Money and Me

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.

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.

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.

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 Ventures

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.