Nurture Wealth

12/05/2026

In his fifth Budget, Treasurer Jim Chalmers released the “most important and ambitious budget in decades” with a plan to navigate global uncertainty and build a stronger economy while taking the pressure off Australians.

With an overarching theme of ‘reform and resilience’, the Federal Government is aiming to shore up investor confidence at a time when the global economy teeters thanks to war in the Middle East and the disruption of global oil supplies.

For households and wage earners, the Budget delivers a mix of targeted cost-of-living relief and significant structural reform, particularly in tax and housing.

You can read our Federal Budget Analysis snapshot here. https://eread.com.au/nurturewealth/197171

As always, if you would like to discuss how the Budget might impact your finances, don’t hesitate to contact our office.

Reform and resilience in uncertain timesTreasurer Jim Chalmers has framed the 2026 Federal Budget... https://eread.com.au/nurturewealth/197171

05/05/2026

📈 RBA Lifts Cash Rate to 4.35%

As widely expected by futures markets, the RBA has increased the cash rate by 25bps to 4.35% — the third hike this year, taking rates back to the previous 2024 peak.

🔮 What Markets Expect Next
No move is priced in for June, but markets see a strong chance of another 25bp hike sometime between August and November.

📊 Why the RBA Moved Today
The RBA has revised its inflation forecasts higher:

Headline inflation now expected to peak at 4.8% in June 2026 (previously 4.2%)

Core inflation expected to peak at 3.8% (previously 3.7%)

At the same time, growth expectations have been trimmed to 1.9% for 2026 (from 2.1%), while unemployment is forecast to remain steady at 4.3%.

💹 Market Reaction
Markets were largely steady, with the hike well anticipated:

AUD/USD: 0.715

10‑year bond yield: 4.99%

ASX 200: –0.44%

📉 Our View
We see today’s move as bearish for the Australian economy and local markets. A resolution to the Iran conflict — and the resulting relief in fuel prices — would help ease inflation pressures.

🗓 What’s Next
All eyes now turn to next Tuesday’s Federal Budget, expected to be neutral to mildly contractionary as the government works to contain inflation.

At its meeting today, the Board decided to increase the cash rate target by 25 basis points to 4.35 per cent.

31/03/2026

It’s April already and Easter will soon be upon us. We hope you have a peaceful and relaxing holiday weekend.

In March war sent shockwaves through global share markets, pushed energy prices higher and stoked fears of recession in Australia and abroad.

For investors, the instinct to act quickly can be overwhelming when there’s so much uncertainty. But understanding what's driving market movements and why a long-term strategy counts, matters more than the daily headlines.

We take a look at what the Iran conflict means for investors right now and why discipline, not fear, should guide your next move

There’s a particular kind of unease that creeps in when market headlines start mixing geopolitics... https://eread.com.au/nurturewealth/195526

17/03/2026

📈 RBA Lifts Cash Rate to 4.10%

As widely expected by economists and markets, the RBA has increased the cash rate by 25bps to 4.10%.

A slight surprise from our perspective, especially given the growing risk of an energy crunch here in Australia. But it’s clear the RBA remains focused on inflation sitting above target — and concerned that rising fuel costs could feed inflation expectations.

This theme is likely to echo across global central bank meetings this week.

🗳 A Tight Call
The decision wasn’t unanimous, passing with a 5–4 majority.

🔮 What Markets Are Pricing In
Markets now see only a 30% chance of another rate hike at the May 2026 meeting.

💹 Market Snapshot
- AUD/USD: 0.705
- 10‑year bond yield: 4.94%
- Aussie equities: Little movement, as the hike was largely priced in.

For those who like to dive deeper, here’s the official RBA release:

At its meeting today, the Board decided to increase the cash rate target by 25 basis points to 4.10 per cent.

10/03/2026

If you are concerned about the current conflict in the Middle East and would like some insights into the possible impact on markets, read below.

Key points- Uncertainty around the duration of the US/Israel war with Iran has intensified with... https://eread.com.au/advant/194781

10/03/2026

It was my great pleasure to attend the Sunshine Coast Business Women's Network International Women's Day breakfast this morning. The theme this year is 'give to gain'. We heard from the fabulous Victoria Devine of the 'She's on the money' podcast. The financial empowerment of women is one of my particular passions so this session really resonated. Thanks Laura Sillano for accompanying me ❤️

03/02/2026

📈 RBA Lifts Interest Rates
In disappointing news for mortgage holders the Reserve Bank of Australia has raised interest rates today. Markets now think there may be one more small rate rise in 2026, bringing the cash rate to 4.10%.
Current snapshot:
• 10‑year bond yield: 4.86%
• AUD/USD: 0.701
Why the rate hike?
Recent data shows inflation picked up toward the end of 2025. The RBA says Australians are spending more than expected, the economy is running close to full capacity, and the job market remains tight. Because of this, they expect inflation to stay higher for longer.
RBA outlook:
• Growth slightly stronger
• Unemployment slightly lower
• Inflation higher than previously expected
Inflation forecast:
Core inflation is expected to rise to 3.7% by June 2026, then ease back to 2.8% by June 2027.

Read the full statement here:

At its meeting today, the Board decided to increase the cash rate target by 25 basis points to 3.85 per cent.

28/01/2026

As we begin 2026, we extend our warmest wishes for a year filled with health, happiness and success. We look forward to embracing fresh opportunities and new possibilities.

The past year reminded us that resilience often wins out over uncertainty. Despite global volatility and political surprises, Australia managed a steady course through 2025. Commodities and super funds were standout performers, rewarding investors despite challenging conditions.

In this snapshot, we look back at what shaped the economy and markets in 2025 and what could influence the year ahead. If history is any guide, expect a few surprises along the way!

Many investors breathed a sigh of relief at having survived (and even thrived) the turbulent... https://eread.com.au/nurturewealth/192354

18/12/2025

09/12/2025

📊 RBA holds steady at 3.6%
No surprises today as the cash rate remains unchanged.
• Inflation nudged higher: headline 3.8%, core 3.3%
• RBA sees this as likely temporary, partly due to methodology changes
• No hikes priced in until mid‑2026 → extended HOLD stance
💹 Market reaction muted:
• AUDUSD: 0.662
• 10‑yr yield: 4.72% (up from 4.10% since late Oct)
👉 The RBA looks content to wait and watch how inflation trends through 2026.

At its meeting today, the Board decided to leave the cash rate unchanged at 3.60 per cent.