ASB Investment Podcast

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.

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.

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 always move in step with the OCR, and how to balance lending and savings strategies as market conditions evolve.

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.