SBS On the Money

The AI data centre operator’s withdrawal raises questions about investor appetite for the sector.

Firmus has withdrawn its planned $7.2 billion sharemarket float, which would have been Australia’s second-largest IPO. The company reportedly sought a valuation of about $44 billion. SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Datt Capital chief investment officer Emanuel Datt about why the offer was pulled, what it means for the AI investment story and how investors are weighing higher interest rates, the war and oil prices. The Australian sharemarket rose 0.7 per cent.

In this episode
• Why Firmus withdrew its proposed IPO and what the decision could mean for the company
• Whether the pullback points to changing investor appetite for AI, after strong interest in other major technology names
• How rising interest rates, the prolonged war and higher oil prices are shaping investor sentiment
• Where investors may find opportunities in a volatile market

A balanced super option fell 0.4% last month. How much could AI-linked shares influence returns if growth expectations falter?

With technology shares helping drive international markets, questions are emerging about how much super returns depend on AI companies meeting growth expectations. SuperRatings director Kirby Rappell discusses last month’s 0.4% fall in the median balanced option and what volatility means for members. The Australian sharemarket fell 0.8% as Wall Street retreated from record highs, while Firmus IPO speculation surfaced in a Maas Group ASX response. SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Morgans private client adviser Dianne Colledge about market confidence and potential opportunities.

In this episode:
What drove the latest fall in balanced super returns, and how international shares have influenced performance.
How exposed super members may be to large technology companies, and what could happen if growth expectations disappoint.
What’s weighing on the sharemarket and what investors may watch during AGM season.
How Firmus IPO speculation has surfaced in Maas Group’s ASX disclosure.
SBS On the Money is a daily finance podcast where SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves unpacks the ASX, the economy and the latest market moves with leading analysts and executives.

Listen to more episodes of SBS On the Money, and follow the show on the SBS Audio app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

For the latest news from Australia and around the world, visit SBS News and follow us on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.

Financial loss claims linked to telco problems have surged more than 60 per cent as the TIO calls for tougher protections.

Australians are still paying the price for phone and internet problems, with claims for financial loss surging more than 60 per cent despite an overall fall in complaints. SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves examines what the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman wants changed, including new protections for digital and social media users. Plus, James Gerrish from Market Partners explains why the Australian sharemarket struggled to follow Wall Street’s record run and where he sees opportunities for investors.

In this episode:

What nearly 54,000 complaints reveal about the way telcos respond when things go wrong.
Why mobile services remain the biggest source of complaints, and dropouts are becoming more common.
Why the TIO wants broader powers to help people facing problems with digital and social media services.
Why record highs on Wall Street may be masking weakness across much of the US sharemarket.
What investors should watch as AGM season approaches, including the outlook for AI and company earnings.
SBS On the Money is a daily finance podcast where SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves unpacks the ASX, the economy and the latest market moves with leading analysts and executives.

Listen to more episodes of SBS On the Money, and follow the show on the SBS Audio app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

For the latest news from Australia and around the world, visit SBS News and follow us on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.

Low confidence, fuel costs and rate fears deepen a cost-of-living nightmare with no end in sight.

Australian consumer confidence has fallen to about 80, with higher petrol prices and interest rate fears weighing on household outlooks. Westpac Senior Economist Matthew Hassan discusses what the survey reveals about different groups of consumers, the prospect of another rate rise and the risk to the economy. SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves also speaks with Medallion Financial Group Managing Director Michael Wayne about the sharemarket’s third straight day of gains, technology stocks and the start of AGM season.

In this episode:
What a reading near 80 says about household confidence and the pressure on consumers.
How higher petrol prices and expectations of further rate rises are shaping the outlook.
Whether the sharemarket’s three-day run marks a recovery, and what falling local technology stocks may signal.
The Firmus IPO and what investors may want to know.
What investors can learn from company AGMs as the season gets underway.
SBS On the Money is a daily finance podcast where SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves unpacks the ASX, the economy and the latest market moves with leading analysts and executives.

Listen to more episodes of SBS On the Money, and follow the show on the SBS Audio app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

For the latest news from Australia and around the world, visit SBS News and follow us on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.

Investors still cautious amid rising bond yields and data heavy week

SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Tapas Strickland, Chief Market Strategist at Moomoo for the day's market action as the ASX recovers from yesterday's 2 per cent wipe out and discusses a potential new AI IPO.

SBS On the Money is a daily finance podcast where SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves unpacks the ASX, the economy and the latest market moves with leading analysts and executives.

Listen to more episodes of SBS On the Money, and follow the show on the SBS Audio app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

For the latest news from Australia and around the world, visit SBS News and follow us on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.