Markets may be near record highs, but are investors becoming too comfortable? In this episode, My Bui and Diana Mousina explore the latest developments in the US-Iran conflict, what a potential deal could mean for markets and oil prices, and why rising geopolitical tensions could have lasting consequences for inflation, government debt and defence spending. They also unpack concerns around Japan's debt and currency pressures, Australia's latest inflation data, and what it all means for interest rates, household spending and investment markets.

Important information: This podcast is general in nature and hasn’t taken your circumstances into account. It’s important you consider your personal circumstances and speak to a financial adviser before deciding what’s right for you. Any general tax information provided is intended as a guide only. Remember the value of investments may go up or down and you may not get back the amount you invested. The opinions and views featured in this podcast reflect the individual’s own. Date of publication 07 August 2026. AWM Services Pty Ltd ABN 15 139 353 496, AFSL No. 366121, part of the AMP Group

00:00 Markets near record highs: what's driving optimism?

00:31 US-Iran tensions and escalating geopolitical risks

02:13 Why markets still expect a deal

03:25 What a full-scale conflict could mean for markets and oil

04:16 Strait of Hormuz and global energy supply risks

06:10 Long-term consequences of the conflict

06:30 Modern warfare: drones, cyber attacks and AI

07:37 Defence spending and its economic impact

08:48 Inflation, debt and higher government spending

09:31 Why rising debt could keep bond yields elevated

10:14 Japan's debt burden explained

11:10 Inflation, currencies and Japan's economic challenges

12:09 US support for the Japanese yen

13:03 Currency intervention and market fundamentals

15:29 Is now a good time to visit Japan?

17:00 Australia's latest inflation update

17:49 What it means for the RBA and interest rates

18:36 Household spending remains surprisingly strong

19:11 Why interest rates may stay higher for longer

19:31 Wrap-up and key takeaways

Rising tensions in the Middle East have pushed oil prices higher and reignited concerns about inflation, interest rates and global growth. In this episode, Shane Oliver and Diana Mousina unpack the implications of the Iran conflict, the outlook for US and Australian economies, whether AI and technology stocks can continue their strong run, the latest on Trump's tariff policies, and what it all means for share markets over the months ahead.

Important information: This podcast is general in nature and hasn’t taken your circumstances into account. It’s important you consider your personal circumstances and speak to a financial adviser before deciding what’s right for you. Any general tax information provided is intended as a guide only. Remember the value of investments may go up or down and you may not get back the amount you invested. The opinions and views featured in this podcast reflect the individual’s own. Date of publication 24 July 2026. AWM Services Pty Ltd ABN 15 139 353 496, AFSL No. 366121, part of the AMP Group

00:00 Introduction

00:20 Iran conflict and rising oil prices

01:42 Strait of Hormuz and global energy supply risks

03:05 Energy reserves and US political implications

03:43 Trump's Middle East dilemma

05:19 Could the conflict become a prolonged war?

06:48 Why share markets have stalled

07:09 Tech sector concerns and semiconductor weakness

07:50 US earnings season and market expectations

08:18 AI boom: bubble or long-term opportunity?

09:43 Global inflation trends

10:08 US inflation and the Fed outlook

11:30 Interest rate risks for markets

12:14 Trump's latest tariff proposals

12:59 Canada tariffs and trade impacts

13:51 Forced labour tariffs explained

15:22 The broader impact of trade policy

16:35 Share market outlook and key risks

17:01 What investors should watch next

17:22 12-month market outlook

17:49 Australia's economy, rates and living standards

18:22 Perspective on economic conditions

18:48 Closing remarks

Shane Oliver and My Bui are joined by NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey to discuss his journey into politics, the lessons of the Hawke-Keating reform era, housing affordability, tax reform, productivity challenges and the latest NSW Budget. The conversation explores cost-of-living relief, government spending, housing supply, construction innovation and why economic reform remains critical to Australia's future prosperity.

Important information: This podcast is general in nature and hasn’t taken your circumstances into account. It’s important you consider your personal circumstances and speak to a financial adviser before deciding what’s right for you. Any general tax information provided is intended as a guide only. Remember the value of investments may go up or down and you may not get back the amount you invested. The opinions and views featured in this podcast reflect the individual’s own. Date of publication 03 July 2026. AWM Services Pty Ltd ABN 15 139 353 496, AFSL No. 366121, part of the AMP Group

0:00 Introduction and meet NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey

0:25 Daniel's path into politics and economics

2:57 Life outside politics: BBQs, meat smoking and family

5:01 What it's like delivering a state budget

6:19 Hawke, Keating and Australia's reform legacy

9:00 Why successful reform requires social consensus

11:20 Inflation, wages and the role of unions

13:10 Economics, young Australians and social media

15:29 Tax reform and Australia's changing economy

20:53 Priorities of the 2025 NSW Budget

21:36 Cost-of-living relief measures explained

22:19 Housing affordability and supply challenges

24:00 Building approvals and apartment shortages

25:07 Why housing costs are higher in NSW

27:13 Construction productivity and modular housing

29:04 Planning reform and housing regulation

30:08 Controlling government spending and inflation

34:07 Public expectations of government spending

35:21 Australia's balance between fairness and ambition

36:30 Populism, politics and social media

37:25 Why Daniel remains optimistic about Australia

38:20 Closing remarks and thanks

Shane Oliver and Diana Mousina unpack the gap between perception and reality in today’s economy. From inflation and interest rates to housing affordability, wages and lifestyle changes, they compare life now versus the 1970s to ask a bigger question: are we actually worse off, or just feeling it? The conversation explores rising expectations, the impact of choice, social media, and government support—and why resetting expectations and focusing on long-term fundamentals could be key to financial wellbeing.
Important information: This podcast is general in nature and hasn’t taken your circumstances into account. It’s important you consider your personal circumstances and speak to a financial adviser before deciding what’s right for you. Any general tax information provided is intended as a guide only. Remember the value of investments may go up or down and you may not get back the amount you invested. The opinions and views featured in this podcast reflect the individual’s own. Date of publication 29 June 2026. AWM Services Pty Ltd ABN 15 139 353 496, AFSL No. 366121, part of the AMP Group

00:00 – Intro

00:01 – Inflation update and fuel price impact

00:39 – Will the RBA hike rates again?

01:14 – Why people feel worse off today

01:47 – Cost of living pressures explained

02:20 – Nostalgia: was the past better?

02:43 – Housing, wages and affordability then vs now

04:33 – Workforce changes and female participation

05:32 – Choice, stress and modern life

06:32 – Inflation in the 1970s vs today

07:26 – Income growth vs real purchasing power

08:15 – Travel, lifestyle and spending changes

09:29 – Globalisation and diversity in Australia

12:56 – Shift to services and experiences

13:56 – Education, careers and delayed earnings

14:44 – Is too much choice making us unhappy?

16:06 – Work ethic, jobs and expectations

17:09 – Government spending and welfare dependence

18:15 – Life expectancy and quality of life

19:24 – Safety improvements over time

20:22 – Why confidence is still low

21:02 – Expectations vs reality

22:10 – Social comparison and social media impact

23:29 – Community decline and social connection

24:49 – Work-life balance pressures

25:02 – Can we go back to simpler times?

25:43 – Productivity and income stagnation

26:11 – Practical steps: spending, saving, expectations

27:25 – Final thoughts: gratitude and perspective

In this episode, My Bui and Shane Oliver are joined by independent MP Nicolette Boele to unpack Australia’s biggest economic challenges—from the slow rollout of clean energy and the road to electrification, to housing affordability, tax reform, and the unintended consequences of recent budget changes. They explore how regulation, superannuation, and political decisions are shaping productivity, investment, and cost of living—plus whether the “sensible centre” still has a place in today’s shifting political landscape.

Important information: This podcast is general in nature and hasn’t taken your circumstances into account. It’s important you consider your personal circumstances and speak to a financial adviser before deciding what’s right for you. Any general tax information provided is intended as a guide only. Remember the value of investments may go up or down and you may not get back the amount you invested. The opinions and views featured in this podcast reflect the individual’s own. Date of publication 19 June 2026. AWM Services Pty Ltd ABN 15 139 353 496, AFSL No. 366121, part of the AMP Group

00:00 - Intro

01:00 Clean energy finance and investment challenges

02:00 Red tape and delays in energy projects

03:20 Regulation, risk appetite and super funds

04:45 Energy prices, gas vs renewables debate

06:00 Electrification and future energy system

07:30 Cost of living pressures emerge

10:45 Budget discussion: housing, productivity, tax

12:00 Capital gains tax changes and impact

14:20 Tax fairness and generational inequality

16:00 Startups, venture capital and innovation risks

17:40 Investment behaviour and market impacts

18:50 Need for broader tax reform

20:30 Resource taxes and government revenue

22:30 Incentives, productivity, and business growth

24:30 Political reaction and voter sentiment

26:30 Housing crisis: supply vs demand

27:50 Density vs decentralisation debate

30:40 Regulation and housing costs

31:20 Superannuation and affordable housing solutions

33:40 Immigration and labour shortages

36:20 Political shifts and rise of minor parties

38:00 The “sensible centre” in modern politics

40:20 Closing remarks

In this episode, Diana and My unpack shifting global market expectations, from US Federal Reserve rate uncertainty to the ongoing impact of AI-driven growth on equities. They explore geopolitical risks in oil markets, the surge in Korean stocks powered by semiconductor demand, and whether the hype is justified. Closer to home, the conversation turns to Australia’s federal budget, breaking down housing affordability, tax changes, and what falling property prices really mean for investors and first-home buyers.

