--- title: Blog | Dr Steve Garth description: Steve is Principal at Principia Investment Consultants, offering expert insights backed by two decades in asset management. --- - 02 9091 0080 - contact@strategyfirst.com.au - - [![lzsk3cui](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/lzsk3cui.png?width=400&height=104&name=lzsk3cui.png "lzsk3cui")](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/) - About us - [Who we are](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/our-values-0) - [Meet the team](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/en-au/meet-the-team) - [Why partner with Strategy First](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/partering-with-us) - [Client testimonials](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/testimonials) - [Investment commitee](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/investment-commitee) - Information - [Who we can help](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/who-we-can-help) - [Our services](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/how-we-can-help) - [Packages & pricing](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/service-offerings) - [Financial planning process](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/process) - [Our community](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/our-community) - [Learn more](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/information) - [FAQs](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/faqs) - [Aged Care](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/aged-care-strategy-first) - [Blog](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog) [Contact Us](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/contact-page) [![Strategy First](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/INDEPENDENT%20FINANCIAL%20ADVICE-3.png?width=150&height=56&name=INDEPENDENT%20FINANCIAL%20ADVICE-3.png "Strategy First")](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/) [Contact Us](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/contact-page) - About us - [Who we are](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/our-values-0) - [Meet the team](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/en-au/meet-the-team) - [Why partner with Strategy First](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/partering-with-us) - [Client testimonials](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/testimonials) - [Investment commitee](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/investment-commitee) - Information - [Who we can help](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/who-we-can-help) - [Our services](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/how-we-can-help) - [Packages & pricing](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/service-offerings) - [Financial planning process](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/process) - [Our community](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/our-community) - [Learn more](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/information) - [FAQs](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/faqs) - [Aged Care](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/aged-care-strategy-first) - [Blog](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog) [Contact Us](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/contact-page) # *Our Blog* # Learn about Finance ## Financial planning doesn't have to be intimidating. Welcome to our dedicated space, where we unravel the intricacies of financial planning, empowering you with the knowledge and tools needed to secure your financial future. In an era marked by rapid advancements, our blog aims to demystify finance, making it accessible to everyone. Join us as we explore: practical tips, real-life stories, and insights that illuminate the path to financial success. From the basics of budgeting to navigating investment portfolios, we're here to guide you through the maze of financial decisions. Let's navigate the realm of financial planning together, turning challenges into opportunities and securing a brighter, more financially resilient future. ![Dr Steve Garth](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hubfs/Steve%20Garth.jpeg) # Dr Steve Garth Steve is Principal at Principia Investment Consultants, offering expert insights backed by two decades in asset management. All Post - [All Post](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog) - [Economic Updates](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/economic-updates) - [Basics](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/basics) - [Investor Behaviour](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/investor-behaviour) - [Investing](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/investing) - [Quarterly Updates](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/quarterly-updates) - [Awareness](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/awareness) - [Estate Planning](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/estate-planning) - [Investing for life events](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/investing-for-life-events) - [Olivers Insights](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/olivers-insights) - [Retirement](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/retirement) - [Tax](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/tax) - [Budgeting](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/budgeting) Search [![Bond Yields on The Rise: What Does it Mean for the Stock Market?](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/pexels-thales13-38892300.jpg?width=400&upsize=true&name=pexels-thales13-38892300.jpg)](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/bond-yields-on-the-rise-what-does-it-mean-for-the-stock-market) [Economic Updates](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/economic-updates), [Quarterly Updates](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/quarterly-updates) ##### [Bond Yields on The Rise: What Does it Mean for the Stock Market?](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/bond-yields-on-the-rise-what-does-it-mean-for-the-stock-market) ![Dr Steve Garth](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hubfs/Steve%20Garth.jpeg) [Dr Steve Garth](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/author/dr-steve-garth) 26 August 2026 Government bond yields have been steadily rising across much of the world, with some long-term yields reaching their highest levels in more than a... 5 minutes read [Read More](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/bond-yields-on-the-rise-what-does-it-mean-for-the-stock-market) [![The Semiconductor Chips Are On