Equity Mates Investing Podcast

Bond yields are climbing, inflation is proving stickier than expected, and the bond market is sending a very different message to the share market. Sam Watkins (Head of PIMCO Australia & New Zealand) joins us to unpack what rising yields mean for stocks, why AI enthusiasm may be masking broader risks, and how investors can think about fixed income in a world where bonds are once again offering compelling income and portfolio protection.In this episode: 00:00 – What the bond market is telling investors04:31 – Why bond yields are rising around the world08:31 – Government debt, deficits and fiscal sustainability12:00 – Interest rate outlook: Australia and the US15:50 – Warren Buffett's warning on higher rates17:55 – AI euphoria vs bond market reality20:59 – PIMCO's base case for the economy23:48 – Why bonds are attractive again33:31 – How investors can access fixed income todayStocks & ETFs mentioned: PIMCO Short-Term Active Yield ETF (ASX: EARN), PIMCO Australian Bond Active ETF (ASX: PAUS), PIMCO Global Bond Active ETF (ASX: PGBF)———Want to get involved in the podcast? Record a voice note or send us a messageAnd 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)We’re particularly excited to share our latest show: Basis PointsListen to the podcast (Apple | Spotify)Watch on YouTubeRead the monthly email———Looking for some of our favourite research tools?Download our free Basics of ETF handbookOr our free 4-step stock checklistFind company information on TIKRResearch reports from Good ResearchTrack your portfolio with Sharesight———This podcast is intended for education and entertainment purposes only. Any advice is general advice and has not taken into account your personal financial circumstances. Before acting on general advice, you should consider if it is relevant to your needs. If unsure, speak to a financial professional. The host of this podcast and their guests may have positions in the companies mentioned. Equity Mates Media is part of the Betashares Group but maintains editorial independence and operates under Australian Financial Services licence 540697.

Markets breathed a sigh of relief as the US and Iran confirmed a peace deal, sending stocks higher and oil lower. Bryce & Ren unpack what the agreement means for investors, why the biggest IPO in history has everyone talking, and how to think about the wave of mega-listings still to come. Plus, with tax time approaching fast, they run through a practical EOFY checklist that could save maximise your return.In this episode:00:00 – US-Iran peace deal confirmed02:12 – How markets reacted: oil, stocks & gold07:11 – Why long-term investors should ignore short-term panic08:13 – SpaceX becomes the largest IPO in history10:20 – IPOs explained: how they work and how they're priced14:57 – The hidden risks of buying hot IPOs21:42 – EOFY tax checklist for investors27:30 – Avoiding common tax-time mistakesETFs and Stocks mentioned: SpaceX (NASDAQ: SPCX), Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META), Uber Technologies (NYSE: UBER), Spotify Technology (NYSE: SPOT), QBE Insurance Group (ASX: QBE)Video Editor Role: https://employmenthero.com/jobs/position/betashares-video-editor-equity-mates-lkxag/ Equity Mates Explains Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@EquityMatesExplains Go to flowpower.com.au/residential/equitymates and use code EM50 to score an extra $50 welcome credit when you sign up to Flow Power. T&Cs apply———Want to get involved in the podcast? Record a voice note or send us a messageAnd 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)We’re particularly excited to share our latest show: Basis PointsListen to the podcast (Apple | Spotify)Watch on YouTubeRead the monthly email———Looking for some of our favourite research tools?Download our free Basics of ETF handbookOr our free 4-step stock checklistFind company information on TIKRResearch reports from Good ResearchTrack your portfolio with Sharesight———This podcast is intended for education and entertainment purposes only. Any advice is general advice and has not taken into account your personal financial circumstances. Before acting on general advice, you should consider if it is relevant to your needs. If unsure, speak to a financial professional. The host of this podcast and their guests may have positions in the companies mentioned. Equity Mates Media is part of the Betashares Group but maintains editorial independence and operates under Australian Financial Services licence 540697.

