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 investor confidence and decision-making - from global headline events to local influences like the price of milk - and why more people are looking beyond property to investment options such as shares, managed funds, and KiwiSaver.

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 financial goals and highlight common pitfalls to watch out for.

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 Zealanders.

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 and long-term goals, helping you chart your next steps with confidence.

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 resilient and ready to capture opportunities in a changing environment. *** This material has been created with the co-operation of BlackRock Investment Management (Australia) Limited (BIMAL) ABN 13 006 165 975, AFSL 230 523 on 17/10/2025. Comments made by BIMAL employees here represent BIMAL’s views only. This material provides general information only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation, needs or circumstances. Before making any investment decision, you should obtain financial advice tailored to you having regard to your individual objectives, financial situation, needs and circumstances. Refer to BIMAL’s Financial Services Guide on its website for more information. This material is not a financial product recommendation or an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any financial product in any jurisdiction.

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.

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 still in play, this episode offers timely insights to help investors stay focused and confident in their strategy.

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 opportunity in today’s complex environment - and what it means for investors planning ahead. *** This material has been created with the co-operation of BlackRock Investment Management (Australia) Limited (BIMAL) ABN 13 006 165 975, AFSL 230 523 on 18/09/2025. Comments made by BIMAL employees here represent BIMAL’s views only. This material provides general information only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation, needs or circumstances. Before making any investment decision, you should obtain financial advice tailored to you having regard to your individual objectives, financial situation, needs and circumstances. Refer to BIMAL’s Financial Services Guide on its website for more information. This material is not a financial product recommendation or an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any financial product in any jurisdiction.

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 the economic outlook and offer timely insights and practical strategies for investors navigating today’s uncertain and volatile environment.

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 macroeconomic uncertainty, the rise of AI and technology in finance, and the ongoing challenges of talent and succession planning. Tune in for insights on board dynamics and the key issues shaping New Zealand’s finance community in 2025.

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 more powerful than chasing big gains, and how working with a financial advisor can help you stay the course. *** This material has been created with the co-operation of BlackRock Investment Management (Australia) Limited (BIMAL) ABN 13 006 165 975, AFSL 230 523 on 31/07/2025. Comments made by BIMAL employees here represent BIMAL’s views only. This material provides general information only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation, needs or circumstances. Before making any investment decision, you should obtain financial advice tailored to you having regard to your individual objectives, financial situation, needs and circumstances. Refer to BIMAL’s Financial Services Guide on its website for more information. This material is not a financial product recommendation or an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any financial product in any jurisdiction.

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 what could drive further OCR easing, how households and businesses are responding, and what investors should consider in the months ahead.

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 they unpack what is changing and what still needs to. *** This material has been created with the co-operation of BlackRock Investment Management (Australia) Limited (BIMAL) ABN 13 006 165 975, AFSL 230 523 on 20/08/2025. Comments made by BIMAL employees here represent BIMAL’s views only. This material provides general information only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation, needs or circumstances. Before making any investment decision, you should obtain financial advice tailored to you having regard to your individual objectives, financial situation, needs and circumstances. Refer to BIMAL’s Financial Services Guide on its website for more information. This material is not a financial product recommendation or an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any financial product in any jurisdiction.

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 investing.

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 and how a holistic view can support better decision-making and more confident investing.

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 Mid-Year 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 themes are shaping ASB’s investment strategy. From portfolio construction in uncertain times to the growing role of private markets, this episode offers practical insights for navigating today’s evolving investment landscape. *** This material has been created with the co-operation of BlackRock Investment Management (Australia) Limited (BIMAL) ABN 13 006 165 975, AFSL 230 523 on 31/07/2025. Comments made by BIMAL employees here represent BIMAL’s views only. This material provides general information only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation, needs or circumstances. Before making any investment decision, you should obtain financial advice tailored to you having regard to your individual objectives, financial situation, needs and circumstances. Refer to BIMAL’s Financial Services Guide on its website for more information. This material is not a financial product recommendation or an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any financial product in any jurisdiction.

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 behind his work, some tips for getting started, and what makes passion investing more than just a hobby.

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.

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.

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.