Simplifying Investing

Join Shane and Diana for a quick update on: Shares at record highs, war conflict and oil prices. Is it a clear crystal ball for RBA rate cuts in Feb 2025? The 50/50 run-up to the US election and Queensland primary school kids to get a free lunch. But who really pays? Important information: This podcast is general in nature and hasn’t taken your circumstances into account. It’s important you consid...

Since the 1987 crash, the evolving role of central banks has fundamentally changed the way the economy and markets work over the past few decades. Shane and Diana are joined by special guest Alan Kohler this week as they discuss the role of central banks today in the face of uncertainty, looming fears over a recession and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Important information: This podcas...

Join Diana and special guests Brad Creighton - SMA lead portfolio manager at AMP and Stuart Eliot - Head of portfolio management at AMP as they take a deeper look into the past, present and future of China’s economy. Important information: This podcast is general in nature and hasn’t taken your circumstances into account. It’s important you consider your personal circumstances and speak to a finan...

Generative AI, decarbonisation and re-onshoring are three key themes that have created fertile ground for investing in recent months. Join Diana and our special guest Brad Creighton - SMA lead portfolio manager at AMP - as they discuss how these themes have shaped the outlook for the US market, why share markets around the world have proven to be resilient, and whether we can expect this resilienc...

This week on Simplifying Investing Eliza Owen - Head of Research Australia for CoreLogic drops in on Shane and Diana to chat all things - Property Markets. Important information: This podcast is general in nature and hasn’t taken your circumstances into account. It’s important you consider your personal circumstances and speak to a financial adviser before deciding what’s right for you. Any genera...

Join Shane and Diana as they review this week's latest economics news including: Market volatility, RBA's August meeting, The Sahm Rule, Doctor Don Stammer, Gummy and Grizzly bears, Compounding interest and indictors to watch, in the making of an Australian recession. Important information: This podcast is general in nature and hasn’t taken your circumstances into account. It’s important y...

Fears that income levels are stagnating, rising inequality and cost of living pressures are seeing more voters turn towards populism across Europe and the US amid calls for greater government intervention to protect workers, create new jobs and enhance wages. With Harris replacing Biden as the Democrats' nominee, join Shane and Diana as they look at the prospects of a closer US election loomin...

In light of the recent assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump, Shane and Diana unpack aspects of Trump's decision and potential future policy making. And how this could impact future share markets and global trade, if he does in fact become President Trump 2.0. Important information: This podcast is general in nature and hasn’t taken your circumstances into account. It’s imp...

Join Shane and Diana as they review this week's latest economics news including: AU share market high, global inflation, what's supercore & the hike in coffee beans. Important information: This podcast is general in nature and hasn’t taken your circumstances into account. It’s important you consider your personal circumstances and speak to a financial adviser before deciding what’s rig...

In this ep, AMP's chief economist Dr. Shane Oliver is joined once again by economist My Bui, who's filling in this week for Diana Mousina. Join Shane and My as they review this week's latest economics news including: The strength of NVidia stocks, AU retail and housing, Stage 3 tax cuts, the current egg shortage, the lipstick effect and could there possibly be a correlation between hap...

America's strategic response to China through tariffs and protectionism are stirring fears the tariff rate could lift to its highest rate since the 1930s, if Trump is re-elected. Similarly, the success of far-right political parties in Europe and the calling of an election in France have increased uncertainty for investors. Join Shane and Diana as they look more closely at what this means for...

It’s been a busy two weeks with a few central bank’s meetings, this week the Reserve Bank of Australia met and kept the cash rate at 4.35% Will we see a cut at the next live meeting? Or will it mean there’s another and more hikes on the cards? Join Shane and Diana for this week's latest economic news and insights. Important information: This podcast is general in nature and hasn’t taken your c...

Home prices reached a record new high in Australia, driven by recent surges in Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth benefitting from a shortage of listings and inter-state migration. Join Shane and My as they look at the latest GDP data this week, implications of the per capita recession continuing as well as what's driving the demand for property amid heightened interest rates. Important information:...