Former AFL champion turned macro investor Chris Judd returns to unpack the biggest forces shaping markets right now. From the Iran conflict and energy security to the AI arms race, US interest rates, gold and Australia’s productivity problem, Chris explains where he thinks consensus is getting it wrong and how he's positioning the Cerutty Macro Fund to take advantage of the next wave of macro trends.In this episode:00:00 – Chris changes his view on Australian small caps03:24 – Iran, the Strait of Hormuz and why energy matters08:07 – Is Australia at the top of the rate cycle?09:24 – Why Chris disagrees with consensus on US rates13:54 – The real bubble is in bonds19:17 – Will AI create a productivity boom?24:07 – Positioning the portfolio for the AI race31:23 – Australia's gas tax and energy policy debate35:51 – Gold, central banks and sovereign reserves41:23 – The most overlooked investment themes43:47 – The best business Chris has ever seen: Tether45:33 – Why Claude is his investing tool of choice46:19 – Final investing advice: know your game ETFs & stocks mentioned: Gold, Oil, Natural Gas, Copper, Uranium, Helium, Sulphur, Bitcoin, Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU), Google (NASDAQ: GOOGL), Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META), Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), OpenAI, Anthropic, SpaceX, Zoom Communications (NASDAQ: ZM), SK Telecom (NYSE: SKM), Lynas Rare Earths (ASX: LYC), Santos (ASX: STO), BHP Group (ASX: BHP), Ramelius Resources (ASX: RMS), Tether, US Treasuries, US DollarFor Flowpower, go to flowpower.com.au/residential/equitymates and use code EM50 to score an extra $50 welcome credit when you sign up to Flow Power. T&Cs apply.———Want to get involved in the podcast? Record a voice note or send us a messageAnd 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)We’re particularly excited to share our latest show: Basis PointsListen to the podcast (Apple | Spotify)Watch on YouTubeRead the monthly email———Looking for some of our favourite research tools?Download our free Basics of ETF handbookOr our free 4-step stock checklistFind company information on TIKRResearch reports from Good ResearchTrack your portfolio with Sharesight———This podcast is intended for education and entertainment purposes only. Any advice is general advice and has not taken into account your personal financial circumstances. Before acting on general advice, you should consider if it is relevant to your needs. If unsure, speak to a financial professional. The host of this podcast and their guests may have positions in the companies mentioned. Equity Mates Media is part of the Betashares Group but maintains editorial independence and operates under Australian Financial Services licence 540697.

Inflation is proving stickier than expected, with the US now matching Australia at 4.2% and markets repricing the chance of rate hikes. Bryce and Ren unpack what higher inflation could mean for stocks, explore fresh signs of weakness in the Australian housing market, share the latest twist in their quest to land Warren Buffett on the podcast, and answer community questions about building & adjusting a core ETF portfolio.In this episode:00:00 – Inflation returns as a global concern04:36 – Australian housing wobbles and bank shorts rise07:37 – The latest update in the Warren Buffett quest11:31 – Billboard & other ideas to get Buffett’s attention17:19 - Mobilising the Equity Mates Community21:11 – Core vs satellite portfolios explained23:19 – DHHF vs building your own ETF portfolio26:16 – Portfolio weighting, CGT events and hedgingETFs and Stocks mentioned: DHHF (ASX: DHHF), G200 (ASX: G200), IVV (ASX: IVV), GGUS (ASX: GGUS), VAE (ASX: VAE), VEQ (ASX: VEQ), GHHF (ASX: GHHF), BEMG (ASX: BEMG), EXUS (ASX: EXUS), VDHG (ASX: VDHG), QAU (ASX: QAU), A200 (ASX: A200)Go to flowpower.com.au/residential/equitymates and use code EM50 to score an extra $50 welcome credit when you sign up to Flow Power. T&Cs apply.———Want to get involved in the podcast? Record a voice note or send us a messageAnd 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)We’re particularly excited to share our latest show: Basis PointsListen to the podcast (Apple | Spotify)Watch on YouTubeRead the monthly email———Looking for some of our favourite research tools?Download our free Basics of ETF handbookOr our free 4-step stock checklistFind company information on TIKRResearch reports from Good ResearchTrack your portfolio with Sharesight———This podcast is intended for education and entertainment purposes only. Any advice is general advice and has not taken into account your personal financial circumstances. Before acting on general advice, you should consider if it is relevant to your needs. If unsure, speak to a financial professional. The host of this podcast and their guests may have positions in the companies mentioned. Equity Mates Media is part of the Betashares Group but maintains editorial independence and operates under Australian Financial Services licence 540697.

