Paige Estritori from Financial Services Online provides fresh insights from the Australian finance scene in her Weekly Finance News Wrap. ClearBridge Investments optimistic forecast sees recession risk dropping and strong recovery from the pandemic. Mark Jefferson advises investing in small-cap stocks and the S&P 493 index while praising the growth of the housing, retail, industrial, and credit sectors. The Federal Reserve is indicating a positive lending environment but cautions about over-reliance on large tech companies. Centuria Capital Group has increased their ownership of Centuria Bass Credit by investing $57million, despite a reduction in net profit after tax, as they strengthen their position in the property debt market. Principal Asset Management predicts maintaining higher interest rates for longer to provide economic stability.n