The sector surged more than 45%, blitzing its nearest competitor (consumer staples up ~11%) and outperforming every other positive sector... combined.

The sector was powered by insatiable demand for commodities from the AI infrastructure build-out.

Gold, silver, copper, platinum and palladium all enjoyed significant price increases, whilst iron ore - still the backbone of the Australian mining sector - didn't suffer the price falls many were expecting. But the stellar performance begs the natural question - can the rally keep going?

To explore that question, run the ruler over some of the winners, and each pitch a stock they're backing for the year ahead, Livewire Tom Stelzer is joined by Stephane Andre from Alphinity and Dougal Maple-Brown from Maple-Brown Abbott.

Please note this episode was filmed on 1 July 2026.

That's been good news for many of local names, with the ASX Energy sector up 11% this year, but is there any charge left in the battery?

In this episode of Buy Hold Sell, Livewire's Tom Stelzer is joined by Dougal Maple-Brown from Maple-Brown Abbott and Stephane Andre from Alphinity Investment Management to see if they're positive or negative on some interesting ASX energy names. 

In a rare turn of events, we've also got a double fundie stock pick. Find out which stock has got the joint tick of approval and why by watching the episode below. 

Whether the recent pullback in oil proves temporary or not, investors are already asking the next question: who stands to benefit? The obvious winners are businesses with large fuel bills. But lower oil prices can ripple through the economy in unexpected ways, easing input costs and lifting consumer spending. 

Joining Livewire’s Anna Dadic are Henry Jennings from Marcus Today and Michael Wayne from Medallion Financial, to debate four stocks that could be lesser-known beneficiaries of the recent retreat in oil prices, examining whether they offer compelling exposure to cheaper energy, or whether the market has already priced in the upside. 

We also asked each guest to nominate a stock they see as an unexpected winner from the fall in oil prices.

This episode was filmed Wednesday 24th June, 2026.

Get it right and the returns can be substantial. Get it wrong and the losses are theoretically unlimited. Just ask the person on Reddit who shorted Korean fried chicken companies then lost it all when pictures of Jensen Huang eating fried chicken in Seoul went viral. I think about them often. Mostly I think - what were they thinking.

In this episode of Buy Hold Sell, we are joined by Michael Wayne from Medallion Financial and Henry Jennings from Marcus Today to work through six of the ASX's most heavily shorted stocks right now. 

As Jennings puts it, a big short position doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong, sometimes it's just an easy target. But when you're looking at short interest north of 20% and days to cover that stretch into months of normal volume, there's usually a story underneath that’s worth knowing about. This episode was filmed Wednesday 24th June, 2026.

No, playing the game of the market, we want - even need - stocks in our portfolio that deliver above-average performance, if for no other reason than to cover the laggards.

With the new financial year about to roll over, it’s time to cast our eyes ahead and think about companies that can deliver for us in the coming 12 months.

In this episode, Livewire's Chris Conway is joined by Yarra Capital Management's Marcus Ryan and ClearBridge Investment's Reece Birtles, who each pitch three stocks that they believe are poised for a big year ahead.

That's right, it's six straight-up buys, with the guests talking passionately about the stocks in their portfolios. 

For good measure, they also share one stock they'll likely avoid over the next 12 months.

This episode was filmed on Wednesday, 17th June 2026.

While investors should always remain diligent, January 1 provides a fresh opportunity to cast a critical eye over one's holdings, while the February and August reporting seasons offer another chance to decide which companies continue to make the cut.

But perhaps EOFY trumps them all, particularly due to tax-loss selling, where investors realise capital losses on underperforming investments to offset capital gains elsewhere in their portfolios and reduce their overall tax bill.

Most of the treatment above, however, focuses on the losers. What about the winners? What about those stocks that have had a ripping 12 months and become the stars of your portfolio? 

Can they continue to outperform, or was the past year as good as it gets?

To help answer those questions and run the ruler over five of FY26's top performers, Livewire's Chris Conway is joined by ClearBridge Investment's Reece Birtles and Yarra Capital Management's Marcus Ryan. 

For good measure, each guest highlights one company that has had a great 12 months that they believe will kick on in FY27. 

This episode was filmed on Wednesday, 17th June 2026.

To kick off Livewire's Income Series, we asked more than 2,700 investors to nominate their favourite income stocks and investments. The results included household names like BHP, Commonwealth Bank, Telstra and Washington H. Soul Pattinson, alongside a handful of small-but-mighty dividend payers that punched well above their weight.

In this episode of Buy Hold Sell, Matthew Kidman is joined by Jun Bei Liu from Ten Cap and James Gerrish from Market Matters to run the ruler over six reader-voted income favourites.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Income is back
• 00:58 –BHP
• 03:25 – Commonwealth Bank
• 05:43 – Telstra
• 07:33 – Washington H. Soul Pattinson
• 10:18 – Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure
• 12:30 – Dicker Data
• 14:52 – James Gerrish's top income stock
• 16:25 – Jun Bei Liu's top income stock
• 17:51 – Wrap up

Plus, each fund manager reveals their favourite income stock today, including a high-yield property trust and a retirement income specialist benefiting from Australia's ageing population.

The key question: Is it better to chase the highest yield, or focus on businesses capable of growing their earnings, dividends and capital value over time?

You can see an edited transcript or a video version of this episode here: https://www.livewiremarkets.com/wires/buy-hold-sell-the-6-income-stocks-readers-love-plus-2-expert-ideas

In this special edition of Buy Hold Sell, we've asked First Sentier Investors' Dushko Bajic to take on the role of manager and select a starting team of 11 ASX stocks he thinks can deliver on the pitch. 

It's a lineup that is looking to deliver everything you need to win - solid leadership, genuine experience, strong vision, versatility and a bit of X-factor. 

But which Aussie stocks are getting the call-up and which are being left at home? Which companies can deliver the right balance of attack and defence? You'll have to tune in to find out. 

And for the football fans out there, Dushko also shares his prediction for how the Socceroos are likely to get on when the World Cup kicks off in North America this week, and the team he thinks will be crowned world champions when everything is said and done.

Let's kick off. 

After years of premium valuations, strong growth and near-bulletproof market faith, some of Australia’s best-known software and technology stocks have been dragged back to earth. The trigger? A mix of stretched multiples, slowing growth, investor fatigue and, increasingly, the disruptive threat of artificial intelligence.

The five names in this episode – Life360 (ASX: 360), Pro Medicus (ASX: PME ), Xero (ASX: XRO), TechnologyOne (ASX: TNE) and WiseTech Global (ASX: WTC) – fell an average of around 65% from their highs to their lows. More recently, however, they have recovered an average of around 30%, with one stock now just 26% off its all-time high.

So, is this the beginning of a genuine turnaround? Or just a relief rally in a sector still facing uncomfortable questions?

In this special episode of Buy Hold Sell, Matthew Kidman returns as host for the first time in three years, alongside two familiar faces: Jun Bei Liu from Ten Cap and James Gerrish from Market Partners. Together, they run the ruler over five ASX tech leaders caught in the ‘SaaS-pocalypse’, and each names one beaten-up tech-related stock they believe is down, but not out.

This episode was filmed on Wednesday, 10 June 2026.

For years, income investors could build a portfolio of quality ASX dividend stocks and generate an attractive income stream without taking excessive risk. Today, that task has become far more challenging - but not impossible. 

The ASX's yield has fallen well below historical averages, bank share prices have rallied hard, and many of the market's traditional income favourites simply do not offer the yields they once did. At the same time, higher bond yields and attractive cash rates have given investors more alternatives than they've had in years.

So where can investors still find reliable income on the ASX? And which stocks continue to offer attractive yields without taking on undue risk?

In this special Income Series edition of Buy Hold Sell, Livewire's Tom Stelzer is joined by two ASX equity income gurus, in Peter Gardner from Plato Asset Management and Michael O'Neill from IML.

The pair run the ruler over eight ASX income stocks drawn Carl Capolignua's list of the market's most consistent dividend payers (last year's edition below. Carl will update again this series). 

