In this episode of Prime Time, I’m joined by economist Malcolm Wood, Head of Institutional Research and Asset Allocation at Ord Minnett to unpack the uncomfortable question so many retirees and pre-retirees are quietly asking: How bad is this going to get—and how fast could we recover? Markets have been shaky. Super balances are bouncing around. There’s a lot of economic noise in the media right now—headlines full of political chaos, tariff announcements, rate cut speculation, and global uncertainty. It’s hard to know what’s signal and what’s just noise. Malcolm offers a calm, clear, and surprisingly optimistic take on what’s going on—and what it all means for investors, especially those nearing or in retirement. We dig into the ripple effects of Trump 2.0 and why this version of Trumpism is landing faster and harder than many expected. Malcolm talks through six big themes he’s tracking in the global economy right now, and how they affect everything from currency markets to property prices to your super fund's performance. We also look at Australia’s economic position, our unique vulnerabilities in a world shifting away from China and towards more protectionist trade settings, and what the potential outcomes of our own looming federal election could mean for market reforms. If you’re managing your finances carefully in the second half of life—and you’re wondering whether this rough patch will last—this episode is packed with practical insights and a grounded view of where we’re heading next. Follow us on social media and via email Get in touch with Bec here:
[email protected] Sign up for the Prime Time Podcast Newsletter at www.primetimers.net - Get our newsletter with detailed podcast notes sent directly to your inbox every week. Order your copy of Prime Time: 27 rules for the new midlife here: https://amzn.to/3G0yxfh Or follow Bec on social here: @becwilsonepic on Facebook @epicretirement on Instagram Read Bec’s syndicated newspaper column in Nine Newspapers (The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age) each week here: https://www.smh.com.au/by/bec-wilson-p536ww NEARING RETIREMENT? Join The Epic Retirement Club – on Facebook. facebook.com/groups/epicretire Sign up for the Epic Retirement weekly newsletter at epicretirement.net Get Bec Wilson’s bestselling book How to Have an Epic Retirement to learn about the six pillars of an epic retirement as you approach and prepare for your future retirement years. https://amzn.to/3G0yxfh Visit Bec’s website at epicretirement.com.au to learn more about her work See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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