ASB Investment Podcast
A show that brings you the latest market updates and insights to help you make smart investment decisions.
Episodes
NZ's economic turning point: Recovery, compulsory KiwiSaver, and finding growth beyond property
Nigel Grant is joined by Liam Dann, Business Editor-at-Large at the New Zealand Herald, to discuss whether New Zealand's economic recovery is finally taking hold. Liam explores the uneven nature of the recovery, why some businesses remain cautious, and the reforms he believes could boost long-term growth, including compulsory KiwiSaver and higher contribution rates. He also shares his vie
The Great Wealth Transfer: What it means for investors and families
Nigel Grant is joined by Chantal Giles, BlackRock’s APAC Head of Strategic Clients and Business Development, and Jason Collins, Head of Australasia at BlackRock, to unpack the Great Wealth Transfer and what it could mean for investors and families. They explore why longer lifespans could make this less about simply passing wealth between generations and more about moving it across life st
New Zealand isn't saving enough. Here's what happens next
Nigel Grant is joined by Kirk Hope, Chief Executive of the Financial Services Council (FSC), to unpack the FSC’s Prosperity Agenda and its vision for strengthening New Zealand’s financial future. Kirk breaks down why the FSC wants KiwiSaver contributions to gradually rise to 12%, the case for automatically enrolling New Zealanders at birth, and how a larger pool of national savings could
Why productivity matters: working smarter, reinvesting the gains and growing NZ's pie
Nigel is joined by Ben Speedy, ASB's Executive General Manager of Business Banking, to unpack why productivity matters for every New Zealander, not just economists. Ben breaks down how New Zealand's productive output compares to other economies, why an ageing population makes the productivity challenge more urgent, and why we need to think about the opportunity cost and the impact on NZ's
The biases quietly costing you money, and the five-minute fix
Nigel Grant is joined by returning guest Gertjan Verdickt, Associate Professor of Finance at the University of Auckland, to unpack the behavioural biases quietly shaping how we invest. From why we chase yesterday's best-performing stocks to why investors sell their winners and hold onto their losers, Gertjan breaks down salience, overconfidence, selection neglect and loss aversion, and sh
Fridays with Frank: Memory stocks tumble, the US Fed loses the narrative, and pricing climate risk into portfolios
Frank and Nigel unpack the sharp correction in AI-linked memory stocks, why South Korea's market has fallen heavily from its highs, and what a resilient US earnings season means for portfolio positioning. They dig into the US Fed's decision to hold rates, why the bond market reacted sharply to comments from new chair Kevin Warsh, and what it signals about control over the inflation story.
BlackRock mid-year global outlook: Scarcity, abundance, and the AI build-out reshaping markets
Nigel is joined by Will Porter, Investment Strategist at BlackRock, to unpack the BlackRock Investment Institute’s mid-year outlook and its "scarcity versus abundance" framing for the AI era. Will breaks down why the sheer scale of power, materials and capital needed for AI's build-out could intensify scarcity before any productivity payoff shows up in GDP. He also walks through BlackRock
Fridays with Frank: Live from Queenstown, elections, inflation and AI's next rattle
Frank and Nigel broadcast from ASB Queenstown for a special on-location edition, joined by ASB senior economist Chris Tennent-Brown for his first Fridays with Frank appearance. They unpack why "challenged" is the word for where New Zealand's economy sits right now, how the AI and geopolitical fragmentation mega forces are shaping that picture, and what the upcoming election could mean for
World Cup finance with NZ Football: The business of football, growing the game, and the cost behind it all
Nigel is joined by Tarryn McKenzie, General Manager of People, Finance and Business Transformation at NZ Football, to unpack what it actually costs to build a successful national football programme. Tarryn breaks down the multi-year investment behind qualifying for and preparing for a FIFA World Cup, from six-figure international windows to prize money structures and sponsorship opportuni
Fridays with Frank: Playing the long game, portfolio formations and backing what's in form
Nigel and Frank go full tactics board this week, using England's World Cup semi-final as the launchpad for a deep dive into the strategic asset allocation process. From why going "all-defence" after a big goal rarely pays off, to finding the portfolio's star striker and building a squad where every asset covers for the next, it's a look at how the team balances attack and defence across m
Why growth isn't automatic, AI's rise in governance, and trust as a long-term strategy
Nigel Grant is joined by Kirsten "KP" Patterson, Chief Executive of the Institute of Directors (IOD), to explore what governing for growth could look like in an uncertain economic environment. Drawing on the IOD's latest thought leadership, KP unpacks why growth may not happen simply by waiting out the cycle, and why boards might need to actively govern for it rather than default to cost
Fridays with Frank: AI tools could run your portfolio, but are humans getting in the way?
