, Spotify and Gucci-owner Kering, revealing how pricing power and execution are separating leaders from laggards. US markets churn as the S&P 500 briefly hits a record before pulling back, while bold claims from President Donald Trump on 15% growth add policy noise to investor nerves. Closer to home, we track Singapore movers including NTT DC REIT, Wing Tai and Boustead - hosted by Michelle Martin with Ryan Huang.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosted by Michelle Martin, this is the show that keeps your peace of mind at the heart of the wealth chase. When everything feels chaotic - wars, inflation, de-dollarisation fears and gold is rising - what if the smartest financial move is knowing when to stop chasing more? Drawing on insights from Christopher Tan, CEO of Providend, the conversation challenges the reflex to maximise, leverage, and hustle at all costs. Michelle and Chris unpack the most common investor mistakes during periods of volatility - from freezing in fear to making emotionally reactive moves. Gold makes a comeback in the headlines, but is it an investment, a hedge, or simply psychological insurance? The discussion also tackles the modern obsession with side hustles and multiple income streams - and whether more money always means more security. At the heart of it all: where to draw the line between building wealth and actually living the life that wealth is meant to support.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Microsoft shares down more than 15% year-to-date, Michelle zeros in on a debate that couldn't be timelier for investors. Microsoft splits Wall Street - one broker waves the red flag, another doubles down on AI-driven upside. Who’s right? Microsoft is at the heart of a sharp broker divide, with Melius Research downgrading the stock over free cash flow pressures while D.A. Davidson turns bullish on the AI ecosystem surrounding OpenAI. We unpack why one camp is worried about subscription growth and capital intensity, while the other sees long-term operating leverage from AI adoption. From the US to Japan, markets also react to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s election win - and Warren Buffett’s winning Japan strategy. Our UP or DOWN segment checks in on Montage Technology, Novo Nordisk, NatWest, and Oracle amid volatile global trading. Plus, local market movers on the STI and a surprising box office twist in today’s Last Word, hosted by Michelle Martin with Ryan Huang.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After years in the penalty box, S-REITs are staging their strongest comeback since before COVID - but the real question is: who’s thriving, and who’s just surviving? The iEdge S-REIT Leaders Index delivered a standout 16.3% return in 2025, its best annual performance since 2019, signalling a shift in momentum as rate pressures ease. But this recovery is uneven, with pockets of strength emerging while weaker balance sheets continue to lag. We break down which property types are leading the rebound, and why yesterday’s winners may not be tomorrow’s. With Singapore Budget 2026 just around the corner, expectations are building around policy support, funding costs, and growth catalysts for the sector. Kenny Loh, REIT Specialist and Wealth Advisory Director, shares what investors should watch - hosted by Michelle Martin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Asia-Pacific markets are flashing mixed signals - from softer bank profits to roaring equity rallies, so where is the opportunity for investors? DBS’ Q4 earnings remind investors that even best-in-class banks aren’t immune to margin pressure as interest rate tailwinds fade, even as wealth and fee income show resilience. Japan’s markets surge as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi secures a decisive election victory, fuelling optimism around fiscal stimulus, tax cuts, and a renewed equity bull case. Wall Street stages a powerful comeback, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq jumping as chipmakers rebound and investors debate whether this is a genuine reset or a classic dead-cat bounce. Goldman Sachs spotlights selective opportunities - from nuclear energy plays linked to Meta’s power needs to under-the-radar biotech bets after a bruising year. Closer to home, Singapore stocks hold onto weekly gains, with Keppel Corp and Singapore Airlines leading, even as Yangzijiang Shipbuilding drags. All this and more - hosted by Michelle Martin with Ryan Huang.