Australian Finance Podcast Tom's $100,000 ETF portfolio (with a twist)
Mar 4, 2026
Tom Wickenden, Senior Betashares ETF strategist, joins to build two themed $100,000 ETF portfolios with bold macro views. They debate China and Asia growth versus a hedge against US dominance. Topics include ETFs for momentum, emerging markets, thematic plays like robotics and food, banks, energy-transition metals, credit strategies and bond allocation. Short, creative portfolio construction with a five-year horizon.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
How A $500 Tip Taught Tom Humility
- Tom's first investment was $500 into Advanced Nanotech (ANO) on a colleague's tip and it plunged 50–60%, teaching him humility in investing.
- He says that bad early trades fast-tracked his shift to safer, research-based ETF strategies.
Australia's Portfolio Concentration Is An Existential Risk
- Australian retail portfolios are structurally US-heavy with concentrated exposure to a few sectors, creating elevated market concentration risk.
- Tom calls this an existential concern: geopolitical shifts and AI disruption mean developed-market biases may be fragile over five years.
Use Momentum ETFs To Capture Rotating Leadership
- Use a global momentum ETF to underweight MA G7 and ride shifting leadership because momentum tilts can reallocate away from US dominance.
- BetaShares' GTUM rebalances via four two-month baskets to reduce false signals and turnover.