ASB Investment Podcast

In his final episode, ASB’s retiring Head of Asset Management, John Smith, joins host Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Product, ASB) to reflect on a decades-long career — from paper-based trading to digital platforms, through the establishment of KiwiSaver, and across shifting market cycles. John reflects on what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and the lessons he’s taking into retirement.

Host Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Product, ASB) is joined by Frank Jasper (Investment Strategist, ASB) to break down the basics of financial markets and how they connect to your KiwiSaver account or Investment Fund. They explore how markets work, what drives their movements, and how ASB applies a long-term strategy to manage risk and build robust portfolios.

Host Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Product, ASB) is joined by Senior Economist Chris Tennent-Brown (ASB) to unpack two major events shaping New Zealand’s economic landscape — the Reserve Bank’s latest OCR decision and the Government’s 2025 Budget. They explore how these announcements could impact interest rates, markets and mortgage rates — and what the KiwiSaver changes could mean for how investors...

ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley joins host Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Product, ASB) to unpack what has been moving markets in New Zealand and abroad. They discuss global economic pressures, the OCR outlook, and what it all means for inflation, housing, and growth. Plus, what should be top of mind for investors and business owners in the months ahead.

In this special follow-up to a recent ASB Investor Insights webinar, host Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Product, ASB) is joined by Will Porter (Investment Strategist, BlackRock) to answer the questions on investors’ minds. They unpack the drivers of recent market volatility, the implications for markets, and how ASB portfolios are structured to navigate volatility. Plus, they explore what the path t...

Host Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Product, ASB) is joined by Kirk Hope (CEO, Financial Services Council) to unpack the capital markets initiative and its potential impact for KiwiSaver members. They dive into how unlocking access to more private market investments could boost diversification and returns for members, while driving economic growth and infrastructure development. Plus, the hurdles to...

AI is transforming industries, bringing challenges and opportunities for businesses, investors and economies. Host Nigel Grant is joined by Dr Brad Betts (BlackRock), Frances Valintine CNZM (academyEX) and Travis Barker (ASB) to explore AI’s impact on finance, business and the future of work. They discuss AI’s evolution, its role in investment strategy, and why businesses must adapt or risk fallin...

Join ASB Senior Economist Chris Tennent-Brown and host Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Product, ASB) as they unpack the latest shifts in the local and global economic landscape. They discuss the Reserve Bank’s OCR cut, the latest on US tariffs, and rising global uncertainty. Hear what all of this means for mortgage rates, term deposits and investors. Plus, how ASB has positioned portfolios to handle m...

Host Nigel Grant is joined by Will Thomson (Managing Director, Global Infrastructure Partners) and Matt Dobbs (Head of Infrastructure, ASB) to unpack infrastructure as an investment class and its impact on both society and economic growth. They discuss the role of public and private capital, New Zealand’s $1 trillion infrastructure challenge, and global trends shaping the sector. Plus, key takeawa...

Host Nigel Grant sits down with Elliot Hentov (Chief Geopolitical Strategist, State Street Global Advisors) to discuss critical trends shaping the global economy and financial markets. From the key policy drivers impacting the US economy in 2025 and China’s evolving economic strategy, to Europe’s fiscal challenges and the geopolitics of energy, they explore what these dynamics mean for investors....

Host Nigel Grant is joined by David Griffith (Head of Multi Asset Solutions, BlackRock) and John Smith (Head of Asset Management, ASB) to reflect on ASB’s strong portfolio performance in 2024 and share their outlook for 2025. They discuss key drivers including global equities, gold, and currency positioning, and emphasise the importance of diversification and strategic asset allocation in navigati...

Host Nigel Grant is joined by Chris Wilson (Co-CEO) and Chris Di Leva (Head of Multi Asset & Global Investments) from Harbour Asset Management to discuss their recent report on the key risks and opportunities they see shaping markets in 2025. They discuss macro-economic trends, geopolitical tensions, and the intersection of AI and climate. Plus, the inflation outlook and future of private mark...

