In July last year, here at the blog, I noted the AI bubble could only become a bona-fide boom if AI is monetised.  

Back then I noted Google’s (NASDAQ:GOOG) “significant strides in the integration and security of artificial intelligence (AI) in their products and services” and Meta’s (NASDAQ:META) plans to incorporate AI text, image, and video generators into Facebook and Instagram, allowing customers to modify their own photos using text prompts and share them on Instagram stories weren’t meaningful in terms of generating additional revenue from existing users. Sure, they might assist users, enhance their experience, and be entertaining, but would they be meaningful enough for users and advertisers to be willing to pay more? The jury was out.  Continue…

by Roger Montgomery Posted in Companies, Editor's Pick, Market commentary.

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In yesterday’s interview on ausbiz, I discussed the growing influence of music streaming services, particularly highlighting Spotify’s (NYSE:SPOT) leading position in the market. We delved into how Spotify’s ad-free, premium offerings have bolstered its appeal, leading to a substantial increase in both market share and subscriber base, despite rising prices. I also emphasised the importance of return on equity (ROE) as a critical metric for investors, demonstrating how companies like Spotify and REA Group (ASX:REA) leverage their ability to charge premium prices to sustain strong competitive advantages. These insights provide a valuable perspective for understanding the dynamics that drive stock performance and market leadership in today’s digital economy. 

You can watch the full interview here: Ausbiz – Spotify soars like a Swift hit!

by Roger Montgomery Posted in TV Appearances.

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Patience is a virtue in the investment world. It can take two to three years, or even longer, for sentiment to shift the full 180 degrees from bearish to unbridled optimism. This is because scepticism, an uneven distribution of information, and inertia ensure the path to enthusiasm is not instant but takes time. This slow shift is a normal part of the investment and market narrative, and understanding this can bring a sense of reassurance and calm to investors. Continue…

by Roger Montgomery Posted in Editor's Pick, Small Caps.

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With reporting season about to commence, investors are turning their attention to company profits and corporate expectations for 2025, while aiming to uncover those sectors and companies expected to demonstrate real earnings growth. Fluctuations in share prices are frequent and some will be volatile, especially if expectations are missed.  Continue…

by Roger Montgomery Posted in Companies.

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Doom-and-gloomers, of which there are many, are the Henny Pennys of the financial world; those who constantly fear the sky will fall in, so warn others of its imminent inevitability. Are there any worth listening to? Perhaps we have found one.  Continue…

by Roger Montgomery Posted in Companies, Editor's Pick, Market commentary.

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In this recent webinar,  our global equity partner Polen Capital portfolio managers Carolyn Chan, Damon Ficklin, and Greg McIntire discussed recent developments in global equities including across geographies and the market cap spectrum. They also shared their perspectives on what the second half of 2024 may have in store for global equity investors. Continue…

by Polen Capital Posted in Polen Capital.

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On Monday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index reached a new all-time high, crossing the illustrious 8,000-point mark. For anyone closely tracking Australian equity markets over the last year, particularly those for large caps (notably the ASX 100 and ASX 200 indices), this may not come at a surprise. In fact, the S&P/ASX 300 Accumulation Index, which is most commonly used as a proxy for the broader Australian equity market, boasted a 12 per cent return for fiscal year 2024.   Continue…

by Dean Curnow Posted in Market commentary.

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In mid-2023, the U.S. Department of Energy released its Critical Minerals Assessment, and lithium, nickel and a handful of specific rare earths were highlighted as commodities most critical to the energy transition, and with the highest supply risk.  Continue…

by David Buckland Posted in Companies.

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