Most investors spend their time looking for the next stock to buy, Stephen Arnold, Founder and CIO of Aoris, argues that great investing starts by knowing what not to own. In this episode, he explains Aoris’ quality-first approach, why the fund avoids entire sectors like banks, mining and biotech, and how a concentrated portfolio of just 15 businesses helps them focus on companies with durable advantages, strong cultures and long runways for growth.In this episode:00:00 – Why Aoris runs a concentrated portfolio02:22 – What “quality-first value investing” means07:52 – Red flags and Aoris’ no-go zones09:29 – Compass Group: The world's largest contract caterer18:29 – Cintas: The boring compounder hiding in plain sight25:06 – The importance of defining what not to buy27:13 – Why Aoris avoids banks, mining, biotech and more35:19 – Why only 15 stocks and lessons for investorsThanks to Aoris for sponsoring this episode and helping to keep our content free. The Aoris International Fund is available as an Active ETF, via the following ASX listed products: ASX: BAOR: Aoris International Fund Active ETF (Class B) & ASX: DAOR: Aoris International Fund Active ETF (Class D) (Hedged).Visit the Aoris Website to download the Owners Manual - https://www.aoris.com.au/ETFs and Stocks mentioned: Compass Group (LSE: CPG), Cintas (NASDAQ: CTAS), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL), Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA)———Want to get involved in the podcast? Record a voice note or send us a messageAnd 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)We’re particularly excited to share our latest show: Basis PointsListen to the podcast (Apple | Spotify)Watch on YouTubeRead the monthly email———Looking for some of our favourite research tools?Download our free Basics of ETF handbookOr our free 4-step stock checklistFind company information on TIKRResearch reports from Good ResearchTrack your portfolio with Sharesight———This podcast is intended for education and entertainment purposes only. Any advice is general advice and has not taken into account your personal financial circumstances. Before acting on general advice, you should consider if it is relevant to your needs. If unsure, speak to a financial professional. The host of this podcast and their guests may have positions in the companies mentioned. Equity Mates Media is part of the Betashares Group but maintains editorial independence and operates under Australian Financial Services licence 540697.

The biggest names in AI and technology are about to ask investors for an eye-watering $400 billion. SpaceX is heading to market, OpenAI and Anthropic are lining up behind it. Bryce and Ren unpack why the next few months could be the biggest test yet for the AI investment narrative, Bryce reveals his stock thesis framework using Intuitive Surgical as a case study, and for the first time 3 x stocks are pitched for the Equity Mates Community Portfolio.In this episode:00:00 — The $400 billion AI market stress test01:31 — SpaceX IPO demand explodes05:47 — Alphabet, Meta, OpenAI and Anthropic chase capital09:11 — Why IPO investors should slow down10:40 — South Korea’s AI-fuelled bonus boom14:13 — Bryce reveals his stock thesis cards15:48 — Intuitive Surgical: thesis, risks and valuation23:15 — Community Portfolio update and Bitcoin review26:43 — GE Vernova, Siemens and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries pitchETFs and Stocks mentioned: SpaceX, OpenAI, Anthropic, Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL), Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META), Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA), Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA), Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.B), Facebook, Twitter, Alibaba (NYSE: BABA), Shopify (NASDAQ: SHOP), Block (NYSE: XYZ), SK Hynix, Samsung Electronics, Intuitive Surgical (NASDAQ: ISRG), Medtronic (NYSE: MDT), Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ), DaVinci Surgical System, DHHF, Bitcoin, Pro Medicus (ASX: PME), Caterpillar (NYSE: CAT), Global X Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure ETF, GE Vernova (NYSE: GEV), Siemens Energy (ETR: ENR), Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (TYO: 7011)———Want to get involved in the podcast? Record a voice note or send us a messageAnd 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)We’re particularly excited to share our latest show: Basis PointsListen to the podcast (Apple | Spotify)Watch on YouTubeRead the monthly email———Looking for some of our favourite research tools?Download our free Basics of ETF handbookOr our free 4-step stock checklistFind company information on TIKRResearch reports from Good ResearchTrack your portfolio with Sharesight———This podcast is intended for education and entertainment purposes only. Any advice is general advice and has not taken into account your personal financial circumstances. Before acting on general advice, you should consider if it is relevant to your needs. If unsure, speak to a financial professional. The host of this podcast and their guests may have positions in the companies mentioned. Equity Mates Media is part of the Betashares Group but maintains editorial independence and operates under Australian Financial Services licence 540697.

