Bridge Talks Business with Milford

Episode 74: What earnings season is telling us about the global economy

Accelerating AI investment and resilient tech demand were standout themes from the latest earnings season. Frances Sweetman, Milford’s Head of Global Equity Research, talks with Ryan Bridge about the biggest take-outs, including early signals on consumer spending and inflation, how geopolitical risks are filtering through to sentiment and costs, and what’s driving the latest bouts of volatility.
 
This podcast is intended to provide general information only. It does not take into account your investment needs or personal circumstances. It is not intended to be viewed as investment or financial advice. Should you require financial advice you should always speak to a Financial Adviser. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Milford is an active fund manager with views and portfolio positions subject to change. Milford Funds Limited is the issuer of the Milford KiwiSaver Plan and the Milford Investment Funds. Please read the relevant Milford Product Disclosure Statement at milfordasset.com. Before investing, you may wish to seek financial advice. The disclosure statements of all Milford Financial Advisers contain more information and are available for free on request. For more information and to see our Financial Advice Provider Disclosure statement, please visit milfordasset.com/getting-advice

Episode 73: Why the Iran conflict moves markets only when it hits inflation

As Iran tensions push oil prices higher, the real market story isn’t the headlines, it’s the risk of an energy-driven inflation shock. Talking to Ryan Bridge, Milford Wealth Management Adviser Kate Tyro unpacks what higher oil means for growth and interest rates, the common mistakes investors make during volatility, and why resilient portfolio construction and discipline matter more than trying to time the news.
 
This podcast is intended to provide general information only. It does not take into account your investment needs or personal circumstances. It is not intended to be viewed as investment or financial advice. Should you require financial advice you should always speak to a Financial Adviser. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Milford is an active fund manager with views and portfolio positions subject to change. Milford Funds Limited is the issuer of the Milford KiwiSaver Plan and the Milford Investment Funds. Please read the relevant Milford Product Disclosure Statement at milfordasset.com. Before investing, you may wish to seek financial advice. The disclosure statements of all Milford Financial Advisers contain more information and are available for free on request. For more information and to see our Financial Advice Provider Disclosure statement, please visit milfordasset.com/getting-advice

Episode 72: Can AI equip the world’s best hackers?

Anthropic’s AI model Mythos reportedly possesses hacking capabilities far beyond those of most of the world’s top hackers. Does this represent an opportunity for global companies to strengthen vulnerable operating systems - or is it a powerful new tool that could further enable cybercriminals? Sustainable Investment Specialist Grace O’Hanlan discusses this latest AI development with Ryan Bridge, exploring why it has triggered emergency discussions at the highest levels of governments worldwide.
This podcast is intended to provide general information only. It does not take into account your investment needs or personal circumstances. It is not intended to be viewed as investment or financial advice. Should you require financial advice you should always speak to a Financial Adviser. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Milford is an active fund manager with views and portfolio positions subject to change. Milford Funds Limited is the issuer of the Milford KiwiSaver Plan and the Milford Investment Funds. Please read the relevant Milford Product Disclosure Statement at milfordasset.com. Before investing, you may wish to seek financial advice. The disclosure statements of all Milford Financial Advisers contain more information and are available for free on request. For more information and to see our Financial Advice Provider Disclosure statement, please visit milfordasset.com/getting-advice

Episode 71: Built to Scale - A Kiwi Success Story

From startup grit to industry disruption, tech entrepreneur Carmen Vicelich has redefined New Zealand’s property landscape with Valocity, and is now tackling carbon footprint reduction with Generate Zero. She joins Ryan Bridge to share the lessons behind her success, what fuels her ambition, and offers practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs - plus why retirement planning really matters.
 
This podcast is intended to provide general information only. It does not take into account your investment needs or personal circumstances. It is not intended to be viewed as investment or financial advice. Should you require financial advice you should always speak to a Financial Adviser. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Milford is an active fund manager with views and portfolio positions subject to change. Milford Funds Limited is the issuer of the Milford KiwiSaver Plan and the Milford Investment Funds. Please read the relevant Milford Product Disclosure Statement at milfordasset.com. Before investing, you may wish to seek financial advice. The disclosure statements of all Milford Financial Advisers contain more information and are available for free on request. For more information and to see our Financial Advice Provider Disclosure statement, please visit milfordasset.com/getting-advice

Episode 70: How not to panic in a crisis

When markets turn volatile, it’s natural to feel uneasy as your KiwiSaver balance dips. But what does volatility really mean, and how can you confidently navigate changing market cycles? Milford Investor Services Senior Associate Maddie Cruickshank joins Ryan Bridge to discuss how to stay the course.
This podcast is intended to provide general information only. It does not take into account your investment needs or personal circumstances. It is not intended to be viewed as investment or financial advice. Should you require financial advice you should always speak to a Financial Adviser. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Milford is an active fund manager with views and portfolio positions subject to change. Milford Funds Limited is the issuer of the Milford KiwiSaver Plan and the Milford Investment Funds. Please read the relevant Milford Product Disclosure Statement at milfordasset.com. Before investing, you may wish to seek financial advice. The disclosure statements of all Milford Financial Advisers contain more information and are available for free on request. For more information and to see our Financial Advice Provider Disclosure statement, please visit milfordasset.com/getting-advice

Episode 69: Purchasing power under pressure

Purchasing power and affordability are front of mind, with inflation expected to rise in the near term while wage growth lags. Reserve Bank Chief Economist Paul Conway joins Ryan Bridge to discuss the role of monetary policy in supporting purchasing power, and why New Zealand continues to face challenges with productivity.
 