Fire!](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/pexels-ed-br-1727831108-37052613.jpg?width=400&upsize=true&name=pexels-ed-br-1727831108-37052613.jpg)](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/the-semiconductor-chips-are-on-fire) [Economic Updates](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/economic-updates), [Quarterly Updates](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/quarterly-updates) ##### [The Semiconductor Chips Are On Fire!](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/the-semiconductor-chips-are-on-fire) ![Dr Steve Garth](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hubfs/Steve%20Garth.jpeg) [Dr Steve Garth](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/author/dr-steve-garth) 29 July 2026 Over the last quarter South Korea and Taiwan have seen astronomical returns and more recently have experienced extreme volatility. The gains over... 6 minutes read [Read More](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/the-semiconductor-chips-are-on-fire) [![Eight Bells and all is Well: A Quick Financial Market Review for the June Quarter 2026](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/pexels-arnaud24-5818718.jpg?width=400&upsize=true&name=pexels-arnaud24-5818718.jpg)](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/eight-bells-and-all-is-well-a-quick-financial-market-review-for-the-june-quarter-2026) [Economic Updates](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/economic-updates), [Quarterly Updates](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/quarterly-updates) ##### [Eight Bells and all is Well: A Quick Financial Market Review for the June Quarter 2026](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/eight-bells-and-all-is-well-a-quick-financial-market-review-for-the-june-quarter-2026) ![Dr Steve Garth](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hubfs/Steve%20Garth.jpeg) [Dr Steve Garth](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/author/dr-steve-garth) 17 July 2026 In maritime tradition, at the end of a four hour shift, the watch officer would report ***"****Eight bells, and all's well"* if the ship was safe, secure,... 4 minutes read [Read More](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/eight-bells-and-all-is-well-a-quick-financial-market-review-for-the-june-quarter-2026) [![Financial Market Review for the June Quarter 2026](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Financial%20Market%20Review%20for%20the%20June%20Quarter%202026.jpg?width=400&upsize=true&name=Financial%20Market%20Review%20for%20the%20June%20Quarter%202026.jpg)](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/financial-market-review-for-the-june-quarter-2026) [Economic Updates](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/economic-updates), [Quarterly Updates](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/quarterly-updates) ##### [Financial Market Review for the June Quarter 2026](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/financial-market-review-for-the-june-quarter-2026) ![Dr Steve Garth](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hubfs/Steve%20Garth.jpeg) [Dr Steve Garth](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/author/dr-steve-garth) 17 July 2026 The second quarter of 2026 can be characterized by sharp swings in energy prices, shifting geopolitical developments, mixed inflation data, volatile... 11 minutes read [Read More](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/financial-market-review-for-the-june-quarter-2026) [![The Fog of War: How Markets Have Reacted](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/2026-07-01%2013%2059%2034.jpg?width=400&upsize=true&name=2026-07-01%2013%2059%2034.jpg)](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/the-fog-of-war-how-markets-have-reacted) [Economic Updates](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/economic-updates), [Investing](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/investing) ##### [The Fog of War: How Markets Have Reacted](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/the-fog-of-war-how-markets-have-reacted) ![Dr Steve Garth](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hubfs/Steve%20Garth.jpeg) [Dr Steve Garth](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/author/dr-steve-garth) 6 July 2026 The phrase “fog of war” refers to the uncertainty, confusion and lack of situational awareness that military commanders experience during conflict. ... 7 minutes read [Read More](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/the-fog-of-war-how-markets-have-reacted) [![Big IPOS: What does it mean for investors](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Big%20IPOS%20What%20does%20it%20mean%20for%20investors.jpg?width=400&upsize=true&name=Big%20IPOS%20What%20does%20it%20mean%20for%20investors.jpg)](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/big-ipos-what-does-it-mean-for-investors) [Economic Updates](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/economic-updates), [Investing](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/investing) ##### [Big IPOS: What does it mean for investors](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/big-ipos-what-does-it-mean-for-investors) ![Dr Steve Garth](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hubfs/Steve%20Garth.jpeg) [Dr Steve Garth](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/author/dr-steve-garth) 26 June 2026 Much has been written about the wave of blockbuster initial public offerings (IPOs) arriving on public markets. SpaceX listed on 13 June, while... 7 minutes read [Read More](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/big-ipos-what-does-it-mean-for-investors) [![Bubble Trouble: What Record Highs in US Markets Mean for Investors](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Wall%20Street-1.jpg?width=400&upsize=true&name=Wall%20Street-1.jpg)](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/bubble-trouble-what-record-highs-in-us-markets-mean-for-investors) [Economic Updates](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/economic-updates), [Investing](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/investing) ##### [Bubble Trouble: What Record Highs in US Markets Mean for Investors](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/bubble-trouble-what-record-highs-in-us-markets-mean-for-investors) ![Dr Steve Garth](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hubfs/Steve%20Garth.jpeg) [Dr Steve Garth](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/author/dr-steve-garth) 18 May 2026 The US share market continues to reach record highs despite inflation concerns and geopolitical uncertainty. Driven by strong earnings from major... 