In this episode of Relative Return Insider, Olivia Grace Curran speaks with AMP Chief Economist Shane Oliver about key global market and economic developments.

They discuss Middle East tensions and their impact on oil and equity markets, the surge in major IPOs like SpaceX and OpenAI, and what this means for investor sentiment. The conversation also covers the outlook for the Reserve Bank of Australia, inflation pressures, and the likely direction of interest rates in Australia and the U.S.

Finally, they explore how major sporting events like the FIFA World Cup are increasingly intertwined with global capital and economic activity.

A fast-paced breakdown of the forces shaping markets right now - from geopolitics to IPO hype and central bank decisions.

In the latest episode of Relative Return, journalist Olivia Grace-Curran speaks with Ben Samuel and Ky Van Tang from First Sentier Investors Group about the shifting macro landscape, the outlook for rates, and why investors are increasingly revisiting cash strategies.

The discussion begins with an overview of the business, the scale of the team, and the firm's approach to managing cash and income portfolios in a higher-rate environment.

Samuel and Van Tang then unpack some of the biggest themes shaping markets today, including the Reserve Bank of Australia's inflation-growth balancing act, how geopolitical tensions are complicating policy decisions, and what investors should be watching ahead of the next RBA meeting.

The episode also explores:

• Risks emerging across the banking sector
• AI-driven layoffs and loan quality concerns
• Whether issues around underwriting standards and loan fraud are systemic
• Why cash is becoming increasingly attractive in portfolios
• The different avenues investors are using to gain exposure, including TDs, cash accounts, ETFs and managed funds
• The evolution of cash investing and First Sentier Investors Group's upcoming ETF launch

In this episode of Relative Return, Olivia Grace-Curran speaks with Haran Karunakaran from Capital Group about the changing role of fixed income in portfolios.

They discuss whether bonds still provide diversification benefits, why higher yields are driving renewed interest in traditional fixed income strategies, and how active management can uncover opportunities across global markets. The conversation also explores the rapid growth of private credit and the risks investors should be watching.

Tune in for insights on building resilient portfolios in today's evolving investment landscape.