Simplifying Investing

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Episodes

184

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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EN-AU

About the show

The Simplifying Investing series helps to de-mystify the often-complex world of investing. Whether it’s big or small, we are all invested in something, that's why we're drawing on the knowledge of AMP’s experts to answer the big questions in superannuation, retirement, home loans and beyond. Podcasts provided by AWM Services Pty Ltd ABN 15 139 353 496, AFSL No. 366121, part of the AMP Group. They contain general advice only and have not considered your personal circumstances. You should consider seeking professional advice before deciding to act on any information in these podcasts.

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September 3, 2026Episode 18224 min

Are Australians Too Scared to Spend in Retirement?: Episode #182

Australia's retirement system is often called one of the best in the world, but are retirees making the most of it? As AMP launches its Retirement Confidence Pulse for 2026, Diana Mousina sits down with AMP's Ben Hillier to explore the shape of retirement today: why many retirees are spending less than they can afford, the growing divide between homeowners and renters, and whether Australians are too fearful of running out of money. They also discuss intergenerational wealth transfer, helping children into the housing market, unlocking home equity, and why confidence may be the missing ingredient to a better retirement. Read more on the Retirement Confidence Pulse for 2026 https://www.amp.com.au/about-amp/news/2026/september/Retirement-confidence-flatlines-as-fear-of--running-out-grips-three-in-five-Australians 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 September 2026. AWM Services Pty Ltd ABN 15 139 353 496, AFSL No. 366121, part of the AMP Group Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Australia's two-speed economy 01:18 What retirement looks like in Australia today 03:29 Why retirees could be spending more 04:42 Home ownership, mortgages and retirement 07:28 The Bank of Mum and Dad 09:19 How much money do you really need to retire? 10:00 The "10-30-60" retirement spending rule 11:32 Why spending naturally declines in retirement 13:03 Is $500,000 enough for retirement? 14:02 Biggest challenges facing retirees 14:39 Why Australia's retirement system is so complex 15:14 Do retirees really need financial advice? 17:08 New retirement income solutions explained 18:23 Unlocking home equity in retirement 20:27 Should retirees leave an inheritance? 21:49 Giving with a warm hand, not a cold hand 22:01 The coming $3.5 trillion wealth transfer 22:44 Is Australia's retirement system world-leading? 23:26 How confidence changes retirement spending 24:09 Closing remarks

August 21, 2026Episode 18126 min

The RBA's Inflation Problem Isn't Going Away: Episode #181

Australia's latest profit reporting season is showing its strongest results in years, but is it enough to compete with booming global markets? Shane Oliver and Diana Mousina unpack company earnings, the outlook for Australian shares, the Reserve Bank's interest rate dilemma, persistent inflation pressures, and the debate around superannuation's role in tackling cost-of-living challenges. 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 21 August 2026. AWM Services Pty Ltd ABN 15 139 353 496, AFSL No. 366121, part of the AMP Group 00:00 Introduction and profit reporting season begins 02:02 Australia's strongest earnings season in years 03:21 Why US company profits are outperforming Australia 04:39 Dividends, franking credits and investor returns 06:06 Australia vs global shares outlook 06:38 Budget changes and capital gains tax concerns 08:00 Property market impacts and RBA policy outlook 09:19 Should the RBA be raising rates now? 13:26 Forecasts, inflation and the role of economists 16:19 Shane and Diana's interest rate predictions 17:09 Consumer spending, wages and inflation pressures 18:04 Buying Australian products vs imports 21:05 Could superannuation help fight inflation? 23:23 Debate over accessing super during cost-of-living pressures 24:25 Why long-term super investing still matters 25:52 Wrap up

August 7, 2026Episode 18019 min

What Could Stop Markets Reaching New Highs: Episode #180

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

July 23, 2026Episode 17918 min

Iran, Oil Prices, AI Stocks & Market Risks: Episode #179

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

July 3, 2026Episode 17838 min

Does Australia Need Another Reform Era: Episode #178

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

June 29, 2026Episode 17728 min

1970s Vs Now - Is Life Actually Harder: Episode #177

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

June 19, 2026Episode 17640 min

Can Australia Fix Housing, Energy and Tax Together: Episode #176

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

June 11, 2026Episode 17520 min

AI Boom, Korea Surge, Rate Fears, Housing Reality: Episode #175

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

May 28, 2026Episode 17425 min

Why Inflation Might Stay Higher for Years: Episode #174

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

May 19, 2026Episode 17332 min

Re-uploaded - 2026 Budget breakdown: winners, losers and housing reality: Episode #173

Podcast survey: https://surveymars.com/q/7Uogu2bpK Thank you in advance for sharing your insights on how we can improve the pod! (Re-uploaded -19/05/2026 - first published on the 14/05/2026) 💸 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.