ASB’s Nigel Grant is joined by Victoria Harris (Co-Founder, The Curve) to break down financial fitness – what it means, why it matters and how to achieve it. They discuss tracking your spending, setting goals, and using financial wellbeing tools to build strong money habits. Plus, how investing plays a role in long-term financial success.

In the first episode of 2025, host Nigel Grant is joined by podcast favourite Chris Tennent-Brown (Senior Economist, ASB) to discuss market performance in January and to give his thoughts as we look ahead to the year’s first OCR announcement.

ASB's John Smith (Head of Asset Management) and Emily Huang (Executive Wealth Manager) sit down with Nigel to discuss ways to manage your money to prepare for retirement. They also discuss the impact of inflation and interest rates on investors, the importance of a diversified portfolio and share their tips on what you can do to ensure you'll continue to receive a regular 'paycheck' to fund your l...

Nigel is joined by Lee Marshall, Managing Partner at Hunter Campbell, and Trade Me CFO Scott Maud to talk about Hunter Campbell’s inaugural ‘Mood of the CFO’ report. They also discuss some of the focus areas for CFOs, including how they navigate ups and downs of the economic cycle.

Kim Mundy (Senior Economist, ASB) joins host Nigel Grant to discuss both local and global economies, and what we might expect from the final OCR announcement of 2024. They touch on things you should keep in mind as an investor or business owner, and talk about a new way for you to contribute to your investments with ASB.

In this episode, Angela Jackson, Head of Service Delivery - North Island for Public Trust NZ, joins Nigel to discuss the importance of wills. They talk about how easy it can be to set one up, how often you should revisit it, and what happens to your KiwiSaver and other investments should you pass away without having one.

Nigel is joined by Patrick Washer, Portfolio Manager at Devon Funds, to discuss the economic shifts across Australasia impacting investment strategies. Gain valuable insights into how recent changes are shaping the market and what the future could hold for investors.

In the final episode of the year, Nigel Grant is joined by John Smith (Head of Asset Management, ASB) and David Griffith (Head of Multi Asset Solutions, BlackRock) for a look back on the year that was. They discuss whether global investment themes played out as predicted, canvas the outstanding performers of the year and look ahead to what investors might expect in 2025. *** This material has been...

In this episode, ASB Senior Economist Kim Mundy joins Nigel ahead of this week’s OCR announcement. They discuss what decisions are being made by other central banks globally, the difference in monetary policy between Australia and NZ, and what the RBNZ will be weighing up ahead of the OCR review on Wednesday. *** Opinions expressed are as at the recording date of 05/08/24 - please refer to asb.co....

In this episode, Nigel and John are joined by Head of BlackRock Australasia Jason Collins and BlackRock Investment Strategist Will Porter to reflect on three years of the ASB and BlackRock partnership. They discuss mega forces, risk management strategies and the investment landscape outlook for the next three years. *** This material has been created with the co-operation of BlackRock Investment M...

In this episode, Nigel sits down with ASB Wealth Senior Economist Chris Tennent-Brown to discuss the latest economic updates, both at home and abroad. Hear the ASB economics team's views on the state of New Zealand's share market and housing market, global central bank easing and the RBNZ outlook.

In this episode, Nigel sits down with Jo Kelly, Chief Executive of the Centre for Sustainable Finance, to talk about sustainable finance and what it means for the future of our economy. Jo also touches on what KiwiSaver members and investors should be thinking about to make sure their money is being invested in a way that matches both their financial goals and personal values.

In this episode, Nigel sits down with BlackRock’s Ben Powell to talk about what's happened since he was last in NZ, and what BlackRock has been keeping a close eye on in markets through the lens of the five mega forces they continue to track. *** This material has been created with the co-operation of BlackRock Investment Management (Australia) Limited (BIMAL) ABN 13 006 165 975, AFSL 230 523 on 1...