The Fin

James Thomson, a Chanticleer columnist known for his insights on investment trends, joins Paul Smith, the Technology editor at the Australian Financial Review, to discuss the booming AI investment landscape in Australia. They explore the sustainability of current AI valuations and whether we're witnessing a new economic bubble. The duo analyzes the significance of Nvidia's performance, the monetization challenges faced by AI companies, and how Australia could become a leading data center hub. They caution about the potential economic fallout if this AI bubble were to burst.

Jonathan Shapiro, a Senior Reporter at the Australian Financial Review, dives into the recent turmoil surrounding DroneShield and its CEO, Oleg Vornik. The episode explores Vornik's shocking $50 million share dump and the resulting fallout, including a nearly 30% drop in stock prices. Shapiro details how the Ukraine war fueled demand for DroneShield's innovative counter-drone technology, but now investor confidence is shaken. He emphasizes the urgent need for the company to restore trust and improve governance to regain its market credibility.

Phillip Coorey, a seasoned political editor, and Tony Barry, a former Liberal strategist, delve into the Coalition's alarming polling decline and the implications of abandoning net zero. They reveal that over a third of voters are unfamiliar with potential leadership contenders, raising questions about Sussan Ley's future. Discussions highlight One Nation’s rising influence on immigration, the stark collapse of youth support for the Coalition, and the pressing cost-of-living issues that dominate voters' concerns.

Join John Kehoe, Economics Editor at the Australian Financial Review, and Michael Bleby, Deputy Property Editor, as they dissect the intriguing dynamics of the housing market. They delve into the RBA's inflation challenges and explore why house prices have skyrocketed again. With a pause in rate cuts, they discuss investor enthusiasm and the potential consequences on property prices. The guests also highlight the expanded first home buyer scheme and its possible effects on demand. Tune in for insights that could shape your understanding of today's real estate landscape.

Michael Smith, health editor at the Financial Review, dives into CSL, Australia's biotech giant. He traces CSL's rise from a government lab to a $145 billion player, discussing its core products like plasma therapies and vaccines. Smith highlights the struggles post-Vifor acquisition, investor distrust, and the fallout from declining US vaccination rates. He also touches on political issues, including Trump-era tariffs impacting CSL's future. Can CSL regain investor confidence? Smith offers insights into the company's potential recovery.

Journalist Lucy King, known for her investigative work on crypto scams, and Senior Financial Review reporter James Ayres delve into the alarming rise of crypto ATMs that enable scammers, like the case of 85-year-old Mary who lost $500,000. They explore how crypto ATMs operate, why they are prevalent in Australia, and the emotional manipulation behind Mary's scam journey. Additionally, they discuss regulatory gaps and rising scam statistics, shedding light on Australia's vulnerability to such fraud.

Edmund Tadros, a professional services editor, and Paul Karp, a political correspondent, dive into the global fallout from Deloitte's AI fiasco. They discuss how errors in a government report were uncovered, revealing the risks of relying on AI without proper oversight. The conversation highlights Deloitte's delayed admissions, the implications for consulting expertise, and the public's reaction to AI's potential threats. They also debate whether the incident is a cautionary tale for the industry or just the tip of the iceberg for future AI blunders.

Greg Bearup, a senior writer at the Financial Review, sheds light on China's dominance in Australia's EV market, emphasizing security vulnerabilities. Richard McGregor, a China expert at the Lowy Institute, dives into the geopolitical implications of Chinese-made tech. They discuss alarming risks like potential remote detonation of EVs and the surveillance concerns tied to data access. The duo also touches on the closure of local battery manufacturing and assesses strategies Australia can adopt to balance climate goals with national security.

Andrew Hobbs, a wealth reporter who investigates superannuation scandals, joins financial columnist Tony Boyd to delve into a $1.2 billion investment crisis. They discuss how online recruitment funneled retirees into risky funds, exploring the rapid growth and subsequent collapse of the Shieldmaster fund. Highlighting emotional investor stories and the failures of gatekeepers and trustees, they assess the regulatory landscape and recommend urgent reforms to protect future investors from similar pitfalls.

Join Jonathan Shapiro, a senior reporter at the Australian Financial Review, as he delves into the changing landscape of private credit in Australia. The discussion centers on ASIC's crackdown on La Trobe Financial and its implications for super investors. Shapiro emphasizes the risks involved, including the issues with La Trobe's disclosures and the high percentage of subprime mortgages. The conversation also explores whether non-bank lenders are essential or too risky, highlighting the balance between opportunity and caution in the private credit market.