The Money Puzzle

What are investors doing in reaction to the shocking turn in markets during the first three months of 2026?  One of the first moves is a distinct retreat from Wall Street back to the ASX, as investors seek mining and energy stocks along with blue chips that can deliver reliable dividends. It's early days but we are also seeing a pick-up in defensive investments such as infrastructure and a little less enthusiasm for gold. David Bassanese, chief economist at ETF provider Betashares, joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: The surprise swing back to the ASX Where to invest now? The continuing case for gold (despite a bad run) CGT - To grandfather or not to grandfather?  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you want to get advice from today's guest, Ben James of Escala Partners, you need to have at least $5m in your investment portfolio. In other words, his clients are strictly from the top end of town. So what have his clients been doing since the Iran crisis broke in February, and what is he telling them to do next? Ben James, CEO of Escala Partners, joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode  In today's show, we cover: The inflation shock to markets and what you must do next? Liquidity beyond cash for the everyday investor The next hot spots for active investors  Are dividends vulnerable in the months ahead  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buyer's agents armed with rubber-stamp qualifications are herding investors into overpriced regional hot spots just in time for a looming wave of rate rises...it's an accident waiting to happen. Veronica Morgan from Good Deeds Property Advisors joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover A warning for investors buying outside their home markets  The off-the-shelf buyer's agent qualification you should know about  Crunch looms for first home buyers on the 5% home deposit scheme Why property owners may sell up prior to CGT Budget change  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do the super-rich have in common? The everyday investor might never be a dealmaker, but they can learn a lot from the discipline, focus and confidence common to the cohort on this year's Rich 250 list. John Stensholt, Rich 250 Editor joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: The common traits among the Rich 250  Who's who on the list and why they make the cut  How the share market AI v Software battle reshapes the list Couple-power...the underrated factor in building wealth  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cash rates are now more than 4 per cent and your mortgage is around 6 per cent: What's more, it looks very much like the hiking cycle is far from over, so should you fix at these levels? Stuart Wemyss of the Prosolution Private Clients group joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: To fix or not to fix...the dilemma bites  Surprise good news for older cash hoarders  SMSF property lending cleared for take off  How much insurance do you really need?   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former AFL star Chris Judd has become a fund manager specialising in 'small cap' stocks: No surprise, he's got some clear views on the share market and what investors should be doing as higher interest rates loom. Chris Judd of the Cerutty Macro Fund joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby, in this episode .In today's show, we cover: The share market according to Chris Judd  How Judd's Cerutty Macro Fund finds stocks The stocks he is concentrating on in 2026 A once-in-blue-moon Money Puzzle footy tip!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Rentvesting' is increasingly popular where wannabe home owners move first to buy a rental property and later to use their accumulated equity to buy 'a forever family home.' But putting some of your capital into the sharemarket, rather than the property market may be much more lucrative...and even better if CGT tax is raised in the near future. Author Jacqui Clarke, Your Personal CFO joins associate editor, James Kirby on this podcast episode. In today's show, we cover: Rentvesting  - It takes longer than you think CGT changes - How they will impact house prices, according to CBA Fixed rate mortage break costs - The bank that is not charging at all Medicare Levy Surcharge...watch out for this trap  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These are very early days in the Iran war and the impact on share markets is far from clear. But already we can see there is upward pressure on interest rates around the world, there is also a clear risk of an inflation spike due to oil supply. Will Hamilton of Hamilton Wealth Partners joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: Why the Iran war will push rates higher The bull market for global shares is now under serious pressure How AI is especially vulnerable to increased energy prices Private credit is a flash point in a volatile market  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Though 80,000 investors own more than two negatively geared properties, the reaction to news that the government is planning to ‘cap’ the tax break has been low-key. Perhaps that’s because losing money on an investment property should not be the first aim of an investor. Jarrod McCabe of the Wakelin Advisory Group joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode In today’s show, we cover: How will a negative gearing cap affect the market? Finding value where first-home buyers have reached their limits Can Adelaide hang on to its promotion as a top investor location? Defence site sales loom across the nation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Everyday investors have been heavily sold private credit funds as an alternative investment and now the reality of this opaque, often illiquid market is starting to bite. Dr Doug Turek of Minchin Moore joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: Problems with private credit spook investors Have commissions for financial advisers returned? Why government bonds are back  The best way to buy a US market ETF See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are we looking the wrong way? As property investors fret over likely lifts in Capital Gains Tax, the bigger