This week Shane and Diana share insights on the Australian April inflation data, recent global trends in inflation, the broader growth backdrop in Australia and the weak retail sales data. Wrapping up they share some quick takeaways on the possible impact of the November US Presidential election. Important information: This podcast is general in nature and hasn’t taken your circumstances into acco...

In this week's Federal Budget, the government announced a second consecutive surplus for the first time in 20 years amid questions over what will be done to arrest inflation. Join Shane and My as they unpack the winners and losers, looking at plans for A Future Made in Australia, housing affordability, cost of living pressures and what we can learn from the US Inflation Reduction Act. Importan...

The RBA decided to keep rates unchanged for the 4th consecutive meeting as inflation continues to fall and expectations are that inflation will go below target next year. Join Shane and Diana this week as they unpack the RBA's decision, look at the latest household spending data and preview some of the key highlights in next week's Federal Budget. Important information: This podcast is gen...

Data this week on retail and home prices showed that the consumer is still struggling in Australia amid growing concerns there could be another rate hike this year. The growth story in our view is that Australia is different to other markets because the consumer is much more sensitive to rising interest rates. Join Shane and Diana as they look at the prospects of another rate hike, whether Austral...

The latest inflation numbers are in and it's held up more than expected. Overall, inflation is still trending down on an annual basis but progress slowed in the March quarter which will concern the RBA. Join Shane and Diana as they look at the inflation data, discuss what the government is considering ahead of their Federal Budget and why there is room to provide more assistance for low-income...

Increasing fears of an escalation between Israel and Iran has left markets concerned amid growing geopolitical tensions. Meanwhile, The Fed has been winding back its comments about cutting rates this year after a third month of higher inflation numbers. Join Diana and Shane this week as they look at expectations for equities, why Australian inflation and rates may not follow US inflation and rates...

This week Diana and Shane look at seven key things you need to know about the Australian property market, why the link between income and happiness is messy and what’s driving higher petrol prices. Important information: This podcast is general in nature and hasn’t taken your circumstances into account. It’s important you consider your personal circumstances and speak to a financial adviser before...

Global markets have had a strong start to 2024 with US markets at a record high and a similar uplift seen in Australia. But, the macroeconomic backdrop remains complicated and downside risks are high which makes for an interesting investing environment. Join AMP's Deputy Chief Economist Diana Mousina and SMA Lead Portfolio Manager Brad Creighton as they take a closer look at the current macroecono...

This week saw some important news on inflation with headline inflation unchanged at 3.4% which was less than expected. While the RBA is not rushing to change its stance, it was pleasing to see lower than expected levels of inflation in February with forecasts of a further slowing in inflation to 3.3% by June, which should see the start of rate cuts by around mid-year. Join AMP's Chief Economist Dr...

While the Reserve Bank of Australia decided to keep the cash rate on hold this week at 4.35%, there was a noticeable shift in Governor Michele Bullock's tone, indicating the RBA remains fairly cautious but are getting less hawkish. Join AMP's Chief Economist Dr. Shane Oliver and Deputy Chief Economist Diana Mousina as they look at the key take outs from this week's decision and what the Reserve Ba...

AMP's Deputy Chief Economist Diana Mousina simplifies inflation expectations and the gender financial literacy gap; in light of the RBA's recent look at the public's understating of the inflation target and inflation expectations as a test of economic financial literacy. Important information: This podcast is general in nature and hasn’t taken your circumstances into account. It’s important you co...

The Australian Government’s changes to the Stage 3 tax cuts have refocussed attention on the need for tax reform. Failure to adequately reform the tax system could further damage productivity growth and living standards in Australia. Join AMP's Chief Economist Dr. Shane Oliver as he unpacks the Stage 3 tax cuts, examines why tax reform is needed in Australia and looks at five key limitations with...