Bridge Talks Business with Milford
by Milford
Introducing Bridge Talks Business with Milford. Each week together with a team of analysts, fund managers and financial experts from Milford, host Ryan Bridge will cover the key business stories you need to hear about. But this podcast will also ask ’why’? How do you know that? And what data underpins central bank decisions, share market behaviour, company performances and so much more. Let this podcast be your go-to for expert insights on what’s happening in markets, business and the economy, both here and overseas. Tap to subscribe.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 Fun
Episodes
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Who’s paying for the AI boom?
AI is grabbing the headlines, but debt is helping foot the bill. Milford Investment Analyst Katlyn Parker explores with Ryan Bridge the borrowing behind the data centre boom, why even cash-rich tech giants are turning to lenders, and what this growing exposure means for everyday investors. This...
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EP98: The next big thing – smart investment or risky trend?
As new investment trends gain momentum, is following them the right move? Milford Wealth Management Adviser Jess Travers talks to Ryan Bridge about why investors can be drawn to the latest market trends - and the risks of following the hype. Jess shares practical guidance on how to look beyond…
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Ep 97: Is NZ on the road to recovery – or facing fresh headwinds?
New Zealand’s economy is showing tentative signs of recovery, but is the momentum strong enough to last? In this episode of Bridge talks Business, Investment Analyst Jeremy Hutton talks to Ryan Bridge about the latest macroeconomic data, signs of life in retail spending, and what rising fuel…
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Ep 96: Can KiwiSaver solve New Zealand's infrastructure problems?
New Zealanders now have almost $150 billion invested through KiwiSaver. Could more of that capital be helping fund New Zealand's infrastructure – and what would investors get in return? Milford Investment Director Max Harrison joins Ryan Bridge to discuss how infrastructure investing works, why...
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Episode 95: US debt, oil shocks and the risks testing global markets
What can past crises teach us about the pressures facing financial markets today? Milford Investment Analyst Katlyn Parker talks with Ryan Bridge about the rapid rise in US government debt, the bond market’s demand for higher yields and the renewed inflation threat from rising oil prices. She...
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Episode 94: What award recognition means for your KiwiSaver choice
Are industry awards just a pat on the back, or should they be genuinely considered when choosing a KiwiSaver provider? In this episode of Bridge talks Business, we’re joined by Murray Harris to discuss Milford’s latest KiwiSaver award wins from Canstar, including Provider of the Year and...
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EP93: Do elections actually matter for investors?
With New Zealand heading to the polls in November, many Kiwis are wondering what the result could mean for their investments. Milford Wealth Management Adviser Julie Shacklady joins Ryan Bridge to discuss how the NZ sharemarket has historically performed before and after elections, why markets...
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Episode 92: What happens when company values are put to the test?
Trust can take years to build and moments to lose. Dr Jacki Johnson, board director, researcher and author of When the Mirror Shatters, joins Ryan Bridge to discuss the leadership lessons she learned through the Christchurch earthquakes, why values are revealed through behaviour rather than…
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Episode 91: Could Moderna’s mRNA breakthrough transform cancer treatment?
A record share price surge put Moderna back in the headlines, but the bigger story may be what it signals for the future of medicine. Milford Investment Analyst Dr Deborah Lambie joins Ryan Bridge to discuss the breakthrough personalised cancer treatment developed by Moderna and Merck, how mRNA...
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Episode 90: What’s ahead for KiwiSaver – and how could changes affect you?
KiwiSaver is at a pivotal juncture, with political parties proposing to reshape New Zealand’s largest retirement savings scheme. What could those changes mean, and what should New Zealanders be thinking about as the debate around retirement savings builds? Milford’s Murray Harris, General Manager...
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Episode 89: Could AI power New Zealand’s next investment boom?
A proposed AI-focused data centre in the small town of Stratford has captured investor attention. Milford Portfolio Manager Sam Trethewey talks to Ryan Bridge about why the story behind the headline may be less about software and more about electricity, infrastructure and New Zealand’s chance to...
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Episode 88: The business of giving back
In this episode of Bridge Talks Business, Ryan Bridge chats with Lucy Doyle, General Manager of Milford Foundation, to explore how businesses can create meaningful impact beyond commercial success. Lucy shares the story behind Milford’s philanthropic journey, the Foundation’s achievements over…
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Episode 87: Beyond the index - why active investing matters
What is an index, what are the risks, and why does active management matter? In this episode of Bridge talks Business, Wealth Management Adviser Gareth Stythe talks with Ryan Bridge about how some of the widely followed indices have become more concentrated, with technology stocks making up a...
