Bassanese Bites: The Podcast

Markets pushed higher last week on optimism around a temporary ceasefire, but the Iran conflict has quickly shifted back into uncertain territory. With peace talks failing and the US now threatening to impose a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, risks to global energy supply and geopolitical stability are back in sharp focus. In this week’s Bassanese Bites Podcast, David Bassanese unpacks the escalating brinkmanship in the Middle East, the feasibility of US enforcement in the Strait, and why markets are still holding out hope that rhetoric won’t fully translate into action. He also explores the implications for oil prices, global growth and inflation, alongside the resilience in recent market moves and what the latest Australian data could mean for the RBA’s next decision.

Markets edged higher last week on fleeting hopes of de-escalation, but the Iran conflict is entering a new phase. With the US' imposed deadline for a peace deal approaching and retaliation risks rising, the threat to global energy supply remains front of mind. In this week’s Bassanese Bites Podcast, David Bassanese breaks down the risks around the Strait of Hormuz, why energy infrastructure is now in focus, and how a renewed oil shock could quickly shift the outlook for inflation and growth. He also discusses the resilience of the US economy and what recent Australian data signals for the RBA.

The Iran conflict remains front and centre, with fragile talks doing little to ease concerns over oil supply through the Strait of Hormuz. While some shipments are still flowing, the buffer from earlier supply may soon run out. In this week’s Bassanese Bites Podcast, David Bassanese explains why markets are stuck in a holding pattern, the risk of escalation in energy infrastructure, and how a renewed oil spike could shift the global outlook. He also unpacks mixed inflation signals and what they mean for the RBA ahead of the crucial March quarter CPI report — with another rate hike still firmly on the table.

The Iran conflict has entered a critical phase, with a US ultimatum on the Strait of Hormuz raising the risk of a major escalation in global energy markets. Oil prices are surging, equities are under pressure and investors are bracing for a potential spike in inflation if tensions worsen. In this week’s Bassanese Bites Podcast, David Bassanese breaks down the growing risk of a Middle East “mutually assured destruction” scenario, what attacks on energy infrastructure could mean for oil and global markets, and why hopes of a quick de-escalation may be fading. He also unpacks the latest Fed meeting, the pause in the global equity rotation, and Australia’s surprise RBA rate hike — including why another increase may still be on the table despite rising geopolitical risks. Tune in for a concise, expert wrap of the week’s key developments in global markets, oil, central banks, the Australian economy and interest rates — and what they mean for investors.

Global markets remained under pressure last week as the Iran conflict escalated, pushing oil prices higher and disrupting supply through the Strait of Hormuz. With equities falling and bond yields rising, investors are watching closely to see whether the US or Iran backs down – and what that means for inflation and markets. In this week’s Bassanese Bites Podcast, David Bassanese unpacks the market impact of the oil shock, the risks if Middle East energy infrastructure becomes a target, and whether the hoped-for 'TACO' moment from US President Donald Trump could bring a quick resolution. He also examines the US Federal Reserve meeting, the ongoing rotation in global equity markets, and why recent RBA commentary has markets expecting a rate hike this week despite the uncertain global outlook. Tune in for a concise expert wrap of the week’s key developments in global markets, oil prices, central banks, the Australian economy and interest rates – and what they mean for investors.

Iran is holding firm against US and Israeli strikes - and the market fallout is accelerating. Oil has surged past $106 a barrel, global stocks are sliding and bond yields are rising as inflation fears overtake growth concerns. In this week's edition of the Bassanese Bites Podcast, David unpacks why Iran is digging in, what its surprising resilience means for markets and whether the oil shock will threaten the great rotation seen in equity markets of late. He also looks at whether Australia's firm labour market is enough to push the RBA toward another rate hike sooner than expected. Tune in for a concise, expert wrap of the week’s biggest developments in global markets, the Australian economy, interest rates, inflation, equities and geopolitics – and what they mean for investors.

Markets were already finely balanced - then breaking news from the Middle East brought geopolitical risk right back to the forefront of investors' minds. In a special market update edition of Bassanese Bites, we unpack the fast-moving situation in the Middle East and what it could mean for asset classes, central banks and investors. We also explore: How commodity prices have reacted in early Australian trade Whether the Iran stoush will have a prolonged impact on stocks, bonds and currencies What it means for investors in the short-to-medium term.

US stocks bounced last week amid calmer-than-expected AI disruption fears, while the US Supreme Court finally delivered its landmark ruling on President Trump’s tariffs. Australian shares climbed on strong labour market data, led by technology and small caps. On this week’s Bassanese Bites Podcast, David explores the tariff fallout may shape markets in the coming weeks. He'll also explore what the latest US and Australian data mean for interest rates and inflation. Tune in for a concise, expert wrap of the week’s biggest developments in global markets, the Australian economy, interest rates, inflation, equities and geopolitics – and what they mean for investors.

US stocks continue to slip as AI adoption concerns began to spread to other sectors beyond the tech/software space. Meanwhile, Australian markets rebounded last week as investors digested the fallout from the RBA's first hike in two years. On this week’s Bassanese Bites Podcast, David discusses which sectors are now in the spotlight, what the latest US and Australian data really means and how the global equity rotation is reshaping who wins, who loses, and where investors are heading next. Tune in for a concise, expert wrap of the week’s biggest developments in global markets, the Australian economy, interest rates, inflation, equities and geopolitics - and what they mean for investors.