Sophisticated portfolio tools once reserved for institutional investors may now be within reach of everyday retail traders, with AI agents able to monitor stocks and execute trades automatically. Frank and Nigel explore new academic research suggesting human intervention may be doing more harm than good for investors using these tools, and what it might take to find a genuine edge when ev
Media, Money, and the dangers of misinformation : Damien Venuto, Stuff Money Editor
ASB Investment Podcast host Nigel Grant sits down with Damien Venuto, Money Editor at Stuff, to explore how financial media shapes the way Kiwis think about money. From the fragility gripping household sentiment right now, to the dangers of following a single financial influencer, to why holding an individual stock for years may not pay off the way you think, Damien brings a sharp, indepe
Fridays with Frank: Best US quarter in 6 years, AI stocks diverge, and a Kiwi rocket company's moat play
Frank and Nigel look back at the quarter that's just wrapped. They cover why US stocks could have had their strongest quarter in six years, what's driving the growing gap between AI-adjacent stocks and everything else, and how small caps managed a rally that's caught a few people off guard. Frank also digs into Rocket Lab's recent moves and what they could suggest about building a durable
Recovery, Regional Divides, and the Road Ahead
ASB Investment Podcast host Nigel Grant is joined by ASB Senior Economist Kim Mundy to unpack New Zealand's Q1 2026 GDP result, a stronger-than-expected print that signals a broadening economic recovery, with business investment lifting and domestic demand sectors starting to stir. But with Q2 already shaping up to contract, how fragile is that momentum? Kim breaks down what the numbers m
Fridays with Frank: The maestro, the market, and the new Fed chair | The Greenspan legacy
Frank & Nigel unpack the life and legacy of Alan Greenspan, the Federal Reserve chair who presided over 18 years of markets, coined the "Greenspan put," and left behind one of the most complicated legacies in modern economic history. They explore why Fed policy still moves markets more than almost anything else, what Greenspan got right and where his laissez-faire instincts led market
Balancing cost and growth, AI, and the road ahead: Lee Marshall and Scott Maud on what NZ's CFOs are really navigating
Host Nigel Grant is joined by Lee Marshall, Managing Partner at Hunter Campbell and founder of the Mood of the CFO report, and Scott Maud, CFO of Halter, to unpack the headline findings from the 2026 edition of New Zealand's most comprehensive survey of finance leaders. They explore why NZ businesses are outperforming expectations despite a darkening global outlook, how CFOs are balancing
Fridays with Frank: The Mid-Year Divergence Report
Halfway through the year, Nigel Grant and ASB Chief Investment Officer Frank Jasper unpack global investment firm, KKR's mid-year outlook and the big themes shaping markets right now, geopolitical fragmentation and supply chain "choke points," the AI-driven productivity boom that could be underestimated, and what KKR calls a "higher resting heart rate" for inflation.
