Christopher Joye

Investors need to consider whether they are getting sufficient additional returns for the risks that debts issued by unregulated non-bank lenders present.

Very low inflation readings in the coming months will change the interest rate debate.

Investors need to start preparing for how a re-elected Donald Trump will shape inflation, interest rates, and hence asset prices.

The “Sahm rule” suggests the US may be near a recession, and any sharp increase in unemployment will likely be met by aggressive Fed rate cuts.

Among the higher risk asset classes, global shares did very well, and gold even better. But the king of 2024 was bitcoin.

In total, 1131 businesses went bust in the month, which was the largest number since ASIC started collecting these statistics in 1999.

The spike in US inflation has caught equity and debt investors napping.

Central banks delayed rate increases after the pandemic on the basis they could not forecast the future, but now use rubbery projections to rationalise rate cuts.

While the “everything” rally has excited risk junkies, inflation might spoil the party again.

With the advent of the $3.5 trillion in compulsory savings via superannuation, Australia has become a breeding ground for some of the best investment talent on the planet.

The big question is whether the RBA can resist political interference to lift the cash rate in November.

Struggling companies represent up to 15 per cent of all listed firms, and they’re being crushed by tighter monetary policy.

Businesses appear focused on paying shareholders rather than buying or building new equipment and technology, creating a profound productivity and inflation problem.

The start of the RBA’s second hiking cycle signals interest rates are likely to remain high for a long time, putting pressure on asset prices.

The market’s sideways movement will be superseded by the Reserve Bank hammer-pounding borrowers harder in the months ahead.

In their quest to crush inflation, central bankers are going to crush everything.

The sharp decline in US inflation means we are approaching the end of the rising interest rate cycle.

Expect a global recession, continuing asset price declines, the decimation of the crypto landscape and the mother-of-all “zombie” loan default cycles.

This inflation crisis has changed the world and asset prices forever, and will lead to a structural break and a fundamental shift in the way things work.

The pain is set to continue for many more months to come unless the Reserve Bank swings 180 degrees and starts cutting interest rates.