Here’s what you need to know today

• As earnings season wraps up in America, attention turns to earnings season back here in Australia (or reporting season as it is known locally). JB Hi-Fi was one of the first companies to report on Monday, seeing shares rise 8% despite announcing lower revenue and profit. Meanwhile CSL announced 25% profit growth and forecast double-digit profit growth for the next 5 years, and still saw shares fall 4%. A reminder that earnings season is all about expectations and whether companies can meet them.
  
  

• The biggest news of Day 2 of reporting season had to be Temple & Webster. The online furniture retailer reported profit more than 20% above what analysts were expecting. As a result, the company’s share price was up 23% in a day. Again, it is all about beating expectations in reporting season.
  
  

• The music industry and social media platforms appear to be settling their differences. First, Universal Music Group - the world’s largest music company - settled their dispute over royalties with TikTok and restored their music to the platform. Now, Universal has signed a deal with Meta allowing its music to be used across its social platforms.
  
  

• Here’s a fight we were not expecting. Former Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating and former US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi clashed over Taiwan. It started when Keating called Taiwan “Chinese real estate”. Pelosi responded calling it “ridiculous” and “a stupid statement to make”. Keating hit back arguing Pelosi “shares not a jot of identity with Australian national interests.”
  
  

• In a major development in the war in Ukraine, Ukraine has breached Russia’s border in the north and reportedly holds 1,000 square kilometres of Russian territory. It is believed this is a tactic to draw Russian soldiers away from ongoing battles in eastern Ukraine.
  
  

• Meanwhile, in the Middle-East, both the US and Israel fear an Iranian attack could come this week in response to Israel’s alleged assassination of Hamas’ political leader Ismail Haniyeh. Haniyeh was assassinated while staying in Iran.
  
  

• Elon Musk interviewed Donald Trump on X (formerly Twitter). Musk endorsed Trump last month and has pledged $45 million a month to get him elected. In this interview, Musk pitched a role for himself cutting federal spending. In return, Trump - long a critic of electric vehicles - called Tesla’s cars “incredible”.

What the…?

The the hype builds for AI and money floods into the sector, it was only a matter of time before we saw some out-there startups emerge. US government regulators have shut down two AI-powered apps that claimed they could diagnose sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) from penis pictures. Privacy concerns aside, it turns out regulators weren’t convinced of the scientific merit of many of their claims.

Investing is a lifelong journey

Here’s what you can learn today.

Question: How do you guide clients in approaching conversations about money in their relationships?

We put this question to Glen Hare, financial adviser and cofounder Fox & Hare

In most relationships, it’s typical for one partner to be more financially engaged than the other. The goal is to ensure that both partners are aligned on their life objectives, as this forms the foundation of their financial strategy. When approaching conversations about money, it's crucial to focus on shared goals and how financial decisions will help achieve them.

One effective approach is to start with the big picture—what do both partners want to achieve? This could include buying a home, starting a family, travelling, or achieving financial independence. Once these goals are clear, it becomes easier to discuss the financial steps needed to reach them. This approach helps the less financially engaged partner see the "why" behind financial decisions, making them more relatable and essential.

Avoid diving straight into the numbers. Instead, frame the conversation around mutual aspirations. Discuss how each financial decision contributes to these aspirations. For example, explaining why it’s beneficial to save more aggressively now to afford a dream vacation later can make the conversation more engaging.

It’s also important to recognise that goals will change over time. As a couple’s life circumstances evolve, so should their financial strategy. Flexibility is key. Having regular check-ins to reassess goals and adjust financial plans ensures both partners remain on the same page. This continuous dialogue fosters a collaborative mindset towards financial management rather than a transactional one.

Want to speak to a financial adviser yourself or with your partner? Fill out the form on our website and we’ll connect you for a no-obligation initial chat with one of our hand-picked advisers

Today’s sponsor is Australian Property Scout

Join Sammy Gordon, Equity Mates’ regular property expert, as he is joined in the studio by investors Aaron and Jo who built a 9 property portfolio in less than 2 years.

This episode is packed with lessons and learnings from the pair as they dissect their wins and losses with Sammy until they have arrived at the position they are now. An inspiring episode showing what true commitment to a financial goal combined with serious action taking can produce.

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