Recorded 13 July 2026

Australia’s economy is slowing, inflation remains a key focus for policymakers, and investors are grappling with what comes next for interest rates, asset allocation and long-term growth.

In this interview with Livewire Markets, Yarra Capital Management’s Tim Toohey (Head of Macro and Strategy) and LGT Wealth Management’s Scott Haslem (Chief Investment Officer) discuss the forces that are likely to continue shaping markets and portfolios for the year ahead.

Are markets are misreading the economic outlook? How quickly could inflation moderate? What are the implications for the RBA?

Key topics covered include:

• The outlook for Australian growth, inflation and unemployment;
• Whether the RBA has finished its tightening cycle;
• Why inflation could fall more quickly than consensus expectations;
• The case for Australian government bonds and fixed income;
• Opportunities and risks across Australian equities;
• The implications of AI, geopolitics and a more multipolar world;
• Why productivity growth remains critical to Australia’s future prosperity;
• The investment impact of rising government spending and fiscal policy.

For investors, the conversation provides a timely assessment of the macroeconomic landscape and the portfolio positioning for an environment of slower growth, moderating inflation and evolving market risks.