It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and our favourite annual tradition! Candice & Felicity are joined once again by Shaw and Partners CIO, Martin Crabb, to unpack the Top 10 Investment Themes for 2026 in this festive, market-moving Christmas special.

This year, we’ve wrapped each theme in a Christmas-themed jingle, while Martin delivers deep insights on the macro landscape, AI acceleration, geopolitics, EM vs China divergences, private markets, and the big question: where should investors be positioned for 2026?

We also look back at Martin’s 2025 predictions including nuclear’s standout performance with a candid “Crystal Ball Review”, covering PDN, TLX and IDP’s 12-month results.

Finally, Martin reveals his #1 high-conviction pick for 2026, tied directly to one of his top themes for the year ahead.

This episode is packed with insights, laughter, Christmas spirit… and a few questionable vocal performances from your favourite financial advisers.

IN THIS EPISODE

The 10 themes shaping global markets in 2026

Bond markets: why they’re still “shark-infested waters”

How Trump’s “3 Ds” (DOGE, Deregulation & Drugs) shape US opportunities

AI infrastructure: the second-derivative winners

Europe’s surprising revival

EM vs China: where the winds are actually turning

Private markets unlocking liquidity

IPO & M&A activity making a comeback

Martin’s 2025 “crystal ball review” — PDN, TLX, IDP

Martin’s top investment pick for 2026

This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Candice Bourke and Felicity Thomas are authorised financial advisers with Shaw and Partners Limited (AFSL 236 048). The views expressed are general in nature and do not take into account individual circumstances. Always seek professional advice before making investment decisions. Information is current as of the recording date (10 December 2025).

📧 Contact us:

cftgroup@shawandpartners.com.au

info@cftgroup.com.au

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Black Friday panic, Christmas chaos… and a derivatives-led global equity sell-off. In this episode of Talk Money To Me, Candice and Felicity zoom out from the noise and share six major investment themes set to shape portfolios in 2026 plus the ETFs, sectors and stocks they’re watching right now.

Recorded on 25 November 2025 following a sharp but non-fundamental global equity pullback driven by CTAs, futures activity and a VIX spike, the pair break down why retail investors have been buying the dip, not selling it and why the medium-term setup for equities remains constructive.

They then reveal their 2026 Playbook, covering:

⭐ Theme 1 – Mid-Duration Fixed Income & Floating Rates

Why the 3–5 year part of the curve, senior bank notes, floating-rate notes and diversified bond ETFs (like MQSD) are compelling defensive anchors heading into an uncertain rate environment.

🔌 Theme 2 – The Great Energy Upgrade

AI power demand, electricity grid strain and the resurgence of LNG and nuclear. Featuring WDS, uranium via URNM/ATOM, BOE, PDN and enrichment play SLX.

🤖 Theme 3 – The Critical AI Value Chain

The backbone of AI: semis, cooling, power, data centres and transmission. With names including NVDA, AVGO, VRT, SMCI, ASML, TSMC, EQIX, DLR, NXT and ETFs GXAI and NDQ.

🧬 Theme 4 – Disruptive Science & Healthcare Re-Rating

GLP-1s, radiopharmaceuticals and gene editing. Opportunities across CSL, TLX, Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly and ETFs DRUG, CURE, ARKG and IXJ.

⚙️ Theme 5 – Critical Minerals & Strategic Commodities

Copper shortages, rare earth dominance and long lead-time supply constraints. Ideas include ACDC, COPX, BHP, LYC and ILU.

🌍 Theme 6 – Global SMID & Quality Rotation

One of the most compelling under-the-radar opportunities of 2026. Exploring valuation gaps, historical outperformance and quality SMID exposures.

If you’re planning your 2026 portfolio strategy, this episode is your end-of-year roadmap across bonds, AI, energy, commodities, healthcare and global SMIDs.

⚠️ Disclaimer

This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Candice Bourke and Felicity Thomas are authorised financial advisers with Shaw and Partners Limited (AFSL 236 048). The views expressed are general in nature and have not considered your personal circumstances. Please seek independent professional advice before making any financial decisions. Information is current as of the recording date (25 November 2025).

📧 Contact us:

cftgroup@shawandpartners.com.au

info@cftgroup.com.au

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Talk Money To Me, Candice Bourke and Felicity Thomas take you through the biggest forces shaping markets right now — from renewed AI scrutiny, sticky inflation, and shifting interest-rate expectations, to Australia’s new era of resource reinvention. We break down the key macro trends, the sector winners and losers, and the commodities powering the next decade of global growth.

What we cover in this episode:

Market Pulse: AI Growing Pains & Macro Cross-Currents

• Why “beats not rewarded” is back this earnings season
• AI infrastructure’s funding tension: $13B revenues vs $1.4T spend commitments
• Labour softness vs strong corporate earnings
• Fed & RBA rate-cut expectations into late-2025/2026
• Why investors are shifting to quality, income and pricing power

The Big Commodity Themes to Watch

• Copper: AI, EVs and renewables doubling demand by 2035
• Uranium: the fuel behind decarbonisation and AI-driven energy demand
• Rare Earths: the strategic backbone of defence, EVs and wind
• Gold: outperforming the S&P 500 as a “store of trust”

⚠️ Disclaimer:

This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Candice Bourke and Felicity Thomas are authorised financial advisers with Shaw and Partners Limited (AFSL 236 048). The views expressed are general in nature and have not considered your personal circumstances. Please seek independent professional advice before making any financial decisions. Information is current as of the recording date (11 November 2025).

📧 Contact us: cftgroup@shawandpartners.com.au or info@cftgroup.com.au for our latest research monitor

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.