Fresh off the sale of Eucalyptus to Hims & Hers in a $1.6 billion deal, co-founder Tim Doyle joins Equity Mates to unpack the journey from startup idea to global healthcare platform. He shares what it was really like in the deal room, the early lessons from Koala and digital marketing, how GLP-1 medications transformed the business, why Australia needs better startup infrastructure, and what founders can learn about risk, ambition and building at scale.In this episode:00:00 – The $1.6 billion exit and signing day chaos02:49 – Why Eucalyptus decided to sell10:31 – The origins of Eucalyptus and early startup lessons17:54 – Good businesses, bad businesses and portfolio thinking26:34 – Building telehealth amid industry criticism30:52 – How GLP-1s changed everything40:53 – AI, startups and the next technology wave47:50 – ESOPs, startup talent and the future of Australia’s ecosystemETFs and Stocks mentioned: Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META), Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL), Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY), Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NVO), Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX), Atlassian (NASDAQ: TEAM), Woolworths Group (ASX: WOW)———Want to get involved in the podcast? Record a voice note or send us a messageAnd 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)We’re particularly excited to share our latest show: Basis PointsListen to the podcast (Apple | Spotify)Watch on YouTubeRead the monthly email———Looking for some of our favourite research tools?Download our free Basics of ETF handbookOr our free 4-step stock checklistFind company information on TIKRResearch reports from Good ResearchTrack your portfolio with Sharesight———This podcast is intended for education and entertainment purposes only. Any advice is general advice and has not taken into account your personal financial circumstances. Before acting on general advice, you should consider if it is relevant to your needs. If unsure, speak to a financial professional. The host of this podcast and their guests may have positions in the companies mentioned. Equity Mates Media is part of the Betashares Group but maintains editorial independence and operates under Australian Financial Services licence 540697.