Global markets nervously edged higher last week, supported by resilient corporate earnings and improving economic data, even as rising US-Iran tensions and growing concerns around the AI-driven tech boom kept investors on edge - so much so that Forbes has created a new term: the 'SaaSpocalypse'. This week, David breaks down the key signals investors should be watching - including the delayed US payrolls report, the latest inflation data, escalating geopolitical risk and whether Australia’s hotter inflation outlook will prompt the RBA to deliver another rate hike as soon as May. Tune in for a concise, expert wrap of the week’s biggest developments in global markets, the Australian economy, interest rates, inflation, equities and geopolitics - and what they mean for investors.

Global markets edged higher last week after a largely neutral Fed meeting, even as volatility picked up across currencies and commodities amid US dollar jitters and rising geopolitical risks.  This week, David breaks down the key signals investors should be watching: including the US payrolls report, increased rhetoric around Iran and whether a hot Australian CPI print will cause the RBA to deliver its first rate hike in two years. Tune in for a concise, expert wrap of the week’s biggest developments in global markets, the Australian economy, interest rates, inflation, equities and geopolitics - and what they mean for investors.

On this week's Bassanese Bites Podcast, David unpacks why global markets consolidated after their recent rebound, and whether growing expectations of a US Fed rate cut can keep sentiment afloat. David also explores how markets are digesting a potential Bank of Japan rate hike and why a strong jobs report on Thursday could add fuel to a growing fire that could cause the RBA to hike interest rates earlier in 2026 that people are currently expecting. Tune in for a concise, expert wrap of the week’s biggest developments in global markets, the Australian economy, interest rates, inflation, GDP and geopolitics as well as what they mean for investors.

A dovish shift from key Fed officials fuelled a global risk rebound last week, even as US data pointed to weakening momentum outside the AI-driven boom. At home, firm data on the inflation front as well as key GDP puzzle pieces could complicate the RBA’s rate path. This week, David reveals the macro signals investors should be watching - including a crucial inflation report which could dictate the Fed's last interest rate decision of the year, and whether the Q3 Australian GDP report will reinforce the RBA's concerns of an Australian economy with rising inflation and limited spare capacity. Tune in for a concise, expert wrap of the week’s biggest developments in global markets, the Australian economy, interest rates, inflation, GDP and geopolitics as well as what they mean for investors.

Global markets fell last week despite another strong Nvidia earnings result, as investors struggled to interpret delayed economic data and its implications for interest rates. In this episode of Bassanese Bites, Betashares Chief Economist David Bassanese explains how upcoming US PCE inflation and Australia’s Monthly CPI could shape the RBA’s interest rate outlook and global markets. Listen to Betashares Chief Economist David Bassanese's weekly wrap of the key stories in markets, economics and geopolitics now on your favourite podcast app.

After 44 days, the US government's latest shutdown has finally ended. But now that markets are regaining access to official economic data, there's trepidation about whether the September US jobs report and Nvidia's earnings might trip up what has been a strong bull market for investors. Listen to Betashares Chief Economist David Bassanese's weekly wrap of the key stories in markets, economics and geopolitics now on your favourite podcast app.    

Global equities pulled back last week reflecting tech-related valuation concerns and comments from the CEOs of two Wall Street banks pointing to the risk of a correction at some stage in the coming year. Beneath the headlines and the lack of data, investors may be starting to question whether the AI trade has run its course. Meanwhile, last week's RBA interest rate decision has caused David to shift his view on when the next interest rate cuts might be seen in Australia. Listen to Betashares Chief Economist David Bassanese's weekly wrap of the key stories in markets, economics and geopolitics now on your favourite podcast app.

Global equities rose despite a 'hawkish cut' from the Fed. Meanwhile, following the hot Q3 CPI print, the RBA is widely expected to keep rates on hold on Melbourne Cup day. The bigger question may now be whether a February 2026 rate cut is also at risk. Listen to Betashares Chief Economist David Bassanese's weekly wrap of the key stories in markets, economics and geopolitics now on your favourite podcast app.

Global equities continued to rise last week, after US-China trade talks resumed and US inflation came in lower than expected. This week, Q3 CPI will be released in Australia while three major central banks - the Fed, the European Central Bank and the Bank of Japan - will all announce their latest interest rate decisions. Listen to Betashares Chief Economist David Bassanese's weekly wrap of the key stories in markets, economics and geopolitics now on your favourite podcast app.

Equities rebounded last week on easing US-China trade tensions. This week, all eyes are on RBA Governor Michele Bullock's address and what she may say following last week's surprise jump in unemployment. Listen to Betashares Chief Economist David Bassanese's weekly wrap of the key stories in markets, economics and geopolitics now on your favourite podcast app.

As the US shutdown rolls on, other equity markets beyond America are starting to show signs of outperformance. Listen to Betashares Chief Economist David Bassanese's weekly wrap of the key stories in markets, economics and geopolitics now on your favourite podcast app.