In this week's Financial Services Online podcast, host Paige Estritori discusses key activities in the finance sector. Centuria Capital Group's acquisition of an additional 30% stake in Centuria Bass Credit is analyzed—its a strategic move expected to bolster the company's earnings despite a recent cut in distributions. The episode also explores the challenges faced by the US Federal Reserve as it navigates slowing inflation and possible interest rate cuts amidst political uncertainties ahead of the presidential election. Back in Australia, consumer sentiment is weakening due to inflation and record-high interest rates, hitting disposable income and contributing signs of a wider economic slowdown. The saga of fine-tuning monetary policy to balance consumer spending and inflation is on. Updates on these topics will continue in the next episode.