The Money Puzzle

Bringing it all back home - Why the oil shock is turning investors back to the ASX

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.

How wealthy investors are dealing with the Iran crisis

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.

'Pump and dump' warning for interstate property investors

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.

The typical traits of the Rich 250 in 2026

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.

Rates up, so should you fix your mortgage now?

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.