A very insightful article that provides some reminders for sensible investing during market downturns.

In recent years, market volatility has once again tested the nerves of investors. From the post-COVID recovery to ongoing geopolitical tensions, persistent inflation, and rising interest rates, many are questioning how best to position their investments for the future. For retirees, the challenge is even greater, finding reliable income while preserving capital isn’t easy in this kind of environment. And with super balances under pressure and living costs on the rise, many are starting to question whether their money will go the distance.

It’s no secret that investing successfully requires patience, clear goals, a long-term view and sound financial advice; however in times of uncertainty it can be easy to forget these principles.

Here are some other key investment concepts to keep front of mind:

In this article we delve into the heart of a recession and answer the question “What does a recession mean for me?”

A recession is more than just a buzzword that gets thrown around by the media.

A recession represents a significant decline in economic activity that can span months, even years. Think of it as the winter of the economic cycle - cold, challenging, but not permanent.

It's often marked by tangible shifts in key economic indicators such as GDP, employment, income, and consumer spending. From high inflation rates to increased consumer debt, reduced spending, or global events like pandemics, various factors can set the stage for a recession.

You might be thinking… “Yeah, but what does a recession actually mean for me”.

A detailed description of exactly what recessions are and how they impact the Australian share market.

When the media starts reporting higher interest rates and spiralling price rises, their next story will almost certainly scream the impending doom of a possible economic recession.

But what exactly is a recession and is it all bad news for local share market investors?

Most commentators believe a ‘technical recession’ occurs when there have been two consecutive quarters of negative growth in real gross domestic production or economic output, but there really is no strict definition. It’s more just a time when unemployment increases and growth falls.

Our latest quarterly economic update includes commentary on the US attack on Venezuela, Christmas retail performance, interest rate outlook, equity markets, fuel prices, Trump's tariff policies and the weak US dollar.

The December quarter has been defined by unexpected twists. Just as we thought inflation was under control, it kicked back up. Just as rate cuts seemed certain for 2026, we're now facing the prospect of rate rises. And just as geopolitical tensions appeared to be settling, the US launched a stunning military operation in Venezuela. Through it all, Australian households held their nerve — spending up at Christmas and keeping the economy ticking over.

The US Attack on Venezuela and Market Implications

On 3 January 2026, the USA conducted Operation Absolute Resolve — a military strike on Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. The operation, involving more than 150 aircraft, bombed infrastructure across northern Venezuela and transported Maduro to New York to face narcoterrorism charges.