Link to IWP's October 2025 Update (PDF) Monthly Market Update

Markets have experienced a modest pullback this month as uncertainty rises across global economies, though underlying fundamentals remain resilient.

In this month's discussion, Chris and Brigitta explore the key themes shaping markets and investor sentiment:

• After a strong six-month run, equity markets have softened slightly, reflecting mixed economic signals and increased caution from investors

• The RBA has kept the cash rate on hold, with inflation edging higher and labour-market conditions needing to soften further before any additional rate cuts are likely

• Spring property activity has picked up, supported by improved sentiment and the government's 5% deposit scheme for first-home buyers

• In the U.S., the recent government shutdown has ended, but delayed data releases and reduced consumer confidence have added short-term uncertainty

• Global tariff tensions remain elevated, with the U.S. and China maintaining a fragile truce that continues to influence market volatility

• AI-related stocks, including Nvidia and the broader "AI seven," have delivered strong returns but now face questions around high valuations and heavy investment spending

• Despite short-term movements, diversified portfolios continue to be well positioned, with long-term structural themes guiding investment decisions rather than short-term market noise As always, we highlight the importance of staying diversified, disciplined, and focused on long-term outcomes.

Should you prefer this in video form, please head to IWP YouTube

In this episode of Freedonomix, we sit down with Andrew Brown — Senior Financial Adviser at Independent Wealth Partners, CPA, CFP®, and someone whose career has been shaped by a simple idea: numbers matter, but people matter more.

Andrew shares the story behind his journey — from his early life and career foundations, to discovering that financial advice wasn't just a profession, but a pathway to genuinely helping people create clarity, confidence, and choice in their lives.

We talk about what drew him to financial advice, how his grounding as a CPA and CFP® shapes the way he supports clients, and why he finds deep purpose in using his technical skillset to serve others. You'll hear thoughtful reflections on life, money, family, challenges, and the moments that cemented his belief in the value of great advice.

It's an insightful, human conversation with one of the key advisers at IWP — and a reminder that behind the spreadsheets and strategies are real stories, real families, and real impact.

In this episode, Luke Axton - Partner and Chartered Accountant at IWP breaks down the key moments when SME owners should bring in a business consultant and why timing matters. We dive into how to plan for sustainable growth, the foundations of preparing a business for eventual sale, and how defining your personal purpose shapes the kind of business you're actually trying to build. A practical, grounded conversation for any SME owner seeking clarity and direction.