Right now, a few pockets of the ASX are attracting attention. Fintech and financial infrastructure businesses are trying to prove they can scale profitably. Software and SaaS names are attempting to emerge from one of the sharpest valuation resets in recent memory. And in healthcare and medtech, investors are once again searching for companies capable of delivering structural growth in an uncertain economic environment.

In this episode Livewire’s Chris Conway is joined by Oscar Oberg from Wilson Asset Management and Alex Shevelev from Forager Funds Management to run the ruler over some of the stocks and sectors they believe could be poised for growth.

From beaten-up software names to healthcare innovators and financial infrastructure plays, this episode is packed with ideas for investors.

This episode was filmed on Wednesday, 20th May 2026.

But let's get real. Whatever we might think about the changes, Aussies will still create and invest in great growth businesses. It's in our blood. 

No tax change is going to completely crush home-grown innovation - the very innovation which brought us the Coolgardie cooler, the Hills Hoist, the Cochlear implant, and WiFi. Oh, and Tim Tams... mustn't forget the Tim Tams. 

Typically, these great growth stories are born from the small-cap end of the market, so in this episode, Livewire's Chris Conway is joined by Oscar Oberg from Wilson Asset Management and Alex Shevelev from Forager Funds Management, who each bring three stocks they believe have big potential. 

That’s right, it’s going to be wall-to-wall buys for this episode so strap in, and let's go!

This episode was filmed on Wednesday, 20th May 2026.

With a fresh rate hike hitting the market and bank valuations looking increasingly stretched, one of our guests this week puts it best - the banks are running on Wile E. Coyote physics. Off the cliff, still running - just haven't looked down yet.

So where does the smart money go from here? Because if the bank trade is getting crowded, the case for rotating into other parts of the sector, insurance in particular, is building fast. Higher rates, a more benign catastrophe environment, and valuations that haven't re-rated yet. It's a combination that's hard to ignore.

To work through it all, I'm joined by Julia Weng from Paradice Investment Management and Hamish FitzSimons from AllianceBernstein. Between them, they'll be analysing five stocks in the sector and sharing one high conviction pick each for where they see the real value.

In this episode of Buy Hold Sell, Chris Prunty (QVG Capital) and Chris Stott (1851 Capital) go head-to-head on five stocks from the growth engine of the ASX. 

They run the ruler over three "fallen angels" ripe for a rebound, two names testing 52-week highs, and reveal the "steady compounders" they’re backing for the year ahead.

Plus, we break down the must-know takeaways from the Macquarie Conference.

Human nature pulls us toward the bargain, the beaten-up, the overlooked. Who doesn't love a sale? Buying a stock that's already doubled feels wrong. Dangerous, even. But some of the best money made has come from backing winners that just kept winning.

The first half of 2026 has been a wild ride. The broader market has been middling at best. But beneath the surface, a handful of small and mid-cap stocks have defied the macro gloom entirely - Codan and Cuscal are just two names that have more than doubled in the past year, leaving investors on the sidelines wondering whether they've missed the boat altogether. 

So have they? Or is the rally just beginning?

To help make sense of the top performers of the year so far, Anna Dadic is joined by two fund managers who know this space better than most. Lucas Goode from IML and Ben Rundle from Hayborough Investment Partners. Between them, they run the ruler over five of the ASX's biggest high flyers of the year so far and we ask the question every investor is thinking: is there still fuel in the tank to keep flying?

Let's find out!

Investors are on a similar hunt. Figuring out the pure gold in the market, the companies that are genuinely reimagining their industries, the true innovators that have the potential to become the market leaders of tomorrow.  The trouble is, telling real innovation from a good story is hard at the best of times. And right now, with small and mid-caps taking a beating since the onset of the war in Iran, the market is anything but straightforward.

Do you chase macro tailwinds? Hunt for quality growth names that have been unfairly sold off? Or play it safe and wait for the dust to settle?

To help work through those questions and to find where the genuine "eureka!" moments might be, Anna Dadic is joined by Lucas Goode from IML and Ben Rundle from Hayborough Investment Partners to run the ruler over some stocks and share one high conviction pick for the year ahead.

Let's go find some gold!  This episode was filmed Wednesday 22nd April, 2026. 

But as is often the case in commodities, the real opportunity set runs much deeper. Lithium has staged a sharp comeback, tin and manganese prices have surged over the past year, and key industrial metals like copper and even iron ore continue to trade at elevated levels.

So in this episode, we flipped the format. Rather than focus on a single commodity, we asked our guests – Rick Squire from Acorn Capital and Emanuel Datt from Datt Capital – to each bring three of their highest-conviction commodity stock ideas.

No themes, no hypotheticals – just six big buys and the reasoning behind them, from two of the country’s most respected resource investors.

This episode was recorded on Wednesday, 8th April 2026.

Global oil demand is now running at more than 102 million barrels per day, above pre-pandemic levels, and expected to continue growing according to the International Energy Agency. At the same time, oil and gas still account for roughly 55% of global energy consumption, underscoring just how far the transition still has to run.

That’s not to say the shift isn’t happening. Renewables now generate close to 30% of global electricity, and clean energy investment has surged past US$2 trillion annually, well ahead of fossil fuels. But here’s the catch: existing oil fields decline at around 5–7% per year, meaning fresh supply is constantly needed just to stand still.

Recent events have made that juxtaposition impossible to ignore - just ask anyone who has filled up their car at $2.50+ per litre in recent weeks.

The conflict in the Middle East has provided a sharp reminder that, for all the progress, the global economy remains deeply reliant on hydrocarbons. Australia remains one of the world’s largest LNG exporters and is home to globally competitive oil and gas producers across the market cap spectrum.

In this episode, Acorn Capital’s Rick Squire and Datt Capital’s Emanuel Datt discuss the energy market and run the ruler over four ASX oil and gas stocks.

This episode was recorded on Wednesday, 8th April 2026.

From the low in May-June last year, around US$ 3,500 an ounce, to the high of the January 2026 spike, around US$5,400 an ounce, the precious metals rallied almost 70%. 

It was during this period that lines formed in Martin Place outside ABC Bullion. 

Then, gold got the wobbles - particularly as war broke out in the Middle East. Whilst it didn't fall in a straight line, the precious metal fell from US$5,400 to a low of US$3,800 by late March - a 20% wipeout. 

With a tentative ceasefire in place and normal programming (i.e. US dollar weakness, inflation expectations easing, lower rates) potentially resuming, gold could be experiencing a reboot, where investors pile back in at a significant discount to where we were just a couple of months ago. 

Regardless of what the gold price does, there are a handful of ASX-listed miners that should be able to generate significant cash flow given their low costs, operational efficiency, and healthy margins. 

In this episode, Acorn Capital's Rick Squire and Datt Capital's Emanuel Datt run the ruler over four such names for your consideration. 

This episode was filmed on Wednesday, 8th April 2026. 

While there are plenty of advantages to investing on home turf, and many Australians do exactly that, for investors chasing genuine long-term growth, the local menu can feel increasingly narrow. 

With the ASX still heavily anchored to ex-growth banks and miners, and a tech sector that has been hit hard by the AI shake-up, the case for looking offshore in search of growth opportunities has perhaps never felt stronger. 

In this episode of Buy Hold Sell, we put five global growth stocks in the spotlight, spanning big tech, semiconductors, e-commerce, aerospace and streaming. Livewire’s Tom Stelzer is joined by Vihari Ross from Antipodes and Casey McLean from Magellan Investment Partners for a look at the big global growth names - some household names, some less familiar - worth watching now. This episode was filmed Wednesday 11th March 2026. 

On top of that, war and rising geopolitical tensions is driving a structural increase in defence spending, with technology, semiconductors and strategic infrastructure playing a bigger role in modern defence systems.

In markets, this means that the biggest opportunities can often sit not in a single theme, but in the spaces where these trends overlap each other.

In this episode of Buy Hold Sell, we ask Vihari Ross of Antipodes and Casey McLean of Magellan where they see the best value across the biggest trends shaping markets today and which megatrend could drive the next wave of opportunity.