issue for long term investors is interest rates: Despite the industry-wide assumption that we are in a new rate hike cycle, it is looking increasingly likely that rates are not going to go through the roof, in fact some already believe we should be thinking about lower rates in the near future. Dr Sam Wylie of the Windlestone Education group and Melbourne Business School joins Associate Editor James Kirby in this episode In today's show, we cover: The CGT scare - How will if affect you How share investing may have a tax advantage over property soon* Interest rate hiking cycle...maybe not? Is super recontributing a form of money laundering? asks a listener See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More investors are coming to realise that inherited super is taxed at 17 per cent, but the government has stirred a hornet's nest in adding a de facto death tax into the new super tax legislation. What to do? Hugh Robertson of Centaur Financial joins Associate Editor James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: Inheritance tax changes : What you need to know Understanding your super caps for the year ahead How the kids raise your Medicare Levy Surcharge   Dealing with overseas shares and ETFs See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the very core of wealth building is the dilemma of setting up your super or making sure you own a home; The long-term returns on both investment choices are broadly similar, but the tax system is hugely in favour of the home-owner. So what to do? James Gerrard of www.financialadviser.com.au joins Associate Editor James Kirby in this episode  In today's show, we cover: The in-built bias against renters in the tax system If you already contribute 12% to super by law- should you add more? The lesser-known bias against renters in pensions and super Optimising the tax system to your life-stage  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Interest rates are moving higher again as the RBA renews its battle with inflation: It's time to think seriously about inflation-proofing your investments, and that means a lot more than buying some gold. Chris Brycki of the Stockspot group joins Associate Editor - James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover:  The full menu for inflation-proofing your investments Big super funds don't have gold, but should you? Why Japan is back on the radar for sharemarket investors Dangers of market timing your superannuation choices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

'You can't get into the property investment market for less than $1m' is something you may hear regularly...but is it true? High-profile investor Nathan Birch says not only can you get into the market for $300,000 or less, but you can do it without negative gearing. Nathan Birch of the B Invested group joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: Buying cheap - how to get started in property Why entry-level property is the hot spot Property types that fit the bill  Locations across Australia still offering good value  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whether you are with a big super fund - or run your own SMSF -  the outstanding risk for your long-term return is whether your portfolio is appropriate for your age? The chances are that you are being too conservative because you are going to live a lot longer than you realise.   Anna Shelley, chief investment officer at AMP joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: Are you taking enough risk? The end of traditional age-based rules for investors A new era of inflation could shrink your spending power Getting to know the 'bucket strategy' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gold prices jumped dramatically last year and then soared through the $US5,000 milestone last month: Now the price is suddenly heading south as profit takers push the price down closer to $US4,660. Some listeners may have missed the gold rally, our guest today - a specialist gold mining stock picker - says this might be a time to reconsider. David Franklyn of the Argonaut Gold Fund joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: Gold prices drop as rally stalls...how to play the pullback? Why gold miners are set to boom in the next phase of the gold rally  Managed funds versus ETFs for gold investors Top gold stocks to consider now  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The sharemarket is surging and we are trading like it's late 2007, which makes it a very good time to review how your portfolio would fare if things turn sour.It's also time to catch up on new changes in super.  Liam Shorte of the Sonas Wealth group joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode In today's show, we cover: Cash, annuities and hybrids  Stings in the new super tax bill US investments and Australian tax  Should I transfer my UK pension back to Australia? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you are planning to put more money in the property market this year, be warned the risks of tax changes are now clearly on the table: Top of the agenda is a wind back in Capital Gain Tax concessions.  Peter Esho of Flexdoc joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: The biggest tax risk for property investors this year  How Victoria's Airbnb tax has backfired Property's role as a 'hard asset' in a time of currency debasement Our 'listener questions' segment returns  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How many years can a bull market last? What will it take to dampen investor sentiment in the year ahead, and what should you, the active investor, be doing? Will Hamilton of Hamilton Wealth Partners joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode  In today's show, we cover: The risks and opportunity in the 2026 listed markets How to defend against the looming risk of inflation  Gold - do you have it, how much should you have ? Fading into rallies - the art of taking profits at the right time  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Property prices are tipped to rise by 5 per cent in 2026 : But where will investors really make their money?In our property investment outlook show for the year ahead, we identify the property sector that is ready to rebound...and we pinpoint the best location too. Stuart