Today Ken Raiss and I zoom out from the noise, unpack what's really going on beneath the surface, and help you make sense of the shifting forces shaping our economy, our property markets, and your long-term wealth.

The RBA wrapped up the year with a steady hand, but the tone behind that decision has raised more than a few eyebrows. Sure inflation is easing… except where it's not. Growth is soft… except where it matters. And the Board is hinting that some of these price pressures may be more persistent than we hoped.

So the narrative of "rate cuts in 2026" suddenly looks a lot less convincing than some commentators would have us believe.

At the same time, the property markets are setting up for another fascinating year. Prices continue to rise despite all the affordability hand-wringing, and that's because the market is being driven not by those who can't afford to buy, but by those who can.

And that creates very different conditions for investors, upgraders, downsizers, and the bank of Mum and Dad.

Plus, there's a fresh wave of questions about mortgage strategy. Should you fix now? Should you stay variable? Is waiting a mistake? With mixed signals from lenders - some even lifting fixed rates - this decision is far from straightforward.

Takeaways

· The Reserve Bank is navigating a complex economic landscape.

· Interest rates are expected to remain high for the foreseeable future.

· Inflation continues to be a significant concern for the economy.

· The property market is influenced by those with financial capacity.

· Intergenerational wealth transfer is becoming increasingly important.

· Mortgage strategies should be tailored to individual circumstances.

· The bank of mum and dad plays a crucial role in property purchases.

· Understanding market dynamics is essential for investors.

· Financial planning should align with long-term goals.

· A holistic approach to wealth management is necessary.

Chapters

00:00 Why inflation risks keep rate cuts further away than expected. 04:00 The RBA's inflation dilemma as growth stays soft. 08:10 Per-capita recession pressures and who rates really hurt. 10:40 Why property prices rise despite affordability stress. 13:40 Equity, downsizers and the Bank of Mum & Dad drive demand. 16:40 Fix or variable: certainty, affordability and smart loan strategy.

Links and Resources:

Answer this week's trivia question here - https://www.propertytrivia.com.au/

· Win a hard copy of What Every Property Investor Needs To Know About Finance, Tax And The Law

· Everyone wins a copy of a fully updated property report – What's ahead for property for 2026 and beyond.

Join Ken Raiss and Michael Yardney, plus a team of experts, at Wealth Retreat 2026 on the Gold Coast in May. Find out more about it here and register your interest www.wealthretreat.com.au It's Australia's premier event for successful investors and business people.

https://www.wealthretreat.com.au/

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Michael Yardney

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Ken Raiss, Director of Metropole Wealth Advisory

Also, please subscribe to my other podcast Demographics Decoded with Simon Kuestenmacher – just look for Demographics Decoded wherever you are listening to this podcast and subscribe so each week we can unveil the trends shaping your future. Or click here: https://demographicsdecoded.com.au/

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