Your Money with Michelle Martin

Markets are rallying on peace hopes - but oil is telling a very different story. We unpack Amazon’s bold move against Nvidia and what it means for the future of AI economics. From GLP-1 weight loss drugs reshaping retail demand to a tiny shipping ETF becoming a real-time war gauge, second-order effects are driving markets. China’s EV exports surge as oil shocks accelerate the energy transition narrative. In corporate news, Samsung faces selling pressure while Meta doubles down on AI ambition. All eyes on the STI as global tensions ripple through local markets - hosted by Michelle Martin with Ryan Huang.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bestselling author Nir Eyal shares how our beliefs shape our lives. Our beliefs can either hold us back or propel us toward our dreams. Sometimes we may not even be aware of the beliefs that are running us. Like invisible background code, our beliefs shape our perception of possibility, are the bedrock for motivation and determine when and if we quit on the journey to our biggest dreams. Michelle and Nir discuss limiting money beliefs, the power of prayer and the self-fulfilling power of labels. Go beyond the page of Nir Eyal's new book " Beyond Belief" in this edition of READ with Michelle. Watch the full interview on YouTube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if your property could double its yield - without buying another one? We explore how Singapore landlords are transforming single-tenant homes into co-living cashflow machines. From landed properties in Pasir Panjang to city-fringe condos, hear how investors are unlocking 4% to 7% yields. But behind the numbers lie real trade-offs - renovation costs, tenant turnover, and operational complexity. We break down whether outsourcing to operators like Bespoke Habitat is the key to making it work. Is co-living a smart structural shift or a yield-chasing trend? Hosted by Michelle Martin with Josephine Liu and Arthur Lim.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Even after life-saving surgery, a critical illness claim can be denied. What are you covered for and why? We explore how definitions influence payouts and highlight what consumers seeking "best" or "comprehensive" coverage need to know. With Elijah Lee of Phillip Securities, we unpack what every policyholder must understand about fine print, exclusions, and evolving medicine. From comparing insurers to what you can discuss today with your insurance advisor, we ask: are you truly protected—or just conditionally covered? Practical insights to help you avoid costly surprises - hosted by Michelle Martin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Breached ceasefire? As accusations of peace breaches continue to volley, opportunistic buying continues and oil has rebounded. We unpack the market whiplash as Brent crude plunges then spikes, and what it signals about geopolitical risk. In corporate news, leadership drama at Paramount Skydance raises fresh questions over its US$81B Warner Bros. Discovery bid. Meta rolls out a new AI model, Grab doubles down on AI-led growth, while Delta and Constellation Brands signal consumer and cost pressures. Closer to home, the STI climbs with SATS and Hongkong Land leading gains, even as DFI Retail lags. From oil to AI to media consolidation - what’s noise and what’s signal?  Hosted by Michelle Martin with Ryan Huang.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Straits of Hormuz is set to reopen for two week. What does that mean for  markets?  A fragile US-Iran ceasefire reopens the Strait of Hormuz, sending oil prices sharply lower and easing global supply fears. Singapore rolls out a S$1 billion support package to cushion households and businesses from energy-driven inflation shocks. Meanwhile, investors are already positioning for what could be history’s biggest IPO - SpaceX - fueling inflows into niche space ETFs. In corporate action, AWS scrambles to maintain resilience, Levi Strauss leans into direct-to-consumer growth, Universal Music attracts takeover interest, and OCBC doubles down on sustainability financing. Markets digest volatility and opportunity - hosted by Michelle Martin with Ryan Huang.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If the biggest thing holding you back from investing is just not knowing where to begin, we have got you covered today. We break down what really matters when choosing an investment platform - beyond the hype and flashy interfaces. What do you most need as an investor and how can you match your investment needs from Singapore with a cost-effective platform? We also unpack copy trading, platform safety, and how to switch brokers without derailing your long-term plan.]Join the conversation, hosted by Michelle Martin with guest Tim Phillips, Founder, TimTalksMoney.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Veteran of the crypto market CEO of Morph, Colin Goltra is optimistic that the average person will comfortably let AI spend money on their behalf by the end of this year. A new wave of “agentic commerce” is emerging, where AI agents can negotiate, decide, and transact on your behalf. But with convenience comes risk: how do you trust an AI with your wallet, and what guardrails actually exist? A glimpse into the future of money, control, and commerce - hosted by Michelle Martin with CEO of Morph, Colin Goltra. Morph is an Ethereum Layer 2  blockchain solution focused on global consumer payments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI profits are exploding - but cracks are emerging beneath the surface of global markets. Samsung’s blockbuster earnings signal unstoppable demand for AI infrastructure, even as geopolitical risks loom. Meanwhile, private credit shows signs of strain, with Blue Owl hit by withdrawals as Goldman Sachs circles opportunity. Wall Street edges higher cautiously ahead of escalating tensions involving Iran, with markets watching Trump’s next move. In corporate action, Broadcom deepens AI partnerships while Seagate emerges as an overlooked AI play. All eyes now on whether this rally has legs - hosted by Michelle Martin with Ryan Huang.