Bassanese Bites: The Podcast

9 February 2026: SaaSpocalypse

Global markets nervously edged higher last week, supported by resilient corporate earnings and improving economic data, even as rising US-Iran tensions and growing concerns around the AI-driven tech boom kept investors on edge - so much so that Forbes has created a new term: the 'SaaSpocalypse'.

This week, David breaks down the key signals investors should be watching - including the delayed US payrolls report, the latest inflation data, escalating geopolitical risk and whether Australia’s hotter inflation outlook will prompt the RBA to deliver another rate hike as soon as May.

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.

2 February 2026: RBA poised to strike

Global markets edged higher last week after a largely neutral Fed meeting, even as volatility picked up across currencies and commodities amid US dollar jitters and rising geopolitical risks. 

This week, David breaks down the key signals investors should be watching: including the US payrolls report, increased rhetoric around Iran and whether a hot Australian CPI print will cause the RBA to deliver its first rate hike in two years.

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.

8 December 2025: Another hawkish cut?

On this week's Bassanese Bites Podcast, David unpacks why global markets consolidated after their recent rebound, and whether growing expectations of a US Fed rate cut can keep sentiment afloat. David also explores how markets are digesting a potential Bank of Japan rate hike and why a strong jobs report on Thursday could add fuel to a growing fire that could cause the RBA to hike interest rates earlier in 2026 that people are currently expecting.

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

1 December 2025: Rate cut hopes

A dovish shift from key Fed officials fuelled a global risk rebound last week, even as US data pointed to weakening momentum outside the AI-driven boom. At home, firm data on the inflation front as well as key GDP puzzle pieces could complicate the RBA’s rate path.

This week, David reveals the macro signals investors should be watching - including a crucial inflation report which could dictate the Fed's last interest rate decision of the year, and whether the Q3 Australian GDP report will reinforce the RBA's concerns of an Australian economy with rising inflation and limited spare capacity.

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

24 November 2025: Inflation tests

Global markets fell last week despite another strong Nvidia earnings result, as investors struggled to interpret delayed economic data and its implications for interest rates. In this episode of Bassanese Bites, Betashares Chief Economist David Bassanese explains how upcoming US PCE inflation and Australia’s Monthly CPI could shape the RBA’s interest rate outlook and global markets.

Listen to Betashares Chief Economist David Bassanese's weekly wrap of the key stories in markets, economics and geopolitics now on your favourite podcast app.

17 November 2025: Nvidia earnings to highlight week ahead

After 44 days, the US government's latest shutdown has finally ended. But now that markets are regaining access to official economic data, there's trepidation about whether the September US jobs report and Nvidia's earnings might trip up what has been a strong bull market for investors. Listen to Betashares Chief Economist David Bassanese's weekly wrap of the key stories in markets, economics and geopolitics now on your favourite podcast app.

 

 

10 November 2025: Valuation jitters

Global equities pulled back last week reflecting tech-related valuation concerns and comments from the CEOs of two Wall Street banks pointing to the risk of a correction at some stage in the coming year. Beneath the headlines and the lack of data, investors may be starting to question whether the AI trade has run its course. Meanwhile, last week's RBA interest rate decision has caused David to shift his view on when the next interest rate cuts might be seen in Australia. Listen to Betashares Chief Economist David Bassanese's weekly wrap of the key stories in markets, economics and geopolitics now on your favourite podcast app.

3 November 2025: RBA to hold rates tomorrow

Global equities rose despite a 'hawkish cut' from the Fed. Meanwhile, following the hot Q3 CPI print, the RBA is widely expected to keep rates on hold on Melbourne Cup day. The bigger question may now be whether a February 2026 rate cut is also at risk. Listen to Betashares Chief Economist David Bassanese's weekly wrap of the key stories in markets, economics and geopolitics now on your favourite podcast app.