Wealth Management Podcast Network

In this week's Relative Return Insider, host Olivia Grace Curran is joined by AMP Chief Economist Shane Oliver for a deep dive into the key forces shaping markets in Australia and globally. The conversation unpacks the Reserve Bank of Australia's latest decision to hold the cash rate at 4.35%, and what rising inflation pressures, wage dynamics, and slowing growth signals could mean for the path ahead - including whether further rate hikes are still on the table. The discussion then shifts to the United States, where a new Federal Reserve leadership approach signals a shift in communication strategy, reduced forward guidance, and a potentially more volatile outlook for markets as policy signals become less predictable. Shane also explores the geopolitical ripple effects of developments in the Middle East, including the potential impact of easing tensions on oil prices, inflation, and household fuel costs in Australia.

In the latest episode of Relative Return, journalist Olivia Grace-Curran speaks with Ben Samuel and Ky Van Tang from First Sentier Investors Group about the shifting macro landscape, the outlook for rates, and why investors are increasingly revisiting cash strategies. The discussion begins with an overview of the business, the scale of the team, and the firm's approach to managing cash and income portfolios in a higher-rate environment. Samuel and Van Tang then unpack some of the biggest themes shaping markets today, including the Reserve Bank of Australia's inflation-growth balancing act, how geopolitical tensions are complicating policy decisions, and what investors should be watching ahead of the next RBA meeting. The episode also explores: Risks emerging across the banking sector AI-driven layoffs and loan quality concerns Whether issues around underwriting standards and loan fraud are systemic Why cash is becoming increasingly attractive in portfolios The different avenues investors are using to gain exposure, including TDs, cash accounts, ETFs and managed funds The evolution of cash investing and First Sentier Investors Group's upcoming ETF launch

This week on Relative Return, Lonsec Deputy Head of Research Darrell Clark breaks down the fund manager's research framework and assessment processes, explaining how this translates into determining the winners for Money Management's upcoming Fund Manager of the Year Awards. Darrell delves into the highly competitive nature of the funds management sector and how recognition through industry awards plays into Lonsec's benchmarking system, as well as how it can impact relationships with financial advisers.

This week on Relative Return, AMP Chief Economist Shane Oliver breaks down one of the most controversial federal budgets in years - from sweeping changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax, to what it all means for inflation, interest rates, housing, and business confidence. Shane says the budget is effectively adding more stimulus into an economy already struggling with inflation pressures, warning it could make the Reserve Bank's job harder and increase the likelihood of another rate hike later this year. The conversation dives deep into the winners and losers of the budget, with first-home buyers, shares, super and commercial property tipped as relative beneficiaries, while property investors, startups and growth businesses could face new challenges.

In this episode of Relative Return Insider, host Keith Ford is joined by AMP chief economist Shane Oliver to break down the latest Australian jobs and wages data, what a still‑tight labour market means for inflation and RBA rate hikes, and how households are really faring in the cost‑of‑living squeeze. They also look at why the ASX is hitting new highs despite valuation risks, and scan key geopolitical flashpoints – from Iran and oil prices to possible US tariff changes – that could rattle markets in the months ahead. Tune in to hear: Why steady unemployment, strong full‑time job growth, and a slightly lower participation rate are keeping conditions a little tight. How real wages in the negative but broader earnings measures and strong employment suggest households overall are OK, not fantastic. What is driving the ASX to record highs, and where potential geopolitical flashpoints could impact markets.

In this episode of Relative Return Insider, host Keith Ford and AMP chief economist Shane Oliver discuss the RBA's decision to increase rates and what it signals for inflation, growth, and housing. Oliver delves into how elevated aggregate demandis colliding with capacity constraints and weak productivity, leaving Australia more inflation‑prone even at modest growth rates, as well as the impact that the RBA's decision will have on the housing market. Tune in to hear: Why the time is ripe for a tax reform to go further than the mooted changes to the CGT discount. Whether tech shares are overvalued as even strong results are met with price dips. How a new Federal Reserve chair could impact US monetary policy.

In this episode of Relative Return Insider, Keith Ford and AMP chief economist Shane Oliver unpack Donald Trump's latest Greenland saga, the TACO pattern of bold threats and inevitable backdowns, and what it all means for markets. Oliver explains recurring tariff scares, attacks on institutions like the Fed, and broader geopolitical tensions are feeding a persistent "sell America" trade, supporting record gold prices, a weaker US dollar, and heightened demand for defensive assets. Tune in to hear: How to avoid getting caught up in the cycle of trying to decipher Trump's announcements and stick to investing fundamentals. Why local political machinations are unlikely to impact markets in the short term. What you should know about Japan's bond yields.