Equity Mates Investing Podcast

Big Tech is pouring unprecedented amounts of capital into AI infrastructure, but is it a once-in-a-generation investment opportunity or the beginning of an expensive arms race? Loftus Peak CIO Alex Pollak joins Ren to unpack why hyperscalers continue to spend despite growing bond market concerns, whether AI models will become commoditised, and how investors should think about semiconductors, disruption and portfolio construction as the AI race evolves.In this episode:00:00 – Has AI moved beyond the bubble debate?03:03 – Why semiconductor stocks are falling despite record AI spending09:10 – The bond market, debt and funding the AI buildout14:31 – Will AI models commoditise or remain valuable?21:01 – The AI arms race and the prisoner's dilemma24:43 – Meta, Oracle and the next phase of AI infrastructure27:12 – How Loftus Peak is managing disruption investing today34:38 – Beyond AI: biotech, batteries and the next wave of disruptionStocks & ETFs Mentioned: Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL), Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), OpenAI, Oracle (NYSE: ORCL), Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META), AMD (NASDAQ: AMD), Broadcom (NASDAQ: AVGO), ASML (NASDAQ: ASML), Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE: TSM), SpaceX, Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY), CATL, Walmart (NYSE: WMT), John Deere (NYSE: DE)This episode has been sponsored by Loftus Peak - https://www.loftuspeak.com.au/Support from partners like Loftus Peak help us keep all our content free.If you want to learn more about Loftus Peak’s Global Disruption active ETF (ASX: LPGD) head here: https://www.loftuspeak.com.au/loftus-peak-global-disruption-active-etf/———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 rich are getting richer, and they're spending in ways that are reshaping entire industries. In this episode of The Decade Ahead, Bryce & Ren unpack why rising wealth inequality could become one of the biggest investing themes of the next decade. From luxury brands to Formula One, VIP experiences & ultra-premium travel, they explore where the world's wealthiest are directing their money, the companies positioned to benefit, and the risks investors need to watch.In this episode:00:00 – Why wealth inequality is creating a luxury boom03:54 – The numbers behind the luxury economy09:50 – From luxury goods to luxury experiences15:02 – Why the US is replacing China as luxury's growth engine17:53 – The biggest risks facing luxury investing24:41 – Listed luxury brands and experience businesses30:33 – Why luxury ETFs have struggled33:34 – Final takeaways from The Decade Ahead seriesStocks & ETFs Mentioned: LVMH (EPA: MC), Hermès (EPA: RMS), Ferrari (NYSE: RACE), Prada (HKG: 1913), Christian Dior (EPA: CDI), Richemont (SWX: CFR), Formula One Group (NASDAQ: FWONK), Madison Square Garden Sports (NYSE: MSGS), Madison Square Garden Entertainment (NYSE: MSGE), Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV), Viking Holdings (NYSE: VIK), Ten Lifestyle Group (LSE: TENG), Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.B), SpaceX, Google (NASDAQ: GOOGL)This episode of Equity Mates - The Decade Ahead is brought to you by ANZ Business Start Right https://www.anz.com.au/business/business-hub/starting-business/start-right/———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 world can't create more farmland, but it does need to feed more people. From AI-powered cattle collars and autonomous robots to precision irrigation and gene-edited crops, this episode explores the technologies transforming agriculture. Bryce & Ren unpack why AgTech could become one of the defining investment themes of the next decade, the companies leading the charge, and the risks investors need to understand before backing the future of farming.In this episode: 00:00 – Why agriculture is one of the decade's biggest opportunities 03:47 – Agricultural innovation & feeding a growing population 05:41 – AI, robotics & smart farming transform the paddock 13:19 – Genetics, CRISPR & the next generation of high-yield crops 15:57 – Cold chains: the overlooked technology reducing food waste 17:52 – The biggest risks facing agriculture and AgTech investors 25:31 – Companies & ETFs investing in the future of agriculture 31:55 – Final thoughts: where investors should look for opportunityStocks & ETFs Mentioned: John Deere (NYSE: DE), Kubota (TSE: 6326), Trimble (NASDAQ: TRMB), Corteva Agriscience (NYSE: CTVA), Bayer (XETRA: BAYN), Betashares Global Agriculture ETF (ASX: FOOD), VanEck Agribusiness ETF (NYSE: MOO), iShares MSCI Global Agriculture Producers ETF (NYSE: VEGI), Global X AgTech & Food Innovation ETF (NASDAQ: KROP)This episode of Equity Mates - The Decade Ahead is brought to you by ANZ Business Start Right https://www.anz.com.au/business/business-hub/starting-business/start-right/———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.