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Episode 86: The worrying rise of risky financial influences
From Finfluencers and deepfake scams, to the rise of AI-powered investing tips – the risk of financial advice from unregulated sources is increasing. With one in three New Zealanders now using AI to help make investment decisions, Milford Wealth Management Adviser Nicky Reid joins Ryan Bridge to...
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Ep 85: Retirement planning starts with knowing your number
The retirement you want begins with one simple question: How much will I need? From understanding the lifestyle you want, knowing how to build practical saving habits and reviewing your plan as life changes, Milford Wealth Management Adviser Liam Robertson shares with Ryan Bridge the top tips for...
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Ep 85: What investors should watch next
What’s shaped financial markets in 2026 and what’s yet to come? Milford Portfolio Manager Mark Riggall joins Ryan Bridge for a clear, practical look at what is happening across global markets - from the dominance of US technology stocks and the role of AI, to opportunities in bonds, currencies…
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Episode 83: The five investing traps to avoid
What should first-time investors steer clear of? In this episode of Bridge talks Business, Milford Wealth Management Adviser Jess Travers goes back to investing basics to highlight five common pitfalls that can undermine long-term success: waiting for the “perfect” moment, following hype,...
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Episode 82: Bond basics - with no boring bits
Successful investing starts with understanding the building blocks of a portfolio. In episode 82 of Bridge talks Business, Remy Wisenberg breaks down the basics of bonds: what they are, how they differ from shares, and why companies and governments issue them. From real-world corporate bond...
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Episode 81: KiwiSaver myth busters – The questions Kiwis are afraid to ask
Can you use your KiwiSaver funds for a facelift? In this episode of Bridge Talks Business, Ryan Bridge sits down with financial journalist and money correspondent Susan Edmunds to discuss her new book “Your KiwiSaver Questions Answered”. She shares practical, judgment-free insights and answers to...
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Episode 80: Investing through the noise
What do global conflict, market swings and attention-grabbing headlines mean for investors? Milford Wealth Management Adviser Julie Shacklady sits down with Ryan Bridge to discuss. From the impact of geopolitics on returns, to the value of diversification and sticking to a long-term plan, this...
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Episode 79: The Trillion-Dollar Question
There’s been a surge in AI investment but is a trillion-dollar spend by big tech really justified? Milford Investment Analyst James Buchanan talks with Ryan Bridge about the rise of AI agents, the early signs of commercial returns, the risks of an AI bubble, and what this fast-moving technology...
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Episode 78: How to ensure you receive your $260
Eligible KiwiSaver members can receive up to $260.72 a year from the government, but only if they meet the contribution threshold by 30 June. Milford Senior Client Services Associate Maddie Cruickshank joins Ryan Bridge to explain how the contribution works and what to check before the deadline…
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Episode 77: Running on empty? How fuel costs are hitting NZ tourism
The fuel crisis is driving up costs across New Zealand’s tourism sector, just as visitor numbers are starting to increase post-Covid. What does this mean for the industry’s outlook, and can tourism keep growing despite the pressure? Milford Private Equity Director John Johnston talks to Ryan…
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Episode 76: What investors are asking
In this episode of Bridge talks Business, Wealth Management Adviser Bruce O’Leary talks with Ryan Bridge about some of the biggest questions facing investors right now. From why parts of the US market are still performing strongly despite global conflict and inflation pressures, to what New...
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Episode 75: From start-up to standout - the young founder shaking up wellness
Recognised as one of the world’s top innovators under 25, Kate Gatfield-Jeffries launched women’s wellness brand Moodi at just 22. Five years on, she’s been named New Zealand’s EY Young Entrepreneur of the Year, and Moodi has become the country’s #1 selling wellness drink. Kate sat down with Ryan...
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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...
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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…
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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?...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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…
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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....
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Episode 64: How does New Zealand become a nation of savers?
There’s been a lot of discussion lately about the looming “Silver Tsunami” and New Zealand’s preparedness for an ageing population. Milford CEO Blair Turnbull talks to Ryan Bridge about the changes that could help us become a nation of savers who aren’t just relying on a Super system that may not...
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Episode 63: If the economy's improving, why are consumers still holding back?
New Zealand’s economy is showing signs of recovery, with discretionary spending on the rise. So why do many households still feel like they’re treading water? RNZ Money Correspondent Susan Edmunds joins Ryan Bridge to unpack the state of the Kiwi consumer, the lingering impact of post-Covid...
