Your Money with Michelle Martin

Money and Me: The S-REIT Comeback - Income, Upgrades and What to Buy in 2026

Singapore REITs may finally be turning the corner. Singapore REITs enter 2026 at a pivotal moment say's Kenny Loh, as interest-rate cuts revive sentiment and valuations remain below historical averages. After delivering a near-23% gain in 2025 - their best run since 2019 - analysts expect a two-year earnings upgrade cycle driven by falling borrowing costs and rising distributions. We unpack which REITs face refinancing risks, how balance sheets are being managed, and where higher interest coverage offers protection. From industrial and logistics to retail, offices and data centres, we assess which property sub-sectors look resilient - and which still face headwinds. We also ask whether current price-to-NAV discounts present compelling entry points, or if markets are still pricing in too much caution. Joining us is Kenny Loh, REIT Specialist and Wealth Advisory Director, as we discuss strategy, risks and specific S-REITs on the radar for 2026, hosted by Michelle Martin. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Market View: Banks Beat, Markets Blink and K-Pop Breaks the Rules

US bank earnings take centrestage as Citigroup, Bank of America and Wells Fargo open their books, revealing a split between headline beats and sharp market reactions. Citigroup posts stronger-than-expected earnings despite a costly exit, while Bank of America delivers hefty profits - yet both stocks slide. Wells Fargo disappoints, with severance costs dragging results and shares taking the biggest hit of the day. Financials lead US markets lower, pulling the S&P 500, NASDAQ and Dow into the red after record highs. In UP or DOWN, we unpack China’s record trade surplus, silver mining stocks surging past the US$90 mark, DBS unlocking S$1 billion in AI value, and YZJ Maritime expanding its fleet. And in The Last Word, from earnings to emotions - we ask whether a globalised K-pop industry is finally ready to let its biggest stars fall in love, hosted by Michelle Martin with Ryan Huang. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Money and Me: When Interest Rates are on the Floor, When is Investing Smart Leverage or a Debt Trap?

When rates diverge, the real risk isn’t missing the bottom - it’s what you do once you’re there. Singapore’s interest rates are nearing a projected floor, while the UK remains stubbornly higher - setting up a rare refinancing crossroads for homeowners. Michelle Martin speaks with Daniel Sim, Founder of Golden Goose Properties, about whether this is the moment to lock in cash-flow relief or risk overleveraging,refinancing timelines and borrower psychology. From Singapore’s TDSR to the UK’s stress tests, we explore how safeguards work - and where blind spots still exist. Ultimately, it’s about keeping leverage as a disciplined wealth tool, not a silent strain - hosted by Michelle Martin. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Market View: Profits, Premium Seats & a Check-In Button

Big earnings, so why did Wall  Street sell? Earnings season kicks off with surprises as JPMorgan Chase posts higher revenue but lower profits - and investors head for the exits. Michelle Martin and Ryan Huang unpack why a one-time Apple card charge and booming trading desks still weren’t enough to calm markets. Delta Air Lines delivers soaring profits powered by premium travel - yet its shares dip as expectations run even hotter. UP or DOWN breaks down GigaDevice’s explosive Hong Kong debut, SK Hynix’s US$13 billion chip bet, Meta’s Ray-Ban push, and Singapore port records. A bullish Broker’s Take sees UOB Kay Hian calling 40% upside for NTT DC REIT, riding global demand for data centres. And in The Last Word, a viral Chinese app called “Are You Dead?” reveals a surprisingly human fear in hyper-connected cities - hosted by Michelle Martin with Ryan Huang. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Money and Me: Can MariBank help you grow your money?

A digital bank, a S$1.3 billion war chest - and a big question: can a newcomer really change how Singaporeans save, invest and bank. Michelle speaks with Natalia Goh, CEO of MariBank, on how a digital-first model is reshaping everyday finance. Backed by Sea Limited and licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, MariBank has rapidly grown its investment offerings to over S$1.3 billion in AUM. We unpack how the Lion - MariBank SavePlus Fund works, what investors should know about short-term bonds and capital preservation, and how gold investing fits into a digital wallet for this bank's customers. Natalia also explains fixed deposit rates, the rationale behind the S$100,000 deposit cap, and what safety looks like in a digital bank. Finally, we ask the big question for savers and investors alike: is putting your money with a digital bank worth a thought? See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.