

Trump’s tariff U-turn, private equity’s hall of shame & Macquarie’s hubris
12 snips May 16, 2025
This week, the hosts dive into Donald Trump's unexpected tariff reversal and its ramifications. They spotlight private equity's growing troubles, including a significant failure involving Healthscope. The discussion also critiques Macquarie’s reported negligence in short selling activities, emphasizing regulatory challenges. Additionally, they tackle the complexities of Australia’s superannuation system and the potential impacts of taxing unrealized gains. Finally, the hosts explore the interplay of immigration and workforce dynamics in maintaining government revenue.
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Macquarie's Reporting Failures Exposed
- Macquarie's stockbroking unit failed to accurately report short selling activities, impacting market transparency.
- ASIC sees this as complacency and a risk in Macquarie's risk and compliance culture, not just minor errors.
Trade War Truce Sparks Mixed Reactions
- US-China tariff reductions mark a notable de-escalation in the trade war, boosting markets.
- Australian investors remain skeptical, reflecting fatigue and differing exposure compared to US markets.
Trump's Tariff Revenue Plan Falters
- Trump's tariff revenue plan to reduce the US budget deficit has unraveled with tariff cuts.
- Bond markets reflect concerns over persistent deficit and risks despite trade optimism.