Simplifying Investing

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...

At its February meeting, the RBA left the cash rate at 4.35%, with noted progress in reducing inflation and bringing demand back to supply. While probably reluctant to raise rates again, the Reserve Bank still has a mild tightening bias and remains somewhat cautious. Join AMP's Chief Economist Dr. Shane Oliver as he unpacks Governor Bullock's comments, what it means for Australian households in th...

The surge in inflation coming out of the pandemic and its subsequent fall has been the dominant driver of investment markets over the last two years. But what’s driving the fall, what are the risks and what does it mean for interest rates? Join AMP's Chief Economist Dr. Shane Oliver as he looks at the key implications for investors. Important information: This podcast is general in nature and hasn...

AMP's Deputy Chief Economist Diana Mousina takes a closer look at Australian household wealth. Why did we have one of the lowest rates of disposable income growth per capita amongst OECD countries in mid 2023? 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 ad...

2024 is likely to see positive returns helped by falling rates but they are likely to be more constrained and volatile than seen in 2023 given risks around the timing of rate cuts, recession risks and geopolitics. Join AMP's Chief Economist Dr. Shane Oliver as he unpacks the five key themes and lessons from 2023, the three primary challenges we face heading into 2024 as well as the key reasons for...

Join AMP's Deputy Chief Economist Diana Mousina as she takes a deep dive on the five key lessons we learnt from 2023 and what to expect in the next 12 months. 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 gen...

Despite lots of angst at the start of the year, 2023 turned out far better for investors with stronger than feared growth despite lots of bumps along the way. With high levels of inflation persisting in 2024, uncertainty in the Chinese economy and property sector, continuing geopolitical risks around recession and the lagged impact of rate hikes, the next 12 months could pose some real concerns fo...

At its December meeting the RBA left the cash rate on hold at 4.35% but still maintained a tightening bias with relatively hawkish commentary. With the economy likely to slow further into next year, join AMP's Chief Economist Dr. Shane Oliver as he looks at whether we are now likely at the peak in rates and why the RBA has done more than enough to bring inflation back to target. Important informat...

Since 2005, the pace of immigration has been a very dominant driver of population growth in Australia, helping address chronic skills shortages in both urban and remote areas. Join AMP’s Deputy Chief Economist, Diana Mousina as she looks at the economic impact of migration levels over the last 12 months and whether the current record pace of net migration can be sustained. Important information: T...