Money and Me

Are we out of the woods, or is recession still looming despite tariff relief? Moody’s downgrade puts US Treasuries under fresh scrutiny—should investors be worried? Retail investors are buying the dip—but is the strategy working? European defense ETFs gain ground amid rising global tensions. And in tech, from AI voices to AI arms races—is there anyway to decipher which companies are leading? Hosted by Michelle Martin with guest Swapnil Mishra, author of Investing for the Clueless, Reckless and Overly Cautious.

The tech titans' grip on markets may be loosening—what’s next for investors? Hosted by Michelle Martin, this episode welcomes Tim Phillips, Founder of TimTalksMoney, to unpack the underperformance of the 'Magnificent Seven' and whether a turning point is near. We explore smarter ETF diversification beyond the S&P 500, the strategic edge of global indices, and how to navigate softer T-bill rates. Plus, a close look at big bank earnings and why DBS might still have room to run. Is it time to rebalance your portfolio, trim tech, and lean into global growth? Companies featured: Apple, Microsoft, NVIDIA, Alibaba, DBS, Berkshire Hathaway, Coinbase, Constellation Brands.  

$800 billion added in a single day—are we seeing the birth of a new tech era? Is the truce a market mirage or a reset for global capital flows? What signs do investors need to watch to navigate the next big market turns? Hosted by Michelle Martin, this episode dissects the surprise US-China tariff truce that sent tech stocks skyrocketing. Elijah Lee, Senior Financial Services Manager at Phillip Securities, helps unpack what the 90-day pause means for investors, trade, and the Fed’s next moves. We explore how Nvidia overtook Apple, how Amazon could react. Then we discuss Coinbase's inclusion to the S&P 500.nd what this all signals for crypto's growing place in traditional finance.

Cash is no longer king — but where can discerning investors redeploy with confidence? Hosted by Michelle Martin, this episode explores Morningstar’s high-conviction fund strategies for a world pivoting to rate cuts. Germaine Share, Director of Manager Research, Asia, unpacks fixed income favorites like PineBridge Asia Pacific Investment Grade Bond Fund, global equity picks such as Fidelity Global Dividend Fund, and multi-asset income approaches. We explore how Morningstar evaluates these funds for resilience, growth, and income sustainability. Gain insights into asset allocation strategies that navigate volatility while staying ahead of global monetary shifts. If you seek to protect and grow your portfolio in an evolving rate environment, this episode is a must-listen. Hear more on the picks that include Multi-Asset Income Funds and Global Dividend Bonds Funds.

Are Singapore REITs back in favor after April’s sell-off? Following the early April market slump, Michelle Martin asks if S-REITs have found their footing — and how closely they now track US market movements. What does Singapore’s decisive election result mean for REIT investor confidence? Plus, we unpack CapitaLand’s groundbreaking launch of the first Singapore-sponsored retail REIT on the Shanghai Stock Exchange and what it signals for investors. And if T-bill yields at 2.3% feel lackluster, where else can cautious investors look? Hosted by Michelle Martin with REIT specialist Kenny Loh.  

It might surprise you to hear who is using XSGD, a stablecoin pegged to the Singapore Dollar and why. What are the real-world cases for stablecoins in Singapore and across the globe? Michelle Martin finds out more with StraitsX, a Singapore startup focused on developing stablecoin. This episode features Jason Tay, Head of Commercial at StraitsX, a stablecoin platform powering digital payments in Southeast Asia. They explore the fallout from the failed U.S. Senate stablecoin bill and what it means for global momentum. Will Meta’s renewed stablecoin ambitions and Visa’s infrastructure bets accelerate adoption in Asia? What is setting the pace for responsible, institutional crypto adoption and why might an individual or institution want to handle stablecoins today?

A trade war is flaring up again—will your real estate portfolio weather the storm? Hosted by Michelle Martin, this episode unpacks how President Trump’s sweeping tariffs and the Fed’s rate freeze are colliding to reshape global property markets. Keith Ong, CEO of RealVantage, shares how rising costs and cross-border tension are shifting investor sentiment. Find out which markets—like Singapore—may emerge as safe havens, and what trends are forming in Australia and beyond. How are institutional players adjusting risk models and should you?  

Will the wealth you built last past the third generation of your family? Are wealthy Singaporeans unknowingly, building on shaky ground? Hosted by Michelle Martin, this episode explores why financial security may be more fragile than it appears—and how to change the conversation, starting at home. Ray Ang, CEO of Grandtag, unpacks persistent myths around wealth and legacy planning. From rising global risks to the bold choices of Gen Z wealth holders, discover how high-net-worth families are protecting their future and the smarter, longer-term strategies the wealthy are adopting today.

We’re living longer than ever—so how do we make sure our money lasts as long as we do? Singapore’s life expectancy has soared from 65 to over 80 years since 1960. Michelle Martin speaks with Raymond Ong, CEO of Etiqa Insurance Singapore, about the new challenges of longevity, (not just for people) and the insurance innovations that can help us all. 

Where’s the smart money moving next? Hosted by Michelle Martin, this episode unpacks the latest trends in Singapore’s global real estate investments with James Young of Cushman & Wakefield. Despite a decade-long average of USD 25.3 billion in overseas deals, 2024 saw a sharp dip to USD 11.3 billion. Why are investors shifting from London to Manchester and Sheffield—and what’s fueling fresh interest in Germany? From office and industrial to student housing, discover how Singaporean investors are rethinking risk and yield in a changing landscape.