FEAR & GREED | Business News

Tim Burrowes, founder of Mumbrella and Unmade, shares his insights on the podcasting landscape. He discusses the medium's rise to mainstream popularity, with over half the population tuning in monthly. Burrowes highlights why advertisers favor podcasts, citing their unique connection with audiences through targeted content. He also explores the evolution towards video and the potential threats from AI. Additionally, he discusses the coexistence of podcasts and radio in Australia and warns against the dangers of low-quality AI-generated content.

Roger Montgomery, founder and chief investment officer of Montgomery Investment Management, shares his expert insights on the resurgence of Australian small caps. He discusses the factors behind their recent outperformance, including shifting investment trends and the critical importance of governance and management. Roger also highlights five promising small-cap stocks, such as Zip and Megaport, illustrating the dynamics of this revitalized sector. Tune in for an engaging exploration of investment opportunities in small caps!

Stefan von Imhoff, co-founder of Alts.co and alternative investments expert, dives deep into the less glamorous side of film investing. He reveals why equity stakes in movies can be highly risky, often likening their success rates to startups. Horror films, surprisingly, offer a lucrative alternative due to their low production costs. The conversation also highlights the impact of Hollywood accounting on profits, strategic consolidation in the industry, and innovative financing methods like gap loans supported by tax credits.

Luci Ellis, Chief Economist at Westpac, dives into the intriguing world of business investment and productivity. She discusses how crucial investment in machines, software, and infrastructure boosts productivity. Confidence and demand are highlighted as key drivers for firms' investment decisions. Luci also explores the current investment landscape, noting shifts in the non-mining sector and the balancing act between AI and other tech investments. Her insights on data centres reveal their efficiency benefits without detracting from overall investment opportunities.

Gaurav Sodhi, Deputy Head of Research at Intelligent Investor, dives into the complexities surrounding WiseTech Global, a top Australian tech company. He discusses unsettling governance issues and allegations against founder Richard White, revealing how aggressive accounting practices may mislead investors. Gaurav emphasizes the importance of strong independent board leadership to address these concerns. He also highlights CargoWise’s exceptional product strengths and suggests governance improvements akin to those at MinRes to enhance WiseTech’s credibility.

Joining the discussion is Simon Kuestenmacher, co-founder and director of The Demographics Group, who specializes in population trends. He highlights that Australia’s skills shortage stems from demographic shifts, particularly as baby boomers retire and smaller generations follow. Demand for workers is on the rise due to increasing care needs, while current migration policies may exacerbate the issue. Notably, Simon warns that the ageing population will drive a doubling of aged care needs by 2040, highlighting the limited role of AI in this sector.

Join Stephen Fenech, Editor at TechGuide and tech journalist, as he shares insights on the gadgets that will define 2026. He highlights CES as the ultimate tech showcase and explains the difference between concept devices and actual products hitting the market. A big focus is on smart glasses, poised to become the must-have item thanks to advancements in AI and display technology. Fenech also addresses privacy concerns, emphasizing the importance of visible recording indicators to ensure transparency in this gadget’s evolution.

Roger Montgomery, founder and chief investment officer of Montgomery Investment Management, dives into the intriguing realm of high-frequency trading. He unpacks how it operates with tiny per-trade profits, uses an apples analogy to explain arbitrage, and highlights Renaissance's legendary returns. Discover why most profits go to insiders, the unique crypto futures arbitrage fund by ARK, and how these strategies can diversify portfolios, especially in volatile markets. A fascinating peek into a world rarely seen by everyday investors!

Lachlan Halloway, an equity market strategist at Morningstar, dives into the explosive gold market of 2025. He discusses what drives gold cycles and the historical context behind peaks. Lachlan warns that despite soaring prices, Morningstar's long-run forecast suggests gold's value could decline to $2,000. He explains key indicators of a market peak and evaluates whether gold miners still offer investment potential, ultimately finding them generally overpriced, with a few exceptions like Newmont and Barrick.

Luci Ellis, Westpac's Chief Economist, shares her insights into the Australian housing market. She discusses the surprising slowdown in Sydney and Melbourne while Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth thrive. From the impact of interest rates on household sentiment to current low housing supply, Luci covers it all. She highlights government programs boosting first-home buyer confidence and emphasizes housing's economic importance. Lastly, Luci reveals Westpac's optimistic forecast for a 6% increase in house prices by 2026-27, contingent on stable interest rates.