But nothing stays loved in the limelight forever, and sentiment can turn quickly.

Doubts around AI leadership and an overcrowded trade have made investors pause on tech, while sectors like energy, materials and industrials have started outperforming. And when the gloss fades, as we saw in the pullback earlier this year, the next question that naturally gets asked is - what else is out there?

Well friends, here at Livewire, we’re here to tell you - quite a lot!

In this episode, we’re casting our eyes past the Magnificent 7 and instead focusing on the global megacaps that have been stuck in the Mag 7's shadow. 

And we’ve brought in two of the best in global equities - Vihari Ross of Antipodes, and Casey McLean of Magellan - to talk through the other members of the trillion-dollar club (and the ones knocking on the door.) 

This epsiode was filmed Wednesday 11th March, 2026.

In this episode of Buy Hold Sell, Livewire's Chris Conway hosts Peter Gardner from Plato Asset Management and Sean Roger from Perpetual to run the ruler over five dividend stocks with better-than-market yields and expected dividend growth.

We ran a screen that filtered companies with a market cap above $1 billion, offering a one-year forward yield of more than 4% (better than the market) and projected dividend growth based on consensus earnings forecasts.

The screen threw up some interesting names across consumer discretionary, financial services and transport, but are these stocks worth adding to your watchlist, according to the pros? Find out here. 

In this episode of Buy Hold Sell, Livewire's Chris Conway hosts Peter Gardner from Plato Asset Management and Sean Roger from Perpetual to discuss whether we're in a structurally-lower income environment or whether it's just a lull.

They also reveal the sectors where they're still finding reliable income and what they're avoiding right now. Finally they each share one ASX income stock idea the rest of the market might be missing for 2026. 

Now reporting season has thrown up some solid dividend results from Telstra, Woolworths, BHP and Evolution Mining to name a few, and our biggest income stocks - namely the banks and miners - are delivering strong returns.

So will 2026 be a return to form for Aussie income stocks, and which are the companies that should be top of your radar?

In this episode of Buy Hold Sell, Peter Gardner from Plato Asset Management and Sean Roger from Perpetual join Livewire's Chris Conway to give their ratings on some of the most-tipped income stocks for 2026 from our readers and share a pick of their own.

The top end of town - the banks and miners in particular - enjoyed solid results and, often, spectacular share price moves; Woolworths up 14%, anyone? Throw into the mix a record high for BHP and a resurgent Commonwealth Bank, as the strong got stronger - 'twas the best of times.

At the other end of the spectrum, if you disappointed the market - even by a smidge in the case of a company like ZIP - you got hammered. This is not a new theme, given recent season history, but certainly a more pronounced one. 'Twas the worst of times. 

If that wasn't enough to navigate, casting a pall over the entire season was the chaos agent that is change. More specifically, AI-disruption, which apparently is threatening most small and mid-cap business models, while the top 20 are somehow immune. 

To help unpack one of the most colourful and important reporting seasons in the last decade, guest host, CommSec's James Gruber, was joined by David Lloyd from Ausbil Investment Management, and Dushko Bajic from First Sentier Investors. 

They discuss the big themes, key takeouts and, of course, all the big stocks - from the winners to the losers, and everything in between. If you're an investor in ASX stocks, you cannot miss this episode of Buy Hold Sell. 

This episode was recorded on Thursday, 26 February 2026. 

But we like to keep our guests on their toes, which is why we're back with a bonus round of Buy Hold Sell to run through nine more of the ETFs that made the list. 

Back in the BHS hot seats are Daniel Kelly of Viola Private Wealth and Adam Dawes of Shaw and Partners to give the quick fire calls on ETFs covering everything from gold miners to Asian tech.

2 guests. 9 ETFs. 4 minutes. Hear how they got on. 

This episode was filmed on Wednesday, 11 February 2026.

But whether you choose to invest in it? That's another story. 

Let's be real. Investors of all stripes - from retail punters to institutional shops with trillion-dollar balance sheets - have lost their minds over AI. Yes, there will be winners. But there will also be body bags. That’s how every tech revolution works.

So what is the play?

Do you ram as much AI into your portfolio as you can and back the builders of the future? Or do you position in themes tied to timeless human needs like eating, building and moving?

This episode was filmed on Wednesday, 11 February 2026.

In this episode, Tom Stelzer is joined by Daniel Kelly of Viola Private Wealth and Adam Dawes of Shaw and Partners to build three ETF portfolios from the ground up: one for beginners, one for intermediate investors and one for those ready to step into more advanced territory.

Starting with low-cost, broad-market exposure ETF options, our panel explores how investors can begin layering in more targeted sector and thematic exposures as their portfolios mature, before heading into sophisticated territory, unpacking geared strategies and listed alternatives, where risk, correlation and portfolio construction become even more critical. 

This episode was filmed Wednesday 11th February 2026.

In this episode, Livewire’s Tom Stelzer is joined by Daniel Kelly of Viola Private Wealth and Adam Dawes of Shaw and Partners to give us their verdicts on some of the ETFs most tipped by Livewire readers for 2026.

We cover ETFs from global quality and cybersecurity, to Australian high yield, copper miners and the world’s largest listed companies.

As always, each guest also brings one ETF idea of their own for the year ahead offering two very different ways to position for 2026 - one taking advantage of the beaten-down ASX tech sector and another set to benefit from a geopolitically charged environment.   

This episode was filmed Wednesday 11th Febraury 2026

Growth investing can feel much the same. Miss the starting gun, and you may have already missed the early and most powerful part of the rally. 

In this episode, Anna Milne from Wilson Asset Management and Blake Henricks from Firetrail Investments explain how they identify early-stage growth opportunities and more importantly, how they distinguish early-stage businesses with long growth runways from those that are simply cheap. 

A key insight they agree on is that successful early growth investing starts with a deep understanding of the business itself, built through direct engagement with the company, not just financial metrics. 

They each share two under-the-radar growth stocks they rate as buys, along with the investment thesis behind them. This is an all-buys episode, so keep your watchlist handy.

Please note this episode was filmed Wednesday 28th January, 2026.

But not all growth opportunities are created equal (just ask ASX tech investors right now), and after a year in which some growth stocks soared while others stalled, what's the outlook for growth this year, and how do you take advantage?

To answer those questions and more, we welcomed Anna Milne from Wilson Asset Management and Blake Henricks of Firetrail Investments to cover off all things growth stocks.

They reveal how they're handling the current market rotation, what they actually look for in growth-oriented companies and the thinking that goes into deciding when to sell.

They also each share their top pick for an ASX growth stock in 2026.

Please note this episode was filmed Wednesday 28th January, 2026.

At the end of last year, we asked you, our Livewire readers, to tell us what your most-tipped growth stock will be for 2026. It was our 10th year running the survey, with nearly 5,000 responses, and we crunched the numbers to see which names emerged as clear favourites.

So for our first episode of the year, we asked our guests, Anna Milne from Wilson Asset Management and Blake Henricks of Firetrail Investments, to run the ruler over five of your most popular stocks from the results.

We also asked our guests to bring the stocks they think should have made the list and you should most certainly add to your watchlist.

Anyone switched on enough to play the Resources rebound, the generational gold trade, the small cap surge or even the CBA rally (before things cooled off) has probably done pretty well for themselves this year. 

While many investors sat on their hands over AI and bubble fears, or licked their wounds following the Liberation Day correction, others took the chance to act and reaped the benefits. 

Fortune favours the bold, or at least those willing to think outside the box. So as we prepare for the clocks to tick over to 2026, what are the big opportunities out there for investors looking to outperform over the next 12 months? 

As part of our 2026 Outlook Series, we asked nine leading fund managers to share the biggest investment opportunity they've identified for next year. 

A handful of mega-cap stocks have driven the majority of equity market returns in the US, and a similar pattern has been evident here in Australia, where blue-chip heavyweights have dominated the spotlight.  

In both jurisdictions, hundreds of profitable companies have been ignored, and that’s how overlooked stocks are born. These are not broken businesses, just forgotten ones.

Later in the year, investors started to move down the market-cap spectrum - particularly in Australia, where small-caps have caught a bid. 

