Mon, 12th May 2025

In this podcast, Paige Estritori delivers a review of major financial news from Australia. She initially focuses on the financial industry's concerns over uncertainties in government's plans, particularly in relation to the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort. There's a growing demand for reforms to boost affordable financial advice access, beneficial to consumers and sectors such as superannuation. The podcast also explores the shift in the commercial real estate landscape, where investors turn to debt investments to get higher returns. This is accompanied by an insightful overview of the state of the bond market, and strategies for navigating rising global bond yields. The final segment examines Westpac's slight dip in half-year profit amidst geopolitical risks, though strong business and institutional banking provide optimism. Westpac plans collaborations with government on housing and cash access issues while ensuring a stable dividend for investors.