In this week’s episode of Relative Return Insider, AMP chief economist Shane Oliver joins the show to explore the major global and domestic forces shaping investment markets in 2025, from ongoing geopolitical tensions and the NATO summit to US President Donald Trump’s trade policy and the One Big Beautiful Bill.

Conflict in the Middle East has had little impact on markets, with much of the focus settling on potential disruptions to oil production that have so far not eventuated. Oliver explains what the flow-on effects of stronger defence spending commitments from NATO nations could be, as well as what to expect from tax policy changes in the US.

Tune in to hear:

• Why section 899 of the One Big Beautiful Bill is causing consternation.
• Whether the better-than-expected inflation data has put another rate cut on the cards.
• How the softer US dollar could impact investment.

In this episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by Nicole Gardner, founder and financial adviser at Stellar Wealth, to explore how clients react to times of turmoil and whether global events should change investment plans or even their ethical considerations.

As tensions in the Middle East continue to simmer in a very public manner, Gardner explains that clients are now left considering how they feel about the potential of profiting from conflict against their desire for higher investment returns.

Listen as they discuss:

• Why the markets aren’t really reacting to the Israel–Iran conflict.
• How a reliance on passive investing can limit advisers’ flexibility during market upheaval.
• The possible opportunities in volatility.

With just two weeks remaining until the financial year wraps up, getting an SMSF ready for tax time involves ensuring there is a smooth audit process.

In this episode of the SMSF Adviser podcast, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn are joined by well-known industry auditor Deanne Firth, director of Tactical Super.

Firth offers some valuable insights and timely reminders for SMSF trustees and auditors to prioritise compliance and leverage available resources to streamline their processes.

Listen as they discuss:

• Obtaining the necessary evidence for valuations, especially concerning private and unlisted companies.
• The timing of audits and the importance of proactive engagement with clients.
• The challenges with valuing unlisted assets, particularly private companies with unique business models.
• The complexities of SMSFs investing in start-up ventures.
• Loans within SMSFs.
• Technology and AI in the SMSF sector.