As leadership continues to broaden and fundamentals regain the spotlight, those ignored names can re-rate fast.

With 2026 now underway, we asked 10 leading fund managers to look beyond the obvious and share the overlooked stock they believe could surprise on the upside.

These interviews were filmed on Tuesday, 9 December 2025.

Few investors began the year expecting gold, defence, critical minerals or uranium to deliver such standout returns – yet all surged as shifting geopolitics, energy security and supply-chain realities reshaped capital flows. Even more surprising was hydrogen’s sudden resurgence, catapulting the long-maligned sector onto the global leaderboard after years in the wilderness. At the same time, traditionally reliable areas like ASX technology and healthcare struggled to gain traction, reminding investors just how quickly market narratives can flip.

With 2026 now firmly in sight, the obvious question is: where will the next breakout come from?

To find out, we asked 10 experts to look ahead and identify the sector or industry they believe is poised for a breakout year in 2026 – and, crucially, the stocks they think best capture that opportunity.

These interviews were filmed on Tuesday, 9 December 2025.

The data is unambiguous. In his landmark study Do Stocks Outperform Treasury Bills?, Professor Hendrik Bessembinder found that just 4% of listed US stocks accounted for all net wealth creation above Treasury bills since 1926, while the majority failed to outperform cash at all. 

For investors, that means the damage done by owning the wrong stocks can outweigh the benefit of trying to pick the next big winner. In other words, losses are concentrated, and so are mistakes.

That asymmetry matters even more for sophisticated portfolios, where capital preservation and compounding matter as much as upside capture. Avoiding the wrong stocks can quietly do more for returns than chasing the right ones.

With that in mind, we asked ten of Australia’s sharpest investment minds, spanning ASX and global equities, to nominate their stocks to avoid for 2026 and beyond.

These interviews were filmed on Tuesday, 9 December 2025.

But it goes without saying that eventful times in markets will always throw up the opportunity for some new lessons and some old lessons best relearned. 

As part of our 2026 Outlook Series, we asked 10 leading fund managers to share the key lesson they learnt in 2025 and how that's informing their approach going into 2026.

From trimming winners too early to working out how to play the big market shifts, these lessons from 2025 should help you become a better investor in the year ahead.

These interviews were filmed on 9 December 2025.

Over the past decade, however, Nvidia has become the poster child for modern growth investing. What looks like an overnight success was, in reality, a 20-year build, powered by reinvestment, innovation, and patience. It is now one of the largest companies on the planet, and a reminder that the best growth stories often take far longer to reveal themselves than markets expect.

That lesson extends well beyond a single stock. Over the past 15 years, growth has been the dominant equity style. 

Since the post-GFC reset, global growth stocks have outperformed value by around four-and-a-half percentage points per year, when they really had no right in doing so. Growth was meant to fail. Instead, it adapted, overcoming inflation shocks, aggressive rate hikes, and repeated predictions of its demise. 

The winners of this era were not blue-sky ideas, but businesses that could reinvest capital at scale, defend margins, and compound earnings through wildly different market regimes. The growth decade did not end with cheap money. It evolved.

With that in mind, we asked nine of Australia’s sharpest investment minds, spanning ASX and global equities, to nominate their top growth pick for 2026. These interviews were filmed on Tuesday, 9 December 2025.

While broader markets delivered solid returns, the lion's share of profits went to investors willing to back the big themes: uranium, defence stocks, gold miners, Bitcoin, the Nasdaq, and Australian small caps. Get the wave right, and returns arrive fast.

But as any surfer knows, timing matters. Not every wave kept rolling, and some themes lost momentum just as quickly as they emerged.

So as we head into the New Year, the key question is which of these themes still have legs - and where is the next swell forming?

To find out, we sat down with Michael Wayne from Medallion Financial Group and Adam Dawes from Shaw and Partners to unpack which 2025 themes can continue, and nominate their one hotspot for 2026 and how to play it.

Note: This episode was recorded on Wednesday, 17 December 2025.

As the table below shows, almost everything went up. With around 95% of asset classes delivering positive returns, avoiding losses wasn’t the challenge - owning enough of the winners was.

But periods of easy money don’t last forever. Eventually, the macro backdrop shifts, leadership changes, and returns begin to diverge sharply across assets, as investors saw in years like 2018 and 2022.

With that in mind, we invited two market pros - Michael Wayne from Medallion Financial Group and Adam Dawes from Shaw and Partners - to discuss where investors should be positioning, and where trimming exposure may make sense heading into the new year.

Note: This episode was recorded on Wednesday, 17 December 2025.

Markets delivered no shortage of surprises, with some companies shooting the lights out while others tested even the most patient shareholders.

On the “nice” list sit Regis Resources (RRL), Codan (CDA), and Charter Hall (CHC) - three stocks that managed to push through volatility and reward investors handsomely along the way.

Meanwhile, the “naughty” list features Bendigo and Adelaide Bank (BEN), WiseTech (WTC), and Bapcor (BAP), each facing its own set of challenges.

To make sense of it all, Livewire’s Vishal Teckchandani brings together two trusted voices: Hugh Dive from Atlas Funds Management and Jun Bei Liu of Ten Cap. They break down what went right, what went wrong, and whether any of these names deserve a spot in portfolios heading into 2026. Note: This episode was recorded on Wednesday, 3 December 2025.

Alongside Atlas’s Hugh Dive, we’re looking back at the year that was: Which stocks delivered, which ones fell short, and which great ideas slipped away before investors could act?

And the real question: what now? With 2026 around the corner, how should investors set up for success, and which stock calls stand out as the most compelling shots for the year ahead?

From key lessons to bold ideas, our guests unpack what mattered in 2025 and where they see opportunity next.

Note: This episode was recorded on Wednesday 3 December 2025.

It’s a time for some fun and frivolity, but amongst the cheer, it’s also the perfect time to cast a discerning eye over our portfolios and make some hard decisions about which companies get a guernsey into 2026.

Shedding the duds also means hunting for new opportunities and while piling into the top 10 best performers from this year is always tempting, there are probably some equal, if not better, opportunities to be had in the downtrodden.

In what has become a tradition at Livewire, Vishal Teckchandani hosts Hugh Dive from Atlas Funds Management and Jun Bei Liu from Ten Cap, to hunt through the bargain bin on the ASX to see if they can find some beaten-down gems. What will they find?

As a bonus, Jun Bei and Hugh each nominate a stock they think is set to get going in 2026. Note: This episode was recorded on Wednesday 3 December 2025.

In this episode of Buy Hold Sell, Nick Markiewicz from Ellerston Capital and Michael Poulsen from Canopy Investors reveal six global small and mid cap stocks positioned in the slipstream of major shifts including AI driven power demand, digital content monetisation, manufacturing reshoring, rising healthcare procedure volumes and the transformation of Japan’s labour market.

From data centre power solutions to hazardous waste leadership and fast-growing HR technology platforms, the pair outline high conviction ideas that tap into multi-year growth opportunities. Please note that this episode was recorded 19 November 2025

In 2025, the market is being pulled in two directions. On one side sits the AI complex, powered by hyperscaler capex that continues to be revised higher. On the other, almost everything tied to the real economy is slowing. Manufacturing is soft. Housing is sluggish. Consumer strength depends entirely on your postcode and pay grade. And in small and mid-caps, earnings beats were met with half the usual upside, while misses were punished with twice the usual downside. Volatility is back, and it’s ferocious.

As Michael Poulsen from Canopy Investors puts it, parts of the economy are still waiting for “a bit more clarity” before they invest again – yet beneath the uncertainty, he’s seeing early signs of life in long-neglected sectors like healthcare. Meanwhile, Nick Markiewicz from Ellerston Capital notes that “if you're not in AI, I'm not sure you're anywhere,” even as he quietly eyes high-quality compounders and homebuilders now trading on GFC-era multiples.

In this episode of Buy Hold Sell, we break down the winners, the warning signs, and the opportunities emerging from a wildly bifurcated reporting season. Plus, our guests reveal two stocks that absolutely crushed expectations.

