ASB Investment Podcast

Rates rising, Budget balancing: What the RBNZ's split decision could mean for your money 03.06.2026 24мин

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 interest rates could mean for borrowers and savers, and why sticking to a long-term strategy still matters more than trying to pick the top or bottom.

Fridays with Frank: Space, rate cuts and the case for investing beyond New Zealand 29.05.2026 18мин

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 fighting the domestic headwinds is widening and what it could mean for your portfolio.

Back to basics: The gardening guide to investing fundamentals 27.05.2026 22мин

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 patient gardener always outlasts the panicking neighbour.

Fridays with Frank: Inflation is back - will it persist and what Nvidia's record result means for your portfolio 22.05.2026 17мин

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 about where AI investment is headed, and why being mostly right beats trying to be perfect with your investment strategy.

Housing confidence shaken: What the Middle East conflict means for Kiwi homeowners and buyers 20.05.2026 23мин

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 a silver lining for one group of Kiwi right now: first home buyers.

Fridays with Frank: AI, debt and the case for infrastructure 15.05.2026 16мин

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 13.05.2026 24мин

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 what markets are actually doing is one of the most important things long-term investors need to understand right now.

Fridays with Frank: Why Bad News Isn’t Stopping Markets 08.05.2026 15мин

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? 07.05.2026 27мин

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 with interest rates and why you can’t control them.· The danger of chasing the “next big thing”.· How to think about balancing your mortgage and investments.

The Real Cost of Retirement: Planning For The Life You Want After Work 30.04.2026 35мин

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 spending choices, Professor Matthews explains why there’s no one‑size‑fits‑all number – and why flexibility matters just as much as savings.

Building New Zealand’s financial future: A conversation with ASB CEO Vittoria Shortt 16.04.2026 31мин

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 over time.

KiwiSaver is evolving: here’s what you need to know 07.04.2026 28мин

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 26.03.2026 34мин

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? 20.03.2026 32мин

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 24.02.2026 26мин

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 rates.

Winners and losers in a noisy market: What January's market shake-up is really telling investors 16.02.2026 33мин

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 diversification, discipline and looking beyond headlines matter more than ever for investors.

A pivotal moment for rural New Zealand: Windfalls, opportunities and succession planning 09.02.2026 29мин

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‑term resilience. Aidan shares insights into the financial decisions farmers are weighing right now, the importance of pairing short‑term gains with long‑term planning, and how this windfall could reshape generational wealth and succession pathways.

2026 investment outlook: Risks, opportunities & mega forces 21.01.2026 36мин

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 - and share their top predictions on what investors should be watching in the year 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 13/01/2026. 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.

2025 in review: What moved economies and markets 17.12.2025 30мин

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 Zealand economy. They also discuss key changes to ASB portfolios and share practical tips for investors heading into the new year. *** 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 03/12/2025. 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.

On the road with ASB: The questions kiwi investors are asking 08.12.2025 37мин

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 property market. They discuss why an investor’s mindset matters and share practical tips to help you get started and stay on track.