--- title: Blog | Economic Updates (2) description: Economic Updates | Unlock the secrets to financial success with our expert insights. Tips on financial planning, superannuation, and more. (2) --- - 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. Topic # Economic Updates (2) economic-updates - [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 [![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) [![The Interest Rate Roller Coaster Ride](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Rollercoaster.jpg?width=400&upsize=true&name=Rollercoaster.jpg)](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/the-interest-rate-roller-coaster-ride) [Economic Updates](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/economic-updates) ##### [The Interest Rate Roller Coaster Ride](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/the-interest-rate-roller-coaster-ride) ![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) 19 March 2026 At its March meeting, the Reserve Bank of Australia increased the cash rate by 25 basis points to 4.1% as it seeks to curb renewed inflationary... 5 minutes read [Read More](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/the-interest-rate-roller-coaster-ride) [![Private Credit in the Spotlight: Where there is one cockroach...](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/roach.png?width=400&upsize=true&name=roach.png)](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/private-credit-in-the-spotlight-where-there-is-one-cockroach) [Economic Updates](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/economic-updates) ##### [Private Credit in the Spotlight: Where there is one cockroach...](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/private-credit-in-the-spotlight-where-there-is-one-cockroach) ![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) 13 March 2026 In October 2025, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon warned that hidden systemic risks were building in the private credit market. *“When you see one...* 6 minutes read [Read More](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/private-credit-in-the-spotlight-where-there-is-one-cockroach) [![Middle East Conflict: Market Volatility Increases](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/pexels-francesco-ungaro-998653.jpg?width=400&upsize=true&name=pexels-francesco-ungaro-998653.jpg)](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/middle-east-conflict-market-volatility-increases) [Economic Updates](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/economic-updates) ##### [Middle East Conflict: Market Volatility Increases](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/middle-east-conflict-market-volatility-increases) ![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) 5 March 2026 Following the attacks on Iran and the subsequent retaliatory strikes across the region financial markets have understandably become more volatile. ... 4 minutes read [Read More](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/middle-east-conflict-market-volatility-increases) [![Is AI a Trojan Horse?](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/pexels-pixabay-52500-1.jpg?width=400&upsize=true&name=pexels-pixabay-52500-1.jpg)](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/is-ai-a-trojan-horse) [Economic Updates](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/economic-updates) ##### [Is AI a Trojan Horse?](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/is-ai-a-trojan-horse) ![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) 2 March 2026 While stocks on the forefront of developing AI chips and applications have had outsized returns over recent years, investors are now questioning if... 7 minutes read [Read More](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/is-ai-a-trojan-horse) [![Financial Market Review for the December Quarter 2025](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/SF%20QMU%20Dec%202025%20blog%20banner.jpg?width=400&upsize=true&name=SF%20QMU%20Dec%202025%20blog%20banner.jpg)](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/financial-market-review-for-the-december-quarter-2025) [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 December Quarter 2025](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/financial-market-review-for-the-december-quarter-2025) ![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 January 2026 The quarter was defined by a notable divergence in performance between Australian and US financial markets. Global markets turned volatile in... 4 minutes read [Read More](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/financial-market-review-for-the-december-quarter-2025) [![Darkening Skies: Should investors be worried by a slowing US economy?](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/pexels-lachlan-ross-6510369-1.jpg?width=400&upsize=true&name=pexels-lachlan-ross-6510369-1.jpg)](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/darkening-skies-should-investors-be-worried-by-a-slowing-us-economy) [Economic Updates](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/economic-updates), [Investor Behaviour](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/investor-behaviour), [Investing](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/investing) ##### [Darkening Skies: Should investors be worried by a slowing US economy?](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/darkening-skies-should-investors-be-worried-by-a-slowing-us-economy) ![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) 15 December 2025 Equity markets have had a choppy November, with both US and Australian shares off sharply from their October highs. Risks remain elevated,... 5 minutes read [Read More](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/darkening-skies-should-investors-be-worried-by-a-slowing-us-economy) [![Pros and Cons of Investing in Gold](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Gold.jpg?width=400&upsize=true&name=Gold.jpg)](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/pros-and-cons-of-investing-in-gold) [Economic Updates](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/economic-updates), [Investor Behaviour](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/investor-behaviour), [Investing](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/investing) ##### [Pros and Cons of Investing in Gold](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/pros-and-cons-of-investing-in-gold) ![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) 8 December 2025 There's a new gold rush sweeping the world - the gold price has now risen roughly 50 per cent over the year to date. Any asset reaching a record... 7 minutes read [Read More](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/pros-and-cons-of-investing-in-gold) [![Don’t Bet on a Rate Cut](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/pexels-thekrm-27305822.jpg?width=400&upsize=true&name=pexels-thekrm-27305822.jpg)](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/dont-bet-on-a-rate-cut) [Economic Updates](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/economic-updates) ##### [Don’t Bet on a Rate Cut](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/dont-bet-on-a-rate-cut) ![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) 30 October 2025 The RBA’s next monetary policy board meeting will be on Melbourne Cup Day, Tuesday 4th November. There will be plenty of bets placed on favorites,... 2 minutes read [Read More](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/dont-bet-on-a-rate-cut) [1](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog) [2](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/economic-updates/page/2) [3](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/economic-updates/page/3) [4](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/economic-updates/page/4) [5](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/economic-updates/page/5) *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/)