ASB Investment Podcast
Episodes
2025 in review: What moved economies and markets
16 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
2025 has been a year of global shocks, shifting monetary policy, and cautious investor sentiment. In this episode, Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Product...
On the road with ASB: The questions kiwi investors are asking
07 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Get expert answers to the investment questions on Kiwi minds, with insights from the ASB and BlackRock Investor’s Advantage roadshow. In this episod...
Understanding the OCR: Impacts for kiwi savers and borrowers
28 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What does the Reserve Bank’s Official Cash Rate (OCR) mean for your mortgage, savings, and investment decisions? Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Product...
From global headlines to the dairy aisle: The forces shaping investor confidence
19 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Investor confidence is picking up from last quarter’s post-Covid lows, but sentiment remains split. In this episode, Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Pro...
Mortgage vs markets: Pay down debt, invest or both?
14 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When interest rates ease, what’s the smartest way to put your extra cash to work - pay down the mortgage, invest, or a mix of both? In this episode,...
Gen Z and money: Insights from the FSC Money & You report
06 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Products, ASB) is joined by Kirk Hope (CEO, Financial Services Council) to unpack what the latest FSC Money & You report r...
Lower rates and a maturing Term Deposit? Here’s what to consider
30 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Interest rates have dropped significantly, so many New Zealanders are reconsidering their savings strategies. Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Products, AS...
Building resilient portfolios: Strategic asset allocation explained
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Products, ASB) is joined by Frank Jasper (Chief Investment Officer, ASB) and Will Porter (Investment Strategist, BlackRock...
OCR update: What it means for term deposits and mortgages
09 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Products, ASB) is joined by friend of the podcast Chris Tennent-Brown (Senior Economist, ASB) to unpack the Reserve Bank’...
Unpacking the headlines: Negative GDP growth, a new RBNZ governor, and the government's financial strategy
06 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Tennent-Brown (Wealth Senior Economist, ASB) takes the mic for a solo mini episode, unpacking the headlines that matter most to Kiwi investors. ...
The big picture: Global forces shaping your investments
28 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Product, ASB) welcomes Ben Powell (Chief Investment Strategist for APAC & Middle East, BlackRock Investme...
Investor confidence dips: What’s driving the shift?
21 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
ASB Senior Economist Chris Tennent-Brown joins host Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Product, ASB) to unpack the latest ASB Investor Confidence Survey resu...
Mood of the CFO: Economic outlook, policy shifts, and the future of NZ finance
14 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Host Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Product, ASB) is joined by Steve Cooper (CFO & COO, Parkable) and Lee Marshall (Managing Partner, Hunter Campbell) to...
Mind over market: How emotions shape your investment outcomes
07 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Host Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Product, ASB) is joined by Jim Renitsky (Senior Growth Consultant, BlackRock Business Consulting) to discuss how emot...
OCR cuts, housing headwinds and what it means for investors
31 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Host Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Product, ASB) is joined by Chris Tennent-Brown (Senior Economist, ASB) for a mid-year check-in on the New Zealand eco...
Women in wealth: Confidence, conversations and closing the retirement gap
24 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Host Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Product, ASB) is joined by Chantal Giles (Managing Director, BlackRock) for a candid conversation on how women are re...
Forecasting volatility with business news
17 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Can reading the news make you richer? Dr Justin J. Case (Finance Lecturer, University of Auckland) joins host Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Product, ASB...
A guide to investing in your 40s (and beyond)
13 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As we enter our forties, our investment priorities often shift, from building wealth to preserving it and planning for retirement. Ngaire Angus (Head ...
BlackRock’s Midyear Global Outlook: Getting a grip on uncertainty
06 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Host Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Product, ASB) is joined by returning guest David Griffith (Client Chief Investment Officer and Head of Multi Asset So...
Passion investing: A look into the world of collectibles as a unique form of investment
21 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Product, ASB) is joined by Gertjan Verdickt (Lecturer in Finance, University of Auckland) to explore the world of passion ...