And here’s the kicker: unlike Australia, where there’s a tiny pool of SMIDs – roughly 250 names that meet the $300 million to $10 billion market-cap cut-off – there are around 8,000 globally. That’s a lot of fish.

But with more choice comes the need to know where to look and how to separate the bluefin from the carp – because not every SMID is worth catching.

With that in mind, Livewire’s Chris Conway is joined by Michael Poulsen from Canopy Investors and Nick Markiewicz from Ellerston Capital to unpack the factors they look for when hunting global SMIDs, run the ruler over a handful of names, and each share one stock they think has a bright future ahead.

Please note that this episode was filmed 19 November 2025

Whilst smalls have woken from a long slumber in 2025, beneath the headline names a new generation of companies is quietly building momentum - firms with unique market positions, improving fundamentals, or catalysts that could soon propel them into the spotlight.

In this episode of Buy Hold Sell, Livewire's Chris Conway is joined by James Nguyen from Tyndall Asset Management and Shaun Weick from Wilson Asset Management. Together, they shine a light on five small-cap hidden gems; businesses that aren’t household names yet, but might be tomorrow.

They unpack what makes each one special, the triggers that could unlock their value, and the key risks investors should keep in mind. Whether you’re hunting for the next breakout stock or simply looking to understand what drives performance in this dynamic part of the market, this episode is full of actionable insights from two seasoned small-cap specialists.

Please note that this episode was filmed 5 November 2025

For a good period of time, that promise went unfulfilled. But good things come to those who wait, and in 2025, small caps have staged a genuine comeback - so much so that they’re now outpacing their large-cap peers year to date.

The question now is: can it last? And just as importantly, what could derail the momentum?

Livewire's Chris Conway put those questions and more to James Nguyen from Tyndall Asset Management and Shaun Weick from Wilson Asset Management.

In this episode, James and Shaun also share which sectors and themes still look compelling in small-cap land, a couple of stocks they're most excited about, and a couple more that are keeping them up at night.

Please note that this episode was filmed 5 November 2025

But it's not just a rotation away from growth-starved large caps that is seeing smalls catch a bid. The recent reporting season showed that many small caps are in rude health, with strong balance sheets and improved earnings backed by margin expansion, built on a bedrock of innovation and competitive advantage.

That's the good news but, of course, not all small caps are created equal. Investors need to be highly selective when considering less mature businesses.

Against that backdrop, Livewire's Chris Conway sat down with James Nguyen from Tyndall and Shaun Weick from Wilson Asset Management to understand their most important factors when assessing companies and run the ruler over three of the hottest ASX small caps.

For good measure, they each share a name they believe is on the rise.

Please note that this episode was filmed 5 November 2025

In this final instalment, we’re doing things a little differently. Rather than our usual stock-by-stock format, we’ve set up a series of head-to-head matchups - five pairs of closely matched companies, each vying for line honours. Our guests will weigh in on which business they’d back, and why.

It’s a chance to see how professional investors think when they’re forced to make the hard calls, where conviction meets comparison, and small details separate a winner from the pack.

Joining me to make those calls are Nick Pashias from Antares Equities and Marcus Ryan from Yarra Capital Management. 

Please note this episode was filmed on 22 October 2025.

These are the companies that can handle tougher terrain, those with strong balance sheets, reliable earnings, and management teams that know how to keep moving forward when the ground gets heavy.

In this episode of Buy Hold Sell, Livewire’s Chris Conway is joined by Marcus Ryan from Yarra Capital Management and Nick Pashias from Antares Equities. Together, they’ll explore what defines true resilience in the sharemarket and where investors might find the best footing if conditions deteriorate.

Before they dive into the stocks, Chris asks Nick what traits he looks for in businesses that can weather the storm - from fiscal discipline and predictable cash flows to that all-important pricing power. Marcus then weighs in on which sectors tend to thrive when the economic going gets tough.

As well as analysing three ASX names, for good measure, the guests each share a stock in their portfolio that they might look at differently if conditions head south. 

Please note this episode was filmed on 22 October 2025.

In this episode of Buy Hold Sell, we’re drawing inspiration from the track to talk about the enduring performers of the sharemarket - the companies that keep compounding, year after year, through every twist in the economic cycle. These are the market’s equivalent of the proven stayers: dependable, disciplined, and capable of delivering over the long haul.

Joining Livewire's Chris Conway to break down what makes a true long-term performer are Nick Pashias from Antares Equities and Marcus Ryan from Yarra Capital Management. 

We kick off by finding out whether the gents fancy a flutter during the Spring Racing Carnival or prefer to keep their bets confined to the stock market. We then explore what the term “quality compounder” really means to them - the traits, fundamentals, and track records that separate the contenders from the also-rans.

And of course, we’ll run the ruler over three proven “stayers”, before each guest reveals the one company they’d hold for the next five years (if they had to!).

Please note this episode was filmed on 22 October 2025.

In this episode of Buy Hold Sell, host Anna Dadic is joined by small-cap specialists Matt Griffin from Maple Brown-Abbott and Luke Laretive from Seneca to unpack some of the market’s lesser-known winners and a couple of names they think are best avoided for now.

From the small-cap success stories flying under the radar to red flags flashing on overhyped names, our guests share where they’re finding value, what signals they look for when identifying early opportunities, and how they avoid the common traps that trip up investors.

In this episode of Buy Hold Sell, host Anna Dadic is joined by Matt Griffin from Maple-Brown Abbott and Luke Laretive from Seneca to unpack what’s really driving the small-cap recovery and where the next wave of opportunity might lie.

From takeover activity heating up to renewed investor appetite for growth, our guests share their read on what’s changed, what still looks cheap, and the risks investors need to keep on their radar. 

If you’ve been sitting on the fence about small caps, this episode is packed with insights to help you separate the real signals from the market noise.

In this episode of Buy Hold Sell, Livewire’s Anna Dadic is joined by Matt Griffin from Maple Brown Abbott and Luke Laretive from Seneca Financial Solutions to uncover where they’re spotting value in today’s small-cap landscape.

From sector-level trends to the traits that separate a potential winner from a flop, these two fundies share how they’re navigating a dynamic market full of hidden gems and hopefuls.

We put three small-cap names under the microscope, with our guests weighing in on which ones still have room to run and which might have already had their moment. They also each share a high-conviction pick they believe could outperform over the next 12 months.

This interview was filmed on Wednesday 8 October 2025. 

But which companies are doing the same thing on the ASX? Who are the real MVPs and who are the also-rans? 

In this episode of Buy Hold Sell, Livewire's Tom Stelzer is joined by Tim Riordan from Blackwattle and Brenton Saunders from Pendal to offer their verdicts on the companies showing strong game management and delivering on the big stage. 

Our guests also bring the ASX innovator they think has a winning strategy right now.  Please note, this episode was filmed on Wednesday, 24th September 2025. 

The siren might have sounded on another AFL season, but when it comes to markets, the game next stops. 

With the ASX trading near record highs and valuations stretching common sense, investors are asking the big question: how do you protect the scoreboard when conditions turn tough?

As the saying goes, attack wins you games, but defence wins you titles. And while growth stocks often grab the spotlight, low-volatility names and reliable portfolio ballast can be just as crucial for staying in the match when momentum shifts.

So in this episode, we’re drawing up our own starting lineup of ASX defenders. Which stocks deserve a place in your portfolio’s backline, and which ones should be left warming the bench?

Joining Livewire's Tom Stelzer to make the calls are  from Blackwattle and Brenton Saunders from Pendal, who put three ASX names under the spotlight. They also share their best defensive stock picks for when markets get choppy.

In a year that's seen a surprisingly resilient stock market, some names have taken the ball and run with it. But it's where they go next that matters.

In this episode of Buy Hold Sell, Livewire's Tom Stelzer is joined by Tim Riordan from Blackwattle and Brenton Saunders from Pendal to analyse some of the ASX's current star performers and see whether they can maintain that form going forward.

They also throw up the ASX growth stock they think can continue to kick goals over the next 12 months.

Please note this episode was filmed on 24 September 2025.

