Bridge Talks Business with Milford

From AI and sticky inflation, to US tariffs and gold – global markets this year have been full of opportunity and risk. Milford Portfolio Manager Frances Sweetman looks back over 2025 with Ryan Bridge, highlighting the major trends that influenced markets, and outlining what analysts are watching to stay ahead in 2026.     This podcast is intended to provide general information only. It does not t...

Recent company updates from some of New Zealand’s leading businesses indicate increased activity compared to this time last year. Is this a sign the economy is improving? Milford Investment Analyst Jeremy Hutton breaks down the data with Ryan Bridge, including influences such as the OCR, interest rate outlook and labour market.   This podcast is intended to provide general information only. It doe...

There’s a lot of hype in the media about a potential AI bubble. What is an AI bubble and should we be afraid of it? Milford Senior Investment Analyst Andrew Curtayne talks with Ryan Bridge about global investment into AI, key factors that determine a ‘bubble’, and what it all means for us in New Zealand.   This podcast is intended to provide general information only. It does not take into account...

In the world of cryptocurrency, Stablecoins are designed to offer price stability, making them less volatile than other cryptos like Bitcoin. Globally, it is believed approximately $255 billion is invested in Stablecoin (as of June 2025). But despite the name, Stablecoins are not necessarily stable. Milford Credit Analyst Remy Morgan talks to Ryan Bridge about how Stablecoins are used, where are t...

KiwiSaver has reshaped how our nation saves for retirement, and broadened access to investment funds for a new generation. What are the lessons we’ve learnt along the way, and how could KiwiSaver evolve moving forward? Milford Portfolio Manager Jono Windust talks with Ryan Bridge about key learnings on reflection, and the critical drivers for continued KiwiSaver success.   This podcast is intended...

Interest rates, AI, property, gold, Trump and tariffs. Investors have a lot to consider in this volatile geopolitical landscape. Ryan Bridge discusses these ‘frequently-asked-about topics’ with Milford Financial Adviser Bruce O’Leary, including investment strategies to mitigate risk.   This podcast is intended to provide general information only. It does not take into account your investment needs...

The RBNZ cut the Official Cash Rate by 50 basis points last week, prompting markets to readjust interest rate expectations lower.  What does this mean for mortgage rates, the housing market and New Zealand businesses? Milford Credit Analyst Remy Morgan talks to Ryan Bridge about the market reaction, and the factors that will determine a further cut at the RBNZ’s November meeting.   This podcast is...

From saving and spending habits to declining confidence with money, what’s really going on with Gen Z’s finances? Ryan Bridge is joined by Financial Services Council CEO, Kirk Hope, to unpack the latest research and explore how KiwiSaver could help this generation turn good intentions into lasting wealth. This podcast is intended to provide general information only. It does not take into account y...

How do we turn New Zealand into a nation of savers? Milford CEO Blair Turnbull talks to Ryan Bridge about Milford’s plans to help Kiwis save more, while touching on the reasons for Milford’s recent success and sharing his vision for the company he has headed since March this year.     This podcast is intended to provide general information only. It does not take into account your investment needs...

Investing in KiwiSaver from day one of your working life is probably not top of every Gen Z’s list. But if you consider the impact of compounding interest, the numbers start to stack up. Murray Harris, Head of KiwiSaver and Retail at Milford, breaks down those numbers with Ryan Bridge, and provides some helpful tips for the savvy young investors in your life.   This podcast is intended to provide...

Around 40% of New Zealanders solely rely on NZ Super in retirement, but is it really enough to have a comfortable lifestyle? Today on Bridge talks Business, Ryan Bridge meets with Retirement Commissioner Jane Wrightson to talk through her views on NZ Super, whether KiwiSaver should be compulsory, and possible changes to the retirement income policy.   This podcast is intended to provide general in...

Sluggish job growth, higher inflation, and consumer weakness are all playing a part in the current state of the US economy. What’s the outlook, and what does it mean for us here in New Zealand? This podcast is intended to provide general information only. It does not take into account your investment needs or personal circumstances. It is not intended to be viewed as investment or financial advice...

