Simplifying Investing
Episodes
Markets Hate Uncertainty — Investors Shouldn’t: Episode #171
27 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Simplifying Investing, Dr Shane Oliver and Diana Mousina unpack the market and inflation implications of the escalating Middle East...
* Bonus ep - Gulf War 3.0: Global Tensions, Market Volatility and what it all means: Episode #170
05 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this bonus episode, Dr Shane Oliver and My Bui examine how escalating geopolitical risks are influencing global markets, energy prices and inflati...
Alexis George on Leadership, AI and Wealth: Episode #169
26 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
AMP CEO Alexis George joins Shane Oliver and Diana Mousina for a wide‑ranging, candid chat on leadership under pressure, the future of work, superan...
AI, Inflation and the Shifting Market Landscape: Episode #168
19 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Tech stocks are wobbling as AI disruption dominates earnings calls 🤖, sparking a rotation into broader markets 🌍. Shane and Diana unpack what ...
Feeling squeezed? Here’s why the RBA lifted rates: Episode #167
06 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
💰 The Reserve Bank has lifted the cash rate again — but what does it really mean for inflation, mortgages and the economy? In this special Simpli...
Global Drama, Rate Hikes and Market Silver Linings: Episode #166
30 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Shane and My unpack the whirlwind start to the year in global markets 🌍 — from US policy tensions, tariff threats and currency...
2025 Wrapped: Rates, Gold & Good Vibes 🎉: Episode #165
12 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
🎉 It’s the final episode of the year! Dr Shane Oliver & Diana Mousina wrap up 2025 with a lively chat on the RBA’s wild rate rollercoaster ...
Markets, Midterms & Money Moves Explained: Episode #164
28 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
📉 Bitcoin plunges, 🌍 Trump’s tariff rollercoaster, 🏛 Fed rate cuts & politics, 📈 Market volatility & Santa rally, 🏠 Housing a...
🧠 RBA Holds Fire - What It Means for Your Money 💰: Episode #163
06 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The RBA hits pause on rate hikes 🛑 but what does it really mean for your mortgage, rent, savings, and investments? From inflation forecasts to home...
Tariffs, Gold & Labubu: Episode #162
16 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From global tensions to glittering trends, Diana and My break down the latest market movers 🌍📉. Tune in for insights on the US–China tariff dr...
🏡📉 Housing, Rates & Generational Gaps: Episode #161
03 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Shane and My dive into the latest RBA meeting 🏦, breaking down what shifting interest rate signals mean for inflation, housing affordability, and f...
💰 Bitcoin: Digital Gold or Risky Gamble? - Episode #160
17 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of Simplify Investing dives deep into Bitcoin’s role in the modern financial system. Shane sits down with Jonas, a quantitative analy...
Markets, Gold & Game Boys: Episode #159
05 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Shane and Diana explore the latest market trends, from U.S. profit growth and bond yield pressures to the challenges facing global debt and the outloo...
Episode #158: From Rate Cuts to Renovation Blowouts - The Week in Economics
21 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Shane and Diana break down what’s really driving markets right now — from tariffs and tech wobbles to interest rate cuts and investor nerves aroun...
Episode #157: Special episode - Ash Frenken
18 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
🎙️In this special episode, we are joined by Ash Frenken, managing director of Citro, a fintech rewards and community platform backed by AMP. Join...
Episode #156: Jobs Vanish, Tariffs Bite & Aussies Eye a Rate Cut
08 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Diana and My dive into the US job market shake-up, with payroll numbers slashed and markets reacting. They unpack why these revisions happen, the poli...
Episode #155: Markets Boom, Jobs Bust: What’s Really Going On?
24 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Markets are rallying near record highs despite weak job data and rising unemployment in Australia. Diana and My explore sector shifts in the ASX, why ...
Episode #154: Dear World – Trump's Tariff Love Letters and another strong year for share markets
11 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Share markets have delivered a second consecutive year of double-digit returns, generating some great outcomes for super fund members and investors al...
Episode #153: Operation Midnight Hammer
01 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The 12 day war between Israel and Iran looks to be over...for now. Questions over the extent of damage sustained by the US strikes continue to mount a...
Episode #152: Markets looking through the political noise
19 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
🎙️ On the pod this week: Shane's back! Joining Diana behind the mic, they dive into:✅ Geopolitical risks in the Middle East✅ Market reactions...
Episode #151: Sitting quite strongly
29 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Markets have calmed down following some short-lived panic regarding the latest Trump trade talks and discussions around tariffs for China and the EU. ...
