Bulls vs. Bears

MPC Markets

"Bulls vs Bears" is the essential weekly podcast from MPC Markets, offering an expert breakdown of the latest trends, insights, and analyses from our MPC Weekend Edition. Each episode, we delve into the dynamic world of stocks, commodities, and global markets, bringing you a comprehensive perspective on the pressing issues shaping the investment landscape.

  1. EP107: Markets on Edge as US Surrounds Iran

    2 DAYS AGO

    EP107: Markets on Edge as US Surrounds Iran

    In this week's episode, the MPC Markets team discusses a quiet but eventful market week overshadowed by escalating US military positioning around Iran, a rebound in select Australian stocks (notably Telix up 14%), signs of sector rotation in the US (Russell 2000 strength), ongoing SaaS sector pressure from AI disruption, and a deep dive into which software companies may survive or thrive long-term. They also cover strong performances in gold miners, banks, and resources on the ASX, while expressing serious concern about potential conflict with Iran over the weekend. Key Takeaways • Geopolitical tension spikes — Significant US naval buildup (multiple carrier groups, destroyers) near Iran has markets on edge; the informal “Pizza Index” (DoCon level) remains low but shows early unusual activity around the Pentagon. • Telix (TLX) surges 14% — Strong CEO interview, recent approvals in China & Europe, multiple Phase 3 trials underway, high short interest (~12%), and analyst targets pointing toward $22+ provide relief and momentum. • Australian market resilience — Banks (NAB, CBA), major miners (BHP, Rio), and Newmont outperformed despite a subdued week; ASX touched intraday record highs driven by resources and financials. • SaaS sector under pressure (“SaaSpocalypse”) — AI threatens seat-based models with low moats (e.g. HubSpot seen as heavily at risk); companies with deep data moats, high-stakes accuracy needs (medical, government, compliance), sticky contracts, or large distribution scale fare better. • AI heat-map highlights survivors — Top-rated names include cybersecurity firms, medical/research platforms (e.g. Viva), logistics-heavy players like WiseTech, and roll-up acquirers like Constellation Software; Salesforce and Xero viewed as more vulnerable. • Gold remains steady near US$5,000/oz → Miners are highly profitable at current levels despite a stronger USD and absent Chinese buying during New Year. • Crude oil nears US$65/bbl amid Middle East risks; potential weekend developments could drive volatility in energy and broader risk assets. • Upcoming catalysts — Nvidia & Salesforce earnings, Australian CPI + RBA’s Michelle Bullock speech, multiple Fed speakers, and PCE data could move markets significantly; bearish technicals on US indices add caution short-term.

    44 min
  2. EP100: Trump Strikes in Venezula...Where Next?

    9 JAN

    EP100: Trump Strikes in Venezula...Where Next?

    In this episode, the hosts cover a wide scope of market themes ranging from geopolitics and commodities to sector-level equities and forward-looking macro drivers. Discussion begins with geopolitical flashpoints such as Trump-era tensions, Venezuela’s transition risks, and Greenland’s strategic minerals, before shifting to equity markets where defence, AI infrastructure and resources stand out as structural beneficiaries. Analysts break down ASX heavyweights across healthcare, tech, infrastructure and banks, highlighting valuation dispersion, earnings resilience and dividend appeal. The conversation also ties in MPC’s 2026 Market Outlook, outlining how AI capex, tariffs, higher-for-longer rates and a persistent geopolitical risk premium will shape volatility and opportunity. Lastly, metals and energy markets are dissected — from record gold and silver to copper strength and lithium momentum — with a focus on how electrification, defence spending and supply constraints feed into pricing. Key Takeaways Geopolitics is now a core return driver — Venezuela, tariffs and defence realignments are shaping risk premia rather than short-term noise.Defence, energy and mining equities are gaining traction, with stocks like DroneShield benefitting from rising US military spending signals.2026 will be fragmented but investable, with AI-driven capex supporting growth despite higher-for-longer rates and tariff friction.AI, data-centres and power generation are multi-year themes, driving commodities such as uranium, copper and lithium.Gold & Silver remain strong trades amid safe-haven demand and rate uncertainty, with both printing fresh highs.

    44 min

About

"Bulls vs Bears" is the essential weekly podcast from MPC Markets, offering an expert breakdown of the latest trends, insights, and analyses from our MPC Weekend Edition. Each episode, we delve into the dynamic world of stocks, commodities, and global markets, bringing you a comprehensive perspective on the pressing issues shaping the investment landscape.

You Might Also Like