Money and Me

Is it wise to bet on a president backing down? Markets seem to think so. Hosted by Michelle Martin with Simon Ree, Founder of Tao of Trading, we unpack the viral TACO trade, why July 8 looms large for investors, and what the “revenge tax” in Section 899 might mean for global capital. We examine how policy posturing is morphing into fiscal weaponry. Could U.S. tariffs on the EU trigger...

What do tariffs have to do with your next Shein haul or Temu gadget? Hosted by Michelle Martin, this episode unpacks how U.S. trade policy is driving ripple effects through Singapore’s consumer prices, Chinese e-commerce platforms, and Asia’s startup IPO ambitions. Bhavik Vashi, Managing Director at Carta, joins to explore what investors should be watching, and whether Southeast Asia c...

Is the global economy at an inflection point? Hosted by Michelle Martin, this episode dives into the implications of rising tariffs, shifting inflation patterns, and structural changes in China and Japan with Cameron Systermans, Head of Multi Asset Asia at Mercer. Could protectionism be a blind spot for markets? How might Japan's re-emergence from deflation shape asset strategy? We unpack the risk...

Why have investors been talking about recession risks? Hosted by Michelle Martin, this episode explores how to brace your investments for a potential recession with Elijah Lee, Senior Financial Services Manager at Phillip Securities from a uniquely Singaporean perspective. As Nobel laureates and hedge fund legends warn of global instability and deepening economic fractures, we ask: how can you shi...

How is cryptocurrency powering one of the world’s deadliest underground economies? Hosted by Michelle Martin, this episode unpacks how digital currencies are entwined with the global fentanyl trade. Michelle speaks with Eric Jardine, Cybercrimes Research Lead at Chainalysis , about how crypto payments oil the rails of illicit supply chains stretching worldwide. We examine preferred cryptocur...

When did you first feel the weight—and thrill—of managing your own money? Hosted by Michelle Martin, this episode explores the personal financial journeys that begin in university and National Service. Daphne Tan of CMC Markets shares her own early budgeting stories and hard-won lessons. What do today’s students need to know about saving, peer pressure, and planning for the futur...

Where are the world’s wealthiest parking their millions? Look no further than Dubai. Wealthy Asians are snapping up luxury properties in Dubai, now the world’s busiest market for homes over US$10 million. According to Knight Frank, 435 ultra-prime homes were sold in 2024, with another 111 in Q1 alone — nearly matching sales in London and New York combined. An estimated US$10.3 bi...

What happens when courts override presidents and investors exhale? Michelle Martin unpacks how a U.S. court ruling striking down Trump’s 'reciprocal tariffs' may change the rules of market risk. Is China's AI stock rally a true Sputnik moment—or just another headline-fueled sugar high? Michelle and Arun Pai of Monk’s Hill Ventures dig into Gushengtang, Bairong, DeepSeek, and more...

What if the future of leadership is not full-time at all? Cassandra Ong turned the sting of a layoff into a new company banking on a new way to work. Now founder of OtterHalf, she’s helping brands scale smart with fractional CMOs. Find out why agile leadership is taking off in Asia, especially in tech and marketing. We break down how companies are trimming payrolls without trimming performan...

Are one- and two-bedders the new darlings of Singapore’s property scene? Sales at One Marina Gardens and Bloomsbury Residences hint at evolving investor appetites. Is Media Circle the next Buona Vista, and are expats and landlords already moving in? Plus, the ultra-rich flock to 21 Anderson—why this project is pulling in $23M buyers. Get the latest on buyer psychology, luxury demand, a...

Is safety the new smart money strategy? With inflation lingering and volatility rising, dividend-paying defensive stocks are stepping into the spotlight. Michelle Martin breaks down the appeal of income-generating giants like Novo Nordisk ,  China Resources Beer , and  Netlink Trust . What could a post-Buffett Berkshire Hathaway look like—and what stocks might dominate its future?...

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 comp...

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...

$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 Phil...

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 Fide...

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 r...

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 digita...

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&...

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 risi...

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.  See omnystudio.com/listen...

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&r...

When his six-year old broke a bone, this dad explained how much the x-rays and cast cost to the little one. Does your child understand fundamental concepts about compound interest, delayed gratification and even picking stocks? What are some great resources available so parents can help young one understand fundamental concepts surrounding money and the economy? Give your child a head start in lif...

You could find yourself in an unexpected place in life, having to reinvent yourself after building a successful career. What is the first thing you can do? What do most struggle with when it comes to finances? Why are there stages to a career transition similar in some fashion to the grieving process? Career Coach and author of Life 2.0 Adeline TH Tiah joins Michelle Martin for a discussion on wha...

Are ETFs still the no-brainer wealth builders they once were? Hosted by Michelle Martin with guest Willie Keng, Founder of Dividend Titan, we dive into why ETFs like the S&P 500 may disappoint over the next decade. From cheap money's end to soaring valuations and risky overconcentration, Keng explains the shifting investment landscape. Learn why stock-picking discipline may be more critical th...

Are global markets taking an optimistic breather? Hosted by Michelle Martin with guest Cheng Chye Hsern, Head of Investment at Providend, this episode examines the global economic impact of rising tariffs and the recession risks. We unpack how sticky U.S. inflation, unexpected treasury movements, and Singapore’s STI dip are shaping portfolio strategies. Hear whether history offers clues from...