AI isn't just making cybersecurity stronger, it's making cybercriminals more powerful. In this episode of The Decade Ahead, Bryce & Ren explore why cybersecurity has become one of the defining investment themes of the next decade. From Anthropic's Mythos uncovering thousands of software vulnerabilities to the rise of cloud security and identity protection, they unpack the trends driving billions of dollars in cybersecurity spending and the companies positioned to benefit.In this episode:00:00 – Why cybersecurity is entering a new era02:57 – How AI is transforming cybercrime & cyber defence08:57 – The biggest growth drivers over the next decade15:19 – The risks investors need to understand19:01 – The best ETFs for cybersecurity exposure21:46 – The leading cybersecurity companies24:42 – Key investing takeawaysStocks & ETFs Mentioned: Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK), Global X Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: BUGG), First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF (NASDAQ: CIBR), Broadcom (NASDAQ: AVGO), Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW), CrowdStrike (NASDAQ: CRWD), Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL), Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Anthropic, Mozilla, Firefox, CyberArk (NASDAQ: CYBR), Centra (ASX: SEN), Macquarie Technology Group (ASX: MAQ).This episode of Equity Mates - The Decade Ahead is brought to you by ANZ Business Start Right https://www.anz.com.au/business/business-hub/starting-business/start-right/———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 global middle class has surpassed 4.4 billion people and now accounts for more than two-thirds of global consumer spending. Over the next decade, the centre of gravity of economic growth is expected to shift towards India, Southeast Asia and Latin America as hundreds of millions more people emerge into the middle class. In this episode, Bryce and Ren unpack the structural forces behind this shift, the industries set to benefit, the risks investors should watch, and the companies and ETFs offering exposure to one of the decade's biggest investment themes.In this episode:00:00 Why the emerging middle class matters now01:38 How the global middle class is defined03:34 India: The next engine of middle class growth06:28 Southeast Asia's economic transformation10:30 Latin America's opportunity and challenges12:18 Where the money will be spent18:54 The biggest risks to the theme23:55 Companies to watch across emerging markets35:43 ETFs and final investment takeawaysStocks & ETFs Mentioned: Mastercard (NYSE: MA), Visa (NYSE: V), Reliance Industries (NSE: RELIANCE), HDFC Bank (NYSE: HDB), Grab Holdings (NASDAQ: GRAB), Sea Limited (NYSE: SE), Mercado Libre (NASDAQ: MELI), Nu Holdings (NYSE: NU), Unilever (LSE: ULVR), Nestlé (SWX: NESN), Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG), Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE: CL), Diageo (LSE: DGE), Standard Chartered (LSE: STAN), Tencent (HKEX: 0700), Samsung Electronics (KRX: 005930), SK Hynix (KRX: 000660), Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE: TSM), Vale (NYSE: VALE), Petrobras (NYSE: PBR), Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA), Betashares Emerging Markets ETF (ASX: BEMG), Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets Shares ETF (ASX: VGE), iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (ASX: IEM), iShares Latin America 40 ETF (NYSEARCA: ILF)This episode of Equity Mates - The Decade Ahead is brought to you by ANZ Business Start Right https://www.anz.com.au/business/business-hub/starting-business/start-right/———Basis Points: Investing in India’s Future – with Mugunthan Siva of India Avenue | https://equitymates.com/episode/basis-points-investing-in-indias-future-with-mugunthan-siva-of-india-avenue/———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.

AI has already transformed how we work, but the next decade could see it reshape the physical world. From fully autonomous "dark factories" in China to humanoid robots working in warehouses, aged care, construction and even the home, Bryce and Ren explore why robotics could become the next frontier of the AI revolution. They unpack the companies leading the charge, the investment opportunities emerging, and what investors should watch as AI moves beyond the chatbot and into everyday life.In this episode:00:00 – Why robotics is the next AI revolution03:02 – The size of the AI and robotics opportunity05:59 – Nvidia and the race towards physical AI12:04 – Can AI justify the trillions being invested?20:08 – Where robots are already changing the real world31:33 – Investing in AI & robotics: companies to watch38:33 – ETFs for AI & robotics exposure39:51 – Final investor takeaways for the decade aheadStocks & ETFs Mentioned: Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ: AMD), Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE: TSM), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL), Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), Oracle (NYSE: ORCL), Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META), Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.B), ABB (NYSE: ABB), Fanuc Corp(TYO: 6954), Keyence (TYO: 6861), Hyundai Motor (KRX: 005380), SoftBank Group (TYO: 9984), Deere & Co (NYSE: DE), Intuitive Surgical (NASDAQ: ISRG), Global X Artificial Intelligence ETF (ASX: GXAI), Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (ASX: RBTZ), Global X Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure ETF (ASX: AINF), Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF (NASDAQ: BOTZ), iShares Future AI & Tech ETF (NYSEARCA: ARTY)This episode of Equity Mates - The Decade Ahead is brought to you by ANZ Business Start Right https://www.anz.com.au/business/business-hub/starting-business/start-right/———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.