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the next big investment opportunity isn’t in the US, but right next door in Asia where much of AI's backbone is being built? We zoom in on the “Golden Triangle” of Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, and why this region could power the next phase of global growth. From Japan’s corporate reforms to Korea’s semiconductor cycle and Taiwan’s dominance in advanced chips, the story is bigger than just tech hype. We also explore where the real AI opportunities lie - from data centres to cybersecurity - after the recent market pullback. And what about risks like currency swings and geopolitical tensions - are investors being paid enough to take them? Michelle Martin speaks with Vance Tan, Financial Services Manager at PhillipCapital - hosted by Michelle Martin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Markets are climbing - but under the surface, pressure is building fast. Oil surges past US$110 as geopolitical risks collide with resilient US jobs data. Starbucks’ turnaround efforts fall flat with investors, while Bank of America refreshes its top picks for a choppy Q2. Tesla and Lucid signal cracks in the EV story, even as AI talent wars heat up with UBTech’s aggressive hiring. In Singapore, Sembcorp leads gains while Keppel drags, with the STI holding firm for the week. From earnings to economic signals, we unpack what matters next - hosted by Michelle Martin with Ryan Huang.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI is getting cheaper, smarter - and possibly reshaping everything from property to portfolios. In this episode, hosted by Michelle Martin, we discuss the implications of agentic AI on real estate and what AI commoditisation could shift power towards - platforms, data, or distribution? Then we look closely at China’s rapid AI deployment and ask if it gives them a lasting edge, or if the US still dominates the core technology stack. Arun Pai, Associate Partner of Monk’s Hill Ventures shares his viewsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI, war tensions and a potential trillion-dollar IPO - markets are juggling momentum and risk. Asia-Pacific markets trade higher as investors bet on easing geopolitical tensions and AI-led growth. Intel surges on signs of a manufacturing-led turnaround, while Visa rolls out AI tools to reshape payments disputes. Microsoft doubles down on Singapore with a US$5.5 billion AI investment, underscoring regional tech ambition. Meanwhile, Elon Musk’s SpaceX IPO could rewrite valuation records even as Iran tensions cast a shadow over tech. In corporate news, OCBC hits a S$100 billion milestone and ST Engineering secures major contracts - hosted by Michelle Martin with Ryan Huang.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wall Street explodes higher as hopes of a U.S.-Iran de-escalation sparked a powerful relief rally across global markets. But with the Strait of Hormuz still constrained, energy supply risks remain dangerously real beneath the surface. Are markets transitioning into a new, more volatile regime? Also, it is getting harder to figure out interest rate direction.  What does a “trapped Fed” mean when inflation stays high but growth weakens? Michelle Martin explores what this means for your portfolio with Simon Ree, Founder, Tao of Trading.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI optimism hits a reality check as Microsoft posts its worst quarter since 2008, raising doubts about near-term returns from massive AI investments. Competition from Google, OpenAI and Anthropic intensifies as Copilot adoption lags expectations. Meanwhile, McCormick’s $45B acquisition of Unilever’s food unit signals a major shift in consumer staples strategy. Wall Street rallies hard, with the Dow surging over 1,100 points, as investors weigh geopolitics, oil and positioning. In corporate moves, Nvidia backs Marvell Technology, while Eli Lilly expands into sleep therapeutics. Closer to home, STI weakness masks deeper corrections in names like City Developments Limited and Jardine Matheson - hosted by Michelle Martin with Ryan Huang. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michelle Martin chats with the Chairman of real estate agency Crestbrick for insights into today's valuable property and prospects for future gains. A sold-out launch in Tampines and rising global uncertainty are reshaping how investors view property. Rivelle Tampines’ rapid sales at nearly $1,900 psf raise questions about affordability, demand, and the evolving upgrader market. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are driving relocation interest into Singapore, reinforcing its appeal as a safe-haven destination. We explore what could trigger temporary renters to become long-term property investors - and what that means for yields. The AI revolution is quietly transforming demand for office, residential, and industrial space, with winners and losers emerging. And with Singapore’s aging population, the very definition of “prime property” may be shifting in ways investors can’t ignore.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A property trust is selling, and a millionaire is buying more of his own company. What signals are markets sending today?  Markets are navigating a complex mix of asset sales, geopolitical tension, and tech sector volatility, find out how in the show hosted by Michelle Martin with Ryan Huang.  Manulife US REIT and OUE REIT both move to divest assets, but for very different strategic reasons. In the US, stocks wobble as the Iran conflict weighs, even as the Fed signals no urgency to hike rates. Tech names like Nvidia and Micron slide sharply, raising fresh questions about AI demand durability. Meanwhile, insider buying at Palo Alto Networks hints at confidence beneath the surface. Back home, the STI struggles to hold key levels, but there is a bright spot shining amid broader weakness.