Simplifying Investing
by Simplifying Investing
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.
Episodes
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Shane Oliver and Tim Wilson: How Do We Get Australia Growing Again? #186
Shane Oliver sits down with Tim Wilson, Member for Goldstein and Shadow Treasurer, to discuss Australia’s economic direction, productivity and cost-of-living pressures, the role of government and free markets, and why small business matters for future growth. They also explore regulation,...
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Three Economic Lessons From Abroad #185
Fresh from her travels through the Middle East and Central Asia, Diana Mousina joins My Bui to unpack three big economic themes: how Middle East tensions are affecting oil flows, inflation and consumers; what Australia could learn from overseas approaches to construction and housing; and how…
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Is AI Making Inflation Worse? #184
Could AI be making inflation harder to beat? Shane Oliver and My Bui unpack how the AI boom, data centre investment, chip and energy costs, government spending and geopolitical pressures are adding to Australia’s inflation challenge. They also explore how higher interest rates bring inflation…
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Five Risks Investors Should Watch Right Now: #183
Markets have enjoyed a strong run, but are there warning signs investors should be watching? In this episode, Diana Mousina and My Bui unpack five key risks that could impact markets in the months ahead, from rising bond yields and interest rate expectations to Middle East tensions, US politics…
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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?...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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…
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Why the RBA Isn’t Done Yet: Episode #172
🎧 Quick favour? We’re tweaking and improving Simplifying Investing and want to make sure we’re hitting the mark. Got 2 minutes to tell us what you think? 👉 https://surveymars.com/q/7Uogu2bpK No emails, no follow‑ups — just better podcast episodes. In this episode of Simplifying Investing, My…
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Markets Hate Uncertainty — Investors Shouldn’t: Episode #171
In this episode of Simplifying Investing, Dr Shane Oliver and Diana Mousina unpack the market and inflation implications of the escalating Middle East conflict, including disruptions to oil supply through the Strait of Hormuz. They explore why oil prices haven’t surged as much as feared, the risk...
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* Bonus ep - Gulf War 3.0: Global Tensions, Market Volatility and what it all means: Episode #170
In this bonus episode, Dr Shane Oliver and My Bui examine how escalating geopolitical risks are influencing global markets, energy prices and inflation following the Israel and US strikes on Iran. They explore what it means for the Australian economy, why investors should avoid trying to time...
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Alexis George on Leadership, AI and Wealth: Episode #169
AMP CEO Alexis George joins Shane Oliver and Diana Mousina for a wide‑ranging, candid chat on leadership under pressure, the future of work, superannuation, housing and why compound interest is magic🪄 Hear from Lex on why she first decided to take on the challenge of transforming AMP, her...
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AI, Inflation and the Shifting Market Landscape: Episode #168
Tech stocks are wobbling as AI disruption dominates earnings calls 🤖, sparking a rotation into broader markets 🌍. Shane and Diana unpack what this means for global shares, Australia’s improving earnings outlook 🇦🇺📊, the surprising strength of commodities like copper and gold ⛏️, and why…
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Feeling squeezed? Here’s why the RBA lifted rates: Episode #167
💰 The Reserve Bank has lifted the cash rate again — but what does it really mean for inflation, mortgages and the economy? In this special Simplifying Investing episode, Dr Shane Oliver and Diana Mousina unpack why the RBA moved despite inflation sitting just above target, the difference between...
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Global Drama, Rate Hikes and Market Silver Linings: Episode #166
In this episode, Shane and My unpack the whirlwind start to the year in global markets 🌍 — from US policy tensions, tariff threats and currency moves 💱 to the surge in gold and silver 🪙 and why investors are shifting toward safe haven assets. They also break down Australia’s…
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2025 Wrapped: Rates, Gold & Good Vibes 🎉: Episode #165
🎉 It’s the final episode of the year! Dr Shane Oliver & Diana Mousina wrap up 2025 with a lively chat on the RBA’s wild rate rollercoaster 🎢, sticky inflation, and why the jobs market is a mixed bag 👷♂️👜. They debate if the RBA will really hike or just hold tight, and dish on global markets,...
