Stock Insiders Podcast: X2M Connect
Investment exposure to AI and machine learning can often be a top-heavy proposition, leaving the smaller-capped companies somewhat overlooked, so in this episode Tim chats to X2M Connect (ASX:X2M) CEO Mohan Jesudason about how his company is playing into the next wave of improvements.
While X2M isn't directly an AI company, it is certainly part of its value chain in the next wave of data collection and IoT infrastructure, so Tim and Mohan dive into how the company is building in tune with the most advanced global cities and the value which is going to go to companies which can effectively manage the flow of data.
To hear Tim and Mohan discuss all this and more, tune in below!
This podcast was developed in collaboration with X2M Connect, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.
The interviews and discussions in this podcast are opinions only and not financial or investment advice. Listeners should obtain independent advice based on their own circumstances before making any financial decisions.
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ABC News
11 minutes ago
- ABC News
Investors 'not quite euphoric' but close, as share market rollercoaster roars on
This week, we've seen the Australian share market smash records, from fresh intra-day all-time highs (which occur during trading sessions) to record closing highs. Whichever way you cut it, the Australian share market is performing exceptionally well. It's been a remarkable turnaround from the enormous volatility we saw in early April when US President Donald Trump announced his "reciprocal" tariffs. So what happens next? Economists point to the psychological stages of the investment journey. While traders and investors might like to think of themselves as logical actors, like all of us, they're human. "It's well-known investment markets move more than can be justified by moves in investment fundamentals, because investor emotion plays a huge part," AMP's head of investment strategy, Shane Oliver, noted. As this chart demonstrates, a rollercoaster of emotions drives investor behaviour over the course of an investment cycle. While you can't predict the timing, psychologists say these stages are real and, when they occur, they put a mirror up to society. It's easy to get lost in the machinations of the share market, but the workings of it are easy enough to explain. The index most often tracked locally consists of the 200 largest stocks or companies by market capitalisation. It's called the S&P/ASX 200. Analysts try to determine the value of stocks and then buy and sell them depending on how that valuation compares to the stock price. Stockbrokers have the job of buying and selling stocks on behalf of the public and financial institutions. Risks to the value of stocks come from the companies themselves and from outside. The biggest outside risks for stocks at present are Donald Trump's tariffs and how they may affect international trade and inflation, and the health of the US economy. As for companies themselves? They cough up information — namely, their financial reports — every six months. The lead up is dubbed "confession season" for a reason. Right now, analysts say investors are taking Donald Trump's comments with a grain of salt. They also want further confirmation from official data that the US economy — post-last week's horror employment report — really is in trouble. But as far as reporting season is concerned, companies have generally performed rather well and, crucially, say they will continue to do so. "Earnings have to come through to the upside compared to expectations," FNArena finance commentator Danielle Ecuyer said. "That pretty much has held true for us as well for the US." She noted that many companies have had "great results" and then upgraded their outlook for the year ahead: "We're seeing that very much in the big tech sector". Share prices have risen in reaction. So, investors are pleased that companies are meeting and beating their expectations. The problem is, the outside risks are not going away. "All of that could be thrown out with the baby in the bath if President Trump decides to throw a few more spanners in the works," Ms Ecuyer says. "But obviously investors at the moment are turning a blind eye." Jamieson Coote Bonds portfolio manager James Wilson, who focuses on debt rather than equity markets, can see why investors are choosing to ignore macroeconomic risks. "At the moment, with the direction of global [interest] rates staying low and inflation not being at dangerous levels… I can see bonds relatively well supported." But he warns there is clear evidence the US economy is weakening. "Bond markets have moved with low yields since last week's weaker inflation number, and it's starting to price in a further slowing and downturn in the global economy." Part of the reason share markets, and financial markets more broadly, have been okay to push higher in the face of risks is the anticipation that central banks will cut interest rates. This puts more money in the pockets of consumers and business. But is there a bigger, psychological game at play here? James Wilson argues the share market has not hit its peak yet because a degree of worry is still swirling. "We're not quite at the euphoric stage … we're getting there," he said. Over the long term, the share market has proven extremely resilient. That is, if you're able to ride out the peaks and troughs, it's possible to receive a return on your investment greater than what you might have with cash in a bank deposit. But in the short term, financial market trends are driven, in part, by human psychology. Psychologist Ellen Jackson said the market's not ready to reach the euphoric phase, because investors can easily see the troubles in the world. Dr Jackson observes, while the markets climb, factors like geopolitical tensions and the cost-of-living crisis still affect people's daily lives. She says it's "inevitable" that the share market will reach a euphoric phase — "because most things in humans and human systems go through a cycle" — but it's impossible to say when. "It's going to be according to all of the other dynamics in that wider field, that wider system, that will trigger it,: she said. "Something significant might happen in global politics that switches things really quickly and our mood follows. "But it could be that it's a long, prolonged period of optimism and feeling encouraged. We don't really know." The share market is capturing some optimism and hope for the future now, but it also seems to be a metaphor for an increasing willingness to take on risk. As AMP's Dr Oliver noted, the key to riding the roller coaster is not getting sucked into the emotion. "Of course, this is easier said than done, so many investors end up getting wrong footed — by buying at the top when everyone is bullish and selling at the bottom when everyone is bearish."