That’s the real test: turning hype into hard dollars. Profitability is the finish line, and plenty of flashy contenders never make it across.

In this episode of Buy Hold Sell, Livewire’s Chris Conway is joined by Martin Hickson (1851 Capital) and Steve Johnson (Forager) to zero in on a clutch of ASX names either approaching that threshold or already beyond it.

Which businesses are set to graduate from promise to performance – and which are still running on fumes, with more buzz than balance sheet? For good measure, both guests also reveal one stock they believe is presently offering more hype than substance.

Please note this episode was filmed on 10 September 2025.

In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most exciting - and sometimes most dangerous - areas of the market: innovation. 

It’s a word that gets thrown around a lot, but how do you tell the difference between a company with a slick marketing pitch and one that’s genuinely building something transformative? 

To unpack this, Livewire's Chris Conway is joined by Steve Johnson from Forager and Martin Hickson from 1851 Capital.

Johnson and Hickson share what innovation means to them, the traits that set true disruptors apart, and the red flags that suggest hype over substance. They also cover how to assess competitive moats, and what metrics matter when profitability hasn't quite yet arrived. 

Of course, it wouldn't be an episode of Buy Hold Sell without some stock ideas, so the guests each share an ASX innovator that is underrated and the market might be missing, as well as the best innovator across any market cap segment.

Please note this episode was filmed on 10 September 2025.

It's no different when hunting for opportunities on the ASX, particularly when it comes to the innovators - those companies pushing boundaries, reshaping industries, and trying to become the market leaders of tomorrow. 

But as every investor knows, backing innovation isn’t as simple as spotting a good idea. For every success story like Pro Medicus or Life360, there are countless others that never quite make the leap, leaving investors nursing losses. 

So how do you tell the difference between a genuine innovator and a pretender? And what signals should investors look for when trying to back the next big thing? 

To answer those questions, Lvewire's Chris Conway is joined by Martin Hickson from 1851 Capital and Steve Johnson from Forager. Together, they run the ruler over a handful of ASX innovators. 

For good measure, each guest shares a disruptor they are backing that has massive upside potential - provided they can nail it. 

Please note this episode was filmed on 27 August 2025.

Some companies smashed expectations, sending share prices soaring, while others stumbled badly and left investors wondering what went wrong. And then, of course, there were the quiet achievers, delivering solid results without making much noise.

To help us cut through the chaos, Livewire's Anna Dadic is joined by Ben Rundle from Hayborough Investment Partners and Joe McCarthy from Elston Asset Management.

Together, they examine the key themes from the season, including some of the best, worst, and under-the-radar results, and - perhaps most importantly - whether they are making any portfolio adjustments. 

Strap in, there's plenty to cover.

Please note this episode was filmed on 27 August 2025.

CSL, Woolworths and James Hardie were punished, while Coles, Brambles, and REA Group fared far better. Such sharp swings among large-cap “reliable” names have made the season feel more unpredictable than usual, particularly since these are the stocks investors typically buy for stability.

They are also companies that dominate headlines and, understandably, get a lot of coverage. However, that also means that there are likely many companies beyond the headlines that delivered solid results, which the market might have overlooked. In this episode, Livewire’s Anna Dadic is joined by Ben Rundle from Hayborough Investment Partners and Joe McCarthy from Elston Asset Management to run the ruler over three ASX names that quietly delivered strong results.

For good measure, they each nominate another stock that may have flown under the radar —one they believe offers a compelling buying opportunity.

Please note this episode was recorded on 27 August 2025.

The sector has been the third-worst performer over the period, down around 2%. So, what gives? Well, COVID didn't help, and healthcare companies have never been 'cheap' historically, but it does beg the question - is the sector due for a turnaround?

And, far more importantly, as it concerns Buy Hold Sell, which stocks could lead the charge?

To help answer those questions, Livewire's Chris Conway was joined by David Wilson from First Sentier Investors, and Matt Williams from Airlie Funds Management. 

Not only do the guests run the ruler over a handful of healthcare names, but they also each identify one healthcare company they believe is set for a big year ahead. 

Please note this episode was recorded on 30 July 2025.

With interest rates finally trending lower, the landscape for real estate investment is beginning to shift. Cheaper financing, improving asset valuations, and a potential tailwind for yield-focused investors all mean that property stocks are starting to look a lot more compelling.

While they’ve been out of favour in recent times, could we now be witnessing the early signs of a comeback?

In this episode of Buy Hold Sell, we’re diving into the world of listed property - from retail to residential, industrial to office - to uncover where the best opportunities might lie.

To help make sense of it all, host Chris Conway is joined by two top investors who’ve seen more cycles than most: Matt Williams from Airlie Funds Management and David Wilson from First Sentier Investors.

Together, they run the ruler over three ASX-listed property stocks and discuss the macro forces driving the sector. 

For good measure, Matt and David also name a property play (or two) they like right now.

Please note this episode was filmed on 30 July 2025.

Whilst debate about the reasons for CBA's rally rages on, investors might do well to remember that the ASX financials sector comprises more than just the Big Four - hard to believe, we know. 

With that in mind, we've brought in the big guns to run the ruler over the other parts of the financial sector, including insurers and platform businesses. Joining host Chris Conway are Airlie Funds Management's Matt Williams and First Sentier Investors' David Wilson. 

Together, they talk about the opportunities beyond the banks, run the ruler over three other key financial stocks, and each share an ASX name they particularly like in the space. 

Oh, and just because we couldn't help ourselves, they also share whether any of the Big Four look appealing right now. 

Please note this episode was recorded on 30 July 2025.

There are a couple of factors investors can screen for, however, to make the task a little easier.

First and foremost, make sure to look for companies with an above-market yield – otherwise, you might as well just buy the market. In this case, the line in the sand is 4%.

Secondly, look for companies whose consensus estimates suggest they will at least maintain, if not grow, their dividends over the next two years. As we all know, there is no point getting 8% one year, and then no dividend the following year – income investors crave consistency.

So, with those simple but powerful guardrails in place, Livewire’s James Marlay is joined by Peter Gardner from Plato Investment Management and Hugh Dive from Atlas Funds Management to run the ruler over a handful of stocks that meet the criteria.

For good measure, they each share a name that they like for its above-market yield and expected consistency in coming years. 

Please note this episode was filmed on 16 July 2025.

To help make sense of the dividend landscape in 2025 and beyond, Livewire’s James Marlay is joined by two seasoned pros: Peter Gardner from Plato Investment Management and Hugh Dive from Atlas Funds Management.

Together, they explore where the best income opportunities lie, what traps to avoid, and how to hunt for companies that deliver both yield and capital growth.

You’ll hear why traditional dividend darlings like CBA and Wesfarmers might not be pulling their weight anymore, why payout ratios matter more than ever, and how franking credits can offer crucial insight into a company’s financial health.

Plus, we get their verdicts on some of the most consistent dividend payers on the ASX – including Soul Patts, Charter Hall, and Steadfast Group - before each guest shares their top pick for income in 2025.

If you’re serious about dividends, you won’t want to miss this one.

Please note that this episode was recorded on July 16, 2025.

In this episode, we’re putting that question to the test.

Joining Livewire's Chris Conway are two seasoned portfolio managers, Hamish FitzSimons of AllianceBernstein and Dougal Maple-Brown from Maple-Brown Abbott.

Together, they explore some of the ASX’s most closely watched names across key sectors, including banks, miners, healthcare, and consumer staples. But there's a twist.

For each 'quality' name, Hamish and Dougal will assess the company in classic Buy Hold Sell style. Then, they’ll weigh up a potential 'value' alternative and tell us whether they prefer it.

Which names offer true long-term defensiveness? Which ones are still too expensive despite recent drawdowns? And which cheaper stocks have what it takes to close the gap?

Please note this episode was filmed on 2 July 2025.

In this episode of Buy Hold Sell, we dig into whether there’s any genuine value left in the market, and where two leading investors are finding it.

Dougal Maple-Brown from Maple-Brown Abbott and Hamish FitzSimons from AllianceBernstein share their philosophies, the must-have traits of a value stock, and what sectors they’re eyeing right now. 

