Intro

Bryce and Ren break down the latest AI spending arms race from big tech (and just how stupidly big the numbers are), then ask why Reddit can smash expectations and still get sold off. Plus, Mr Beat-Up returns with a stock down ~60% from highs: Xero.

The team runs the full four-step checklist and gets into the real debate investors are having right now: are AI agents a genuine moat-breaker for SaaS… or just the latest panic?

In this episode:

02:52 Big Tech’s AI spend hits US$660B. How big is that really?

06:23 Reddit beats expectations… and still gets sold off

09:49 Mr Beat-Up returns

11:58 Xero down ~60%. Is it an overreaction or warning sign?

16:38 The moat debate: can AI agents disrupt SaaS?

21:56 Valuation, upside case & should Xero be on the community watchlist?

Stocks mentioned: Reddit (NYSE:RDDT), Alphabet/Google (NASDAQ:GOOGL), Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT), Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN), Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META), Xero (ASX:XRO), Intuit (NASDAQ:INTU), ServiceNow (NYSE:NOW), Salesforce (NYSE:CRM), SAP (XETRA:SAP), MicroStrategy (NASDAQ:MSTR), Coinbase (NASDAQ:COIN), Duolingo (NASDAQ:DUOL), Catapult Group International (ASX:CAT), BHP Group (ASX:BHP), Bitcoin (BTC).

Links mentioned:

• Mr. Beat-Up's 4-Step Stock Checklist. A simple framework you can use to assess any company. Download your copy for free here.
• Xero CEO interview, credit to Bloomberg News Podcast. Listen in full here.

Win a $500 Visa Digital eGift Card by completing the 2026 Equity Mates Media Community Survey! The Community Survey helps us understand how we can continue to improve our content to help you on your money and investing journey. You can either complete the five compulsory questions, or take 10 minutes to give us a bit more feedback: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WRWDVTV 

———

Want to get involved in the podcast? Record a voice note or send us a message 

And come and join the conversation in the Equity Mates Facebook Discussion Group.

———

Want more Equity Mates? Across books, podcasts, video and email, however you want to learn about investing – we’ve got you covered.

Keep up with the news moving markets with our daily newsletter and podcast (Apple | Spotify)

———

Looking for some of our favourite research tools?

• Download our free Basics of ETF handbook
• Or our free 4-step stock checklist
• Find company information on TIKR
• Screen the market with GuruFocus
• Track your portfolio with Sharesight

———

In the spirit of reconciliation, Equity Mates Media and the hosts of Equity Mates Investing acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people today. 

———

Equity Mates Investing is a product of Equity Mates Media. 

This podcast is intended for education and entertainment purposes. Any advice is general advice only, and has not taken into account your personal financial circumstances, needs or objectives. Before acting on general advice, you should consider if it is relevant to your needs and read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement. And if you are unsure, please speak to a financial professional. Equity Mates Media operates under Australian Financial Services Licence 540697.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.