Episode #150: Special Episode with Ravi Sharma and Sean O'Malley
23 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Housing prices in Australia have continued to rise rapidly over the last two decades, with housing unaffordability and the cost of living affecting bo...
Episode #149: A 'pause' but not the final end point
15 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Trump has cut a deal with China which came a lot sooner than expected. The worst case scenario seems to have been averted for now, resulting in a reco...
Episode #148: Why more isn't always better than less
02 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The latest inflation data is in and we're finally back on target. Markets are up by over 10% now that the reciprocal tariffs have been pushed out by 9...
Episode #147: Economics in our schools and universities
28 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Economics looks at what's happening in the world but recent media reports have charted the long-run decline in students studying economics at high sch...
Episode #146: Super in uncertain times
17 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this ep Shane and Diana unpack Liberation Day tariffs, the possibility that the market is yet to bottom out, what this means for shares and a few k...
Episode #145: Band-aid solutions or re-opening old wounds?
03 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We are now well and truly into 'election mode' with a federal election set for May 3rd, and both sides of politics on the campaign trail. Cost of livi...
Episode #144: Why are markets spooked?
20 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Share markets have been downtrodden over the past few weeks over concerns that the Trump administration's recent policy decisions will be negative for...
Episode #143: The only constant is tariffs
06 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In a week where the US pushed ahead with tariffs, we saw a lot of policy uncertainty with services and manufacturing companies seeing a decline in sen...
Episode #142: A hawkish or cautious cut?
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The RBA announced a rate cut this week for the first time since 2020, with small relief for mortgage holders after 13 consecutive hikes. while monetar...
Episode #141: Is it "Job Done" on inflation?
06 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the pod Shane and Diana catch up on: gains in markets, a look at Trumps Tariff Tango, China's new AI tech - DeepSeek and is it "...
Episode #140: Trump's inauguration: a volatility that we 'have to get used to'
23 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After a stronger than expected 2024, it's been a reasonably good start to markets this year despite the US 10 year Treasury yield nearing 5% - a ...
Episode #139: The slowest rate of growth since the recession we 'had to have'
12 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The pace of economic growth in Australia has been on a downtrend over the last two years and annual growth is at its lowest level since the early 199...
Episode #138: What is the more sustainable trend in inflation?
02 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The rise in the cost of living over the last four years remains a persistent challenge for the RBA and the Australian economy. Inflation continues to ...
Episode #137: What did we learn from the US election?
15 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Trump's victory in the US election came on the back of fears over the rising cost of living and concerns over immigration that dominated voter sentime...
Episode #136: Market Updates - Peering through a 'wall of worry'
17 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join Shane and Diana for a quick update on: Shares at record highs, war conflict and oil prices. Is it a clear crystal ball for RBA rate cuts in Fe...
Episode #135: Alan Kohler - Why it's really tough to have a recession now
09 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Since the 1987 crash, the evolving role of central banks has fundamentally changed the way the economy and markets work over the past few decades. Sh...
Episode #134: China’s economy - Special
18 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join Diana and special guests Brad Creighton - SMA lead portfolio manager at AMP and Stuart Eliot - Head of portfolio management at AMP as they take a...
Episode #133: Brad Creighton - How markets have moved and why.
04 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Generative AI, decarbonisation and re-onshoring are three key themes that have created fertile ground for investing in recent months. Join Diana an...
Episode #132: Eliza Owen - What is going on in the property market right now?
22 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week on Simplifying Investing Eliza Owen - Head of Research Australia for CoreLogic drops in on Shane and Diana to chat all things - Property Ma...
Episode #131: Market volatility, RBA forecasts and how to predict an Australian recession.
08 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join Shane and Diana as they review this week's latest economics news including: Market volatility, RBA's August meeting, The Sahm Rule, Doct...
Episode #130: The rise of populism and bigger government – what it means for investors
25 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Fears that income levels are stagnating, rising inequality and cost of living pressures are seeing more voters turn towards populism across Europe and...
Episode #129: TRUMPonomics
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In light of the recent assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump, Shane and Diana unpack aspects of Trump's decision and potentia...
Episode #128: AU share market high, global inflation, what's supercore & the hike in coffee beans.
18 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join Shane and Diana as they review this week's latest economics news including: AU share market high, global inflation, what's supercore &am...
Episode #127: NVidia, Eggs, Stage 3 tax cuts, The lipstick effect and happy share market songs
05 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this ep, AMP's chief economist Dr. Shane Oliver is joined once again by economist My Bui, who's filling in this week for Diana Mousina. ...