Art, money, and the case for investing in people: NZ Arts Foundation Director on what creativity can teach us about investing
Host Nigel Grant is joined by Jessica Palalagi, Director of The Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi and Amehl Smith, ASB's Head of Private Banking and lead for the bank's new partnership with the Foundation, to explore another type of investing that extends far beyond markets and portfolios - the investment in art, creativity, and people. They explore why ASB chose to back the Foundation, what ma
Fridays with Frank: Chips, Dips and the AI Reset
It's Friday, and Nigel Grant is joined by ASB Chief Investment Officer Frank Jasper to make sense of a turbulent week in markets, particularly in the AI and semiconductor space.Frank breaks down the four factors behind the selloff, explores where long-term value in the AI economy could actually land (and why it may not be where most people expect), and explains how ASB's portfolios are cu
Money, stress, and the gender gap: Angela Meyer on why the system needs improvements for women
Host Nigel Grant is joined by author and gender equity specialist Angela Meyer, co-founder of Hi Money and co-author of best selling book Money, Money, Money - to unpack why women consistently retire with less than men and what's really behind it. They explore the emotional and psychological side of money, the systemic barriers that compound over a lifetime, and what financial institution
Fridays with Frank: SpaceX, Anthropic, OpenAI - what to weigh up before the AI IPO wave hits
Frank and Nigel dig into the three biggest IPOs on everyone's radar right now — SpaceX, Anthropic and OpenAI. Frank shares the framework he uses to evaluate any company coming to market: quality, growth and value. They cover why IPOs have historically been a tricky proposition for investors, what makes this particular crop of floats unlike anything seen before, and how the major indices c
Rates rising, Budget balancing: What the RBNZ's split decision could mean for your money
Host Nigel Grant is joined by ASB Senior Economist Chris Tennent-Brown to make sense of a week that gave Kiwi plenty to digest. They cover the RBNZ's split committee vote that may signal rate hikes are closer than many expected and turn to the 2026 Budget, which Chris describes as "prudent and boring" (and why that might actually be good news). They also explore what rising short-term int
Fridays with Frank: Space, rate cuts and the case for investing beyond New Zealand
In this edition of Fridays with Frank, Frank and Nigel dig into the SpaceX IPO, why it could be an AI and data centre story in disguise and what history tells us about IPO performance. Plus, the RBNZ rate decision and the knife edge the Reserve Bank now has to walk between inflation and a struggling domestic economy. Also, why the gap between NZ companies thriving offshore and those fight
Back to basics: The gardening guide to investing fundamentals
Host Nigel Grant flies solo this episode to strip investing back to its roots. Using [his green thumb] as a guide, Nigel unpacks the core ideas every investor should have in their toolkit: what investing is really for, how to think about risk and return, why diversification matters, and the power of compounding. He also tackles one of the most common investing mistakes and shares why the
Fridays with Frank: Inflation is back - will it persist and what Nvidia's record result means for your portfolio
In this edition of Fridays with Frank, Frank and Nigel dig into why inflation is back on the market's radar, what a run of bad inflation prints in the US and Europe means for interest rates, and why protecting your purchasing power is the single biggest risk long term investors face. Plus, Nvidia just reported an 85% surge in revenue, what does the world's biggest public company tell us a
Housing confidence shaken: What the Middle East conflict means for Kiwi homeowners and buyers
Host Nigel Grant is joined by ASB Senior Economist Kim Mundy to unpack the latest ASB Housing Confidence Survey. They explore how the Middle East conflict has rapidly shifted interest rate expectations, cooled house price optimism, and put a lid on a recovery that was starting to gain momentum with Auckland feeling the sharpest impact. Plus, Kim shares why despite the uncertainty, there's
Fridays with Frank: AI, debt and the case for infrastructure
In this edition of Fridays with Frank. Frank & Nigel dig into why company-level AI spending is now driving the whole economy, why traditional diversification is getting harder, why rising global debt is a risk investors can't ignore and a few thoughts on what AI might be doing to us, as well as portfolios.
