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 Economic Recovery: We observed significant market swings in April, influenced by a combination of mixed corporate earnings reports, evolving political concerns, and central bank policy announcements. Encouragingly, markets showed a notable rebound towards the end of the month.

• Australian Economic Resilience: Despite global headwinds, the Australian economy continues to demonstrate resilience, with inflation remaining under control and expectations of potential interest rate cuts in the future. Australia's relative insulation offers a degree of stability in the current environment.

• Long-Term Investing: As always, we emphasize the importance of maintaining a long-term perspective in your investment strategy. This includes staying invested through market fluctuations, avoiding attempts to time the market, ensuring adequate diversification across your portfolio, and regularly reassessing your risk tolerance in line with your financial goals.

As always, please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or would like to discuss your portfolio in light of these developments.

Should you prefer this in video form, please head to YouTube

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 on Australian shores as we get closer to May 3rd.

Should you prefer this in video form, please head to https://youtu.be/sCVHIzFgEKg

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 significantly reform the aged care system. The new Act is a response to the recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. It seeks to improve the quality of care for older Australians and give them more choice and control over their care.

The new Act is expected to commence on 1 July 2025, coinciding with the launch of the new Support at Home program.

This is a must watch for anyone thinking about Aged Care in Australia over the next year.

Should you prefer this in video form, please head to YouTube: https://youtu.be/fTtXrUNrwlY

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 into 2025

Should you prefer this in video form, please head to YouTube - IWP Market Update - September 2024

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 fell marginally, and;
• There was a softer than expected US jobs report.

Whilst economic growth data has been choppy recently, in aggregate it has remained consistent with a moderate, if slowing, global expansion.

This view was called into question last Friday with the relatively weak US unemployment data release and this was a key catalyst in market participants calling expectations of a “soft landing” into question.

As a result Shane and Chris walk through the events of the week, our views, and what this means for client portfolios.

Should you prefer this in video form, please head to YouTube - IWP Market Update - August 2024

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 the chance of rate cuts this calendar year

Persistent Inflation pressures here in Australia – and a potential disconnect between government and monetary policy.

Should you prefer this in video form, please head to YouTube - https://youtu.be/i76UGbdGxNE

June 2024 Summary:

This month Shane and Chris walk through the months market and economic events:

1. Unexpected rise in Australian unemployment (4.10% versus expected 3.9%)
2. 2024 Federal Budget – was it a net positive or negative for inflation?
3. 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 jobs
   • US – Economy looks to be slowing – e.g. Jobs Openings data overnight

Link to youTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fQse_tgRLA

Link to the Monthly Update Slide Deck - https://tinyurl.com/25mqj5zp