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Markets, Midterms & Money Moves Explained: Episode #164
📉 Bitcoin plunges, 🌍 Trump’s tariff rollercoaster, 🏛 Fed rate cuts & politics, 📈 Market volatility & Santa rally, 🏠 Housing affordability crisis — Dr Shane Oliver and My Bui unpack global economics, U.S. policy shifts, and what it all means for investors. Important information: This podcast…
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🧠 RBA Holds Fire - What It Means for Your Money 💰: Episode #163
The RBA hits pause on rate hikes 🛑 but what does it really mean for your mortgage, rent, savings, and investments? From inflation forecasts to home prices and the latest market moves, Diana & My break it all down in plain English. 🧩📈 Join Diana & My as they unpack: The RBA’s latest decision &...
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Tariffs, Gold & Labubu: Episode #162
From global tensions to glittering trends, Diana and My break down the latest market movers 🌍📉. Tune in for insights on the US–China tariff drama 🇺🇸🇨🇳, gold’s meteoric rise 🪙, and the unexpected craze for Labubu dolls 🎁. Plus, they unpack Australia’s super tax shake-up 💼, housing supply...
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🏡📉 Housing, Rates & Generational Gaps: Episode #161
Shane and My dive into the latest RBA meeting 🏦, breaking down what shifting interest rate signals mean for inflation, housing affordability, and first-home buyers. They explore the impact of the 5% deposit scheme 🏠 and why house prices continue to climb despite rate hikes. The episode also...
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💰 Bitcoin: Digital Gold or Risky Gamble? - Episode #160
This episode of Simplify Investing dives deep into Bitcoin’s role in the modern financial system. Shane sits down with Jonas, a quantitative analyst, to unpack the history of money—from seashells and gold to today’s fiat currencies—and how Bitcoin might fill the gap as a new store of value. They...
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Markets, Gold & Game Boys: Episode #159
Shane and Diana explore the latest market trends, from U.S. profit growth and bond yield pressures to the challenges facing global debt and the outlook for Australia’s economy. They share insights on what’s driving sharemarkets and where risks may lie ahead. They also discuss the forces shaping...
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Episode #158: From Rate Cuts to Renovation Blowouts - The Week in Economics
Shane and Diana break down what’s really driving markets right now — from tariffs and tech wobbles to interest rate cuts and investor nerves around AI. With Wall Street corrections and Australia’s own shifts in consumer confidence, they unpack what all this means for everyday savers and…
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Episode #157: Special episode - Ash Frenken
🎙️In this special episode, we are joined by Ash Frenken, managing director of Citro, a fintech rewards and community platform backed by AMP. Join Ash and Dan as they dive into: ✅ Lessons learnt from a decade in Australia's startup scene ✅ The retirement gap: how did Citro start and what problem...
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Episode #156: Jobs Vanish, Tariffs Bite & Aussies Eye a Rate Cut
Diana and My dive into the US job market shake-up, with payroll numbers slashed and markets reacting. They unpack why these revisions happen, the politics swirling around the Fed, and how new tariffs are hitting countries differently-some harder than others. Closer to home, Australia’s inflation…
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Episode #155: Markets Boom, Jobs Bust: What’s Really Going On?
Markets are rallying near record highs despite weak job data and rising unemployment in Australia. Diana and My explore sector shifts in the ASX, why the RBA held rates in July, and what soft wage growth and falling job ads signal for the economy. They also cover global trade tensions, new U.S....
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Episode #154: Dear World – Trump's Tariff Love Letters and another strong year for share markets
Share markets have delivered a second consecutive year of double-digit returns, generating some great outcomes for super fund members and investors alike, despite climbing a wall of worry. But what’s driving this sustained strength, and what does it mean for the future? Join Shane and My as they...
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Episode #153: Operation Midnight Hammer
The 12 day war between Israel and Iran looks to be over...for now. Questions over the extent of damage sustained by the US strikes continue to mount amid civil unrest and calls for regime change, causing more volatility for share markets. Where do we go from here? 🎙️ Join Shane and Diana as they...
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Episode #152: Markets looking through the political noise
🎙️ On the pod this week: Shane's back! Joining Diana behind the mic, they dive into: ✅ Geopolitical risks in the Middle East ✅ Market reactions ✅ Ongoing US tariffs ✅ Australian GDP data ✅ A dovish-sounding RBA ✅ And... does the Australian Government finally have a plan to boost productivity?...