Investor confidence dips: What the latest survey tells us about Kiwi investor sentiment
Host Nigel Grant is joined by ASB Senior Economist Chris Tennent-Brown to unpack the latest ASB Investor Confidence Survey for the March 2026 quarter. They explore why global headlines from the ongoing Middle East conflict to shifting interest rate expectations are rattling investor sentiment, even as share markets push higher. Plus, Chris shares why the gap between how investors feel and
Fridays with Frank: Why Bad News Isn’t Stopping Markets
Welcome to the very first episode of Fridays with Frank - the new short-form Friday edition of the ASB Investment Podcast. Each week, Nigel Grant and Frank Jasper wrap up the biggest market stories of the week in a quick, conversational format designed to get you up to speed before the weekend.
What can myths and fables teach us about investing?
In this solo episode, Nigel Grant answers some of the most common investment questions, using storytelling to unpack market volatility, interest rates, timing decisions, and more. Along the way, we explore:· Why markets react so strongly to headlines (and what Chicken Little can teach us)· The real risk of “waiting it out” vs staying invested.· What’s actually going on w
The Real Cost of Retirement: Planning For The Life You Want After Work
Retirement isn’t a finish line – it’s a whole new phase of life, and it comes with a price tag many people don’t fully anticipate. In this episode host Nigel Grant is joined by Professor Claire Matthews from Massey University to break down the true cost of retirement in New Zealand. From the impact of inflation and longer life expectancy to the role of housing, superannuation and personal
Building New Zealand’s financial future: A conversation with ASB CEO Vittoria Shortt
ASB CEO Vittoria Shortt joins host Nigel Grant for an open and thoughtful conversation on what shapes financial wellbeing in New Zealand. Vittoria reflects on the early experiences that sparked her passion for finance, why volatility is a fact of investing, and how long‑term thinking – from KiwiSaver to infrastructure – can help New Zealanders build confidence, resilience and progress ove
KiwiSaver is evolving: here’s what you need to know
With KiwiSaver contribution rate increases effective from this month, host Nigel Grant sat down with ASB Head of Wealth Advisory Ngaire Angus and Senior Economist Chris Tennent-Brown to discuss the recent and future changes to KiwiSaver and what New Zealanders should be thinking about, as well as all the options available to them.
Market volatility: what it means for investors and why staying the course matters
Sudden market moves can trigger big emotions. In this episode host Nigel Grant and ASB Chief Investment Officer Frank Jasper explain what’s behind the recent volatility, why market ups and downs are a normal part of investing, and the common mistakes investors make during uncertain times. Plus, the key principles that can help you stay invested and focused on the long term.
Housing and Investor Confidence insights: Is property losing its crown as the go-to investment?
ASB economists Chris Tennent Brown and Kim Mundy join host Nigel Grant to unpack two ASB surveys revealing a shift in how New Zealanders think about housing, KiwiSaver and investing. With confidence slowly rebounding, they explore why investment preferences are changing, what’s driving housing sentiment, and the key questions to ask before making your next move.
