In this episode of Relative Return Insider, host Keith Ford and AMP deputy chief economist Diana Mousina break down the spike in inflation numbers and what it means for the possibility of a rate cut as we move into the new year.

With September quarter inflation data showing trimmed mean rising by 1 per cent, considerably higher than the Reserve Bank of Australia's forecast, a near-term rate cut is unlikely, but that doesn't mean the book should be closed on cuts.

They also explore:

• The US Federal Reserve making the decision to cut rates despite having limited data due to the government shutdown.
• Why the AI boom is based on solid foundations even as it shows signs of frothiness.
• The argument for a rate cut to back the labour market.

In the latest episode of The ifa Show, MLC Expand CEO Liz McCarthy and Shadforth Financial Group CEO Terry Dillon join host Keith Ford to discuss the transformative role of AI in financial advice and how AI tools are being implemented to drive efficiency.

With advice firms looking for greater automation of routine administrative tasks, AI is set to reshape the advice profession's approach to client service and business growth.

Tune in to hear:

• How MLC Expand and Shadforth are responding to the need for greater efficiency through AI tools.
• Why rigorous governance and privacy protocols to ensure data security and accuracy are so vital.
• The crucial role of AI in expanding client service capacity, improving financial literacy, and addressing the broader advice gap in the market.

After nearly two decades, the SMSF lending market has matured into a stable and well-regulated segment – yet complexity and misconceptions persist. Bluestone Home Loans head of specialised distribution, Richard Chesworth, joins host Keith Ford to break down the nuances of limited recourse borrowing arrangements (LRBAs).

From redrawing for property repairs to understanding offset structures and pre-2018 grandfathering rules, Chesworth highlights that success in SMSF lending depends as much on precision and teamwork as it does on opportunity.

Listen as they discuss:

• How advisers can work through the complexity that still exists in SMSF borrowing.
• What technical traps remain and how redraws, offsets, and refinancing can trigger compliance risks.
• The importance of collaborating closely with lenders and prioritising expertise and structure over rate alone.

• The importance of Australia maintaining trade relationships with both the US and China.
• How much weight can be put in announcements about US investments.
• What caused the largest single-day drop in the price of gold since 2013.

In this episode of Relative Return Insider, host Keith Ford and AMP chief economist Shane Oliver unpack the latest unemployment numbers and what they mean for a rate cut, as well as how the latest flare-up in the ongoing US–China trade dispute has highlighted the remaining disparity between gold and bitcoin.

The last week has seen significant movements in the prices of both bitcoin and gold, and Oliver breaks down what is influencing investor sentiment and market performance, including geopolitical uncertainty, central bank actions and public debt concerns.

They also explore:

• The increasing pressure on the RBA to cut rates due to rising unemployment, despite previous strong economic data.
• The notable dichotomy between the simultaneous record highs for both the ASX and gold prices.
• Why a prolonged US government shutdown and trade tensions with China could be significant global economic concerns.

The announcement this week from the government outlining the changes to the $3 million super tax was met with relief, but there are still many unknowns. On this episode of The SMSF Adviser podcast, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn unpack the changes from the initial proposal to the current version released this week.

The discussion emphasises that while the major concerns of taxing unrealised gains and lack of indexation have been addressed, many technical details still need to be clarified through the legislative process and further consultation.

Listen as they discuss:

• Taxable earnings: Originally, the tax applied to all earnings, whether realised or not. The revised measure will only tax realised gains.
• Indexation: The $3 million threshold will be indexed against the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in $150,000 increments, pegged to transfer balance cap movement. The $10 million threshold will be indexed in $500,000 increments, also aligned with CPI.
• Tax rates: For balances above $3 million, an additional 15 per cent tax applies to earnings. For balances above $10 million, an additional 10 per cent tax applies to earnings.
• Start date: The effective start date has been moved to 1 July 2026, with the first assessments issued in the 2027–2028 financial year.
• Liability: The tax liability remains with the individual, who can pay it directly or seek a release from their super fund. The ATO will calculate the tax.
• Consultation: There is optimism for constructive consultation on the implementation details, particularly regarding how realised earnings will be calculated for APRA funds and SMSFs, and the treatment of CGT discounts and pre-2026 asset gains.

In this crossover episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by The SMSF Adviser Show co-host Aaron Dunn to unpack the changes from the initial proposal to the current version released this week.

The discussion emphasises that while the major concerns of taxing unrealised gains and lack of indexation have been addressed, many technical details still need to be clarified through the legislative process and further consultation.

Listen as they discuss:

• Taxable earnings: Originally, the tax applied to all earnings, whether realised or not. The revised measure will only tax realised gains.
• Indexation: The $3 million threshold will be indexed against the consumer price index (CPI) in $150,000 increments, pegged to the transfer balance cap movement. The $10 million threshold will be indexed in $500,000 increments, also aligned with CPI.
• Tax rates: For balances above $3 million, an additional 15 per cent tax applies to earnings. For balances above $10 million, an additional 10 per cent tax applies to earnings.
• Start date: The effective start date has been moved to 1 July 2026, with the first assessments issued in FY2027–28.
• Liability: The tax liability remains with the individual, who can pay it directly or seek a release from their super fund. The ATO will calculate the tax.
• Consultation: There is optimism for constructive consultation on the implementation details, particularly regarding how realised earnings will be calculated for APRA funds and self-managed super funds, and the treatment of CGT discounts and pre-2026 asset gains.

They also explore:

• The fallout of threats to withhold back pay for workers caught up in the US shutdown.
• Why there have been record-breaking prices for bitcoin and gold, considering both fundamental drivers and speculative elements.
• US support for Argentina, European geopolitical tensions, and concerns about long-term US economic policies under the Trump administration.