News.com.au
36 minutes ago
- News.com.au
Australian recruiter reveals brutal new Gen Z hiring trend
Hiring managers across the country are reportedly feeling hesitant to hire Gen Z staff, citing concerns about their work ethic and even accusing them of being 'lazy' while on the clock. Tammie Christofis Ballis, specialist recruiter and career coach at Realistic Careers, referenced these concerns in a recent TikTok video. She revealed that she has been getting 'a lot of feedback' from employers who don't want to hire people under 30 because 'the ones that are over 30 have a better work ethic'. 'I am just saying what is happening at the moment. I don't believe all young people are lazy and have a bad work ethic,' she said in the clip. Speaking to Ms Ballis said common complaints she is hearing from hiring managers include that younger workers are harder to train, don't respect punctuality and perceive critical feedback as 'bullying'. In the comment section of the video, people were certainly divided on the topic. One commenter revealed their company uses a hiring agency and they now try to avoid employing younger people. 'We are very relaxed with our expectations (it's literally pick/pack work) but they are just so slow, lazy and lack the ability to think for themselves, and most won't work a full week,' they wrote. Another person agreed, claiming to have seen Gen Z workers exhibit these traits first-hand, adding, 'I would hire older where I could'. One person wrote: 'We had a 26yo in our office that would call in sick or turn up late every second week with the reasons 'I didn't sleep well, I didn't hear my alarm, my phone battery was dead'. He was a good kid that picked up the skills quickly but he was so unreliable.' Another commenter chimed in, saying they didn't want to hire people below the age of 30 because 'there is so much drama'. However, plenty of people were quick to defend younger workers, with many pointing out that these are the same complaints that have faced every generation when entering the workforce. 'That's just sour old Boomers that think that. I think there's good and bad in both, it's nothing to do with age,' one person said. Others claimed that the older generations just didn't like that Gen Z workers weren't allowing themselves to be exploited at work and instead value work-life balance. 'We can't afford to live, buy houses and pay groceries and get other bills and we also don't tolerate abusive behaviour either,' one commenter said. 'I'll work weekends, longer hours when the culture and pay is good and reasonable (which I have). But this generation will hold employers accountable for toxic work environments.' Multiple people shared that they have actually had the opposite experience to the one shared in the video, stating that Gen Z are some of the most hardworking employees they have. In her job as a recruiter and career coach, Ms Ballis interacts with a lot of young people looking for jobs. She said she can see both sides of the argument, saying that it really depends on the individual. However, she does believe some Gen Zers are being misguided by their parents and teachers about the 'harsh realities of the job market'. 'For example, many who are going to university to study believe that they're at a higher position than those who don't complete a degree. This is absolutely false,' she said. 'They still have to start from the bottom and work their way up. Practical on the job skills are extremely important and many don't have that skill set when they leave university.' One mistake Ms Ballis continually sees Gen Zers make when entering the job market is applying for roles where they don't have the required experience. Again, this is often the result of people assuming they are qualified because of their degree or certifications, despite lacking practical experience. The recruiter also believes the rise of AI and the depletion of corporate support and customer service roles within larger companies is going to make it harder for Gen Z and other generations to get into the job market. 'I would suggest that they should focus on professions where people skills and human nuance is needed,' Ms Ballis said. The recruiter added that they don't have to just focus on landing a 'dream job'. 'They can work a job where it supports their lifestyle, and to work on their dreams on the weekend,' she said.
News.com.au
an hour ago
- News.com.au
Landmark Newtown home for sale after painstaking 10-year makeover
A grand Federation bungalow built for one of the forerunners of Geelong's Costa dynasty has hit the market after a striking makeover. Vendor Steven and his family only recently put the finishing touches on an epic 10-year project to transform 'Felicita', at 21 Aberdeen St, Newtown. The six-bedroom brick house proved the perfect canvas for the self-confessed William Morris wallpaper 'groupie', who imported a swag of intricate patterns from the UK to bring his colourful vision to life. Geelong suburbs where homes sell every day He said while the house retained beautiful original features, the previous peach colour scheme made the large traditional living rooms feel like aircraft hangars. 'It felt so big I knew straight away it need to be dark and that it needed wallpaper – I love wallpaper,' he said. 'I remember it going up wall by wall and having a moment of thinking 'is this too much?', because it's a full-on experience.' The circa 1918-19 house, set on a 981sq m block with rear lane access to a triple carport, was originally built for George Virgona, the great-uncle of Frank Costa. The Italian immigrant opened the Covent Garden food store in Moorabool St, which he later sold to his niece Mary's husband Tony Costa, Frank's father. Designed by architect I.G. Anderson, who also designed the Geelong West Town Hall, it incorporates Australian fauna and flora in leadlight and cornice detail. 'My favourite will always be the hallway, there is something so majestic when you open the front door and it's just beautiful the way light filters in through the stained glass,' Steven said. Tracking down the perfect carpet for the feature staircase after 10-year search was the final piece of the decorating puzzle. 'It was the ugliest green carpet I had even seen but it matched the wallpaper perfectly … I remember the man looking at me like 'are you sure this is what you want?' As soon as it was in it was just the icing on the cake – it was just perfection,' he said. A formal dining room and a series of sitting rooms showcase high ceilings and ornate fireplaces on the ground floor, where the kitchen overlooks the rear yard. Upstairs, a playroom/study sits off two of the bedrooms, while a sunroom with bay views adjoins the largest bedroom. Steven said he felt it would have been an injustice to reconfigure the traditional layout, despite suggestions to knock walls out. 'I know the next person will probably come in and build a big room on the back, which is part of what we were planning to do eventually, but maintaining the front of the house has been a real joy,' he said. Whitford, Newtown agent Heidi Trempel is handling the sale of the property, which is listed for $1.95m to $2.1m.
