ASB Investment Podcast

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.

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 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.

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.
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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 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.
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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.