Plus, they name one stock to avoid - and one they’re buying.

These are companies that boast robust financial foundations: low debt, consistent cash flows, and disciplined capital management.

Such businesses typically not only weather economic storms but often emerge stronger on the other side. But that does not mean they are automatic 'buys' if the valuation doesn't stack up.

Applying their respective lenses are Dougal Maple-Brown from Maple-Brown Abbott, and Hamish FitzSimons from AllianceBernstein.

For good measure, they also share one ASX name that they like right now.

Please note this episode was filmed on 2 July 2025.

As you'd expect, big-name favourites lead the pack. But behind the ticker symbols are stories full of surprises, challenges, and potential - and that’s where the real insight begins.

Joining guest host Grady Wulff are two of the sharpest (and most entertaining) minds in the market: Henry Jennings from Marcus Today and James Gerrish from Market Matters. 

Together, they weigh in on what’s driving investor interest and whether these companies still have room to run.

And to top it off, Henry and James each reveal one innovative stock they believe could make serious waves in FY26.

It’s fast, it’s fun, and it’s not to be missed.

Please note this episode was filmed on 18 June 2025.

So, what have investors learned? What caught them off guard? And more importantly, how should they be positioning for FY26?

In this episode, we’re taking stock of the past 12 months whilst also looking to the future. To help us unpack the biggest surprises, wins, and lessons from FY25 - and uncover where the smart money might be heading next - guest host Grady Wulff is joined by two of Australia’s sharpest market minds: Henry Jennings from Marcus Today and James Gerrish from Market Matters.

From their best (and worst) investment calls to the sectors they’re backing for FY26, the biggest risks still looming on the horizon, and a stock they are each backing for the year ahead - this is one episode you don’t want to miss.

Invariably, there will be some stocks in your portfolio that have crushed it, and some that you wish you'd never bothered with.

Against that backdrop, we’re taking a look at some of the best and worst performers in the ASX 200 - based purely on share price performance over the past 12 months - and asking the big questions: can the market’s high fliers keep climbing in FY26? And is opportunity hiding in the rubble of this year’s worst performers?

To help us separate the traps from the turnarounds, guest host Grady Wulff is joined by two of Australia’s most respected market commentators - James Gerrish from Market Matters and Henry Jennings from Marcus Today.

Whether you’re hunting for momentum or bargain buys, this episode will give you expert insights into what’s hot, what’s not, and what might be next.

Please note this episode was filmed on 18 June 2025.

These companies may not yet be household names but many are leveraging technology, unique business models, or sharp customer focus to punch well above their weight. And in a market where growth is increasingly hard to come by, they offer investors a compelling, if sometimes risky, alternative.

So, how do you sort the genuine disruptors from the hype machines? Which companies have the vision, execution, and balance sheets to go the distance, and which are more likely to fizzle out?

Joining Livewire's Chris Conway to break it all down are Emanuel Datt from Datt Capital and Michael Steele from Yarra Capital. Together, they put three emerging challengers under the microscope.

For good measure, they also name their favourite disruptor they are backing right now. 

In this episode, we’re diving into the world of small caps, where volatility runs high, but the rewards can be even higher.

More specifically, we’re exploring how to separate the true long-term compounders from the companies fueled by hype, rather than fundamentals. Which business models are built to last? Which leaders have the vision and execution to deliver real growth? And what signs suggest a small company could one day play in the big leagues?

To help us tackle these questions, Livewire's Chris Conway was joined by two seasoned investors who know the small-cap landscape inside and out: Emanuel Datt from Datt Capital and Michael Steele from Yarra Capital Management.

For good measure, they each share an ASX name they are backing to become the next big thing.

Please note this episode was filmed on 7 May 2025.

But moving down the market cap spectrum does not have to equal higher risk - not if you know where to look. 

Whilst small-cap names are often under-researched and overlooked, this can create opportunities for outsized returns. The key is to have a process for unearthing the mispriced or underappreciated gems. 

So, in this episode, Datt Capital’s Emanuel Datt and Yarra Capital’s Michael Steele share what they are looking for when mining the small-cap space, before putting their method to the test by analysing three small-cap names. 

For good measure, they each share a diamond in the rough small cap that they are backing right now. 

Please note this episode was filmed on 7 May 2025.

This time he's asking the big questions, including what the key risks are for ASX growth companies today, and how professionals manage downside when the inevitable arrives. 

Answering those questions are Ellerston’s James Barker and Ausbil’s Andrew Peros. Tom also quizzes them on past growth investments that exceeded expectations, and which early-stage indicators they pay most attention to. 

And that's all before we get to the traditional Buy Hold Sell fare, running the ruler over five overlooked growth stocks. Are they misunderstood, or has the market ditched them for a reason?

If you love growth investing, don't miss this bumper episode. , investors piled into early-stage lithium hopefuls. This episode was filmed 21 May, 2025

Against the backdrop of an incredibly volatile macro picture, punctuated by Trump’s flip-flop on tariffs, we explore how growth investing is being reshaped in real time.

Known for punching above our weight on many fronts, we also uncover the sectors and industries where Australia has a competitive edge.

That’s all before we deliver what Buy Hold Sell is best known for, running the ruler over three stocks that are on the move as well as two growth ideas our experts reckon the market is overlooking.

To help navigate this bumper episode, special guest host Tom Piotrowski from Commsec is joined by Ellerston’s James Barker and Ausbil’s Andrew Peros.

Don’t miss the insights as we set the scene for a journey through growth investing over the next couple of weeks. 

This episode was filmed 21 May, 2025

So, which ASX companies have such earnings potential, and are they currently priced correctly?

To answer those questions, Livewire's Anna Dadic is joined by Will Granger from Airlie Funds Management and Marc Whittaker from IML.

In this episode, they analyse three ASX companies exhibiting strong earnings that are set to grow in the future. For good measure, they each outline the bull case on one company they believe has significant earnings upside. 

Please note this episode was filmed on 7 May 2025.

No one wants something that’ll fall apart or blow up in their face. One of the big bugbears is reliability - most people want something that’s built to last when they’re putting their money into it.

Same goes for stocks. The word quality gets bandied around a lot, and while there’s a broadly accepted definition, it can mean different things to different people. 

Different strokes for different folks.

To unpack what it means for those hunting in the small and mid-cap space, Livewire's Anna Dadic is joined by Will Granger from Airlie Funds Management and Marc Whittaker from IML.

In this episode, they will discuss why quality becomes so significant in market turbulence and share their current favourite high-quality small and mid-cap stock names. 

Please note this episode was filmed on 7 May 2025.

Suddenly, everyone is hunting quality stocks that can withstand whatever is being thrown at them by the economy and by the market. 

But what exactly is quality? Well, it has many faces, but companies with strong financial metrics, like high return on equity and strong competitive advantages, are high on the list.  

So, which ASX companies exhibit these traits and how do the pros rate them? 

To answer those questions, Livewire's Anna Dadic was joined by Will Granger from Airlie Funds Management and Marc Whittaker from IML.

In this episode they analyse five ASX names that fit the bill and each outline the bull case on one company they believe is set to thrive. 

Please note this episode was filmed on 7 May 2025.

And whilst some believe it is the last cut we could get for a while, the market is pricing in up to three more cuts for the rest of the year. 

Should these cuts materialise, there is a cohort of capital-intensive and consumer-facing businesses that could benefit from lower debt costs and increased disposable income. Of course, this outlook needs to be balanced against the reason for the cuts in the first place - a slowing economy. 

To help us understand where that balance lies, guest host Matthew Kidman of Centennial Asset Management was joined by Matthew Haupt from Wilson Asset Management and Tim Johnston from Tyndall Asset Management. 

Together, they run the ruler over no less than five ASX companies that could benefit from lower rates. For good measure, they share a name that they believe will be a winner in a lower rate environment.

Please note this episode was filmed on 23 April 2025.

A second rate cut is widely expected in May, with markets pricing in a 98% chance. So, how are the pros positioning their portfolios in a falling rate environment?