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Episode #151: Sitting quite strongly
Markets have calmed down following some short-lived panic regarding the latest Trump trade talks and discussions around tariffs for China and the EU. More negotiations are under way with recognition that the US ultimately does want to reach a deal with its key trade partners, but some investors…
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Episode #150: Special Episode with Ravi Sharma and Sean O'Malley
Housing prices in Australia have continued to rise rapidly over the last two decades, with housing unaffordability and the cost of living affecting both first home buyers and older Australians retiring with greater levels of mortgage debt. On the pod this week, Diana is joined by buyer's agent…
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Episode #149: A 'pause' but not the final end point
Trump has cut a deal with China which came a lot sooner than expected. The worst case scenario seems to have been averted for now, resulting in a recovery in sharemarkets and reassurance to those panicking at the bottom. Meanwhile, Labor winning 93 seats in the Australian Federal Election means...
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Episode #148: Why more isn't always better than less
The latest inflation data is in and we're finally back on target. Markets are up by over 10% now that the reciprocal tariffs have been pushed out by 90 days, but there's still a long way to go. On the pod this week, Shane and Diana unpack the latest March quarter headline inflation data, look at...
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Episode #147: Economics in our schools and universities
Economics looks at what's happening in the world but recent media reports have charted the long-run decline in students studying economics at high school and a relative decline in students studying a Bachelor of Economics at university relative to STEM fields. This week, Diana is joined by Ash…
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Episode #146: Super in uncertain times
In this ep Shane and Diana unpack Liberation Day tariffs, the possibility that the market is yet to bottom out, what this means for shares and a few key takeaways around your super in uncertain times. Important information: This podcast is general in nature and hasn’t taken your circumstances…
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Episode #145: Band-aid solutions or re-opening old wounds?
We are now well and truly into 'election mode' with a federal election set for May 3rd, and both sides of politics on the campaign trail. Cost of living pressures are shaping up as a key election issue, but are fuel excises and electricity rebates just short-term fixes and band-aid solutions?…
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Episode #144: Why are markets spooked?
Share markets have been downtrodden over the past few weeks over concerns that the Trump administration's recent policy decisions will be negative for growth, causing further uncertainty for global trade and the local economy. Join Diana and My as they unpack the latest GDP data, examine…
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Episode #143: The only constant is tariffs
In a week where the US pushed ahead with tariffs, we saw a lot of policy uncertainty with services and manufacturing companies seeing a decline in sentiment and consumer inflation expectations spiking. Join Shane and My as they look at what all these changes mean, the problems for investors, as...
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Episode #142: A hawkish or cautious cut?
The RBA announced a rate cut this week for the first time since 2020, with small relief for mortgage holders after 13 consecutive hikes. while monetary policy remains restrictive. Join Shane and Diana on the pod this week as they discuss the RBA's decision, the key considerations as monetary…
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Episode #141: Is it "Job Done" on inflation?
This week on the pod Shane and Diana catch up on: gains in markets, a look at Trumps Tariff Tango, China's new AI tech - DeepSeek and is it "Job Done" on inflation? Important information: This podcast is general in nature and hasn’t taken your circumstances into account. It’s important you…
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Episode #140: Trump's inauguration: a volatility that we 'have to get used to'
After a stronger than expected 2024, it's been a reasonably good start to markets this year despite the US 10 year Treasury yield nearing 5% - a mark rarely seen since the GFC. This has been fuelled by higher inflation and persisting concerns over the debt ceiling issue in the US. With further...
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Episode #139: The slowest rate of growth since the recession we 'had to have'
The pace of economic growth in Australia has been on a downtrend over the last two years and annual growth is at its lowest level since the early 1990s (outside of the pandemic). Despite population growth and strong public spending, the latest quarterly GDP figures pose several key questions for...
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Episode #138: What is the more sustainable trend in inflation?
The rise in the cost of living over the last four years remains a persistent challenge for the RBA and the Australian economy. Inflation continues to be too high with the trimmed mean rising to 3.5% while headline inflation remains within target. But there is cause for optimism: the rate of...
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Episode #137: What did we learn from the US election?
Trump's victory in the US election came on the back of fears over the rising cost of living and concerns over immigration that dominated voter sentiment. Join Shane and My as they look at why the polls got it wrong, what it means for markets and Australia's economy, how the RBA is thinking about...
About this 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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Simplifying Investing