Link to IWP's Global Investment Outlook (PDF)

Global markets have delivered strong returns over the past year, supported by resilient economic growth and continued momentum in AI-driven investment, while policy uncertainty and inflation risks remain key watchpoints heading into 2026. In this month's update, Cam and Naasha from Willis Towers Watson review portfolio performance and outline the global economic and asset class outlook:

• Investment portfolios have continued to outperform their long-term objectives across defensive, balanced and growth strategies, reflecting disciplined asset allocation and low-cost implementation
• U.S. growth remained more resilient than expected in 2025, driven by strong consumer spending and significant AI-related capital investment, with 2026 growth forecast to remain above trend
• Inflation in the U.S. is expected to stay elevated but manageable, with only limited scope for further rate cuts as the Federal Reserve balances growth and price pressure
• European growth has also proven steady despite trade tensions, with fiscal expansion and stable inflation supporting a constructive outlook for equities
• In Australia, economic growth has improved, though inflation has re-accelerated, prompting a recent rate hike; the RBA is expected to remain cautious and data-dependent in 2026
• China met its 5% growth target in 2025, successfully navigating trade tensions, with technology investment and domestic consumption key to its 2026 outlook
• Global equities remain the preferred asset class in the short term, supported by earnings growth, fiscal expansion and ongoing AI investment, while government bonds continue to play an important diversification role
• Credit markets appear less attractive in the near term due to tight spreads, and currency movements have seen the Australian dollar strengthen against a softer U.S. dollar

Overall, the message remains clear: despite heightened policy and geopolitical uncertainty, markets have shown resilience. A diversified, long-term investment approach remains central to navigating volatility while positioning portfolios for continued global growth opportunities.

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Link to IWP's January 2026 Update (PDF) Market Update

Markets have started the year on a steadier footing, with equity markets rebounding after a softer end to last year, while geopolitical developments add a layer of uncertainty without materially disrupting markets so far.

In this month's discussion, Andrew and Chris unpack the key issues influencing markets and portfolio positioning:

• Equity markets have opened the year reasonably well following a weaker finish to last year, with January activity picking up as investors return from the holiday period
• Geopolitical tensions involving Venezuela and Iran, alongside renewed unpredictability from Donald Trump, have increased headline risk, though market impacts have remained relatively muted to date
• Oil prices remain a key watchpoint, with any escalation in global tensions potentially feeding through to higher energy costs and renewed inflation pressures
• In Australia, inflation has eased from prior peaks but remains above the RBA's target range, while stronger-than-expected consumer spending suggests parts of the economy may be reheating
• The RBA faces a finely balanced outlook, with improving sentiment and spending weighed against ongoing cost-of-living pressures and the risk of further inflation persistence
• In the U.S., attention is turning to tensions between Trump and the Federal Reserve, including scrutiny of Jerome Powell, raising questions around central bank independence and future rate policy
• Portfolio strategy remains unchanged, with no short-term adjustments in response to current news flow, reinforcing a disciplined, long-term investment approach
• Diversification and broad market exposure continue to be emphasised, with expectations that returns will broaden beyond a small group of high-profile tech and AI stocks over time
• Overall, the message remains consistent: stay the course, avoid reacting to short-term noise, and remain focused on long-term fundamentals and diversified portfolio construction.

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Link to IWP's October 2025 Update (PDF) Monthly Market Update

Markets have experienced a modest pullback this month as uncertainty rises across global economies, though underlying fundamentals remain resilient.

In this month's discussion, Chris and Brigitta explore the key themes shaping markets and investor sentiment:

• After a strong six-month run, equity markets have softened slightly, reflecting mixed economic signals and increased caution from investors

• The RBA has kept the cash rate on hold, with inflation edging higher and labour-market conditions needing to soften further before any additional rate cuts are likely

• Spring property activity has picked up, supported by improved sentiment and the government's 5% deposit scheme for first-home buyers

• In the U.S., the recent government shutdown has ended, but delayed data releases and reduced consumer confidence have added short-term uncertainty

• Global tariff tensions remain elevated, with the U.S. and China maintaining a fragile truce that continues to influence market volatility

• AI-related stocks, including Nvidia and the broader "AI seven," have delivered strong returns but now face questions around high valuations and heavy investment spending

• Despite short-term movements, diversified portfolios continue to be well positioned, with long-term structural themes guiding investment decisions rather than short-term market noise As always, we highlight the importance of staying diversified, disciplined, and focused on long-term outcomes.