To unpack this and more, Matthew Haupt from Wilson Asset Management and Tim Johnston from Tyndall Asset Management sat down with special guest host, Matthew Kidman from Centennial Asset Management. 

In the episode, they dig into how lower interest rates influence portfolio construction, which sectors stand to benefit, and how professionals assess the impact on capital-intensive or heavily indebted companies. 

They also explore the growing importance of dividends and yield in a low-rate environment, and, of course, share one rate-sensitive stock they believe the market is currently mispricing.

If you’re looking to sharpen your strategy in a shifting rate environment, this episode is not to be missed.  Please note this episode was filmed on 23 April 2025

Markets are now pricing in as many as three additional cuts over the next year, raising a critical question for investors: which ASX stocks stand to benefit - and which could struggle - as interest rates continue to fall?

In this episode, Centennial Asset Management's Matthew Kidman hosts Matthew Haupt from Wilson Asset Management and Tim Johnston from Tyndall Asset Management - two investors with deep insights into how monetary policy moves ripple through the ASX.

They reveal which companies they believe are poised to outperform in a falling rate environment, which ones are worth avoiding, and how they’re positioning their portfolios for what could be a very different 12 months ahead.

Please note this episode was filmed on 23 April 2025.

It has been a perfect backdrop for the precious metal, driven by a weaker US dollar, escalating US-China trade tensions, and growing concerns about global economic stability.

Gold equities have also participated in the rally, although not quite to the same extent as the underlying commodity.

So, where to for gold from here and which companies are best placed to capitalise? To help answer those questions, Livewire’s James Marlay was joined by Ben Richards from Seneca Financial Solutions and Daniel Sullivan from Janus Henderson.​

Ben and Dan share their perspectives on the current gold market dynamics, where they are finding value amongst explorers, developers and producers, and – most importantly, which stocks they like. 

Please note this episode was filmed on 9 April 2025.

After a meteoric rise in 2021 and 2022, lithium prices have taken a sharp turn, falling significantly over the past year. This pullback has left many investors questioning whether the sector's structural tailwinds—such as electrification and the global energy transition—are still intact.

Joining the conversation are Ben Richards of Seneca Financial Solutions and Daniel Sullivan from Janus Henderson Investors, who share their insights on where value is emerging and what to steer clear of.

They delve into the recent price weakness, explore how far valuations have reset, and debate which companies and commodities are best positioned for a rebound.

Whether you're already exposed or just lithium-curious, this episode is essential viewing for anyone trying to navigate the next phase of the commodity cycle.

Please note this video was filmed on 9 April 2025.

Prices for iron ore have softened, copper has been smashed, and coal has continued to come under long-term pressure. But as seasoned investors know, periods of weakness can often uncover the most compelling opportunities.

With that in mind, Livewire’s James Marlay sat down with two commodities specialists in Janus Henderson’s Daniel Sullivan and Seneca Financial’s Ben Richards to pick through the rubble.

They share their outlooks for key commodities, the forces shaping supply and demand, and where they’re finding value — both on the ASX and globally. Please note this episode was filmed on 9 April 2025.

But a falling share price doesn’t always mean a falling star - some of the greatest investment comebacks are buried beneath the rubble of a market correction. Consider Eagers Automotive, which plunged from $3.20 to below $1 during the GFC before surging above $16 with a healthy dividend yield.

Or Afterpay, which collapsed to $8.01 in March 2020 only to rocket back to $70 within months. Drawdowns like these can offer bold investors serious upside, but only if you back the right names.

The real opportunity lies in spotting companies with strong fundamentals and a compelling long-term outlook that’s masked by a weak share price.

In this episode of Buy Hold Sell, we're joined by David Allingham from Eley Griffiths and Marcus Burns from Spheria to uncover which beaten-down stocks are primed for recovery (and which ones deserve to stay on the sidelines).

You can watch or read an edited transcript of this interview here: https://www.livewiremarkets.com/wires/buy-hold-sell-3-asx-small-and-mid-cap-recovery-plays-and-2-names-to-avoid

Of the top 20 largest and most successful Australian companies from 2000, more than half remain as constituents, with banks and miners dominating.

While our biggest companies have served us well, the lack of innovation and new entrants into the upper echelons leaves the top part of our market looking old hat compared to global peers, lacking diversification and growth potential.

Fortunately, looking outside the top 20 yields a different result. The small and mid-cap space is rich with companies on the cutting edge, disrupting industries and carving out new markets. But there are also greater risks.

So, how are investors to sort the wheat from the chaff? To find out, Livewire’s Vishal Teckchandani is joined by Marcus Burns from Spheria Asset Management and David Allingham from Eley Griffiths Group.

They share what they look for in small and mid-caps (SMID) and, for good measure, they highlight a favourite SMID they believe has staying power. 

This video was recorded on 26 March 2025. 

In this episode of Buy Hold Sell, Livewire’s Vishal Teckchandani puts five high-potential ASX ex-20 stocks under the microscope with David Allingham from Eley Griffiths and Marcus Burns from Spheria – spanning homegrown global exporters to local names with serious staying power – to uncover what truly separates the standouts from the rest.

Plus, each fundie reveals their top mid-cap pick – a compelling business flying under the radar that not only ticks all the boxes, but has a clear strategy to keep delivering growth.

This episode was filmed on 26 March 2025. 

In this episode of Buy Hold Sell, we’re going bottom-fishing for the cheapest funds on the ASX. Joining us to break down the best rock-bottom-fee strategies are Charlie Viola from Viola Private Wealth and Adam Dawes from Shaw and Partners.

Are these low-cost funds worth the hype? Let’s find out.

Paul Tudor Jones, the billionaire hedge fund manager who famously called the ’87 crash, made a bold bet on Bitcoin in 2020. Since then, it’s surged over 1,200%. His reasoning? If beating inflation is a race, Bitcoin is the fastest horse.

Yet, many investors remain sceptical. Unlike traditional assets, Bitcoin has no cash flows, no earnings, and no tangible value - making it easy to dismiss. But are we making the same mistake with Bitcoin that sceptics made with Amazon and Apple decades ago?

With institutional adoption accelerating, crypto markets maturing, and Bitcoin hitting record highs (until the recent dip), the case for it as a legitimate asset is stronger than ever. Is it time to move past old biases and rethink its place in a portfolio?

To break it down, we’re joined by Charlie Viola from Viola Private Wealth and Adam Dawes from Shaw and Partners. Watch, read or listen to the podcast below.

Globally, names like Nvidia, Apple, Microsoft and Google spring to mind, whilst locally names like ProMedicus and TechnologyOne fit the bill. 

So, how does one go about hunting these unicorns, and what are the companies right now with massive growth runways ahead of them? We're talking about names with sustainable competitive advantages, good returns on capital, strong balance sheets, and that are disruption-resistant.

To help answer that question, and run the ruler over three prospective growth standouts, Livewire's James Marlay was joined by Vihari Ross from Antipodes and James Tsinidis from Munro Partners. 

For good measure, they also share one company they believe is destined to rise to up the growth stock leaderboard over coming years. 

Note: This episode was recorded on Wednesday, 26 February 2025. 

Today, AI is revolutionising everything from automation to chip design, with the global AI market projected to grow from US$207 billion in 2023 to over US$1.8 trillion by 2030, according to Grand View Research. Meanwhile, the clean energy transition, shifting demographics, and deglobalisation are rewriting economic playbooks.

Getting these megatrends right isn’t just important, it can be the difference between market-beating returns and falling behind. Just look at how Amazon capitalised on e-commerce or how Nvidia surged over 3,000% in the past decade thanks to AI-driven demand.

In this episode of Buy Hold Sell, we’ll break down the biggest megatrends shaping the future, explore why they matter, and discuss how investors can position themselves to ride the wave. We'll also unpack a couple that could be on the decline. 

To do that, Livewire’s James Marlay was joined by Vihari Ross from Antipodes and James Tsinidis from Munro Partners. For good measure, they each share a stock idea set to benefit from their favourite megatrend. 

Note: This episode was recorded on Wednesday, 26 February 2025.