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Episode 62: The vital signs of healthcare investing - What's hot, what's not
Healthcare is a broad and complex area of investment, with numerous market segments to assess and consider. How do you break it down, what are good areas for investment, and what areas should be avoided? Milford Senior Investment Analyst Victoria MacLean talks to Ryan Bridge about key...
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Episode 61: Will I have enough? Tips to retire well
How much do I need, have I got enough, and how long will it last? These are key questions all of us face when planning for retirement. So, is there a magic number we should be working towards? Financial Adviser Julie Shacklady talks with Ryan Bridge about the variables that affect the answers to...
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Episode 60: Embracing the boost to maximise your KiwiSaver
Last year’s policy change means New Zealanders will soon see more flowing into their KiwiSaver plan. From April, employer contributions rise from 3% to 3.5%, giving the nation’s retirement savings a significant boost. Financial Adviser Liam Robertson joins Ryan Bridge to unpack what this change...
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Episode 59: What's shaping up 2026?
It’s been a whirlwind start to the year, with geopolitical uncertainty and myriad market moves dominating the media. Amidst all of this, investors are increasingly expecting global growth to improve in 2026. Milford Portfolio Manager Mark Riggall talks with Ryan Bridge about the themes expected…
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Episode 58: Market Recap - The Key Themes that Shaped 2025
From AI and sticky inflation, to US tariffs and gold – global markets this year have been full of opportunity and risk. Milford Portfolio Manager Frances Sweetman looks back over 2025 with Ryan Bridge, highlighting the major trends that influenced markets, and outlining what analysts are watching...
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Episode 57: Are we seeing New Zealand’s economy improve?
Recent company updates from some of New Zealand’s leading businesses indicate increased activity compared to this time last year. Is this a sign the economy is improving? Milford Investment Analyst Jeremy Hutton breaks down the data with Ryan Bridge, including influences such as the OCR, interest...
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Episode 56: AI bubble - fact or fiction
There’s a lot of hype in the media about a potential AI bubble. What is an AI bubble and should we be afraid of it? Milford Senior Investment Analyst Andrew Curtayne talks with Ryan Bridge about global investment into AI, key factors that determine a ‘bubble’, and what it all means for us in New...
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Episode 55: What are Stablecoins and why do we need them?
In the world of cryptocurrency, Stablecoins are designed to offer price stability, making them less volatile than other cryptos like Bitcoin. Globally, it is believed approximately $255 billion is invested in Stablecoin (as of June 2025). But despite the name, Stablecoins are not necessarily...
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Episode 54: What 18 years of KiwiSaver have taught us
KiwiSaver has reshaped how our nation saves for retirement, and broadened access to investment funds for a new generation. What are the lessons we’ve learnt along the way, and how could KiwiSaver evolve moving forward? Milford Portfolio Manager Jono Windust talks with Ryan Bridge about key...
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Episode 53: What’s keeping investors awake at night?
Interest rates, AI, property, gold, Trump and tariffs. Investors have a lot to consider in this volatile geopolitical landscape. Ryan Bridge discusses these ‘frequently-asked-about topics’ with Milford Financial Adviser Bruce O’Leary, including investment strategies to mitigate risk. This podcast...
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Episode 52: How low can interest rates go?
The RBNZ cut the Official Cash Rate by 50 basis points last week, prompting markets to readjust interest rate expectations lower. What does this mean for mortgage rates, the housing market and New Zealand businesses? Milford Credit Analyst Remy Morgan talks to Ryan Bridge about the market…
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Episode 51: Inside Gen Z’s money mindset
From saving and spending habits to declining confidence with money, what’s really going on with Gen Z’s finances? Ryan Bridge is joined by Financial Services Council CEO, Kirk Hope, to unpack the latest research and explore how KiwiSaver could help this generation turn good intentions into…
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Episode 50: Milford’s role in shaping New Zealand’s financial future
How do we turn New Zealand into a nation of savers? Milford CEO Blair Turnbull talks to Ryan Bridge about Milford’s plans to help Kiwis save more, while touching on the reasons for Milford’s recent success and sharing his vision for the company he has headed since March this year. This podcast is...
About this show
Introducing Bridge Talks Business with Milford. Each week together with a team of analysts, fund managers and financial experts from Milford, host Ryan Bridge will cover the key business stories you need to hear about. But this podcast will also ask ’why’? How do you know that? And what data underpins central bank decisions, share market behaviour, company performances and so much more. Let this podcast be your go-to for expert insights on what’s happening in markets, business and the economy, both here and overseas. Tap to subscribe.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 Fun
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