Important information: This podcast is general in nature and hasn’t taken your circumstances into account. It’s important you consider your personal circumstances and speak to a financial adviser before deciding what’s right for you. Any general tax information provided is intended as a guide only. Remember the value of investments may go up or down and you may not get back the amount you invested. The opinions and views featured in this podcast reflect the individual’s own. Date of publication 11 June 2026. AWM Services Pty Ltd ABN 15 139 353 496, AFSL No. 366121, part of the AMP Group

Is inflation here to stay? 📈 Shane and My unpack why rising prices, interest rates and government debt are becoming harder to control—driven by geopolitics 🌍, ageing populations , and bigger government spending 🏛️. They explore what this means for bonds, shares and your portfolio 💼, and why despite the risks, long‑term investors should stay optimistic—backed by the rise of Asia and the productivity potential of AI 🤖.

Important information: This podcast is general in nature and hasn’t taken your circumstances into account. It’s important you consider your personal circumstances and speak to a financial adviser before deciding what’s right for you. Any general tax information provided is intended as a guide only. Remember the value of investments may go up or down and you may not get back the amount you invested. The opinions and views featured in this podcast reflect the individual’s own. Date of publication 28 May 2026. AWM Services Pty Ltd ABN 15 139 353 496, AFSL No. 366121, part of the AMP Group

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💸 The Federal Budget unpacked: Shane and My break down what it really means for housing, taxes and younger Australians. From negative gearing changes and capital gains tax tweaks 🏡 to the growing generational divide, they explore whether these policies fix affordability—or just shift the problem. Plus, the ripple effects on investing 📈, government spending, and why tax reform (not just tax hikes) could be the missing piece.

Important information: This podcast is general in nature and hasn’t taken your circumstances into account. It’s important you consider your personal circumstances and speak to a financial adviser before deciding what’s right for you. Any general tax information provided is intended as a guide only. Remember the value of investments may go up or down and you may not get back the amount you invested. The opinions and views featured in this podcast reflect the individual’s own. Date of publication 14 May 2026. AWM Services Pty Ltd ABN 15 139 353 496, AFSL No. 366121, part of the AMP Group.

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In this episode of Simplifying Investing, My Bui and Diana Mousina unpack what Australia’s inflation numbers really mean, from headline CPI to the trimmed mean, and why it matters for households and the RBA. They discuss the impact of high oil prices and Middle East tensions on inflation, the outlook for further interest rate hikes, and whether government policy—particularly fuel excise cuts and the upcoming federal budget—can actually help ease cost-of-living pressures.

Important information: This podcast is general in nature and hasn’t taken your circumstances into account. It’s important you consider your personal circumstances and speak to a financial adviser before deciding what’s right for you. Any general tax information provided is intended as a guide only. Remember the value of investments may go up or down and you may not get back the amount you invested. The opinions and views featured in this podcast reflect the individual’s own. Date of publication 30 April 2026. AWM Services Pty Ltd ABN 15 139 353 496, AFSL No. 366121, part of the AMP Group

In this episode of Simplifying Investing, Dr Shane Oliver and Diana Mousina unpack the market and inflation implications of the escalating Middle East conflict, including disruptions to oil supply through the Strait of Hormuz. They explore why oil prices haven’t surged as much as feared, the risk of a renewed stagflation environment, and what higher energy costs could mean for interest rates and central bank decisions in Australia and globally.

Important information: This podcast is general in nature and hasn’t taken your circumstances into account. It’s important you consider your personal circumstances and speak to a financial adviser before deciding what’s right for you. Any general tax information provided is intended as a guide only. Remember the value of investments may go up or down and you may not get back the amount you invested. The opinions and views featured in this podcast reflect the individual’s own. Date of publication 27 March 2026. AWM Services Pty Ltd ABN 15 139 353 496, AFSL No. 366121, part of the AMP Group

In this bonus episode, Dr Shane Oliver and My Bui examine how escalating geopolitical risks are influencing global markets, energy prices and inflation following the Israel and US strikes on Iran. They explore what it means for the Australian economy, why investors should avoid trying to time market shocks, and what periods of uncertainty can mean for long‑term returns. The episode also covers Australia’s latest GDP data, government spending, productivity trends and the implications for interest rates and the RBA.

Important information: This podcast is general in nature and hasn’t taken your circumstances into account. It’s important you consider your personal circumstances and speak to a financial adviser before deciding what’s right for you. Any general tax information provided is intended as a guide only. Remember the value of investments may go up or down and you may not get back the amount you invested. The opinions and views featured in this podcast reflect the individual’s own. Date of publication 5 March 2026. AWM Services Pty Ltd ABN 15 139 353 496, AFSL No. 366121, part of the AMP Group