As we approach September 22, 2025, Westpac is set to redeem all $1.7 billion of its Westpac Capital Notes 5 (WCN 5, ASX code: WBCPH). It’s the beginning of an avalanche of cash to be returned to investors – mostly Boomers – that will need to find a home elsewhere. Why? Because the Hybrid market is being closed down, shuttered or phased out. Continue…

by Roger Montgomery Posted in Aura Group, Investing Education.

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I joined Paul Turton on ABC Newcastle Mornings to discuss the banking sector, where ANZ is reportedly set to cut 10 per cent of its workforce, with similar moves from NAB, CBA and Westpac. These cuts reflect the impact of automation and artificial intelligence (AI) on jobs and wages, even as younger generations turn to online and AI-driven businesses. The challenge for banks is finding savings without hurting service or limiting future growth, especially as many customers still rely on branches.

Tune in from 35:15 to catch the conversation: ABC Newcastle Mornings. 

by Roger Montgomery Posted in Financial Services, Radio.

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We are pleased to announce that independent research house Lonsec has completed its inaugural reviews of the Aura Private Credit Income Fund (for wholesale investors) and Aura Core Income Fund (for wholesale and retail investors). Both strategies have received an ‘Investment Grade’ rating, meaning Lonsec have conviction the strategies can meet their respective investment objectives. Continue…

by Dean Curnow Posted in Aura Group, Montgomery News and Updates.

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The equity bull market has been tough for small company stocks and their investors. The current decade started out with promise. After the short, sharp pandemic bear market in 2020, small cap stocks significantly outpaced the tech-fuelled S&P 500 Index during the post-pandemic bull market ending in December 2021. This was partly because the artificial intelligence (AI)-Tech darlings hadn’t garnered the momentum and euphoria required to concentrate flows of capital and drive the media narratives that produced their immense popularity and stock-market leadership. Continue…

by Roger Montgomery Posted in Small Caps.

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In today’s dynamic financial landscape, and with public market volatility constantly rising, investors are increasingly seeking opportunities that strike a balance between solid returns and stability and diversification. Continue…

by Roger Montgomery Posted in Aura Group, Investing Education.

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I joined Ausbiz with Clint Maddock, Founder and Director at Digital Asset Funds Management – our newest partner, an Australian investment manager specialising in digital asset markets – to discuss the growing role of digital assets like Bitcoin in investment portfolios. Once considered purely speculative, digital assets are now increasingly recognised as a legitimate component of diversification, sitting alongside equities, bonds, and property. We explored why they’re moving into the mainstream, the opportunities they present, and how investors can approach the space with a balanced view on both strategy and risk.

by Roger Montgomery Posted in Digital Asset Funds Management, TV Appearances.

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With the U.S. stock market hovering at levels some describe as ‘stretched’, economic indicators are flashing mixed signals, prompting some observers to raise the spectre of stagflation – a toxic brew of stagnant growth and persistent inflation. Continue…

by Roger Montgomery Posted in Market commentary.

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Investors are debating a number of scenarios. One is that Trump will install enough cronies on the board of the U.S. Federal Reserve that rates will be cut as many as five times in the next year. Supporters believe this could be incredibly bullish for markets, especially equities. Continue…

by Roger Montgomery Posted in Global markets, Market commentary.

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