Andrew Baxter

  The first half of 2025 has been anything but predictable. Market volatility, shifting government policies, and economic uncertainty have left investors questioning whether recent gains are sustainable. Even those who began the year with confidence are now reassessing their investment strategies. In this environment, understanding the forces behind market movements is essential for protecting and growing your portfolio. Australian Share Market: Solid Gains with Policy Risks Ahead Australian equities have performed relatively well in 2025, with the ASX 200 posting gains of around 2.7%—outpacing U.S. markets. Financial stocks have been the main driver of this growth, led by industry heavyweights like Commonwealth Bank (CBA) and insurers such as QBE. However, current valuations are starting to look stretched. For example, CBA shares are trading above $175, making it one of the priciest banks globally. Yet, its growth potential appears limited. Australia’s tightly regulated banking se...

  Superannuation appears regularly in payslips and headlines, yet for many Australians, it remains a confusing topic. Most people only pay attention when their balance makes a noticeable jump — or dip — missing out on strategies that could significantly reduce the years they spend working. Gaining even a basic understanding of how superannuation works can make a huge difference when retirement finally rolls around. Understanding Super Contributions As of 2025, Australians can contribute up to  $30,000 per year in concessional contributions  to their super fund — this includes employer contributions and any voluntary top-ups. These contributions come with valuable tax benefits, but it’s essential to keep track to avoid exceeding the cap. Originally designed as a joint effort between individuals, employers, and the government, superannuation today largely depends on employer contributions. The super guarantee rate is on track to rise to  12% , helping Australians build...

 Australia’s economic landscape is shifting once again. With the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) announcing its second interest rate cut in this cycle, it's crucial to understand how this move affects your finances—whether you're a homeowner, investor, renter, or retiree. Mortgage Relief for Homeowners—But It’s Not Universal If you’re paying off a mortgage, the rate cut offers welcome relief. Following years of steep rate hikes aimed at curbing inflation, the RBA’s latest 25 basis point reduction will ease monthly repayments. For example: On a $500,000 mortgage , repayments could drop by $80–$100 per month. On a $1 million loan , the monthly saving may be $200–$250 . However, not all Australians will feel this benefit. Roughly a third of households own their home outright, and another third rent. For renters and non-borrowers, the picture is more complex—and potentially less favourable. Cheaper Credit and the Sharemarket: A Delicate Balance Lower interest rates of...

  Australia’s economic future is increasingly uncertain, raising red flags for investors and the general public alike. Global trade headwinds, shifting domestic governance, and mounting challenges in productivity and wage growth are creating a sense of economic unease. The central question many are now asking is:   Will Australia achieve a soft landing, or are we on the brink of a recession? Government Policy: Stability with Caution The recent federal election delivered a majority government, providing the leadership with a strong mandate to implement its agenda. While this outcome brings a degree of political stability, it also introduces new risks depending on the execution of key policies. Australia’s Labor government has historically focused on wealth redistribution — including initiatives like student debt relief and expanded public services. While these programs can offer social benefits, they must be balanced against the risk of deterring high-income earners and private...

  In today’s dynamic financial environment, knowing where to invest your money is more important than ever. Both the Australian and US stock markets offer unique advantages, but understanding their differences can significantly boost your confidence as an investor. In this article, we’ll explore key contrasts, recent trends, and essential factors to help you make smarter, more informed investment decisions. Home Bias: The Comfort of Local Investing Many Australian investors tend to favour domestic stocks — a trend driven by familiarity with local brands, alignment in time zones, and homegrown financial products that often overweight Australian equities. However, Australia represents less than 2% of global stock market capitalisation, whereas the United States accounts for nearly 45%. A well-diversified portfolio should ideally reflect this disparity — though most portfolios fall short of global balance. Performance Snapshot: Australia vs. US Recent data shows the Australian stock m...

  Andrew Baxter is one of Australia’s most respected business leaders, known for his extensive  experience in marketing , board governance, and strategic advisory. With a distinguished career spanning over 25 years, Andrew has led some of the country’s most iconic marketing agencies, including Ogilvy and Publicis, and has been instrumental in helping leading organisations grow through smart, customer-focused strategies. Today, Andrew sits on a number of high-profile boards and advisory panels, offering expert insights into marketing, governance, and long-term business strategy. He is a non-executive director of Australian Pork, Foresters Financial, and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and he is a senior advisor at KPMG. His deep understanding of both the creative and commercial sides of business makes him a sought-after board director and consultant. Andrew’s approach is built around one core principle: helping businesses unlock sustainable growth by aligning strategy, brand, an...

 Your 30s often feel like a significant turning point. Career-wise, you're likely hitting your stride with a healthier salary. Relationships may feel more profound, and you're probably tackling bigger financial commitments, like a mortgage or starting a family. But with these exciting advancements come fresh challenges. If not navigated carefully, these can subtly undermine your long-term financial well-being. Let's dive into 5 common financial traps to sidestep in your 30s: 1. The "Lifestyle Creep" Trap As your income climbs, so does the temptation to upgrade everything: dining out more often, eyeing that high-end car, or indulging in other premium experiences. While treating yourself is part of a balanced life, letting spending expand unchecked with every pay rise can leave your financial progress stagnant. It's vital to understand that simply spending more doesn't automatically equate to a happier or better life. Smarter Move: Instead of ...