As of 1 August, the world economy is firmly in the new Trump tariff regime. So, what exactly are the impacts, and is there really a direct link between tariffs and higher consumer prices? Milford’s Frances Sweetman talks to Ryan Bridge about the complexities behind the additional cost, and how suppliers and retailers are managing the tariff burden.   This podcast is intended to provide general inf...

Understanding the investment landscape can help protect you during times of market volatility. Financial Adviser Gareth Stythe talks to Ryan Bridge about Bear and Bull markets, and what you need to be aware of during each market cycle. He also discusses the key factors that influence investor behaviour, and some of the common mistakes new investors make.   This podcast is intended to provide gener...

In today’s episode of Bridge talks Business, Analyst Brendan Larsen explains fiscal dominance, and how there are signs that this is beginning to creep into the US administration. He talks through why this is a risk, and why it is important for Central Banks to retain independence in setting policy that achieves their inflation mandate.   This podcast is intended to provide general information only...

If you haven’t opened an investment fund before, the idea might seem a little daunting. In today’s episode of Bridge talks Business with Milford, Ryan Bridge chats with Maddie Cruickshank, a Senior Associate with Investor Services. She explains how to set up a fund, what risk appetite means, and what support is available to guide you through the process.   This podcast is intended to provide gener...

As New Zealand’s largest trading partner, the health of the Chinese economy is intrinsically linked to ours. With GDP expected to slow, and the country facing structural challenges, what’s next for China – and us? Milford Portfolio Manager Will Curtayne talks with Ryan Bridge about the key determinants, including demographics, debt, property, interest rates and tariffs – and how collectively they...

The RBNZ kept the Official Cash Rate steady last week, so what does that mean for key drivers of the New Zealand economy? Milford Investment Analyst Jeremy Hutton talks with Ryan Bridge about contributing factors such as housing, tourism and migration, and discusses the NZX market performance outlook.     This podcast is intended to provide general information only. It does not take into account y...

From trade disruption to huge escalations in geopolitics, the past six months have played out under a cloud of sustained global tension. Is it likely to continue or will the global landscape settle? Talking to Ryan Bridge, Milford Analyst Brendan Larsen unpacks key developments that shaped markets in the first half of 2025,  and outlines what to expect in second half of the year. This podcast is i...

Halfway through the year is the perfect time to revisit your financial goals. What are some of the key things to consider when assessing if you’re on-track? Milford Financial Adviser Jess Travers talks to Ryan Bridge about how you can ensure your money is working hard enough for you to reach your savings target.   This podcast is intended to provide general information only. It does not take into...

It’s been a week of uncertainty as geopolitics have played out across the globe. With Iran’s anticipated retaliation against the US bombings behind us, what’s ahead for markets and oil prices? Milford Portfolio Manager Mark Riggall talks to Ryan Bridge about the effects of recent events, interest rates, and inflation – and how all three will influence the second half of 2025.   This podcast is int...

Massey University’s annual Retirement Expenditure Guidelines highlight the primary drivers of rising costs for retirees, and unpacks two different lifestyles depending on savings and weekly spend. Milford Senior KiwiSaver Financial Adviser, Liam Robertson, breaks down the research with Ryan Bridge and discusses what you can do to move from a “no frills” lifestyle to a “choices” lifestyle in retire...

Trump’s Big, Beautiful Bill is being debated in the Senate, with the dramatic fallout between Trump and Musk dominating headlines. What’s caused the toxic break down, and what impact might it have on sustainable investment? Milford Sustainable Investment Specialist, Grace O’Hanlon, talks with Ryan Bridge about what’s happened between the former allies, and how the proposed Bill might impact sustai...

Estimates of $21bn in term deposits will be maturing over the next six months. With interest rates expected to track lower, investors will need to decide how to reinvest that money. Term deposits and investment funds both have benefits, so is there a best option? Milford Head of Wealth Management, Philip Morgan Rees, talks to Ryan Bridge about the differences, and how to use both avenues to your a...

The Government announced a range of changes to KiwiSaver last week, but will they really make a significant difference for over-65s in retirement? Head of KiwiSaver at Milford, Murray Harris, recaps the changes with Ryan Bridge, talks through how much a rise to 4% will cost you, and highlights further steps the Government could take to improve financial outcomes for retired New Zealanders. This po...