Marcus Padley answers your burning questions

You asked. Marcus answered.

In this no-nonsense Q&A, veteran stockbroker Marcus Padley responds to questions from Livewire readers on everything from ETFs and lithium, to the outlook for WiseTech, Bank of Queensland, Poseidon Nickel, and whether we're headed for a bond market meltdown (and if gold is the place to be).

As always, Padley brings clarity, candour, and a few blunt truths.

“Watch the herd - don’t join the herd. Exploit the herd," he says.

He explains why he’s focused on thematics over individual stocks, how he uses ETFs to express conviction, and what separates good investors from mediocre ones.

“ETFs allow you to exploit themes that you can’t get in Australia. And in my humble opinion, themes are far easier to get right and time than individual stocks.”

“One of the biggest failings of retail investors is the inability to make a decision.”

If levelling up your prowess in markets and spotting opportunities before the herd is your goal, don’t miss this video.

We took as many questions as we could and grouped them as follows. We've provided timestamps both here and in the video so you can skip to the questions that interest you.

ETFs

00:37 – What’s better: ETFs or stocks? And how should age influence that choice? (Rosemary)
01:42 – My son’s saved hard and wants to invest in the iShares S&P 500 ETF — but I’m worried about the U.S. right now. Is he making a mistake? (Julie)
03:28 – You’ve mentioned MSCI-based ETFs — are they too concentrated in the U.S.? (Peter)

Thematics

04:13 – Would you invest in lithium or other battery metals now? Can prices fall further? (Kim)
05:27 – Why do investors run to gold when things go bad? Over 83 years, I haven’t seen it deliver as a safe haven. (Les)
07:50 – With rising bond yields, shouldn’t stocks be falling? Why are equities, yields, and gold all going up together? (Tom)

Stocks

09:48 – Why has BoQ gone up despite analysts rating it a hold or sell? (Jerry)
10:35 – What’s your view on WiseTech’s future? (Wendy)
11:21 – Do you like Poseidon Nickel — and do you own it? (Alex)
12:33 – Are big companies just getting bigger because of size alone? (Patrick)

Strategy & Macro

13:10 – If markets fall from here, would you sell? Are you a pure trader now? (Patrick)
14:58 – Can you make money by avoiding risky periods — or is that just market timing in disguise? (Graham)
17:38 – What advantages do individual investors have over institutions? (Leigh)

Don't forget to watch my extended interview with Marcus about his approach to timing markets, and his #1 growth theme (and stock to play it) below. Thanks to all readers who submitted questions.

Education

Marcus Padley reveals the secret sauce of timing markets

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