Expert Analysis of the RBA's March 17 Rate Decision

FundMonitors.com

March 2026

Chris Gosselin, CEO of FundMonitors.com, spoke with Nicholas Chaplin, Director and Portfolio Manager at Seed Funds Management, and Renny Ellis, Director & Head of Portfolio Management at Arculus Funds Management, about the RBA's decision to raise interest rates by 0.25% in March. Both described the move as premature, noting the narrow 5-4 board vote reflected significant internal disagreement. They argued that last month's rate rise had yet to flow through to the economy, and that the board was relying on last year's inflation numbers prior to the release of the February figure due next week. In a nutshell, the decision to raise rates in March, rather than wait 6 weeks until the meeting scheduled for May 4th and 5th, was premature. The discussion also considered the role of rising oil prices and geopolitical developments, with both suggesting the RBA may have acted too quickly given the uncertain economic outlook.

Correlation and How to Think About Diversifying Alternatives

Fidante

February 2026

(7-minute read)

10k Words

Equitable Investors

March 2026

(2-minute read)

Geopolitical Risk Index relative performance to VIX (US volatility) over 1 year

Source: Caldara and Iacoviello, Koyfin

US 10-year bond yield v S&P 500 forward earnings yield

Source: Yardeni

Growth relative to Value (iShares Russell 1000 Growth / iShares Russell 1000 Value)

Source: Koyfin

US 10-Year Breakeven Inflation Rate - relatively stable for past three years

Source: Koyfin

Australian 10-year Breakeven Inflation Rate

Source: Equitable Investors, RBA

CPI (Australia) - standard deviation of quarter-on-quarter change (rolling 30 quarters)

Source: Equitable Investors, ABS

Global yield spreads matrix

Source: Koyfin

S&P 500 relative to FTSE Emerging Index - reversal post Iran attack

Source: Bloomberg

Equities concentration - top 10 holdings' dominance of Aus and US major benchmarks (using iShares ETF proxies)

Source: Equitable Investors, Koyfin

S&P/ASX 200 - Free-float weighted (AS51) v equal-weighted indices (XEW)

Source: Equitable Investors, Iress, Koyfin

S&P 500 ETFs - Free-float weighted (IVW) v equal-weighted (RSP)

Source: Equitable Investors, Koyfin

The number of active ETFs launched each year in the US

Source: Morningstar

Public SaaS valuations have converged with AI-led software

Source: Arcadia Capital via Archtis

Funds operated by this manager:

Equitable Investors Dragonfly Fund

Disclaimer

Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Fund returns are quoted net of all fees, expenses and accrued performance fees. Delivery of this report to a recipient should not be relied on as a representation that there has been no change since the preparation date in the affairs or financial condition of the Fund or the Trustee; or that the information contained in this report remains accurate or complete at any time after the preparation date. Equitable Investors Pty Ltd (EI) does not guarantee or make any representation or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the information in this report. To the extent permitted by law, EI disclaims all liability that may otherwise arise due to any information in this report being inaccurate or information being omitted. This report does not take into account the particular investment objectives, financial situation and needs of potential investors. Before making a decision to invest in the Fund the recipient should obtain professional advice. This report does not purport to contain all the information that the recipient may require to evaluate a possible investment in the Fund. The recipient should conduct their own independent analysis of the Fund and refer to the current Information Memorandum, which is available from EI.

Chris Gosselin, CEO of FundMonitors.com, speaks with George Bory, Chief Investment Strategist at Allspring Global Investments. 

They discussed Allspring's public-markets fixed-income approach, focusing on risk-aware portfolio management, steady income above inflation, and global diversification, before turning to how geopolitical tensions, oil prices, inflation, and US politics may shape bond markets and investment positioning.

Key topics by timestamp:

• 0:07 - 5:13 Allspring's fixed income strategy, risk-aware bond investing, and global public markets approach

• 5:19 - 9:30 Iran conflict, oil prices, inflation risks, and central bank implications

• 9:32 - 16:20 US politics, energy prices, and the outlook for bond markets and portfolio positioning

Expert Analysis of the RBA's March 17 Rate Decision

FundMonitors.com

March 2026

Chris Gosselin, CEO of FundMonitors.com, spoke with Nicholas Chaplin, Director and Portfolio Manager at Seed Funds Management, and Renny Ellis, Director & Head of Portfolio Management at Arculus Funds Management, about the RBA's decision to raise interest rates by 0.25% in March. Both described the move as premature, noting the narrow 5-4 board vote reflected significant internal disagreement. They argued that last month's rate rise had yet to flow through to the economy, and that the board was relying on last year's inflation numbers prior to the release of the February figure due next week. In a nutshell, the decision to raise rates in March, rather than wait 6 weeks until the meeting scheduled for May 4th and 5th, was premature. The discussion also considered the role of rising oil prices and geopolitical developments, with both suggesting the RBA may have acted too quickly given the uncertain economic outlook.

Chris Gosselin, CEO of FundMonitors.com, speaks with George Bory, Chief Investment Strategist at Allspring Global Investments. 

