Bassanese Bites: The Podcast

Iran investor update: A vital peace deadline looms, putting markets on edge

Markets edged higher last week on fleeting hopes of de-escalation, but the Iran conflict is entering a new phase. With the US' imposed deadline for a peace deal approaching and retaliation risks rising, the threat to global energy supply remains front of mind.

In this week’s Bassanese Bites Podcast, David Bassanese breaks down the risks around the Strait of Hormuz, why energy infrastructure is now in focus, and how a renewed oil shock could quickly shift the outlook for inflation and growth.

He also discusses the resilience of the US economy and what recent Australian data signals for the RBA.

Iran market update: Investor jitters persist as oil supply risks build

The Iran conflict remains front and centre, with fragile talks doing little to ease concerns over oil supply through the Strait of Hormuz. While some shipments are still flowing, the buffer from earlier supply may soon run out.

In this week’s Bassanese Bites Podcast, David Bassanese explains why markets are stuck in a holding pattern, the risk of escalation in energy infrastructure, and how a renewed oil spike could shift the global outlook.

He also unpacks mixed inflation signals and what they mean for the RBA ahead of the crucial March quarter CPI report — with another rate hike still firmly on the table.

Iran market update: Strait of Hormuz deadline looms, raising risks of another oil shock

The Iran conflict has entered a critical phase, with a US ultimatum on the Strait of Hormuz raising the risk of a major escalation in global energy markets. Oil prices are surging, equities are under pressure and investors are bracing for a potential spike in inflation if tensions worsen.

In this week’s Bassanese Bites Podcast, David Bassanese breaks down the growing risk of a Middle East “mutually assured destruction” scenario, what attacks on energy infrastructure could mean for oil and global markets, and why hopes of a quick de-escalation may be fading.

He also unpacks the latest Fed meeting, the pause in the global equity rotation, and Australia’s surprise RBA rate hike — including why another increase may still be on the table despite rising geopolitical risks.

Tune in for a concise, expert wrap of the week’s key developments in global markets, oil, central banks, the Australian economy and interest rates — and what they mean for investors.

Economic update: RBA to hike as Iran conflict fuels inflation concerns

Global markets remained under pressure last week as the Iran conflict escalated, pushing oil prices higher and disrupting supply through the Strait of Hormuz. With equities falling and bond yields rising, investors are watching closely to see whether the US or Iran backs down – and what that means for inflation and markets.

In this week’s Bassanese Bites Podcast, David Bassanese unpacks the market impact of the oil shock, the risks if Middle East energy infrastructure becomes a target, and whether the hoped-for 'TACO' moment from US President Donald Trump could bring a quick resolution.

He also examines the US Federal Reserve meeting, the ongoing rotation in global equity markets, and why recent RBA commentary has markets expecting a rate hike this week despite the uncertain global outlook.

Tune in for a concise expert wrap of the week’s key developments in global markets, oil prices, central banks, the Australian economy and interest rates – and what they mean for investors.

Iran market update: What US$100+ oil means for Australian investors

Iran is holding firm against US and Israeli strikes - and the market fallout is accelerating. Oil has surged past $106 a barrel, global stocks are sliding and bond yields are rising as inflation fears overtake growth concerns.

In this week's edition of the Bassanese Bites Podcast, David unpacks why Iran is digging in, what its surprising resilience means for markets and whether the oil shock will threaten the great rotation seen in equity markets of late. He also looks at whether Australia's firm labour market is enough to push the RBA toward another rate hike sooner than expected.

Tune in for a concise, expert wrap of the week’s biggest developments in global markets, the Australian economy, interest rates, inflation, equities and geopolitics – and what they mean for investors.

Special market update edition: How the US-Iran strike on Iran may affect investors this week

Markets were already finely balanced - then breaking news from the Middle East brought geopolitical risk right back to the forefront of investors' minds.

In a special market update edition of Bassanese Bites, we unpack the fast-moving situation in the Middle East and what it could mean for asset classes, central banks and investors. We also explore:

• How commodity prices have reacted in early Australian trade

• Whether the Iran stoush will have a prolonged impact on stocks, bonds and currencies

• What it means for investors in the short-to-medium term.

23 February 2026: Revenue leak

US stocks bounced last week amid calmer-than-expected AI disruption fears, while the US Supreme Court finally delivered its landmark ruling on President Trump’s tariffs. Australian shares climbed on strong labour market data, led by technology and small caps. On this week’s Bassanese Bites Podcast, David explores the tariff fallout may shape markets in the coming weeks. He'll also explore what the latest US and Australian data mean for interest rates and inflation.

Tune in for a concise, expert wrap of the week’s biggest developments in global markets, the Australian economy, interest rates, inflation, equities and geopolitics – and what they mean for investors.

16 February 2026: Rolling disruption

US stocks continue to slip as AI adoption concerns began to spread to other sectors beyond the tech/software space. Meanwhile, Australian markets rebounded last week as investors digested the fallout from the RBA's first hike in two years. On this week’s Bassanese Bites Podcast, David discusses which sectors are now in the spotlight, what the latest US and Australian data really means and how the global equity rotation is reshaping who wins, who loses, and where investors are heading next.

Tune in for a concise, expert wrap of the week’s biggest developments in global markets, the Australian economy, interest rates, inflation, equities and geopolitics - and what they mean for investors.