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...