They discussed Allspring's public-markets fixed-income approach, focusing on risk-aware portfolio management, steady income above inflation, and global diversification, before turning to how geopolitical tensions, oil prices, inflation, and US politics may shape bond markets and investment positioning.

Key topics by timestamp:

• 0:07 - 5:13 Allspring's fixed income strategy, risk-aware bond investing, and global public markets approach

• 5:19 - 9:30 Iran conflict, oil prices, inflation risks, and central bank implications

• 9:32 - 16:20 US politics, energy prices, and the outlook for bond markets and portfolio positioning

Chris Gosselin, CEO of FundMonitors.com, spoke with Dean Fergie, Director & Portfolio Manager at Cyan Investment Management and Martin Pretty, Director at Equitable Investors.

They discussed the sharp market volatility during the latest reporting season, driven by elevated expectations around AI, shifting investor sentiment, and significant valuation resets across industrial stocks. The conversation also explored how changing money flows, speculation, and indexing influenced portfolio management and highlighted the importance of diversification in an increasingly volatile investment environment.

How to get the most from Fundmonitors 

Webinar Recording

FundMonitors.com

04 August 2025

To help you get a better understanding of the www.fundmonitors.com database, watch this webinar recording to help you learn to navigate the database and get the most out of its powerful fund analytics. 

The webinar covered the following:

• Accessing the site
• Selecting and comparing funds
• Peer group analysis
• Building and managing a watchlist
• Creating a portfolio
• FACTORS Research

If you like to see just 1 aspect of the webinar feel free to jump to the relevant timestamp:

Chris Gosselin, CEO of FundMonitors.com, speaks with Simone Haslinger, Chief Executive Officer at East Coast Capital Management.

They discuss ECCM's systematic global trend-following strategy, recent strong performance driven by broad trends across commodities, currencies, and equity markets, and how disciplined risk management supports consistent results. The interview also highlights the importance of diversification and the role trend-following strategies can play in strengthening portfolios amid changing market conditions.

Funds operated by this manager: ECCM Systematic Trend Fund

Magellan Global Equities Quarterly update January 2026

Magellan Investment Partners

January 2026

(Viewing time: 14 mins)

Against a backdrop of elevated market volatility, shifting monetary policy and divergent market dynamics, Portfolio Managers Alan Pullen and Casey McLean share their latest quarterly update on the Magellan Global Equities strategy. They discuss the impact of diverging interest-rate paths, the maturing AI trade and signs of a rotation in global equity markets. They also reflect on company earnings, broader market conditions and where they see opportunities. Looking ahead, Alan and Casey share their outlook and how the portfolio is positioned.

Funds operated by this manager:

Magellan Global Fund (Open Class Units) ASX:MGOC , Magellan Infrastructure Fund , Magellan Global Opportunities Fund No.2 , Magellan Infrastructure Fund (Unhedged) , Magellan Global Fund (Hedged) , Magellan Core Infrastructure Fund , Magellan Global Opportunities Fund Active ETF (ASX:OPPT)

Important Information: This material has been delivered to you by Magellan Asset Management Limited ABN 31 120 593 946 AFS Licence No. 304 301 trading as Magellan Investment Partners ('Magellan Investment Partners') and has been prepared for general information purposes only and must not be construed as investment advice or as an investment recommendation.  This material does not take into account your investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs. This material does not constitute an offer or inducement to engage in an investment activity nor does it form part of any offer documentation, offer or invitation to purchase, sell or subscribe for interests in any type of investment product or service. You should obtain and consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement ('PDS') and Target Market Determination ('TMD') and consider obtaining professional investment advice tailored to your specific circumstances before making a decision about whether to acquire, or continue to hold, the relevant financial product. A copy of the relevant PDS and TMD relating to a Magellan Investment Partners financial product may be obtained by calling +61 2 9235 4888 or by visiting www.magellaninvestmentpartners.com

Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results and no person guarantees the future performance of any financial product or service, the amount or timing of any return from it, that asset allocations will be met, that it will be able to implement its investment strategy or that its investment objectives will be achieved. This material may contain 'forward-looking statements'. Actual events or results or the actual performance of a Magellan Investment Partners financial product or service may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such forward-looking statements.

This material may include data, research and other information from third party sources. No guarantee is made that such information is accurate, complete or timely and no warranty is given regarding results obtained from its use. This information is subject to change at any time and no person has any responsibility to update any of the information provided in this material.  Statements contained in this material that are not historical facts are based on current expectations, estimates, projections, opinions and beliefs of Magellan Investment Partners or the third party responsible for making those statements (as relevant). Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, and undue reliance should not be placed thereon. No representation or warranty is made with respect to the accuracy or completeness of any of the information contained in this material. Magellan Investment Partners will not be responsible or liable for any losses arising from your use or reliance upon any part of the information contained in this material.