OCR on hold - what’s next for rates, housing and inflation
ASB Senior Economist Chris Tennent-Brown joins host Nigel Grant to break down what the latest decision on OCR signals about future interest rates, why mortgage and term deposit rates have already started lifting, and what a more patient Reserve Bank means for housing, savings and the wider economy. Plus, why “be careful what you wish for” is still the best advice when it comes to lower ra
Winners and losers in a noisy market: What January's market shake-up is really telling investors
So far, 2026 has delivered a year’s worth of market action in just a few weeks. In this episode, host Nigel Grant and ASB Chief Investment Officer Frank Jasper cut through the noise to explore what's really driving markets beneath the surface. From AI and commodities to geopolitics, Bitcoin and the New Zealand market, they unpack where the real winners and losers are emerging and why dive
A pivotal moment for rural New Zealand: Windfalls, opportunities and succession planning
A once‑in‑a‑generation payout is reshaping the future of Kiwi farming. Host Nigel Grant sits down with ASB General Manager Rural (and Northland farmer) Aidan Gent, to unpack what Fonterra’s multi‑billion‑dollar capital return means for farmers, their businesses, and the next generation – from strengthening balance sheets to unlocking opportunities for investment, diversification, and long
2026 investment outlook: Risks, opportunities & mega forces
Host Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Products, ASB) sits down with Chris Tennent‑Brown (Senior Economist, ASB) and David Griffith (Client Chief Investment Officer and Head of Multi Asset Solutions, BlackRock) to unpack the risks and opportunities shaping 2026. They explore the mega forces influencing global and local investment decisions - from AI and climate transition to demographic shifts
2025 in review: What moved economies and markets
2025 has been a year of global shocks, shifting monetary policy, and cautious investor sentiment. In this episode, Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Products, ASB) is joined by Chris Tennent-Brown (Senior Economist, ASB) and David Griffith (Client Chief Investment Officer and Head of Multi Asset Solutions, BlackRock) to reflect on the global and local themes that influenced markets and the New
On the road with ASB: The questions kiwi investors are asking
Get expert answers to the investment questions on Kiwi minds, with insights from the ASB and BlackRock Investor’s Advantage roadshow. In this episode, Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Products, ASB) is joined by Amehl Smith (Head of Private Banking, ASB) and Ngaire Angus (Head of Wealth Distribution, ASB) to break down the big themes - from AI and market shifts to term deposit rates and the pr
Understanding the OCR: Impacts for kiwi savers and borrowers
What does the Reserve Bank’s Official Cash Rate (OCR) mean for your mortgage, savings, and investment decisions? Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Products, ASB) is joined by Chris Tennent-Brown (Senior Economist, ASB) and Manu Batra (Head of Home Lending Products, ASB) to unpack the latest OCR decision and what it means for Kiwi borrowers and savers. They break down why mortgage rates don’t al
From global headlines to the dairy aisle: The forces shaping investor confidence
Investor confidence is picking up from last quarter’s post-Covid lows, but sentiment remains split. In this episode, Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Products, ASB) and Chris Tennent-Brown (Senior Economist, ASB) dig into the latest ASB Investor Confidence Survey results for Q3 2025 to explore what’s making some regions and groups more optimistic than others. They discuss the factors driving i
Mortgage vs markets: Pay down debt, invest or both?
When interest rates ease, what’s the smartest way to put your extra cash to work - pay down the mortgage, invest, or a mix of both? In this episode, Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Products, ASB) and Ngaire Angus (Head of Wealth Distribution, ASB) unpack the trade-offs between reducing debt and growing your investments. They share practical insights on finding the right balance for your finan
Gen Z and money: Insights from the FSC Money & You report
Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Products, ASB) is joined by Kirk Hope (CEO, Financial Services Council) to unpack what the latest FSC Money & You report reveals about Gen Z’s behaviour and attitudes towards money and debt. They discuss why financial confidence is slipping, how cost-of-living pressures are shaping decisions, and take a closer look at the support landscape for young New Zea
Lower rates and a maturing Term Deposit? Here’s what to consider
Interest rates have dropped significantly, so many New Zealanders are reconsidering their savings strategies. Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Products, ASB) and Ngaire Angus (Head of Wealth Advisory, ASB) discuss what a slowing economy and lower rates mean for savers with maturing term deposits. They offer practical guidance on aligning your savings and investment decisions with both short an
Building resilient portfolios: Strategic asset allocation explained
Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Products, ASB) is joined by Frank Jasper (Chief Investment Officer, ASB) and Will Porter (Investment Strategist, BlackRock) to discuss this year’s strategic asset allocation updates for ASB portfolios. They unpack the five-year market outlook, explain the strategic asset allocation process, and share the key changes we’ve made to help your investments stay resi
OCR update: What it means for term deposits and mortgages
Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Products, ASB) is joined by friend of the podcast Chris Tennent-Brown (Senior Economist, ASB) to unpack the Reserve Bank’s latest OCR decision. Together, they break down how changes to the OCR influence mortgage and term deposit rates, why rates don’t always move in step, and what it all means for your financial strategy in today’s changing rate environment.
