ASB Investment Podcast

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.