Wemyss of the ProSolution Private Clients group joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: Higher rates and tighter lending - the risks this year  The property sector which is ready to rebound Why the bottom end of the market is the hottest patch  Adelaide running out of puff, Melbourne due it's day in the sun  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ASX can return 10 per cent again in 2026...or maybe even more, says star stockpicker Jun Bei Liu...but what to buy? In this second part of our 2026 investment outlook, she outlines very clearly the red-hot sectors offering the top stock picks and also the parts of the market to avoid. Jun Bei Liu of Ten Cap joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode  In today's show, we cover:  How miners will make you money in the year ahead Banks, REITs and retailers could let you down Can CSL return to its glory days? Liu's stand out stock to consider...and one to avoid See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It looks like the sharemarket will once again be the place to make money in 2026, especially on Wall Street. But it's not going to be a smooth ride: In the first weeks of the year, the US has unleashed a wave of foreign interventions - and President Trump has subpoenaed Fed Reserve chair Jay Powell - triggering alarm bells on Wall Street. Marc Jocum, investment strategist at GlobalX ETFs joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover The outlook for investment markets in 2025 Forecasts for the ASX in the year ahead Key predictions for Wall Street  The improved prospects in wider global markets  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Money Puzzle, The Australian’s Wealth Editor, Julie-anne Sprague, unpacks what it takes to be a great investor with one of the nation's top stockpickers, Jun Bei Liu. How did Liu learn to invest? What did she learn when things went wrong and what's her advice for everyday investors wanting to build their wealth?Jun Bei Liu of Ten Cap joins Wealth Editor Julie-anne Sprague in this episode. Please note, this is a repeat episode of The Money Puzzle. It originally aired in December 2024.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If it wasn’t said by a top financial adviser, you might dismiss it as a quote out of context, but  Partners Wealth Group Jack Tossol is not kidding: He says a generation that has ‘sunk everything’ into the family home will miss the chance to have a successful tax-deductible investment plan. It’s a provocative notion, challenging die-hard principles of money management, but with house prices moving higher again...you have to listen. Financial adviser Jack Tossol of Partners Wealth Group joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby,  in this episode. In today’s show, we cover No tax deduction, no income…Is home ownership overrated? Why ‘Rentvesting’ is worth revisiting Are you facing decades of ‘dead money' in your home mortgage? Challenging the ‘retirement sweet spot’ Please note, this is a repeat episode of The Money Puzzle. It originally aired in August 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is the FIRE movement and how did it get started? It's not a club or a cult: It doesn't have a headquarters, rather it's a set of investment principles: And it just might be a breakthrough for you in the year ahead. Lionel Lee joins  James Kirby in the episode. --------In today's show, we cover: The key principles of FIRE Getting the best from what the movement has to offer A case study that spans a lifetime The realities of  'firing up' Please note, this is a repeat episode of The Money Puzzle. It originally aired in December 2024.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who doesn't love a good movie?  Power, romance, ambition, betrayal...actually, that sounds more like a classic 'money movie'. In this special holiday show, The Australian's film critic Stephen Romei,  guides us through the best movies about money.  Stephen Romei, The Australian's film critic joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this special episode. In today's edition, we cover: Money movies - Do they tell us anything useful? Margot Robbie's double act - How she features in two all-time greats 'The Bank' - Australia's unique contribution to money movies Movies you never thought were about money (but tell you more than Wall Street) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Investment markets are sliding in the final days of the year with the ASX 200 looking like it will manage just 8 per cent in total returns: Even Wall Street has softened in the final quarter of the calendar year bringing home about 16 per cent. What a year for the active investor! How was it for you?  James Gerrard of www.financialadviser.com.au joins Associate Editor, Wealth James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: Global markets pull us up The ASX - Large caps bad, small caps good Winners and losers in a volatile year Gold V Bitcoin - No further questions your honour!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Terry Ryder of the Hotspotting group is Australia’s top expert in choosing locations for investors.Today he spells out his ‘simple formula’ for the everyday investor that offers opportunity across the national market. Terry Ryder of the Hotspotting group joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. In today’s show, we cover: The Hotspotting formula for finding a successful investment property Which markets will suit the formula best in 2026 Momentum accelerates in the first home buyer segment Has Adelaide property peaked? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It sounds reasonable at first glance: Shares on the ASX are up more than 5 per cent over the year to date - add your dividends and you might get close to a 9 percent total return. But then we have a 17 per cent year-to -date return on Wall Street. This is not a once-off: Wall Street has beaten the ASX out the door for more than decade, will it ever change?  Gemma Dale, head of investor behaviour at nabtrade joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: The hard evidence that local shares let you down Why Wall Street wins ...and it's not just Trump Gold puts crypto in the shade   Should SMSFs pay levy for bad advice?  