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In this episode of Freedonomix, we sit down with Andrew Brown — Senior Financial Adviser at Independent Wealth Partners, CPA, CFP®, and someone whose career has been shaped by a simple idea: numbers matter, but people matter more.

Andrew shares the story behind his journey — from his early life and career foundations, to discovering that financial advice wasn't just a profession, but a pathway to genuinely helping people create clarity, confidence, and choice in their lives.

We talk about what drew him to financial advice, how his grounding as a CPA and CFP® shapes the way he supports clients, and why he finds deep purpose in using his technical skillset to serve others. You'll hear thoughtful reflections on life, money, family, challenges, and the moments that cemented his belief in the value of great advice.

It's an insightful, human conversation with one of the key advisers at IWP — and a reminder that behind the spreadsheets and strategies are real stories, real families, and real impact.

In this episode, Luke Axton - Partner and Chartered Accountant at IWP breaks down the key moments when SME owners should bring in a business consultant and why timing matters. We dive into how to plan for sustainable growth, the foundations of preparing a business for eventual sale, and how defining your personal purpose shapes the kind of business you're actually trying to build. A practical, grounded conversation for any SME owner seeking clarity and direction.

In this episode, Cameron and Lynn talk about gold — its history, volatility, and the role it plays in diversified portfolios. They explore why gold continues to capture investor attention, how it performs over the long term, and whether it truly offers protection in uncertain times.
It's a practical, plain-English discussion that cuts through the hype and looks at gold through the lens of evidence, data, and real-world financial planning — the Independent Wealth Partners way.

Link to IWP's October 2025 Update (PDF) https://tinyurl.com/3njbkdx2

Markets remain steady as both Australian and U.S. economies show resilience amid cautious central bank policy and ongoing global uncertainty. In this month's discussion, Andrew and Lynn explore the latest economic data and what it means for investors:

• The RBA pauses rate cuts after three earlier reductions this year, taking a data-driven and cautious approach

• Australian GDP growth comes in slightly above expectations at 1.8%, signalling a deliberate economic slowdown to control inflation

• Unemployment remains stable at 4.2%, consistent with the RBA's soft-landing target range

• In the U.S., a brief government shutdown grabs headlines but is expected to have minimal long-term impact • The Federal Reserve delivers its first 25-basis-point rate cut of the year, reflecting stabilising inflation and ongoing labour-market strength

• Markets remain strong, with the IWP High Growth Portfolio returning approximately 14.6% over the past 12 months

• Political developments and tariff policies continue to introduce short-term volatility, but long-term fundamentals remain intact As always, we highlight the importance of staying diversified, disciplined, and invested for the long term.

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IWP Market update - October 2025

In this episode, we unpack the collapse of the First Guardian and Shield Master Trust funds — two high-profile failures that left more than twelve thousand Australians and over $1.2 billion of retirement savings in jeopardy.

We break down what went wrong — from poor governance and related-party investments to inadequate oversight and regulatory failings — and explore the lessons investors can learn from it.

Most importantly, we explain how our approach at Independent Wealth Partners is fundamentally different. From rigorous due diligence and independent investment selection to transparent structures and client-first accountability, we show what it really means to safeguard wealth — not just grow it.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general advice which does not consider your particular circumstances. You should seek advice from Independent Wealth Partners who can consider if the general advice is right for you. Independent Wealth Partners Pty Ltd (ABN 66 647 667 249) – (AR 1286417) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Independent Wealth Services (IWS) AFSL # 512433.