Any third-party trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners and Magellan Investment Partners claims no ownership in, nor any affiliation with, such trademarks.   Any third-party trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners, are used for information purposes and only to identify the company names or brands of their respective owners, and no affiliation, sponsorship or endorsement should be inferred from such use. This material and the information contained within it may not be reproduced, or disclosed, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of Magellan Investment Partners. (080825-#W17)

Expert Analysis of the RBA's February 03 Rate Decision

FundMonitors.com

February 2026

Chris Gosselin, CEO of FundMonitors.com, speaks with Nicholas Chaplin, Director and Portfolio Manager at Seed Funds Management, and Renny Ellis, Director & Head of Portfolio Management at Arculus Funds Management.

The discussion examines the Reserve Bank of Australia's latest rate hike, with both guests arguing the RBA misjudged conditions by cutting rates last year and is now reacting too heavily to short-term data. They highlight the role of policy lags, the strengthening Australian dollar, and bond market signals, warning that further tightening risks overshooting and undermining economic stability.

Magellan Infrastructure Quarterly Update January 2026

Magellan Investment Partners

January 2026

(Viewing time: 15 mins)

Following a strong year for listed infrastructure assets, Co-Heads of Infrastructure and Portfolio Managers Ofer Karliner and Ben McVicar provide an overview of performance drivers and the outlook for the sector. They reflect on companies that performed well during the final quarter of 2025, as well as areas that lagged. They also discuss the key risks and opportunities facing the infrastructure sector in 2026 and outline how the portfolio is positioned to manage these risks while remaining exposed to long-term structural growth themes across global infrastructure.

Funds operated by this manager:

Magellan Global Fund (Open Class Units) ASX:MGOC , Magellan Infrastructure Fund , Magellan Global Opportunities Fund No.2 , Magellan Infrastructure Fund (Unhedged) , Magellan Global Fund (Hedged) , Magellan Core Infrastructure Fund , Magellan Global Opportunities Fund Active ETF (ASX:OPPT)

Important Information: This material has been delivered to you by Magellan Asset Management Limited ABN 31 120 593 946 AFS Licence No. 304 301 trading as Magellan Investment Partners ('Magellan Investment Partners') and has been prepared for general information purposes only and must not be construed as investment advice or as an investment recommendation.  This material does not take into account your investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs. This material does not constitute an offer or inducement to engage in an investment activity nor does it form part of any offer documentation, offer or invitation to purchase, sell or subscribe for interests in any type of investment product or service. You should obtain and consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement ('PDS') and Target Market Determination ('TMD') and consider obtaining professional investment advice tailored to your specific circumstances before making a decision about whether to acquire, or continue to hold, the relevant financial product. A copy of the relevant PDS and TMD relating to a Magellan Investment Partners financial product may be obtained by calling +61 2 9235 4888 or by visiting www.magellaninvestmentpartners.com

Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results and no person guarantees the future performance of any financial product or service, the amount or timing of any return from it, that asset allocations will be met, that it will be able to implement its investment strategy or that its investment objectives will be achieved. This material may contain 'forward-looking statements'. Actual events or results or the actual performance of a Magellan Investment Partners financial product or service may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such forward-looking statements.

This material may include data, research and other information from third party sources. No guarantee is made that such information is accurate, complete or timely and no warranty is given regarding results obtained from its use. This information is subject to change at any time and no person has any responsibility to update any of the information provided in this material.  Statements contained in this material that are not historical facts are based on current expectations, estimates, projections, opinions and beliefs of Magellan Investment Partners or the third party responsible for making those statements (as relevant). Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, and undue reliance should not be placed thereon. No representation or warranty is made with respect to the accuracy or completeness of any of the information contained in this material. Magellan Investment Partners will not be responsible or liable for any losses arising from your use or reliance upon any part of the information contained in this material.

Any third-party trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners and Magellan Investment Partners claims no ownership in, nor any affiliation with, such trademarks.   Any third-party trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners, are used for information purposes and only to identify the company names or brands of their respective owners, and no affiliation, sponsorship or endorsement should be inferred from such use. This material and the information contained within it may not be reproduced, or disclosed, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of Magellan Investment Partners. (080825-#W17)

Expert Analysis of the RBA's December 9 Rate Decision

FundMonitors.com

December 2025

Chris Gosselin, CEO of FundMonitors.com, speaks with Nicholas Chaplin, Director and Portfolio Manager at Seed Funds Management, and Renny Ellis, Director & Head of Portfolio Management at Arculus Funds Management.

In this discussion, they share their perspectives on the RBA's recent rate decisions, whether cuts came too early, and how inflation dynamics, subsidies, and employment data are shaping economic expectations. They also explore the likelihood of future rate movements and what investors should watch heading into 2026.

Chris Gosselin speaks with Alan Pullen from Magellan Investment Partners about the philosophy behind the Magellan Global Opportunities Fund. Alan explains how the team focuses on high-quality global businesses, disciplined valuation, and long-term investing-especially important amid today's AI-driven market volatility.

Funds operated by this manager:

Magellan Global Fund (Open Class Units) ASX:MGOC , Magellan Infrastructure Fund , Magellan Global Opportunities Fund No.2 , Magellan Infrastructure Fund (Unhedged) , Magellan Global Fund (Hedged) , Magellan Core Infrastructure Fund , Magellan Global Opportunities Fund Active ETF (ASX:OPPT)