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Everyone is feeling the squeeze of sky-high property prices: At the same time, state governments across Australia are actively encouraging 'densification'. No wonder, more investors are looking at optimising the land value of their homes by building out the back. Financial adviser Nathan Fradley joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. Here's a guide: Beyond the 'granny flat' - how tax benefits flow to intergenerational property  Can we get on...who pays for what?  How recent planning and tax changes make intergenerational living easier  Know your rights...why advice is crucial in this area. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why are you holding on to that investment property to help your kids buy a house one day? This question captures the broader concept raised by the 'Die with Zero' movement, which calls for investors to transfer wealth sooner rather than later. Will Hamilton of Hamilton Wealth Partners joins Associate Editor, Wealth - James Kirby, in this episode. In today's show, we cover: The debate over intergenerational fairness Practical tips for helping your children buy a house The broader attraction of 'Die with Zero' An update on the latest home grant blitz See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Banks won't tell you if you're better off with a fixed-rate mortgage. But strong evidence shows most borrowers will lose when they bet against the bank by settling on a three-year fixed rate. With expectations building that RBA rates may rise, fixed rates seem attractive once more, but you need to know why the odds are against you. Stuart Wemyss of the Prosoluton Private Clients group joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: You fix, you lose: here's the data over two decades The new APRA lending limits How non-banks will now rush the mortgage market Pressure mounts on CGT for residential investments  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ASIC Commissioner Alan Kirkland is the top cop for consumers in the investment markets - and he wants you to know that those superannuation calculators that suggest you need very large amounts of money to retire can be unreliable.In Kirkland's view, those calculations often tend to be too high.Sure, aspire to having as much as you can in super -  but don't believe all you read... especially if it's compiled by someone who gets paid for getting your money on the books. ASIC Commissioner Alan Kirkland joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: What you need to know about superannuation calculators  The First Guardian Super Fiasco - can we stop it happening again? A fresh warning on the private credit boom Moneysmart updates its offering  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anyone who remembers the powerful escalation in prices for the Sydney 2000 games does not need to be convinced that Brisbane is going to be a very good opportunity in the run-up to the 2032 games. So what's the catch? Today we look at the recent history and challenges of the nation's third biggest residential market... Sam Price, buyer's advocate with Templeton Property joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: Brisbane - Where are the bargains? Why you will need a flood map in the Sunshine State Property 'finfluencers' force Macquarie Bank clampdown Negative gearing reforms - this idea may have legs  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matthew Cassidy of Partners Wealth Group has just taken the top spot in this year's  Barron's Top 150 Advisers List. He offers a unique perspective on what you need to know about advice, and how to deal with an investment market that is clearly at the top of the cycle. Matthew Cassidy of Partners Wealth Group joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: What you should expect from a top financial adviser  How to prepare for a sharemarket downturn Sequential risk  - The biggest financial threat to the pre-retiree Taking profits off the table  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It had to happen, just as the residential property market is rebounding, there are concerns that regulators may 'remove the punchbowl.' NAB has revived talk of rules that would limit investor lending. Meanwhile, the tax office is threatening to deny tax deductions on holiday homes unless investors make their properties available at peak times such as Christmas. Anissa Cavallo of the Eda Property Group joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: 'Rentvestors' are riding the upsurge in residential prices  Big banks raise the possibility that lending limits could be back on the agenda The ATO's 'Big Brother' threat on holiday homes  New ideas on negative gearing and  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The avalanche of unlisted private funds aimed at retail investors is at full tilt. It's been a seriously profitable activity for endowment funds: So why have they been getting out of late? It's time to take a hard look at a boom that's raising a lot of questions. Andy Darroch of Independent Wealth Advice joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby  In today's show, we cover: Why are you being sold private equity funds anyway? Disturbing trends in the unlisted market Big Super does unlisted better - can you ever rival it? Clarifying some key issues around the new super tax  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We tend to discuss the nation's rental crisis in terms of the difficulties faced by young renters: But a one per cent vacancy rate also means anybody selling a home will find it difficult to rent in between selling and buying.This relatively new dynamic in the market also explains why it's Australia's hottest markets such as Brisbane and Perth where there is the least number of homes for sale.No wonder investors are returning to the property market. Cameron Kusher of Kusher Consulting joins James Kirby - Associate Editor, Wealth in this episode. In today's show, we cover: The hidden factor that keeps pushing home prices higher  Standby for a lengthy interest rate freeze The damage caused by a universal first home deposit scheme Why the 'Millionaire next door' still has a message for all investors  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.