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gold and silver just gave investors a brutal reminder: safe havens can still whipsaw. After blistering rallies into early 2026, both metals have plunged as a stronger U.S. dollar, ETF unwinds and crowded positioning collide. Silver’s extreme swings highlight how fragile liquidity can be when sentiment turns. Gold has fared better, but even it is facing its sharpest pullback in years as rate expectations reset. So is this a temporary correction - or the end of the precious-metals bull case? Should we still all be lining to buy gold? We break it all down, hosted by Michelle Martin who speaks with Nirgunan Tiruchelvam, Head of Consumer and Internet at Alethea Capital.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the real risk in buying a home isn’t interest rates - but your job? In early 2026, AI disruption, shifting HDB policies and volatile careers are forcing buyers to rethink what “affordable” really means. Shorter BTO waiting times promise relief for young couples, but could trigger unexpected ripple effects across resale. At the same time, the long-standing price gap between RCR and CCR or prime and slightly beyond prime districts has narrowed to levels that are seeing some sit up. What does this all mean for you and your wealth journey? Ivan Cai, CEO of Crestbrick, breaks down what this new property cycle means for buyers and investors, hosted by Michelle Martin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amazon which posted solid headline profits, but saw a market recoil as expectations collide with a US$200bn AI spending plan. So why did Wall Street blink? AWS shines with robust margins and growth, underscoring where Amazon’s real engine lies — the cloud and AI arms race. Meanwhile, Bitcoin sinks deeper into correction territory and silver struggles to stabilise after sharp volatility. Earnings season delivers mixed signals as Reddit and Roblox surge while tariff pressures crush consumer brands. All this as US and Singapore markets wobble, unpacked hosted by Michelle Martin with Ryan Huang. Hear about :Amazon, Amazon Web Services, Alphabet, Qualcomm, Reddit, Roblox, Ralph Lauren, Estée Lauder, DBS, CapitaLand China Trust, Elite UK REIT.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many Singaporeans treat SRS as a “set it and forget it” tax tool, leaving cash idle at 0.05% while inflation does the damage. Hosted by Michelle Martin, this episode explores why investors are waking up - with ETF holdings in SRS accounts surging 380% to over S$800 million. We break down how SGX-listed ETFs can transform SRS from dormant savings into a long-term growth engine. From local STI anchors to global equity, bond, REIT and gold ETFs, we unpack what SRS investors are actually buying. Founder of TimTalksMoney, Tim Phillips, dives into popular choices with investors and takes us beyond the ETF wrappers for choices for someone looking to China, US and even gold! Plus, practical steps for anyone with idle SRS cash who wants to start investing confidently in 2026 and beyondSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alphabet’s blockbuster quarter puts AI back in the spotlight as the tech giant delivers surging profits and resilient ad growth, even as markets turn jittery. Hosted by Michelle Martin with Ryan Huang, this episode unpacks what’s powering Alphabet’s earnings and why its results still sparked a sell-off. We explore how AI spending is lifting hardware winners like Nvidia and Broadcom - while software stocks face mounting skepticism. The conversation widens to Wall Street’s uneven session, where tech drags on the S&P 500 and NASDAQ despite broad-based market strength. Our UP or DOWN game runs through big earnings from Eli Lilly, GSK, Uber, UBS and Yum Brands. Plus, Singapore markets hit fresh highs and a cultural “Last Word” on the Melania documentary and brand power.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China’s investment narrative is shifting from old economy giants to new-generation growth engines. Michelle Martin speaks with Dr Wealth cofounder Alvin Chow, to explore whether the new CSI A500 index could replace the CSI 300 as investors’ core China exposure. We unpack why CSOP’s new SGX-listed ETF makes it easier for Singaporeans to “buy China” in one trade. Then, attention turns to China’s Six AI Tigers - startups positioning themselves as local rivals to OpenAI and Nvidia. With MiniMax and Zhipu AI surging after their Hong Kong debuts, are investors spotting the next tech champions or chasing hype?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big Pharma’s report cards just rewrote the market mood. Market View dives into why Pfizer slipped into a quarterly loss, why Novo Nordisk plunged double digits, and how Merck managed to buck the trend. We also unpack Singtel’s rally on acquisition chatter and what it signals for Singapore’s telco strategy. Across the Pacific, tech stocks drag Wall Street lower as Nvidia and Microsoft weigh on the NASDAQ. Plus, our UP or DOWN game covers PayPal, PepsiCo, Walmart and Intel’s GPU ambitions. All this and more, hosted by Michelle Martin with Ryan Huang.