Welcome, Frank Jasper: ASB’s new Chief Investment Officer
01 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Host Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Product, ASB) welcomes Frank Jasper in his new role as ASB’s Chief Investment Officer. A familiar voice to regular ...
John Smith signs off: Lessons from a career in markets
23 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In his final episode, ASB’s retiring Head of Asset Management, John Smith, joins host Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Product, ASB) to reflect on a deca...
Making sense of financial markets: A guide for investors
16 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Host Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Product, ASB) is joined by Frank Jasper (Investment Strategist, ASB) to break down the basics of financial markets an...
OCR, Budget 2025 and the outlook for investors
04 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Host Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Product, ASB) is joined by Senior Economist Chris Tennent-Brown (ASB) to unpack two major events shaping New Zealand’...
ASB Chief Economist on the OCR, housing and growth
18 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley joins host Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Product, ASB) to unpack what has been moving markets in New Zealand and abroad...
ASB Investor Insights: Your top questions answered
11 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this special follow-up to a recent ASB Investor Insights webinar, host Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Product, ASB) is joined by Will Porter (Investme...
KiwiSaver and the case for private markets
04 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Host Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Product, ASB) is joined by Kirk Hope (CEO, Financial Services Council) to unpack the capital markets initiative and i...
The AI advantage: How AI is reshaping business and investing
27 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
AI is transforming industries, bringing challenges and opportunities for businesses, investors and economies. Host Nigel Grant is joined by Dr Brad Be...
OCR cut, tariffs & turbulence: What does it mean for you?
09 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join ASB Senior Economist Chris Tennent-Brown and host Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Product, ASB) as they unpack the latest shifts in the local and glo...
Investing in infrastructure: The $1 trillion challenge
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Host Nigel Grant is joined by Will Thomson (Managing Director, Global Infrastructure Partners) and Matt Dobbs (Head of Infrastructure, ASB) to unpack ...
Geopolitics and economics: A global outlook for investors
25 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Host Nigel Grant sits down with Elliot Hentov (Chief Geopolitical Strategist, State Street Global Advisors) to discuss critical trends shaping the glo...
Seizing opportunity amid market volatility: 2024 reflections and 2025 outlook
19 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Host Nigel Grant is joined by David Griffith (Head of Multi Asset Solutions, BlackRock) and John Smith (Head of Asset Management, ASB) to reflect on A...
Markets in 2025: Top Risks and Opportunities with Harbour Asset Management
10 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Host Nigel Grant is joined by Chris Wilson (Co-CEO) and Chris Di Leva (Head of Multi Asset & Global Investments) from Harbour Asset Management to disc...
Financial Fitness with The Curve - The path to a stronger future
24 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
ASB’s Nigel Grant is joined by Victoria Harris (Co-Founder, The Curve) to break down financial fitness – what it means, why it matters and how to ...
Will the RBNZ pump the brakes or hit the gas on 19th Feb?
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the first episode of 2025, host Nigel Grant is joined by podcast favourite Chris Tennent-Brown (Senior Economist, ASB) to discuss market performanc...
Year in Review - 2024
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the final episode of the year, Nigel Grant is joined by John Smith (Head of Asset Management, ASB) and David Griffith (Head of Multi Asset Solution...
Economist Kim Mundy talks economies, the OCR, and more
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Kim Mundy (Senior Economist, ASB) joins host Nigel Grant to discuss both local and global economies, and what we might expect from the final OCR annou...
Managing your investments for 'future you'
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
ASB's John Smith (Head of Asset Management) and Emily Huang (Executive Wealth Manager) sit down with Nigel to discuss ways to manage your money to pre...
Navigating the investment landscape with Devon Funds
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Nigel is joined by Patrick Washer, Portfolio Manager at Devon Funds, to discuss the economic shifts across Australasia impacting investment strategies...
Mood of the CFO
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Nigel is joined by Lee Marshall, Managing Partner at Hunter Campbell, and Trade Me CFO Scott Maud to talk about Hunter Campbell’s inaugural ‘Mood ...