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When geopolitical shocks ripple through supply chains and markets, what should investors hold onto? The war’s ripple effects are spreading - from energy disruptions hitting everyday businesses to growing stress across global markets. Michelle Martin speaks with Swapnil Mishra, Author of Investing for the Clueless, Reckless and Overly Cautious, on how investors are navigating this uncertainty. We unpack why the US dollar is surging as a safe haven while gold behaves unexpectedly. Energy and defence stocks are in focus - but are investors chasing momentum too late? And where can you still find resilience and opportunity in a market defined by volatility, hosted by Michelle Martin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When CEOs are buying, markets are falling, and butter chicken disappears off menus - what is the market trying to tell us? Asia-Pacific markets tumble as Iran war fears deepen, while Wall Street logs its longest losing streak in nearly four years. Michelle Martin and Ryan Huang unpack insider buying at Palo Alto Networks, Pop Mart and ABR - even as institutional investors pull back. We explore how geopolitical shocks are rippling through everyday life - from fuel shortages in the Philippines to supply chain disruptions in India. Meanwhile, more than half of S&P 500 sectors are in correction territory - raising the question: is a broader downturn inevitable? In corporate focus: BYD, Gap, Berkshire Hathaway and DBS, alongside weakness in Singapore REITs like Keppel DC REIT and Mapletree Logistics Trust. Plus, what to watch this week as earnings from Nike and Conagra Brands take centrestage, hosted by Michelle Martin with Ryan Huang.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Markets turned volatile as a Google AI efficiency breakthrough rattled memory chip makers like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, raising questions about future demand. Meanwhile, Jefferies flags a coming humanoid robot wave, spotlighting players like Analog Devices and NXP Semiconductors. Wall Street saw its sharpest drop since the Iran conflict began, with oil volatility and inflation fears weighing on sentiment. In corporate news, earnings disappoint at Concord New Energy and Shangri-La Asia signal cracks in recovery narratives. Plus, Singapore markets weaken as Hongkong Land and Jardine Matheson Holdings drag the STI lower - hosted by Michelle Martin with Ryan Huang.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the future of leadership isn’t full-time - but precisely on demand? Fractional leadership seems to have gone from niche to mainstream almost overnight - but the reality is, this has been building for years. Michelle Martin speaks with Sara Daw, Global CEO of The CFO Centre and The Liberti Group, and author of Strategy and Leadership as a Service. We explore what’s driving the post-pandemic surge, and whether this is a cost play - or a fundamental redesign of leadership itself. How does fractional leadership actually work in practice, and can companies balance flexibility with accountability and cohesion? Plus, what this means for talent, the future of the C-suite, and whether entire companies could soon be built on fractional models - hosted by Michelle Martin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Where is the Asian equivalent to Fort Knox? How can you invest in physical gold? Michelle Martin breaks down the surge in gold investing as prices hit record highs and uncertainty drives demand for safe havens. With guest Ong Xun Xiang, Head of ETFs at Lion Global Investors, we unpack how gold ETFs offer access without the hassle of storing physical bars. What exactly is a “physical gold ETF,” and is it truly backed by real gold stored in vaults like Le Freeport Singapore? We explore the pros, cons, and misconceptions - from “paper gold” fears to liquidity advantages over jewellery and coins. Plus, what Singapore’s first homegrown gold ETF listing in 20 years means for investors - hosted by Michelle Martin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oil spikes, gold stumbles, and private funds start locking the gates - are investors missing the real risks? March has reshaped the investing landscape as geopolitical tensions send oil soaring and markets into flux, hosted by Michelle Martin. Brent crude surges past $120, forcing investors to rethink inflation, energy exposure and portfolio resilience. At the same time, gold’s unexpected decline challenges its role as the ultimate safe haven in times of crisis. We also unpack why private credit funds are “gating” redemptions - and what that signals about underlying liquidity risks. Plus, why Asia may feel the pain of higher oil prices more acutely than the rest of the world - and what investors should watch next.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Social media giants face a legal reckoning, Keppel races toward a $200 billion ambition, and AI stocks are back on fire - what does it all mean for investors? Markets are navigating a collision of regulation, reinvention and rally, hosted by Michelle Martin with Ryan Huang. A landmark ruling puts pressure on platforms like Meta, Instagram and YouTube, raising new risks for Big Tech. Meanwhile, Keppel pivots hard into an asset-light future, chasing scale in infrastructure, energy transition and digital assets. In the US, names like Super Micro, Dell and HPE surge as AI demand fuels a fresh wave of optimism.Plus, UP or DOWN on Microsoft, On Holding, Banyan Group and Japanese IPOs - while Apple teases its next AI leap.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you need a new blueprint for thinking about careers, Michelle says, this is the book to pick up. In this conversation with Ricky Foo, author and headhunter, she explores the uncomfortable truth: job hunting is no longer a one-off slog but requires an "always-on" mindset. Why is the traditional CV-and-apply model  breaking down in an AI-filtered world?How can you approach personal branding with a “Four P” of strategy? We unpack how to stay relevant, mid-career reinvention, job scarcity at senior levels, and whether AI is shrinking opportunities - or reshaping them and our approach to getting that great next job.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.