Sun, 18th May 2025

In this podcast, Paige Estritori covers major financial developments as of May 18, 2025. Australia sees an 8% decrease in real per capita household disposable income since 2022, signaling potential economic challenges. Recommendations include enhancing productivity and trade terms to counter downward trends. In contrast, Australia's housing market enjoys a boost, with the total value exceeding $11 trillion. However, high property prices pose challenges to potential buyers and renters, prompting policymakers to explore interventions like strategic urban planning and affordable housing investments. In the crypto world, Bitcoin could surge to US$200,000, according to Global X strategist, Justin Lin, though inconsistent global regulations may pose risks. Lastly, Asgard, Westpac's investment platform, announces a significant hike in insurance premiums due to rising claims and operational costs. They hope their proactive response will set a standard across the financial industry.