Digital entertainment has already transformed how we spend our time, but the next decade could see it become an even bigger investing opportunity. In this episode, Bryce and Ren unpack the forces driving the industry's growth, from the rise of the global middle class and mobile gaming to AI-powered content creation, and explore the companies and ETFs giving investors exposure to one of the world's fastest-growing sectors.In this episode:00:00 – Why digital entertainment is booming02:56 – Emerging markets and the rise of the global middle class04:16 – Mobile gaming becomes the biggest force in gaming08:13 – How AI is changing streaming and entertainment10:09 – Advertising, gaming economics and industry growth18:01 – Key investment risks and competitive pressures22:26 – Stocks to watch across streaming, gaming and music30:37 – ETFs and final investing takeawaysStocks & ETFs Mentioned: Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX), Warner Bros. Discovery (NASDAQ: WBD), Paramount Skydance Corp (NASDAQ: PSKY), Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA), Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Spotify (NYSE: SPOT), Instagram (NASDAQ: META), AppLovin (NASDAQ: APP), Duolingo (NASDAQ: DUOL), Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL), Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Disney (NYSE: DIS), Take-Two Interactive (NASDAQ: TTWO), Tencent (HKEX: 0700), Nintendo (TYO: 7974), Sony (TYO: 6758), Cover Corporation (TYO: 5253), Universal Music Group (EURONEXT: UMG), VanEck Video Gaming and Esports ETF (ASX: ESPO), Betashares Video Games and Esports ETF (ASX: GAME), iShares Evolved U.S. Media and Technology ETF (NYSEARCA: IEME), Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSEARCA: XLC), Invesco Dynamic Leisure and Entertainment ETF (NYSEARCA: PEJ), Mastercard (NYSE: MA), Visa (NYSE: V)This episode of Equity Mates - The Decade Ahead is brought to you by ANZ Business Start Right https://www.anz.com.au/business/business-hub/starting-business/start-right/———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.

Electricity demand is surging, driven by AI data centres, EVs & the global shift to electrification. Australia holds some of the world’s largest deposits of the critical minerals needed to power this transition, but can we turn that natural advantage into long-term economic success? In this episode, Bryce & Ren unpack the investment case for four of those critical minerals, explore the biggest growth drivers over the next decade, and list the stocks and ETFs giving investors exposure.In this episode:00:00 – Why electrification is the defining trend of the next decade03:59 – The four critical minerals: copper, lithium, nickel and cobalt08:25 – The biggest growth drivers: EVs, batteries and emerging markets12:48 – AI and data centres are driving electricity demand higher16:11 – Investment opportunities across Australian miners23:27 – ETFs for investing in the electrification theme24:22 – How Bryce and Ren are approaching the opportunity27:07 – Final thoughts on Australia’s green metals futureStocks & ETFs Mentioned: BHP Group (ASX: BHP), Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO), Sandfire Resources (ASX: SFR), Pilbara Minerals (ASX: PLS), Mineral Resources (ASX: MIN), Liontown Resources (ASX: LTR), Albemarle (NYSE: ALB), Glencore (LSE: GLEN), Vale (NYSE: VALE), Nickel Industries (ASX: NIC), Cobalt Blue Holdings (ASX: COB), Global X Copper Miners ETF (ASX: WIRE), Betashares Energy Transition Metals ETF (ASX: XMET), Global X Green Metal Miners ETF (ASX: GMTL), Global X Battery Tech & Lithium ETF (ASX: ACDC), Origin Energy (ASX: ORG), AGL Energy (ASX: AGL), Quanta Services (NYSE: PWR), Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA), CATL, Southern Cross Electrical Engineering (ASX: SXE), Freeport-McMoRan (NYSE: FCX), Fortescue (ASX: FMG)———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.