The importance of establishing a will
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Angela Jackson, Head of Service Delivery - North Island for Public Trust NZ, joins Nigel to discuss the importance of wills. They tal...
Episode 67: Anticipating the upcoming OCR announcement
12 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, ASB Senior Economist Kim Mundy joins Nigel ahead of this week’s OCR announcement. They discuss what decisions are being made by oth...
Episode 66: Reflecting on three years of the ASB and BlackRock partnership
07 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Nigel and John are joined by Head of BlackRock Australasia Jason Collins and BlackRock Investment Strategist Will Porter to reflect o...
Episode 65: The latest economic updates, both at home and abroad
21 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Nigel sits down with ASB Wealth Senior Economist Chris Tennent-Brown to discuss the latest economic updates, both at home and abroad....
Episode 64: Sustainable finance with Jo Kelly
05 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Nigel sits down with Jo Kelly, Chief Executive of the Centre for Sustainable Finance, to talk about sustainable finance and what it m...
Episode 63: Markets and mega forces with BlackRock’s Ben Powell
14 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Nigel sits down with BlackRock’s Ben Powell to talk about what's happened since he was last in NZ, and what BlackRock has been keep...
Episode 62: NZX and ASX insights with Harbour Asset Management’s Craig Stent
31 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Nigel and John are joined by Harbour Asset Management’s Craig Stent to delve into NZ and Australian equities, the NZX earning seaso...
Episode 61: Financial literacy & investing with Frank Jasper
16 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Frank Jasper, member of ASB’s Investment Committee, joins Nigel to discuss the fundamentals of investing, as well as some tips and ...
Episode 60: What’s been happening in the markets, and what the latest OCR announcement means for NZ
29 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this month’s episode, Nigel is joined by ASB’s Chief Economist Nick Tuffley to discuss how the markets have been performing over the last month...
Episode 59: BlackRock - Navigating investments in 2024
07 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What will 2024 look like for investors? ASB’s Nigel Grant and BlackRock’s David Griffith get together to discuss what themes and trends investors ...
Episode 58: BlackRock – Year in Review - 2023
18 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In the final episode of 2023, host Nigel Grant is joined by ASB’s John Smith, and BlackRock’s David Griffith and Will Porter to discuss how the AS...
Episode 57: Our new investment options and what's on the horizon for Australasian Equities
29 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In the first part of this episode, Host Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Product, ASB) is joined by John Smith (Head of Asset Management, ASB) and Trent Ma...
Episode 56: BlackRock – Ben Powell on 2023’s investment themes
25 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, BlackRock’s Asia Pacific Chief Investment Strategist, Ben Powell, joins ASB’s Head of Wealth Product, Nigel Grant, and Head of As...
Episode 55: BlackRock - A look into investment stewardship
28 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Nigel Grant, ASB Head of Wealth Product, is joined by Iris Davila, BlackRock’s Head of Investment Stewardship for Australia and New...
Episode 54: ASB x BlackRock - Celebrating our partnership so far
23 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we celebrate two years in partnership with BlackRock - we look back on our relationship so far including what we’ve faced, changes ...
Episode 53: First Sentier - The impact of rapid interest rates rises on fixed income assets
21 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This month our very own Head of Wealth Product, Nigel Grant, talks to John Barrasso, Portfolio Manager for one of our specialist fund managers, First ...
Episode 52: State Street – Navigating a bumpy landing
09 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As we continue to face market volatility, inflationary pressure and central bank tightening in 2023, Host Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Product, ASB) is...
Episode 51: BlackRock - Why 2023 will be different
21 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Inflation, interest rates and central bank policy are on investors' minds in 2023. ASB's Senior Economist Chris Tennent-Brown is joined by BlackRock's...
Episode 50: ASB's Year in Review - 2022
08 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Many investors will understandably want to see the back of 2022, given the poor performance of investment markets here and abroad. ASB’s Chris Tenne...
Episode 49: How long until the markets strengthen?
19 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
BlackRock's Asia Pacific Chief Investment Strategist Ben Powell joins ASB's Senior Economist Chris Tennent-Brown to discuss why it's been a difficult ...