This podcast is intended to provide general information only. It does not take into account your investment needs or personal circumstances. It is not intended to be viewed as investment or financial advice. Should you require financial advice you should always speak to a Financial Adviser. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Milford is an active fund manager with views and portfolio positions subject to change. Milford Funds Limited is the issuer of the Milford KiwiSaver Plan and the Milford Investment Funds. Please read the relevant Milford Product Disclosure Statement at milfordasset.com. Before investing, you may wish to seek financial advice. The disclosure statements of all Milford Financial Advisers contain more information and are available for free on request. For more information and to see our Financial Advice Provider Disclosure statement, please visit milfordasset.com/getting-advice

Episode 68: Enough chat – it’s time for AI to act

OpenClaw is proving the next major development in the technology world, as AI’s capability moves from simple chatbots to agents that can think and act on your behalf. On Bridge talks Business, Milford Senior Analyst Andrew Curtayne discusses what OpenClaw is and how it is impacting the technology landscape.
 
This podcast is intended to provide general information only. It does not take into account your investment needs or personal circumstances. It is not intended to be viewed as investment or financial advice. Should you require financial advice you should always speak to a Financial Adviser. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Milford is an active fund manager with views and portfolio positions subject to change. Milford Funds Limited is the issuer of the Milford KiwiSaver Plan and the Milford Investment Funds. Please read the relevant Milford Product Disclosure Statement at milfordasset.com. Before investing, you may wish to seek financial advice. The disclosure statements of all Milford Financial Advisers contain more information and are available for free on request. For more information and to see our Financial Advice Provider Disclosure statement, please visit milfordasset.com/getting-advice

Episode 67: Why we should stop tinkering with KiwiSaver

The Government recently announced more changes to KiwiSaver rules around First Home Withdrawals for farmers and people in service tenancies. Milford General Manager KiwiSaver and Investment Funds, Murray Harris, talks to Ryan Bridge about the drawbacks of over-tinkering with the system, and how to unlock KiwiSaver’s full potential.
 
This podcast is intended to provide general information only. It does not take into account your investment needs or personal circumstances. It is not intended to be viewed as investment or financial advice. Should you require financial advice you should always speak to a Financial Adviser. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Milford is an active fund manager with views and portfolio positions subject to change. Milford Funds Limited is the issuer of the Milford KiwiSaver Plan and the Milford Investment Funds. Please read the relevant Milford Product Disclosure Statement at milfordasset.com. Before investing, you may wish to seek financial advice. The disclosure statements of all Milford Financial Advisers contain more information and are available for free on request. For more information and to see our Financial Advice Provider Disclosure statement, please visit milfordasset.com/getting-advice

Episode 66: Oil, Iran and NZ’s economic outlook

New Zealand’s February earnings season revealed optimism in the economy, despite lowlights such as Air New Zealand. Milford Portfolio Manager Sam Trethewey talks to Ryan Bridge about the green shoots appearing as we head into FY27, and the potential impact of the conflict in Iran on oil prices and markets.
 
This podcast is intended to provide general information only. It does not take into account your investment needs or personal circumstances. It is not intended to be viewed as investment or financial advice. Should you require financial advice you should always speak to a Financial Adviser. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Milford is an active fund manager with views and portfolio positions subject to change. Milford Funds Limited is the issuer of the Milford KiwiSaver Plan and the Milford Investment Funds. Please read the relevant Milford Product Disclosure Statement at milfordasset.com. Before investing, you may wish to seek financial advice. The disclosure statements of all Milford Financial Advisers contain more information and are available for free on request. For more information and to see our Financial Advice Provider Disclosure statement, please visit milfordasset.com/getting-advice

Episode 65: Powering up: Women and Wealth Wisdom

Financial literacy is a valuable skill, but women have historically lagged when it comes to understanding investing. Milford Wealth Management Adviser Jess Travers talks with Ryan Bridge about the barriers women face, and steps to overcome those barriers to achieve greater financial independence.
This podcast is intended to provide general information only. It does not take into account your investment needs or personal circumstances. It is not intended to be viewed as investment or financial advice. Should you require financial advice you should always speak to a Financial Adviser. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Milford is an active fund manager with views and portfolio positions subject to change. Milford Funds Limited is the issuer of the Milford KiwiSaver Plan and the Milford Investment Funds. Please read the relevant Milford Product Disclosure Statement at milfordasset.com. Before investing, you may wish to seek financial advice. The disclosure statements of all Milford Financial Advisers contain more information and are available for free on request. For more information and to see our Financial Advice Provider Disclosure statement, please visit milfordasset.com/getting-advice