Simplifying Investing

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 account. It’s important you consider your personal circumstances and speak to a financial adviser before deciding what’s right for you. Any general tax information provided is intended as a guide only. Remember the value of investments may go up or down and you may not get back the amount you invested. The opinions and views featured in this podcast reflect the individual’s own. Date of publication 30 May 2024. AWM Services Pty Ltd ABN 15 139 353 496, AFSL No. 366121, part of the AMP Group.

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. 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 general tax information provided is intended as a guide only. Remember the value of investments may go up or down and you may not get back the amount you invested. The opinions and views featured in this podcast reflect the individual’s own. Date of publication 16 May 2024. AWM Services Pty Ltd ABN 15 139 353 496, AFSL No. 366121, part of the AMP Group.

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 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 general tax information provided is intended as a guide only. Remember the value of investments may go up or down and you may not get back the amount you invested. The opinions and views featured in this podcast reflect the individual’s own. Date of publication 9 May 2024. AWM Services Pty Ltd ABN 15 139 353 496, AFSL No. 366121, part of the AMP Group.

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 Australian interest rates are 'too low' compared to our global peers, and why the strength in earnings is providing an offset for shares to the higher for longer story. 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 general tax information provided is intended as a guide only. Remember the value of investments may go up or down and you may not get back the amount you invested. The opinions and views featured in this podcast reflect the individual’s own. Date of publication 3 May 2024. AWM Services Pty Ltd ABN 15 139 353 496, AFSL No. 366121, part of the AMP Group.

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 earners. 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 general tax information provided is intended as a guide only. Remember the value of investments may go up or down and you may not get back the amount you invested. The opinions and views featured in this podcast reflect the individual’s own. Date of publication 26 April 2024. AWM Services Pty Ltd ABN 15 139 353 496, AFSL No. 366121, part of the AMP Group. Read more on the AMP Insights Hub: https://www.amp.com.au/insights Shane Oliver: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-oliver-3209542/ Diana Mousina: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-mousina-5a22442b/

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, explore reasons for optimism in the months ahead and discuss issues with government direct support for specific local industries under the Future Made in Australia plan. 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 general tax information provided is intended as a guide only. Remember the value of investments may go up or down and you may not get back the amount you invested. The opinions and views featured in this podcast reflect the individual’s own. Date of publication 19 April 2024. AWM Services Pty Ltd ABN 15 139 353 496, AFSL No. 366121, part of the AMP Group.

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 deciding what’s right for you. Any general tax information provided is intended as a guide only. Remember the value of investments may go up or down and you may not get back the amount you invested. The opinions and views featured in this podcast reflect the individual’s own. Date of publication 11 April 2024. AWM Services Pty Ltd ABN 15 139 353 496, AFSL No. 366121, part of the AMP Group.

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 macroeconomic outlook, the probability of risks, as well as how our funds are positioning their asset allocation in response. 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 general tax information provided is intended as a guide only. Remember the value of investments may go up or down and you may not get back the amount you invested. The opinions and views featured in this podcast reflect the individual’s own. Date of publication 05 April 2024. AWM Services Pty Ltd ABN 15 139 353 496, AFSL No. 366121, part of the AMP Group.

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. Shane Oliver and Deputy Chief Economist Diana Mousina as they unpack the data, look at COVID's legacy and its lasting effects on inflation and our 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 financial adviser before deciding what’s right for you. Any general tax information provided is intended as a guide only. Remember the value of investments may go up or down and you may not get back the amount you invested. The opinions and views featured in this podcast reflect the individual’s own. Date of publication 28 March 2024. AWM Services Pty Ltd ABN 15 139 353 496, AFSL No. 366121, part of the AMP Group.

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 Bank will be looking at closely in the months ahead. 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 general tax information provided is intended as a guide only. Remember the value of investments may go up or down and you may not get back the amount you invested. The opinions and views featured in this podcast reflect the individual’s own. Date of publication 21 March 2024. AWM Services Pty Ltd ABN 15 139 353 496, AFSL No. 366121, part of the AMP Group.

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 consider your personal circumstances and speak to a financial adviser before deciding what’s right for you. Any general tax information provided is intended as a guide only. Remember the value of investments may go up or down and you may not get back the amount you invested. The opinions and views featured in this podcast reflect the individual’s own. Date of publication 16 February 2024. AWM Services Pty Ltd ABN 15 139 353 496, AFSL No. 366121, part of the AMP Group.

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 our current tax system. 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 general tax information provided is intended as a guide only. Remember the value of investments may go up or down and you may not get back the amount you invested. The opinions and views featured in this podcast reflect the individual’s own. Date of publication 9 February 2024. AWM Services Pty Ltd ABN 15 139 353 496, AFSL No. 366121, part of the AMP Group.

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 the months ahead and why we could start to see rate cuts happening around mid year. 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 general tax information provided is intended as a guide only. Remember the value of investments may go up or down and you may not get back the amount you invested. The opinions and views featured in this podcast reflect the individual’s own. Date of publication 7 February 2024. AWM Services Pty Ltd ABN 15 139 353 496, AFSL No. 366121, part of the AMP Group.

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’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 general tax information provided is intended as a guide only. Remember the value of investments may go up or down and you may not get back the amount you invested. The opinions and views featured in this podcast reflect the individual’s own. Date of publication 17 January 2024. AWM Services Pty Ltd ABN 15 139 353 496, AFSL No. 366121, part of the AMP Group.

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 adviser before deciding what’s right for you. Any general tax information provided is intended as a guide only. Remember the value of investments may go up or down and you may not get back the amount you invested. The opinions and views featured in this podcast reflect the individual’s own. Date of publication 11 January 2024. AWM Services Pty Ltd ABN 15 139 353 496, AFSL No. 366121, part of the AMP Group.

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 optimism on the investment outlook. 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 general tax information provided is intended as a guide only. Remember the value of investments may go up or down and you may not get back the amount you invested. The opinions and views featured in this podcast reflect the individual’s own. Date of publication 09 January 2024. AWM Services Pty Ltd ABN 15 139 353 496, AFSL No. 366121, part of the AMP Group.

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 general tax information provided is intended as a guide only. Remember the value of investments may go up or down and you may not get back the amount you invested. The opinions and views featured in this podcast reflect the individual’s own. Date of publication 18 December 2023. AWM Services Pty Ltd ABN 15 139 353 496, AFSL No. 366121, part of the AMP Group.

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 for markets, yet there are still several reasons for optimism. Join AMP's Chief Economist Dr. Shane Oliver as he looks at what 2024 may hold and the key implications for investors. 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 general tax information provided is intended as a guide only. Remember the value of investments may go up or down and you may not get back the amount you invested. The opinions and views featured in this podcast reflect the individual’s own. Date of publication 15 December 2023. AWM Services Pty Ltd ABN 15 139 353 496, AFSL No. 366121, part of the AMP Group.

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 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 general tax information provided is intended as a guide only. Remember the value of investments may go up or down and you may not get back the amount you invested. The opinions and views featured in this podcast reflect the individual’s own. Date of publication 06 December 2023. AWM Services Pty Ltd ABN 15 139 353 496, AFSL No. 366121, part of the AMP Group.

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: 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 general tax information provided is intended as a guide only. Remember the value of investments may go up or down and you may not get back the amount you invested. The opinions and views featured in this podcast reflect the individual’s own. Date of publication 04 December 2023. AWM Services Pty Ltd ABN 15 139 353 496, AFSL No. 366121, part of the AMP Group.