Episode 48: What’s been happening in markets? (June-July update)
05 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In the latest episode of the podcast, we chat with Stephen Cooper (Head of Australian Fixed Income) and John Barrasso (Portfolio Manager) from First S...
Episode 47: We have a chat with Simran Kaur, from Girls That Invest
23 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Kylie Eijgermans, Product Manager for KiwiSaver and investments at ASB, talks to Simran Kaur, the founder and one half of Girls That Invest - a duo cr...
Episode 46: Market update - Climbing the “wall of worry”
30 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In the latest episode of the ASB Investment Podcast, Nigel Grant (Customer Experience Owner, in ASB’s wealth portfolio) assumes hosting duties as he...
Episode 45: The end of free money and globalisation – with Craig Stent
12 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In the latest episode of the podcast, Craig Stent, Head of Equities and a founder of Harbour Asset Management, joins our host Chris Tennent-Brown to c...
Episode 44: How getting advice now, could add thousands to your investment
24 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
“Most people think that advice is really expensive and a complex process, but for KiwiSaver it can be really simple AND it’s free.” – Hamish D...
Episode 43: How does rising inflation, interest rates and global conflict impact your investment?
20 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There has been a lot to talk about as of late: between inflation, central banks hiking interest rates, share markets slumping and the conflict in Ukra...
Episode 42: Macroeconomic outlook for 2022
18 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We’re only seven weeks into the year and so much has happened already: share markets have been choppy, interest rates have been rising, there’s lo...
Episode 41: February market update and recent market volatility
02 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It’s been a tough start to the year for share-markets around the world with several key share-market indices - including New Zealand’s - having re...
Episode 40: Larry Fink's Open Letter to business leaders
26 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Powell (BlackRock’s Asia/Pacific Chief Investment Strategist) and Iris Davila (BlackRock Australia’s Head of Investment Stewardship) join Chri...
Episode 39: BlackRock - Thriving in a New Market Regime
16 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The BlackRock Investment Institute has released its 2022 Global Outlook, titled “Thriving in a new market regime”. BlackRock’s Asia/Pacific Chie...
Episode 38: We chat with Devon Funds Management's, Victoria Harris
14 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
ASB Investment Podcast host Chris Tennent-Brown sits down for a virtual chat with Victoria Harris, Portfolio Manager at Devon Funds Management, to dis...
Episode 37: ASB's Year in Review - 2021
13 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It’s been a big year for investors and one of the busiest years for the Wealth business in quite some time. Throughout the year ASB has been keeping...
Episode 36: Rising interest rates and the bond markets
12 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
With interest rates rising, the RBNZ has stopped buying government bonds and has lifted the Official Cash Rate. This is impacting interest rates in th...
Episode 35: The RBNZ’s OCR increase & the outlook for investors
10 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
With the end of 2021 fast approaching, there’s no shortage of action in the market; the RBNZ has raised the Official Cash Rate, global investors hav...
Episode 34: September 2021 market update
30 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The local share market has been out of sync with Australia and the other major share markets around the world this year - while global shares set reco...
Episode 33: ASB & Responsible Investing
25 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A new generation of investors is broadening the investment conversation—and expectation—beyond just returns. ASB Head of Asset Management, John Sm...
Episode 32: ASB x BlackRock
18 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week we announced the appointment of BlackRock, the world’s largest investment management firm, as part of our broader partnership that will se...
Episode 31: Will housing tax changes have an impact?
28 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Surprised by the government’s housing tax changes? Chris Tennent-Brown and Mike Jones talk through ASB’s updated outlook in the wake of the announ...
Episode 30: We chat with Devon Funds Managing Director, Slade Robertson
10 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It’s been a bit of a break between podcasts—and as we know a lot can change in a few weeks. Host Chris Tennent-Brown is joined by Devon Funds Mana...
Episode 29: What can we expect to see in 2021?
28 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What an unforgettable year 2020 was. Chris Tennent-Brown and Mike Jones look back on some of the highlights (and lowlights)—and chat about what they...