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Danielle Lim, author of The Sound of S-C-H, joins READ with Michelle Martin to discuss the newly reissued edition of her Singapore literature prize-winning book that chronicled her uncle’s life with schizophrenia and her mother’s years of caregiving. She reflects on who Uncle Seng was beyond his illness, the memories that stayed with her across decades, and how stigma in 1960s and 70s Singapore shaped her family’s silence and survival. Danielle also explains how conversations around mental illness have evolved since the book’s first release. At its heart, this is a story about dignity, endurance, and what families carry when illness becomes part of everyday life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Money and Me unpacks why global investors may be hedging U.S. exposure rather than fleeing it outright, even as the dollar weakens and trade tensions simmer. Our guest, John Sidawi, Senior Portfolio Manager for Global Fixed Income at Federated Hermes explains how currency hedging has become a core strategy after years of unhedged U.S. outperformance. We explore what a softer dollar could mean for the greenback’s long-term dominance. Gold’s surge toward record highs - and its sudden drop - raises questions about whether this is a buying opportunity or a warning sign. Attention also turns to President Trump’s pick for Fed Chair and what that could mean for rates and markets. This episode connects geopolitics, currencies and commodities - hosted by Michelle Martin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Disney beats earnings but warns of falling tourist demand, sending its shares sharply lower. Costs are eating into some of the Disney magic. Meanwhile, Elon Musk is building a super stock story. Elon Musk has stunned investors by merging his AI and space ventures ahead of a blockbuster IPO. Wall Street swings higher as gold and silver slump after their recent wild ride. We look closely at trade deals heats up with new US-India and EU-India deals reshaping global flows. Market View unpacks earnings, geopolitics and volatility - hosted by Michelle Martin with Ryan Huang.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Markets are flashing warning lights - and investors are wondering if the rules have changed. Gold and silver tumble after a near-vertical rally as politics collides with monetary policy. We unpack why Microsoft fell despite beating earnings and whether its OpenAI bet is turning from moat into risk. Japan’s bond yields surge to multi-decade highs, reviving fears of a yen carry trade unwind. Simon Ree, Founder of Tao of Trading, explains what traders are watching across metals, tech, and currencies. All this and more, hosted by Michelle Martin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big Pharma goes global, precious metals go vertical - then crash, and Wall Street braces for a new Fed era. Market View tracks AstraZeneca’s New York debut and what it signals about the race between the US and China for drug innovation. Gold and silver suffer their worst rout in decades after news of Kevin Warsh as Donald Trump’s pick for Fed chair. US stocks wobble as investors reassess rate-cut risks and a packed earnings week led by Disney, Amazon and Alphabet. Back home, Singapore’s STI holds the 4,900 line with United Overseas Land, ST Engineering and Wilmar in focus. All that and more, hosted by Michelle Martin with Ryan Huang. Hear about : AstraZeneca, Nio, Sony, UOB, Amgen, Merck, Pfizer, Palantir, Disney, Alphabet, Uber, Amazon, ST Engineering, Wilmar InternationalSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It used to be the good old reliable way to grow wealth, but is it time to look away from this old favourite? As concentration risk hits record highs, one dividend investor says the S&P 500 is no longer the “safe default.” Willie Keng of Dividend Titan explains why valuations look disconnected from reality - and what he uses instead to judge fair value. We explore three unexpected alternatives: Hershey in the US, Lendlease REIT in Singapore, and Indonesian brewer Multi Bintang. From cocoa prices to commercial property and emerging market dividends, this episode challenges passive investing assumptions. All this and more, hosted by Michelle Martin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apple and Marina Bay Sands just delivered blowout results - but not all markets are celebrating. Apple posts its best iPhone quarter in years as China demand rebounds and services face pressure. Marina Bay Sands clocks the strongest quarter in casino history, even as its parent struggles with Macau exposure. Copper surges to record highs and oil jumps above US$70 as geopolitics and China optimism drive commodities. Microsoft sinks on AI spending fears while Meta jumps on strong earnings and cost discipline. All this and more, hosted by Michelle Martin with Ryan Huang.