What did everyday Australian investors do when markets turned volatile in 2026? Using Betashares Direct data, Bryce and Ren unpack the ETFs, stocks and themes attracting the most capital. From buying the dip in quality companies to piling into leveraged ETFs, gold, critical minerals and defence, this episode reveals how retail investors navigated a year defined by geopolitical tensions, inflation concerns and market swings. In this episode: 00:00 – What Betashares Direct data reveals about Australian investors01:09 – The most bought ETFs in 2026 so far03:04 – Top individual stocks and the rise of buying the dip06:08 – Auto-investing, market volatility and investor behaviour08:16 – Bulls vs bears: leveraged ETFs, gold and inverse funds12:01 – Critical minerals become the hottest thematic15:02 – Defence spending and geopolitical investing trends18:14 – Key lessons from retail investor behaviourETFs and Stocks mentioned: Betashares Diversified All Growth ETF (ASX: DHHF), Betashares Australia 200 ETF (ASX: A200), Betashares Global Shares ETF (ASX: BGBL), BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ), Betashares Geared Global Equity Fund (ASX: GHHF), Betashares Geared Australian Equities ETF (ASX: GEAR), CSL (ASX: CSL), Woodside Energy (ASX: WDS), DroneShield (ASX: DRO), WiseTech Global (ASX: WTC), Pro Medicus (ASX: PME), Xero (ASX: XRO), Cochlear (ASX: COH), BetaShares Australian Equities Strong Bear ETF (ASX: BBOZ), BetaShares Energy Transition Metals ETF (ASX: XMET), Global X Copper Miners ETF (ASX: WIRE), BetaShares Global Uranium ETF (ASX: URNM), Lynas Rare Earths (ASX: LYC), BetaShares Global Defence ETF (ASX: ARMR)Betashares Capital Ltd (ABN 78 139 566 868 AFSL 341181) is the issuer of the Betashares Funds, as well as Betashares Invest, the IDPS-like scheme available via Betashares Direct. Read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination, available at www.betashares.com.au, before making an investment decision. This information is general in nature and doesn’t take into account any person’s financial objectives, situation or needs. You should consider its appropriateness taking into account such factors and seek professional financial advice.———Want to get involved in the podcast? Record a voice note or send us a messageAnd 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)We’re particularly excited to share our latest show: Basis PointsListen to the podcast (Apple | Spotify)Watch on YouTubeRead the monthly email———Looking for some of our favourite research tools?Download our free Basics of ETF handbookOr our free 4-step stock checklistFind company information on TIKRResearch reports from Good ResearchTrack your portfolio with Sharesight———This podcast is intended for education and entertainment purposes only. Any advice is general advice and has not taken into account your personal financial circumstances. Before acting on general advice, you should consider if it is relevant to your needs. If unsure, speak to a financial professional. The host of this podcast and their guests may have positions in the companies mentioned. Equity Mates Media is part of the Betashares Group but maintains editorial independence and operates under Australian Financial Services licence 540697.

Australia’s property market is adjusting to a post-budget reality, South Korean investors are piling into leveraged AI bets at a breathtaking pace, and a community question sparks a deep dive into one of the biggest investing decisions Australians face: should you invest more through super or outside it? Plus, Owen Rask reviews a real Equity Mates portfolio featuring ETFs, individual stocks and a REIT.In this episode:00:00 – Property investing after the budget08:41 – South Korea’s AI-fuelled stock market frenzy12:49 – Community Question: Invest inside or outside super?14:42 – The tax advantages of superannuation16:25 – Flexibility, FIRE and accessing your money early19:00 – Contribution caps, balance limits and Div 29623:15 – Life-stage considerations when building wealth24:34 – Pimp My Portfolio with Owen Rask and community member MartyStocks & ETFs mentioned: Vanguard Australian Shares ETF (ASX: VAS), VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF (ASX: QUAL), VanEck Australian Banks ETF (ASX: MVB), Fortescue (ASX: FMG), Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.B), Magellan Financial Group (ASX: MFG), Big River Industries (ASX: BRI), Centuria Office REIT (ASX: COF), Charter Hall Long WALE REIT (ASX: CLW), REA Group (ASX: REA), Domain Holdings Australia (ASX: DHG), Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, Megaport (ASX: MP1), NextDC (ASX: NXT)How I Got Started Newsletter: https://getstartedinvesting.beehiiv.com/ Newsletter Sign Up: https://equitymates.com/join-our-newsletters/ ———Want to get involved in the podcast? Record a voice note or send us a messageAnd 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)We’re particularly excited to share our latest show: Basis PointsListen to the podcast (Apple | Spotify)Watch on YouTubeRead the monthly email———Looking for some of our favourite research tools?Download our free Basics of ETF handbookOr our free 4-step stock checklistFind company information on TIKRResearch reports from Good ResearchTrack your portfolio with Sharesight———This podcast is intended for education and entertainment purposes only. Any advice is general advice and has not taken into account your personal financial circumstances. Before acting on general advice, you should consider if it is relevant to your needs. If unsure, speak to a financial professional. The host of this podcast and their guests may have positions in the companies mentioned. Equity Mates Media is part of the Betashares Group but maintains editorial independence and operates under Australian Financial Services licence 540697.