Episode 28 - December 2020 Market Update
01 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Jonathan Beale and Chris Tennent-Brown discuss how the US Share Market is trading at an all-time high, despite uncertainty after the US election and s...
Episode 27 - NZ stays red, how did the market react?
29 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Jonathan Beale, Chris Wilson and Chris-Tennent Brown talk about why we didn’t see much of a reaction in the markets with the election results—shou...
Episode 26 - Elections and the economy
25 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With the New Zealand and US elections fast approaching, Chris-Tennent Brown and Jonathan Beale chat about what we could expect from the market over th...
Episode 25 - 27 August 2020 Market Update
28 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The unemployment rate has fallen to 4 percent, Chris Tennent-Brown and Jonathan Beale chat about whether they see it rising—or is the worst behind u...
Episode 24 - Lockdown, Round Two
14 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Auckland’s back in lockdown and the rest of the country is at Alert Level 2—but what does this mean for the New Zealand market? Jonathan Beale and...
Episode 23 - 9 June 2020 Market Update
11 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Mortgage and Term Deposit rates have hit an all-time low. In this episode Jonathan Beale and Chris Tennent-Brown chat about what it all means, as well...
Episode 22 - Alert Level Two, the Reserve Bank and Budget 2020.
15 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
It’s all systems go for Alert Level Two - Chris Tennent-Brown and Jonathan Beale talk about what this means for economic activity. They also discuss...
Episode 21 - 30 April 2020 Market Update
01 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Tennent-Brown and Jonathan Beale give us an update on what the different COVID-19 alert levels mean for the economy and investments. How are the...
Episode 20 - 16 April 2020 Market Update
17 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Jonathan Beale and Chris Tennent-Brown talk about the recovery we’ve seen in the markets over the past week. Why are we seeing an u...
Episode 19 - 1 April 2020 Market Update
03 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Jonathan Beale and Chris Tennent-Brown are in their homes talking about lockdown. What does Alert Level Four mean for the economy, th...
Episode 18 - 19 March 2020 Market Update
19 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
An update on what Covid-19 has meant for share markets and investors so far. In this episode, Jonathan Beale, Chris Tennent-Brown and Aidan Vince fro...
Episode 17 - 5 March 2020 Market Update
08 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The coronavirus has caused some uncertainty on the market. In this episode, Jonathan Beale talks to Chris Tennent-Brown and Chris Wilson from ASB abou...
Episode 16 - February 2020 Market Update
20 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Jonathan Beale and Chris Tennent-Brown talk about the US China trade deal, upcoming elections, and of course—whether the recent coronavirus outbreak...
Episode 15 - The benefits of having a Wealth Manager
20 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Jonathan Beale chats to the ASB Wealth team about some of the burning questions they get from customers, and how having a Wealth Manager can help you ...
Episode 14 - Fixed income investments with State Street Global Advisors
25 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In our latest episode, we speak to Jonathan Shead and Anthony Zielinski from State Street Global Advisors about how we should view fixed income invest...
Episode 13 - Could NZ see negative interest rates?
15 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Jonathan Beale and Chris Tennent-Brown ask the big question—could New Zealand be heading for negative interest rates, like we’ve s...
Episode 12 - Investment stewardship with Vanguard
22 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
All the way from the USA, Glen Booraem from Vanguard joins Jonathan Beale and John Smith to chat about investment stewardship—and how Vanguard gives...
Episode 11 – Market insights from BlackRock
01 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Jonathan Beale chats to David Griffith and Jason Collins from BlackRock—the world’s largest asset manager—about what’s happening in the market...
Episode 10 - Positive news from ASB
16 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Jonathan Beale, Mairead Needham and John Smith talk about ASB’s new Positive Impact Fund—a ground-breaking fund with a preference for investments ...
Episode Nine - OCR cuts and August Market Update
22 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Jonathan Beale and Chris Tennent-Brown chat about the recent official cash rate cuts, and what happens when interest rates go below zero as we’ve se...