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big Tech earnings are splitting the market right down the middle - Meta soars, Microsoft stumbles, and investors are asking whether AI spending is starting to bite. Big Tech earnings dominate today’s Market View as Meta and Microsoft head in sharply different directions. Meta delivers blockbuster results, with fourth-quarter revenue jumping 24% and investors cheering its confidence to ramp up AI investment - even with spending set to surge this year. Microsoft, meanwhile, beats expectations but unsettles markets by flagging slower cloud growth, triggering a sell-off despite strong headline numbers. The earnings picture widens with our UP or DOWN round: Tesla grapples with its weakest annual profit since the pandemic, Starbucks shows signs of a long-awaited turnaround, while SK Hynix and Samsung ride relentless demand for AI-driven memory and chips. Markets zoom out as the S&P 500 briefly tops 7,000 before retreating, with the U.S. Federal Reserve holding rates steady under continued pressure from President Donald Trump. We end back home in Singapore, tracking STI movers and new SGX board lot changes, before closing with a cultural curveball - the Grammys! K-pop is entering the fray and Michelle shares her pick for an artist who signals a deeper shift from spectacle to substance. Hosted by Michelle Martin with Ryan Huang.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You think you’re diversified… but what if you’re just betting on the same seven tech stocks again and again? The so-called Magnificent Seven now dominate both US and global indices, quietly shaping returns for anyone holding “broad” ETFs. We examine whether global diversification is becoming important again as big institutional players like Vanguard cut back on UK exposure and also talk about the rise and rise of gold. Has one of our best known commentators changed his long-standing tactical view on the metal? Michelle Martin speaks with Arun Pai, Associate Partner at Monk’s Hill Ventures, about how to spot unintended exposure and what a smarter diversification strategy really looks like, hosted by Michelle Martin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bad news is piling up, yet markets keep climbing - so which signal should investors trust? Gold surges past US$5,000 an ounce as investors hedge against trade wars, political risk and warnings of a looming “capital war” from Ray Dalio. Elon Musk claims robots will outnumber humans and could make up most of Tesla’s long-term value, even as the car business faces slowing deliveries and rising competition. We ask whether stock prices are rising because the economy is healing - or simply because the dollar is weakening. With US market concentration at record highs, what does this mean for portfolios heavily exposed to American equities? Michelle Martin speaks with Swapnil Mishra, author of Investing for the Clueless, Reckless and Overly Cautious, about whether this is resilience, illusion, or the start of a structural shift See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From aircraft crises to AI cables and a surprise trade pact, markets are being pulled in very different directions at once. Boeing’s earnings revive hopes of a turnaround as deliveries improve after years of safety and production failures, though investors remain cautious. We size up corporate winners and losers in an UP or DOWN round, with General Motors and UPS showing resilience while UnitedHealth’s outlook weighs on sentiment. Attention shifts to geopolitics as India and the European Union seal a landmark free trade agreement that could reshape supply chains and export flows. In tech and industry, Corning’s multibillion-dollar AI data-centre deal contrasts with Meta’s risky push into paid social media subscriptions. Singapore stocks break new ground as the STI hits fresh highs led by banks and property names, while Micron’s US$24 billion expansion anchors the island’s semiconductor ambitions, hosted by Michelle Martin with Ryan Huang. Hear aboutBoeing, General Motors, UPS, UnitedHealth, Corning, Meta, Puma, Anta Sports, Micron, DBS, OCBC, UOL, Jardine Matheson, Wilmar International.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.