Margin loans: powerful tool or dangerous trap?

Margin loans: powerful tool or dangerous trap?

Author: Fear and Greed August 15, 2026 Duration: 23:35

Fear & Greed is proud to share an episode of our sister podcast - How Do They Afford That? - out every Wednesday, wherever you get your podcasts.

Some investors swear by margin loans, while others won't go near them. So are they a powerful wealth-building tool, or a trap for the unprepared investor? Join Canna Campbell - a financial planner for 20 years - and Fear & Greed's Michael Thompson as they look at how margin loans can be used for investing, and some of the risks and pitfalls to avoid.

Canna and Michael have written a book! Twelve Months to Financial Freedom will hit the shelves on September 1 - but you can preorder your copy right now.

---

The information in this podcast is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances, financial needs or objectives. Before acting on any information, you should consider the appropriateness of it and the relevant product having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. In particular, you should seek independent financial advice and read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement or other offer document prior to acquiring any financial product.

​Canna Campbell is an Authorised Representative and Financial Adviser of Links Licensee Services Pty Ltd AFSL No. 700012 ABN 97 678 975 589.

Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


Tune in each weekday for a frank and insightful look at the forces driving markets and the economy. FEAR & GREED | Business News cuts through the noise, delivering analysis you can actually apply to your own financial decisions. Hosted by seasoned journalists Sean Aylmer and Michael Thompson, this daily podcast digs into the stories behind the headlines, exploring the psychology of investing and the real-world impact of corporate moves and policy shifts. It’s not just about reporting what happened; it’s about understanding the ‘why’ and the ‘what next’. You’ll hear straightforward conversations that decode complex topics, from sharemarket fluctuations and property trends to global economic pressures and emerging opportunities. For anyone trying to navigate their own investments or simply make sense of the business world, this show offers a grounded, no-nonsense perspective. The FEAR & GREED podcast is your daily dose of context, helping you move past the emotion-driven headlines and think a little more clearly about your money.
Author: Language: en-au Episodes: 50

FEAR & GREED | Business News
Podcast Episodes
Afternoon Report | Microsoft’s best day in 18 years [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:59
This is the Fear & Greed Afternoon Report - everything you need to know about what happened in the markets, economy and world of business today, in just a few minutes. ASX up 2.3pc in July Microsoft: best day in 18 years…
Q+A: Is it time to get rid of stamp duty? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:46
Stamp duty is one of the biggest additional costs homebuyers face - and many economists argue it's also one of Australia's most inefficient taxes. If we got rid of it, it may encourage people to buy and sell more easily,…
Afternoon Report | Trump says Iran “going to get a beating” [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:56
This is the Fear & Greed Afternoon Report - everything you need to know about what happened in the markets, economy and world of business today, in just a few minutes. ASX slips 0.8pc Trump says Iran “going to get a beat…
Q+A: Has the Reserve Bank won the battle against inflation? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:11
The June quarter inflation figures came in below expectations, easing pressure on the Reserve Bank ahead of its next meeting. But the fight against inflation is far from over.Sean Aylmer speaks with Warren Hogan, Managin…
Afternoon Report | ASX surges on softer inflation numbers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:36
This is the Fear & Greed Afternoon Report - everything you need to know about what happened in the markets, economy and world of business today, in just a few minutes. ASX surges on softer inflation numbers Corporate wra…
Q+A: Is the sharemarket about to get a reality check? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:40
Markets are facing a long list of challenges, from stubborn inflation and the prospect of another interest rate hike, to geopolitical tensions and a reporting season that could trigger big share price moves.Sean Aylmer s…