The Reserve Bank has announced another 0.25% rate increase on the 17th of March, making it the second rise for 2026. After last year’s cuts gave many households a bit of breathing room, this is a reminder that interest rates can turn quickly, and when they do, everyday budgets usually feel it fast.
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Australian shares edged higher this week, with the ASX 200 up 1.0%, supported by strength in energy and materials as oil prices climbed. However, rising petrol prices, weaker PMI data and falling consumer confidence highlighted growing concerns that higher energy costs could push inflation higher. While gains in resource-linked sectors helped lift the market, the broader outlook remains sensitive to how inflation evolves from here.
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In everyday life, we often refer to investing as putting time or effort into something that will provide a long-term benefit, such as an education. When we talk about investing from a financial perspective, we’re more concerned with investing money, with the expectation of generating an income or profit with a long-term benefit for you financially.
Australian markets saw a softer week, with the ASX 200 easing 2.2% as rising global energy prices and fuel security concerns weighed on sentiment. Australia’s reliance on imported fuel has brought renewed focus to resilience and efficiency, while the Reserve Bank of Australia took a proactive step by lifting rates to stay ahead of inflation pressures. While these moves may feel challenging in the short term, they reflect a commitment to long-term stability, and there are encouraging signs that businesses and households are adapting, with practical shifts like increased efficiency and smarter energy use gaining momentum.
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You’ve found someone you love, and they replace the toilet paper roll without being asked. Congratulations, you’re moving in together.
It’s an exciting step, and it’s also one of the biggest financial changes you’ll make as a couple. While splitting the rent may feel straightforward, everything else (from joint bills to future goals) can quickly get messy if you’re not on the same page. One person’s idea of “treating themselves” might be another’s regular Tuesday spending.
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Australian shares fell 2.6% this week as a sharp rise in oil prices renewed concerns about stagflation and pushed markets to price a higher likelihood of an interest rate hike. Energy stocks outperformed as higher oil prices supported the sector, while information technology, healthcare, real estate investment trusts and materials lagged. The Australian dollar remained resilient against a stronger US dollar, supported by expectations of tighter monetary policy and favourable terms of trade. The Reserve Bank of Australia will hold its policy meeting today, with markets closely watching for the interest rate decision amid rising expectations of further tightening.
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Australian shares fell sharply this week, with the ASX 200 down 3.8%. Strong economic data and hawkish commentary from the RBA pushed markets to reassess the near term path of interest rates. GDP grew 0.8% for the quarter and 2.6% over the year, suggesting the economy is running above supply capacity. However, a slowdown in household consumption compared with RBA forecasts raised concerns about demand momentum. While unit labour costs eased slightly, weak productivity, high public sector spending and ongoing supply constraints continue to make the inflation outlook more complicated.
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For many Australians over 60, investing has traditionally focused on retirement, superannuation and financial independence.
But we’re seeing something new emerge.
More grandparents are choosing to invest not just for themselves, but alongside the next generation.
At Raiz, we’ve had a front row seat to this shift. As we recently celebrated 10 years of helping Australians save and invest towards their goals, one trend has stood out: the growing number of grandparents opening Raiz Kids accounts.
The data tells an interesting story.
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Australian equities moved higher this week, with the ASX 200 rising 1.3%. A continued global rotation away from tech and into non tech sectors helped support local markets, alongside a rebound in corporate profits. Gains were led by miners, consumer staples, IT and telecommunications, while falling bond yields added further support. Stronger profits, particularly from miners and banks, helped the market outperform global peers despite elevated valuations and ongoing hawkishness from the RBA.
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Somewhere between work, life admin, family, and trying to remember what you walked into the kitchen for, money habits can feel like one more thing to manage.
That’s why the best money plan is not the one that relies on motivation. It’s the one that runs in the background, even when you are flat out.
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