Unpacking the headlines: Negative GDP growth, a new RBNZ governor, and the government's financial strategy
Chris Tennent-Brown (Wealth Senior Economist, ASB) takes the mic for a solo mini episode, unpacking the headlines that matter most to Kiwi investors. From the Government’s fiscal strategy and boardroom sentiment to Reserve Bank moves and market implications, he breaks down what’s really going on, and what it means for your portfolio. With interest rate cuts on the horizon and uncertainty
The big picture: Global forces shaping your investments
In this episode, Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Product, ASB) welcomes Ben Powell (Chief Investment Strategist for APAC & Middle East, BlackRock Investment Institute) for a wide-angle look at the global investment landscape. They unpack BlackRock’s 2025 Midyear Global Outlook, diving into the shifting macro anchors and the “mega forces” driving long-term change. Ben shares where he sees
Investor confidence dips: What’s driving the shift?
ASB Senior Economist Chris Tennent-Brown joins host Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Product, ASB) to unpack the latest ASB Investor Confidence Survey results for Q2 2025. They explore why investor confidence has dipped to its lowest level since the COVID-19 pandemic, and examine trends in demographic and regional sentiment. With signs that the worst of the slowdown is behind us, they discuss
Mood of the CFO: Economic outlook, policy shifts, and the future of NZ finance
Host Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Product, ASB) is joined by Steve Cooper (CFO & COO, Parkable) and Lee Marshall (Managing Partner, Hunter Campbell) to unpack the latest Mood of the CFO report. They discuss the realities of New Zealand’s two-speed economy, the economic outlook, and the policy changes CFOs are calling for. The conversation explores how finance leaders are navigating mac
Mind over market: How emotions shape your investment outcomes
Host Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Product, ASB) is joined by Jim Renitsky (Senior Growth Consultant, BlackRock Business Consulting) to discuss how emotions like fear and envy can derail smart investment decisions. From Isaac Newton’s costly mistake to Olympic medal psychology, this episode explores why discipline, not timing, drives long-term success. Plus, why minimising losses is often m
OCR cuts, housing headwinds and what it means for investors
Host Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Product, ASB) is joined by Chris Tennent-Brown (Senior Economist, ASB) for a mid-year check-in on the New Zealand economy. They unpack the Reserve Bank’s latest OCR decision, inflation and labour market dynamics, and housing market developments. With a wave of mortgage refixes on the horizon and global uncertainty still in play, Chris shares insights on wh
Women in wealth: Confidence, conversations and closing the retirement gap
Host Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Product, ASB) is joined by Chantal Giles (Managing Director, BlackRock) for a candid conversation on how women are reshaping the financial landscape. They discuss the trends, challenges and opportunities facing women as they grow and manage wealth. From financial literacy to investment behaviours, Chantal shares personal reflections and practical tips as t
Forecasting volatility with business news
Can reading the news make you richer? Dr Justin J. Case (Finance Lecturer, University of Auckland) joins host Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Product, ASB) to discuss his co-authored study which uncovers the Wall Street Journal as a novel way to forecast stock market volatility—more accurately than traditional methods. They explore why forecasting matters and how this research could reshape i
A guide to investing in your 40s (and beyond)
As we enter our forties, our investment priorities often shift, from building wealth to preserving it and planning for retirement. Ngaire Angus (Head of Wealth Distribution, ASB) joins host Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Product, ASB) to discuss how your approach to investing can evolve over time. Ngaire also highlights the importance of wellbeing across all areas of life, not just financial
BlackRock’s Midyear Global Outlook: Getting a grip on uncertainty
Host Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Product, ASB) is joined by returning guest David Griffith (Client Chief Investment Officer and Head of Multi Asset Solutions, BlackRock) to unpack the 2025 Midyear Global Outlook from the BlackRock Investment Institute. They explore the shift away from traditional economic anchors, the rise of mega forces like AI and climate transition, and how these theme
Passion investing: A look into the world of collectibles as a unique form of investment
Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Product, ASB) is joined by Gertjan Verdickt (Lecturer in Finance, University of Auckland) to explore the world of passion investing — the practice of putting money into tangible, collectible assets like art, wine, and even Lego. They unpack what drives value in these markets, and how they compare to more traditional investments. Gertjan also shares the research
Welcome, Frank Jasper: ASB’s new Chief Investment Officer
Host Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Product, ASB) welcomes Frank Jasper in his new role as ASB’s Chief Investment Officer. A familiar voice to regular listeners, Frank shares what drew him to the role, his career in financial markets, and his vision for ASB’s investment offering. They also discuss his investment philosophy, the risks and opportunities he’s watching, and life outside of work.
