January 2026 Economic & Market Review – Geopolitics Escalate, Currencies Swing and Equity Leadership Broadens
Talking points
- Geopolitical tensions spiked, then eased: Escalation involving Venezuela, Iran and renewed tariff threats tied to Greenland unsettled markets early, before softer rhetoric restored investor confidence.
- Currency moves dominated investor outcomes: US dollar weakness lifted local-currency global equity returns, but a stronger Australian dollar pushed unhedged returns into negative territory for domestic investors.
- Emerging
December 2025 Economic & Market Review – Fed Cuts Again, Currencies Shift Returns, and Policy Paths Diverge
Talking points
- Markets delivered mixed outcomes in December: Risk assets were mostly higher in local currency terms, while yield-sensitive and long-duration assets fell as interest rate and currency dynamics dominated returns.
- The Fed cut rates amid internal division: The US Federal Reserve lowered the funds rate by 0.25% in a 9–3 decision, citing
November 2025 Economic & Market Review – Fed Expectations Swing, AI Stocks Slip, and Australia Feels the Inflation Hit
Talking points
- Volatility returned as rate expectations shifted: Changing views on the Fed’s December decision and uncertainty created by missing US data pushed markets into choppy trading throughout November.
- Inflation surprises reshaped Australia’s outlook: A higher-than-expected CPI print lifted bond yields and derailed equity returns,
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Podcasts
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Financial red flags for a relationship – Episode 127
In this weeks episode, Pete Pennicott and Zac Masters from Pekada take a look at a few financial red flags for a relationship. They look at what these canListen Here -
Investing in a bear market – Episode 126
We’re back! On this episode Pete Pennicott & Zac Masters discuss what is happening in the world at the moment with the US entering a bear market. They alsoListen Here -
Top 10 Financial Planning Jargon Terms – Episode 125
On this episode Zac Masters & Anthony Malvaso unpack the top ten financial planning jargon terms.Listen Here