4 minutes read [Read More](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/bubble-trouble-what-record-highs-in-us-markets-mean-for-investors) [![Financial Market Review for the March Quarter 2026](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/pexels-zelch-30596223.jpg?width=400&upsize=true&name=pexels-zelch-30596223.jpg)](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/financial-market-review-for-the-march-quarter-2026) [Economic Updates](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/economic-updates), [Quarterly Updates](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/quarterly-updates) ##### [Financial Market Review for the March Quarter 2026](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/financial-market-review-for-the-march-quarter-2026) ![Dr Steve Garth](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hubfs/Steve%20Garth.jpeg) [Dr Steve Garth](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/author/dr-steve-garth) 9 April 2026 The first quarter of 2026 has been dominated by an escalation of conflict in the Middle East. In late February, the United States and Israel... 12 minutes read [Read More](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/financial-market-review-for-the-march-quarter-2026) [![Volatile Times: A quick Financial Market Review for the March Quarter 2026](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/pexels-solyartphotos-36488785%20(1).jpg?width=400&upsize=true&name=pexels-solyartphotos-36488785%20(1).jpg)](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/volatile-times-financial-market-review-for-the-march-quarter-2026) [Economic Updates](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/economic-updates), [Quarterly Updates](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/quarterly-updates) ##### [Volatile Times: A quick Financial Market Review for the March Quarter 2026](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/volatile-times-financial-market-review-for-the-march-quarter-2026) ![Dr Steve Garth](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hubfs/Steve%20Garth.jpeg) [Dr Steve Garth](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/author/dr-steve-garth) 9 April 2026 The first quarter of 2026 has been dominated by an escalation of conflict in the Middle East. In late February, the United States and Israel... 4 minutes read [Read More](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/volatile-times-financial-market-review-for-the-march-quarter-2026) [![Beyond the Noise: Navigating Market Volatility](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/invest-1.jpg?width=400&upsize=true&name=invest-1.jpg)](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/beyond-the-noise-navigating-market-volatility) [Economic Updates](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/economic-updates) ##### [Beyond the Noise: Navigating Market Volatility](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/beyond-the-noise-navigating-market-volatility) ![Dr Steve Garth](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hubfs/Steve%20Garth.jpeg) [Dr Steve Garth](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/author/dr-steve-garth) 24 March 2026 Recent tensions in the Middle East have unsettled global markets. Oil prices have risen sharply amid concerns over supply constraints, driving... 6 minutes read [Read More](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/beyond-the-noise-navigating-market-volatility) [1](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog) [2](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/author/dr-steve-garth/page/2) [3](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/author/dr-steve-garth/page/3) [4](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/author/dr-steve-garth/page/4) *This information is general advice only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation and needs.  Before making a financial decision based on this advice, you must consider whether it is appropriate in light of your needs, objectives and financial circumstances, and where relevant, obtain personal financial, taxation or legal advice. Where a financial product has been mentioned, you should obtain and read a copy of the Product Disclosure Statement prior to making any decisions.* [![Copy of Copy of INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVICE](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20INDEPENDENT%20FINANCIAL%20ADVICE.png?width=302&height=93&name=Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20INDEPENDENT%20FINANCIAL%20ADVICE.png "Copy of Copy of INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVICE")](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/) *Strategy First is an independent, fee-for-service financial planning firm specialising in long-term wealth and retirement strategy for Australians.* *Copyright © 2021 Strategy First Financial Planning Pty Ltd.  All rights reserved. * Contact us:  02 9091 0080​ Office Address: Ground Floor, Front Suite 55, 117 Old Pittwater Rd, Brookvale  |  PO Box 7418, Warringah Mall NSW 2100 Australia [​Financial Services Guide (Version 37 – 30 April 2026)](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/financial-services-guide)|  [Privacy Policy](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hubfs/20260911%20Client%20Privacy%20Policy.pdf) |  [Public Complaint Policy](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hubfs/20211001%20Complaints%20Policy.pdf) | AFS Licence No. 290771  |  ABN 69 114 540 528  |  **[Disclaimer](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hubfs/20230921%20Website%20Disclaimer.pdf)** [Homepage - Strategy First Financial Planning](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au) [Who we are](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/our-values-0) [Meet the Team - Our Independent Financial Advisers](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/en-au/meet-the-team)  [Why partner with Strategy First](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/partering-with-us) [Testimonials - What our clients have to say](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/testimonials)  [Investment Commitee](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/investment-commitee) **[Our Clients - Who We Can Help](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/who-we-can-help) ** [Our Services - How We Can Help](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/how-we-can-help)  [Packages and Pricing](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/service-offerings) [Processes - What to Expect](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/process)**  [Information and Documents](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/learn-more)  [Our Community](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/our-community)  [Blog](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog)** [Independent Financial Advice Sydney - Contact Us](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/contact) All Rights Reserved. © 2023-2024 [| FThemes](https://fthemes.net/)