John Smith signs off: Lessons from a career in markets
In his final episode, ASB’s retiring Head of Asset Management, John Smith, joins host Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Product, ASB) to reflect on a decades-long career — from paper-based trading to digital platforms, through the establishment of KiwiSaver, and across shifting market cycles. John reflects on what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and the lessons he’s taking into retirement.
Making sense of financial markets: A guide for investors
Host Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Product, ASB) is joined by Frank Jasper (Investment Strategist, ASB) to break down the basics of financial markets and how they connect to your KiwiSaver account or Investment Fund. They explore how markets work, what drives their movements, and how ASB applies a long-term strategy to manage risk and build robust portfolios.
OCR, Budget 2025 and the outlook for investors
Host Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Product, ASB) is joined by Senior Economist Chris Tennent-Brown (ASB) to unpack two major events shaping New Zealand’s economic landscape — the Reserve Bank’s latest OCR decision and the Government’s 2025 Budget. They explore how these announcements could impact interest rates, markets and mortgage rates — and what the KiwiSaver changes could mean for how
ASB Chief Economist on the OCR, housing and growth
ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley joins host Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Product, ASB) to unpack what has been moving markets in New Zealand and abroad. They discuss global economic pressures, the OCR outlook, and what it all means for inflation, housing, and growth. Plus, what should be top of mind for investors and business owners in the months ahead.
ASB Investor Insights: Your top questions answered
In this special follow-up to a recent ASB Investor Insights webinar, host Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Product, ASB) is joined by Will Porter (Investment Strategist, BlackRock) to answer the questions on investors’ minds. They unpack the drivers of recent market volatility, the implications for markets, and how ASB portfolios are structured to navigate volatility. Plus, they explore what t
KiwiSaver and the case for private markets
Host Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Product, ASB) is joined by Kirk Hope (CEO, Financial Services Council) to unpack the capital markets initiative and its potential impact for KiwiSaver members. They dive into how unlocking access to more private market investments could boost diversification and returns for members, while driving economic growth and infrastructure development. Plus, the hu
The AI advantage: How AI is reshaping business and investing
AI is transforming industries, bringing challenges and opportunities for businesses, investors and economies. Host Nigel Grant is joined by Dr Brad Betts (BlackRock), Frances Valintine CNZM (academyEX) and Travis Barker (ASB) to explore AI’s impact on finance, business and the future of work. They discuss AI’s evolution, its role in investment strategy, and why businesses must adapt or ri
OCR cut, tariffs & turbulence: What does it mean for you?
