Welcome to the Autumn edition of the Pinnacle Brief – our first newsletter for 2026.
A familiar start to 2026
As I sat down to write this opening message, I couldn’t help thinking back to where we were this time last year. Surprisingly — or perhaps unsurprisingly — not much has changed. It’s starting to feel a bit like déjà vu, just with upgraded headlines. Last March, markets were busy reacting to Donald Trump’s tariff war commentary and ongoing cost-of-living pressures. This March, markets are still busy reacting to Donald Trump — only now the focus is the US/Israel conflict with Iran, which has pushed oil prices sharply higher. It seems that financial markets simply don’t believe in quiet years.
Global pressures continue to build
Inflation remains front and centre and interest rate movements continue to shape the economic landscape. With fuel prices elevated and supply chains tight, households are starting to feel the strain. We can only hope Mr. Trump’s proposed peace deal with Iran materialises soon — not just for global stability, but so petrol stations can finally take a break from updating their prices every 12 minutes.
What this means for investors
These ongoing pressures are a reminder that many global forces are outside our control. What is within our control is how we structure portfolios, manage risk, and stay focused on long-term outcomes rather than short-term headlines.
The RBA’s latest move
At the most recent RBA meeting, the cash rate was lifted to 4.10%. While inflation has fallen significantly from its 2022 peak, it crept up again through the second half of 2025. Data since February suggests some of this rise reflects growing capacity pressures. The Middle East conflict has only amplified things by pushing fuel costs sharply higher — and if these prices persist, inflation could stay elevated for longer than expected. In short: the RBA is watching closely… and so are we.
Staying steady through market noise
We understand that no one enjoys watching their wealth fluctuate — it’s hardly anyone’s idea of entertainment. But temporary setbacks are a normal, expected part of investing. That’s why we continue to emphasise the importance of staying disciplined and committed to the long-term strategy we’ve put in place.
During volatile periods, diversification quietly does a lot of the heavy lifting, working in the background like the unsung hero of your portfolio.
Preparing for 30 June
As we head into the second quarter, our attention shifts toward 30 June tax strategies. This is the ideal moment to review your super contributions and consider any tax-effective opportunities available to you.
Some strategies require planning and lead time, so if your circumstances have changed — or are about to — now is the perfect time to get started before June arrives (as it always does) faster than expected. A little planning between now and June can go a long way.
Practical opportunities to consider are:
- reviewing your concessional super contributions
- assessing eligibility for catch-up contributions
- exploring spouse contributions or contribution splitting
- reviewing capital gains or losses ahead of EOFY, and
- checking minimum pension payment requirements
Walking the journey with you
We’re grateful for your ongoing trust and always here whenever you need support or guidance. Whether you have a question, want to review your plans, or simply want to chat things through, we’re always happy to help. We look forward to continuing the journey with you through the rest of 2026.
Chris Launer – Principal