Live Well with Michelle

Asia’s markets are flashing mixed signals - so how is a smart investor to think through where to really place money? Michelle Martin unpacks Morningstar’s Q1 2026 Asia Investment Outlook with Lorraine Tan, cutting through the noise on growth, rates and risk. From AI-driven earnings to valuation support - what’s real, what’s hype, and where the cracks could form. We zoom in on fund flows, asset allocation shifts, and how China and Japan are shaping the regional picture. Plus four Singapore stocks in focus - Singtel, StarHub, ST Engineering and SIA - and what investors should actually watch for next. Finally, we talk portfolio anchors, red flags, and how to balance opportunity with defence in the year ahead - hosted by Michelle Martin.

Markets are wobbling as geopolitics heats up - and investors are heading for cover. Asia-Pacific stocks slide as US–Europe tensions flare over Greenland and fresh tariff threats. European equities retreat while safe havens shine, with gold and silver near record highs. A Hong Kong billionaire’s call to put 20% into gold raises eyebrows - is this a regime shift? Back home, Frasers Centrepoint Trust weighs JB competition as the RTS Link nears reality. Plus UP or DOWN on HSBC, Stellantis, De Beers and IJM, the STI check-in, and Hollywood’s sequel-heavy 2026 - hosted by Michelle Martin with Ryan Huang.

Asia’s tech story may be entering a very different growth phase - and it’s not all about AI. Michelle Martin and Ryan Huang unpack Macquarie’s bullish call on Asia internet stocks driven by gaming, music, super-apps and cultural exports. From K-pop giant HYBE to platforms like Tencent, Baidu and Kakao, the focus shifts to monetising ecosystems people already live on. The duo also examine Bernstein’s bullish bet on BYD - not just as a carmaker, but a vertically integrated tech play. Global tensions rise as President Trump revives trade war threats against Europe, while earnings season heats up in the US. All this and more, including Intel, Micron and Singapore market movers - hosted by Michelle Martin with Ryan Huang.

Our company in focus list, zeroes in on companies we here know about in Singapore. In 2026, it’s no longer about whether markets rise - it’s about which companies truly deliver. Money and Me looks past daily noise to uncover businesses entering pivotal turning points across sectors.. Hosted by Michelle Martin, this episode features Vance Tan, Financial Services Manager, PhillipCapital, on spotting durable value beyond headlines. We explore how to identify companies with real structural tailwinds versus short-term hype and headline-driven rallies. The discussion dives into balance sheet strength, non-negotiable financial metrics, and valuation discipline in a still-uneven market. Finally, we break down how investors can turn high-conviction ideas into diversified, long-term portfolio strategies without overconcentration. Will STI hit 5000 in 2026?

The discussion looks at chips surging and banks cashing in. Asia-Pacific markets trade mixed as investors weigh TSMC’s blockbuster earnings against fresh US-Taiwan trade developments. We unpack what Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s profit jump says about the durability of the AI trade and global chip supply chains. Wall Street steadies as Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley deliver strong earnings, powered by trading and wealth management. In UP or DOWN, we size up Spotify’s price hike, Boston Scientific’s mega-deal, and CapitaLand India Trust’s data-centre push. And in our Last Word, we ask what authenticity means when a very unusual singer with no soul climbs Spotify’s charts - hosted by Michelle Martin with Ryan Huang.

Singapore REITs may finally be turning the corner. Singapore REITs enter 2026 at a pivotal moment say's Kenny Loh, as interest-rate cuts revive sentiment and valuations remain below historical averages. After delivering a near-23% gain in 2025 - their best run since 2019 - analysts expect a two-year earnings upgrade cycle driven by falling borrowing costs and rising distributions. We unpack which REITs face refinancing risks, how balance sheets are being managed, and where higher interest coverage offers protection. From industrial and logistics to retail, offices and data centres, we assess which property sub-sectors look resilient - and which still face headwinds. We also ask whether current price-to-NAV discounts present compelling entry points, or if markets are still pricing in too much caution. Joining us is Kenny Loh, REIT Specialist and Wealth Advisory Director, as we discuss strategy, risks and specific S-REITs on the radar for 2026, hosted by Michelle Martin.

US bank earnings take centrestage as Citigroup, Bank of America and Wells Fargo open their books, revealing a split between headline beats and sharp market reactions. Citigroup posts stronger-than-expected earnings despite a costly exit, while Bank of America delivers hefty profits - yet both stocks slide. Wells Fargo disappoints, with severance costs dragging results and shares taking the biggest hit of the day. Financials lead US markets lower, pulling the S&P 500, NASDAQ and Dow into the red after record highs. In UP or DOWN, we unpack China’s record trade surplus, silver mining stocks surging past the US$90 mark, DBS unlocking S$1 billion in AI value, and YZJ Maritime expanding its fleet. And in The Last Word, from earnings to emotions - we ask whether a globalised K-pop industry is finally ready to let its biggest stars fall in love, hosted by Michelle Martin with Ryan Huang.

When rates diverge, the real risk isn’t missing the bottom - it’s what you do once you’re there. Singapore’s interest rates are nearing a projected floor, while the UK remains stubbornly higher - setting up a rare refinancing crossroads for homeowners. Michelle Martin speaks with Daniel Sim, Founder of Golden Goose Properties, about whether this is the moment to lock in cash-flow relief or risk overleveraging,refinancing timelines and borrower psychology. From Singapore’s TDSR to the UK’s stress tests, we explore how safeguards work - and where blind spots still exist. Ultimately, it’s about keeping leverage as a disciplined wealth tool, not a silent strain - hosted by Michelle Martin.

Big earnings, so why did Wall  Street sell? Earnings season kicks off with surprises as JPMorgan Chase posts higher revenue but lower profits - and investors head for the exits. Michelle Martin and Ryan Huang unpack why a one-time Apple card charge and booming trading desks still weren’t enough to calm markets. Delta Air Lines delivers soaring profits powered by premium travel - yet its shares dip as expectations run even hotter. UP or DOWN breaks down GigaDevice’s explosive Hong Kong debut, SK Hynix’s US$13 billion chip bet, Meta’s Ray-Ban push, and Singapore port records. A bullish Broker’s Take sees UOB Kay Hian calling 40% upside for NTT DC REIT, riding global demand for data centres. And in The Last Word, a viral Chinese app called “Are You Dead?” reveals a surprisingly human fear in hyper-connected cities - hosted by Michelle Martin with Ryan Huang.

A digital bank, a S$1.3 billion war chest - and a big question: can a newcomer really change how Singaporeans save, invest and bank. Michelle speaks with Natalia Goh, CEO of MariBank, on how a digital-first model is reshaping everyday finance. Backed by Sea Limited and licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, MariBank has rapidly grown its investment offerings to over S$1.3 billion in AUM. We unpack how the Lion - MariBank SavePlus Fund works, what investors should know about short-term bonds and capital preservation, and how gold investing fits into a digital wallet for this bank's customers. Natalia also explains fixed deposit rates, the rationale behind the S$100,000 deposit cap, and what safety looks like in a digital bank. Finally, we ask the big question for savers and investors alike: is putting your money with a digital bank worth a thought?