Join ASB Senior Economist Chris Tennent-Brown and host Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Product, ASB) as they unpack the latest shifts in the local and global economic landscape. They discuss the Reserve Bank’s OCR cut, the latest on US tariffs, and rising global uncertainty. Hear what all of this means for mortgage rates, term deposits and investors. Plus, how ASB has positioned portfolios to
Investing in infrastructure: The $1 trillion challenge
Host Nigel Grant is joined by Will Thomson (Managing Director, Global Infrastructure Partners) and Matt Dobbs (Head of Infrastructure, ASB) to unpack infrastructure as an investment class and its impact on both society and economic growth. They discuss the role of public and private capital, New Zealand’s $1 trillion infrastructure challenge, and global trends shaping the sector. Plus, ke
Geopolitics and economics: A global outlook for investors
Host Nigel Grant sits down with Elliot Hentov (Chief Geopolitical Strategist, State Street Global Advisors) to discuss critical trends shaping the global economy and financial markets. From the key policy drivers impacting the US economy in 2025 and China’s evolving economic strategy, to Europe’s fiscal challenges and the geopolitics of energy, they explore what these dynamics mean for in
Seizing opportunity amid market volatility: 2024 reflections and 2025 outlook
Host Nigel Grant is joined by David Griffith (Head of Multi Asset Solutions, BlackRock) and John Smith (Head of Asset Management, ASB) to reflect on ASB’s strong portfolio performance in 2024 and share their outlook for 2025. They discuss key drivers including global equities, gold, and currency positioning, and emphasise the importance of diversification and strategic asset allocation in
Markets in 2025: Top Risks and Opportunities with Harbour Asset Management
Host Nigel Grant is joined by Chris Wilson (Co-CEO) and Chris Di Leva (Head of Multi Asset & Global Investments) from Harbour Asset Management to discuss their recent report on the key risks and opportunities they see shaping markets in 2025. They discuss macro-economic trends, geopolitical tensions, and the intersection of AI and climate. Plus, the inflation outlook and future of pri
Financial Fitness with The Curve - The path to a stronger future
ASB’s Nigel Grant is joined by Victoria Harris (Co-Founder, The Curve) to break down financial fitness – what it means, why it matters and how to achieve it. They discuss tracking your spending, setting goals, and using financial wellbeing tools to build strong money habits. Plus, how investing plays a role in long-term financial success.
Year in Review - 2024
In the final episode of the year, Nigel Grant is joined by John Smith (Head of Asset Management, ASB) and David Griffith (Head of Multi Asset Solutions, BlackRock) for a look back on the year that was. They discuss whether global investment themes played out as predicted, canvas the outstanding performers of the year and look ahead to what investors might expect in 2025.
***
This material
Navigating the investment landscape with Devon Funds
Nigel is joined by Patrick Washer, Portfolio Manager at Devon Funds, to discuss the economic shifts across Australasia impacting investment strategies. Gain valuable insights into how recent changes are shaping the market and what the future could hold for investors.
The importance of establishing a will
In this episode, Angela Jackson, Head of Service Delivery - North Island for Public Trust NZ, joins Nigel to discuss the importance of wills. They talk about how easy it can be to set one up, how often you should revisit it, and what happens to your KiwiSaver and other investments should you pass away without having one.
Economist Kim Mundy talks economies, the OCR, and more
Kim Mundy (Senior Economist, ASB) joins host Nigel Grant to discuss both local and global economies, and what we might expect from the final OCR announcement of 2024. They touch on things you should keep in mind as an investor or business owner, and talk about a new way for you to contribute to your investments with ASB.
Mood of the CFO
Nigel is joined by Lee Marshall, Managing Partner at Hunter Campbell, and Trade Me CFO Scott Maud to talk about Hunter Campbell’s inaugural ‘Mood of the CFO’ report. They also discuss some of the focus areas for CFOs, including how they navigate ups and downs of the economic cycle.
Managing your investments for 'future you'
ASB's John Smith (Head of Asset Management) and Emily Huang (Executive Wealth Manager) sit down with Nigel to discuss ways to manage your money to prepare for retirement. They also discuss the impact of inflation and interest rates on investors, the importance of a diversified portfolio and share their tips on what you can do to ensure you'll continue to receive a regular 'paycheck' to fu