Episode #126: Trump 2.0 and the rise of the far right in Europe
27 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
America's strategic response to China through tariffs and protectionism are stirring fears the tariff rate could lift to its highest rate since t...
Episode #125: RBA stays Hawkish, and will Powell be looking for a new gig, if it’s Trump 2.0
19 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s been a busy two weeks with a few central bank’s meetings, this week the Reserve Bank of Australia met and kept the cash rate at 4.35% Will w...
Episode #124: Housing affordability: A tale of three cities
06 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Home prices reached a record new high in Australia, driven by recent surges in Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth benefitting from a shortage of listings a...
Episode #123: Australian April inflation, global trends and will it be Trump in 2025?
30 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week Shane and Diana share insights on the Australian April inflation data, recent global trends in inflation, the broader growth backdrop in Au...
Episode #122: Federal Budget 2024 - what a second surplus means for Australian households
16 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Episode #121: Rates on hold and crystal balling next week's budget.
09 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The RBA decided to keep rates unchanged for the 4th consecutive meeting as inflation continues to fall and expectations are that inflation will go be...
Episode #120: Revisiting retail and home prices: will we see another rate hike?
03 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Episode #119: Inflation: how did we get it so wrong?
29 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 progres...
Episode #118: How vulnerable are shares?
29 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Increasing fears of an escalation between Israel and Iran has left markets concerned amid growing geopolitical tensions. Meanwhile, The Fed has been w...
Episode #117: The Australian property market, income and happiness and rising petrol prices
11 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Episode #116: How to invest in the current macro environment
05 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 backdro...
Episode #115: Inflation surprised on the downside in February
28 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Episode #114: RBA Not ruling anything out or anything in
21 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Episode #113: Inflation expectations
16 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
AMP's Deputy Chief Economist Diana Mousina simplifies inflation expectations and the gender financial literacy gap; in light of the RBA's recent look ...
Episode #112: Five problems with the Australian tax system
09 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
Episode #111: Still cautious but less concerned: why the RBA left rates on hold
07 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 prob...
Episode #110: Falling inflation – what does it mean for investors?
17 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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. ...
Episode #109: Is high Australian household wealth a source of support for consumers?
11 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 i...
Episode #108: Four reasons for optimism
09 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 a...
Episode #107: Five key lessons from 2023
18 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Episode #106: 2023 saw the return of Goldilocks, but what’s in store for 2024 for investors?
14 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Episode #105: The RBA leaves rates on hold – have we finally reached the top?
05 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 th...
Episode #104: Population growth in Australia
03 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Since 2005, the pace of immigration has been a very dominant driver of population growth in Australia, helping address chronic skills shortages in bot...
Episode #103: What would a further rise in the $A mean for investors?
28 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Changes in the value of the Australian dollar are important for Australian investors as they impact both the value of international investments and th...
Episode #102: 9 key things for successful investing
21 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Successful investing is not always easy and can be stressful, even in good times. We are all susceptible to psychological traps, however there are som...
Episode #101: Are RBA rate hikes doing more harm or help to the economy?
20 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Australia's economy has performed stronger than expected despite a slowing down in discretionary consumer spending and persistently high levels of inf...
Episode #100: RBA retains a tightening bias by raising to 4.35 per cent
07 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
AMP's Chief Economist Shane Oliver reviews the RBA's decision to yet again push north and raise interest rates. Will this be the last or is there is ...
Episode #99: What impact does geopolitics have on financial markets?
05 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The last few years have been associated with many geopolitical crises causing investor uncertainty and volatility in financial markets. AMP's Deputy C...
Episode #98: Australian home prices up on supply shortfall, but at risk from high rates
01 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The last three major cyclical upswings in home prices have required lower interest rates to be sustained. With rate cuts still a long way away, AMP's ...
Episode #97: Five constraints on medium term investment returns
25 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In the 1980s and 90s superannuation investment returns were very strong. But since 1999, nominal superannuation returns have been more constrained ave...
Episode #96: Rate hikes: how households have weathered the storm
23 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Australia has witnessed the largest interest rate hiking cycle since the late 1980s, with rates today up by a total of 400 basis points over 14 months...
Episode #95: The threat from higher oil and petrol prices
18 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Posing many humanitarian consequences, the war between Israel and Hamas could further lead to a surge in oil prices that will add to inflation, keep i...
