In this special edition of SB Talks, CEO Vincent O'Neill sits down with SB Investment Committee member and former RBA Governor Ian Macfarlane to explore the increasingly complex forces shaping markets and the global economy. Against a backdrop of elevated geopolitical tensions, stubborn inflation, and ongoing uncertainty around interest rates, global equity markets, particularly in the US, have continued to show remarkable resilience. Vincent and Ian unpack whether this strength reflects genuine economic fundamentals or the growing influence of optimism surrounding artificial intelligence and future productivity gains.

The conversation also examines the difficult balancing act facing central banks, the divergence emerging between markets and monetary policy, and what investors should be paying closest attention to as the second half of the year unfolds. Drawing on decades of experience at the centre of economic policymaking, Ian offers a measured and highly candid perspective on the challenges ahead.

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