Equity Mates Investing Podcast

Dr. David Allen, head of long/short strategies at Plato and quant investor who builds AI-driven red-flag systems. He unpacks a 150-flag framework, explains why eight flags often signal trouble, and describes using LLMs on earnings calls, geopolitical stress tests, and systematic quantamental approaches to spot winners and losers.

Rates in Australia are rising while other central banks diverge. Oil prices spike and energy names are ripping higher. A deep look at top-performing active ETFs and what their holdings reveal. Practical discussion on whether setting up a trust makes sense and the tradeoffs involved.

Tom Wickenden, investment strategist at Betashares who builds income ETFs, explains modern income options beyond bank dividends. He walks through dividends, bonds, REITs, royalties, leveraged credit and options overlays. Short, practical takes on ETF jargon, geared credit mechanics and how to assemble an all-weather income portfolio.

They explore a boom in cosmetic injectables and how Gen Z and younger demographics are driving demand. A five-stock healthcare sleeve is outlined, covering GLP-1 drugs, radiology software, surgical robotics and organ transport tech. Community portfolio rules get revamped and two quality additions are discussed alongside a surprising industrial pick tied to mining and data centers.

Alex Luck, financial adviser and co-founder of Everest Wealth who specialises in cashflow and practical finance systems. He explains why cashflow matters, how people miscalculate savings, and the bucket system for managing money. Short tips on accounts for couples, tax tricks like salary packaging and novated leases, and when structures like trusts or super top-ups actually help.

Simon (Mr. Beat Up), a deep-dive stock analyst known for his four-step checklist, returns to dissect an 80% crash. He analyses why Duolingo plunged and whether it’s broken or a bargain. Short, punchy takes on market panic, dollar-cost averaging and why volatility is the price of admission. Clear-eyed valuation checks and a debate on Duolingo’s moat and reinvestment strategy.

Alex Pollak, Chief Investment Officer at Loftus Peak and tech-focused investor, walks through an AI-powered future. He weighs hardware winners like chipmakers, the role of robots and practical robotics, China as a diversification play, voice agents and digital twins, drug discovery limits, and why NVIDIA stands out. Short, speculative and investment‑oriented takes on where disruption may actually land.

They discuss a new chain overtaking McDonald's and why bubble tea brands are booming. The rise of a “Halo Trade” sees investors piling into boring, old‑economy stocks like energy, materials and consumer staples. A deep dive on when to sell underperforming holdings outlines four clear sell triggers and the challenge of cutting losses and reallocating capital.

Todd Hoare, Head of Public Markets at LGT Wealth Management, brings decades of global investing experience across Australia, New York and Hong Kong. He discusses geopolitics and market reactions, why AI-driven disruption can be bullish, which types of software face real risk, real-world AI productivity wins in logistics and finance, and how to build portfolios that last generations.

They argue why investors should avoid panic selling after geopolitical shocks. They reveal the first trade from a community portfolio and discuss a new minerals stock pick. They explain what counts as emerging markets, which countries and stocks drive returns, and how to choose ETFs without doubling up exposure.