Episode #94: 1987 vs now - rising bond yields (& war in Israel) and the risks for shares
10 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The rise in bond yields has left shares offering a low risk premium over bonds leaving them at risk of more softness. The conflict in Israel this week...
Episode #93: The housing market
06 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Australian housing market is a deeply watched sector of the economy, because it impacts everybody. This week AMP's deputy chief economist Diana Mo...
Episode #92: Is another rate hike still imminent?
05 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In the last week, we saw the RBA leave interest rates on hold for the fourth month in a row, against the backdrop of increasing uncertainty around pol...
Episode #91: For what it’s worth: why what you pay for an investment is a key driver of its return
27 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The cheaper you buy an asset the higher its prospective return might be. However, this is frequently forgotten with investors who focus on recent retu...
Episode #90: The Labour Market
24 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
AMP's deputy chief economist Diana Mousina looks more closely at the labour market. Join Diana as she unpacks why employment growth has been so strong...
Episode #89: Immigration and housing affordability
20 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Australian housing affordability has deteriorated due to low interest rates and a chronic housing supply shortfall. AMP's Chief Economist, Dr. Shane O...
Bonus episode: Retire with Confidence Whitepaper
18 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Retire with Confidence Whitepaper with Daniel Paperny and Ben Hillier New national research released by AMP today has found most older Australians fi...
Episode# 88: Has the RBA finished rate hikes?
14 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Increasing evidence is mounting to suggest rate hikes are beginning to bite, with a fall in real retail sales for three quarters in a row, a sharp slu...
Episode #87: Recession
11 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
AMP’s Deputy Chief Economist Diana Mousina covers all things - recession. Join Diana as she shares her insights and expertise in helping bridge the ...
Episode #86: Three reasons to err on the side of optimism as an investor
05 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
“No pessimist ever discovered the secrets of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted land, or opened a new heaven to the human spirit.” – Helen Kel...
Episode #85: Inflation
28 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
AMP’s Deputy Chief Economist Diana Mousina takes you through what is inflation, why it has become so high in the years following COVID-19, and what ...
Episode #84: China’s slowdown & structural challenges & the implications for Australia
24 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
AMP’s chief economist Dr. Shane Oliver explores how uncertainty around China’s outlook is a key risk for global growth and why Australia cannot re...
Episode #83: Why is boosting productivity so hard to do?
16 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
AMP’s chief economist Dr. Shane Oliver looks at the vexed issue of productivity, its importance to our economy and what it means for investors. Rea...
Episode #82: Interest Rates
14 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
AMP’s Deputy Chief Economist Diana Mousina takes you through how monetary policy works in Australia, how interest rates impact the economy, and what...
Episode #81: Have we dodged the recession bullet?
10 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As rapid monetary tightening means a high risk of recession continues to persist, growth has generally been more resilient than expected. AMP’s chie...
Episode #80: Another look at the RBA
02 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
AMP’s chief economist Dr. Shane Oliver reviews the Reserve Bank’s decision this week to hold at 4.1%. Has the RBA found a sustainable balance or i...
Episode #79: Addressing Australians’ financial literacy and the gender literacy gap
30 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
While Australia remains one of the richest nations in the world, a new Econosights report from AMP’s Deputy Chief Economist, Diana Mousina highlight...
Episode #78: Leading versus lagging economic indicators
26 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Many Australians are confused about the current economic situation. Cafes and restaurants are doing well but cost of living pressures mean more Austra...
Episode #77: The Watch List: 7 economic indicators for investors to pay attention to
19 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
AMP’s Head of Investment Strategy and Chief Economist Dr. Shane Oliver looks at seven key indicators that investors need to keep a close eye on to u...
Episode# 76: 15 Common sense tips to help manage your finances.
12 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Getting your personal finances right can be a real challenge at times. Here are the top 15 tips from AMP's Chief Economist Dr Shane Olive that can hel...
Episode# 75: Returns rebound – but is it sustainable?
10 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The past financial year turned out to be a good one for investors as shares rebounded thanks to falling inflation and hopes rates are near the top. AM...
Episode# 74: The Reserve Bank of Australia holds on 4.1%, but for how long?
04 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
AMP’s Chief Economist, Dr. Shane Oliver takes a closer look at the Australian Reserve Bank's choice to leave interest rates on hold at 4.1%. However...
Episode# 73: A recession in Australia - should we be worried?
28 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The risk of recession globally and in Australia has increased with ongoing central bank rate hikes. AMP’s Chief Economist, Dr. Shane Oliver looks at...