Freedonomix

Steve Kelly, Managing Director of MBL Maintenance is the guest on this episode of Freeedonomix.  We explore Steve's journey from a rural childhood in Central Victoria to leading a fast-growing civil construction business in the rail industry.  Stephen shares candid reflections on early influences, the challenges of school, building work ethic, and the pivotal role of mentors. The conversation cove...

Chris Haggart, one of the partners at IWP is the guest on this episode of Freeedonomix.  The conversation explores Chris's upbringing in the Macedon Ranges and the fear of being "average" that shaped his early life. He shares a pivotal, life-changing moment: pushing through a severe Achilles tendon injury to finish the Melbourne marathon, a decision that helped him break a lifelong pattern of quit...

Link to IWP's September 2025 Update (PDF) https://tinyurl.com/2nxfa5d3 Markets remain resilient, with inflation moderating and interest rate cuts beginning to shape the outlook — despite ongoing global uncertainty. In this month's discussion, Andrew and Shane explore what's driving performance and the key issues investors are watching: - Signs of a gradual global economic slowdown, with resilience...

Link to IWP's August 2025 Update (PDF) Market Update Markets remain at record highs, despite negative media headlines.  In this month's discussion, Chris and Williza explore what's driving performance and the key issues investors are watching: US–China trade tensions and Trump's tariff truce The RBA's interest rate cut and its impact on homeowners, savers, and property markets  Ongoing tax reform...

Link to IWP's July 2025 Update (PDF) https://tinyurl.run/PHjq3Z With geopolitical tensions easing, where are the markets turning their attention now? Our July Market and Economic Update breaks down the key shifts we're seeing.   This month's key points:   A Calmer Global Outlook: Easing geopolitical tensions and a stable ceasefire between Israel and Iran have provided a supportive backdrop for mar...

IWP Strategic Update (PDF) - https://tinyurl.com/22qgo83x The proposed Division 296 tax introduces a significant change for superannuation balances over $3 million. With a proposed start date of 1 July 2025, this legislation will apply an additional 15% tax on earnings related to balances above the threshold. Crucially, this tax is calculated on both realised and unrealised gains, creating potenti...

Link to IWP's May 2025 Update (PDF) - https://tinyurl.com/24r9ga3a This month Cam and Chris revisited the full economic data pack for the first time in 6 months. Globally, the US Federal Reserve's preferred inflation measure, core PCE, slowed to 2.6% annually, with a minimal 0.1% monthly increase in May. US GDP growth is expected to be weak but avoid recession, though policy uncertainty could slow...

Link to IWP's May 2025 Update (PDF) - IWP Market Update Cameron and Lynn recently discussed several key economic and market developments in our latest YouTube video, and we have highlighted the main points for you: US Trade and Policy Uncertainty: Ongoing trade tensions and political developments continue to create a degree of uncertainty in the global economic outlook.   Market Volatility and Eco...

Link to IWP's April 2025 Update (PDF) - https://tinyurl.com/26j66dkp This month Andrew and Chris walk through the continued volatility that the markets have been seeing during March. Outcomes continue to be driven by US trade policy, expectations of inflation (primarily in the US) and potential future tariffs. The Australian Federal Election has also been called - which may mean some action here o...

Welcome to the first IWP Market update for 2025. This month Shane and Chris walk through what has been a turbulent start to the year after the inauguration of Donald Trump. We spoke through his policy platform to date, and why it has been so impactful on markets to date.

Link to IWP's Aged Care Act Changes (PDF) - https://tinyurl.com/2b7yq7q6 In this strategic update Williza Demirel, IWPs Aged Care Specialist walks through the new Aged Care Act changes in detail - and what they might mean for families that have a loved one considering entering aged care over the next 12-18 months. The Australian Government is introducing a new Aged Care Act, aiming to significantl...

Link to IWP's September Update (PDF) - IWP Monthly Update - September 2024 This month Andrew and Chris walk through the last month of financial markets. We discuss the main themes of: Some calm has been restored in markets following a sharp rise in downside volatility in late July and early August. Eurozone inflation continues to fall Australian inflation remains high - pushing expected rate cuts...

Link to IWP's August Update (PDF) - IWP Monthly Update - August 2024 During the first few days of August there have been several significant economic updates:           The Bank of England began its rate-cutting cycle by cutting the official rate by 0.25%           The Bank of Japan raised rates (to 0.25%) and announced a reduction in its bond buying program.           Australian core inflation fe...

Link to IWP's July Update (PDF) - https://tinyurl.com/254t7rtv This month Chris and Andrew walked through the months market and economic events. Along with our usual analysis, we touched on the following key points: Market volatility has increased with elections in several countries: o France o November US election o India o Mexico o South Africa US core Inflation has slowed to 2.6% – increasing t...

June 2024 Summary: This month Shane and Chris walk through the months market and economic events: Unexpected rise in Australian unemployment (4.10% versus expected 3.9%)  2024 Federal Budget  – was it a net positive or negative for inflation? Interest rates – both here in Australia and in the US Australia - Bullock stating that the RBA will target a gradual approach as they want to maintain strong...

May 2024 Summary: This month Cameron and Andrew walk through the economic and market events of May. We continued to see more volatility markets, as the central banks around the world grapple with the direction of interest rates. We also discussed the changing nature of the Australian economy over the last decade, and how population changes has shaped our various economic sectors. As we have been s...

March 2024 Summary: This month Chris and Andrew walk through the start of 2024. It has been a fantastic 8 weeks for markets, as the turnaround since November has continued in earnest. We discuss how this has impacted portfolios, as well as the falling savings ratios and negative disposable income that Australian households are facing at the moment. We walk through what risks are still present, and...

For the start of 2024 we decided to take a look back through calendar year 2023, as well as chat through the current expectations for the 2024 year. To do so, we invited in Sean Hollins from Willis Towers Watson (WTW). Sean is the Head Portfolio Manager (Australia), and sits on the IWP investment Committee each quarter. WTW's input is invaluable when we make our portfolio asset allocation and inve...

This month, Shane and Andrew talk through the market events of November. Returns have been strong across all assets classes. Financial data has shown a more rapid reduction in inflation than markets expected, both in Europe and the US. In Australia, we are still waiting for service inflation to taper off - and this is continues to be a key item of interest for Michele Bullock and the Reserve Bank.

This month Chris, Shane and Andrew walk through the events of October. After a tough September for investors across all asset classes, we saw a marked improvement during October. Financial data is still mixed, and the direction for the rest of 2023 is still unclear.

This month Shane and Chris discuss the volatile month that was September. It looks like the higher for longer story is going to be with us for longer than the markets had hoped. We expect more volatility to come over the next 6 months.

This month Shane and Cameron took some time to revisit the world events that have impacted markets over the last 3 years. These events have shaped the macroeconomic themes that we continue to see around the world, including interest rates, and our strategic asset allocation.