Enjoy this email? We’d love you to forward it to someone else who may enjoy it.

Forwarded this email? You can sign up here. 

Here’s what you need to know today

• “Liberation Day” is here. US President Donald Trump nominated 2 April as the day he would implement his next round of tariffs, that are intended to correct so-called trade imbalances. Australian policies are getting caught up in this debate including the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, the Media Bargaining Code and our biosecurity measures. (News.com.au)
  
  

• The RBA held the cash rate steady at 4.1%. This was largely expected with Australia’s Central Bank taking a ‘wait-and-see’ approach to the impact of Trump’s tariffs on the Australian economy. (AFR)
  
  

• The Federal Opposition has announced it would loosen the serviceability buffer for home loans from 3% to 2.5%. Currently, banks must consider if a mortgage applicant could service a loan if rates rise 3%, under a Dutton government, it would be 2.5% - either helping home buyers or adding more fuel to house prices (depending on who you ask). (AFR)
  
  

• Australia’s navy is tracking a high-tech Chinese research ship off the coast of southern Australia, but outside of Australia’s territorial waters. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he “would prefer that it wasn’t there” but that China hadn’t broken international law. (ABC)
  
  

• The board of Australia’s second-largest property listing portal, Domain, has backed a $2.8 billion offer from US listing giant CoStar Group. The parties will now enter 4 weeks of due diligence before a sale is finalised. (SMH)
  
  

• Financial regulator AUSTRAC has released a 640-page report on Entain, the London-listed betting giant behind Ladbrokes and Neds, detailing allegations that it repeatedly breached anti-money laundering laws. Entain is one of Australia’s largest online bookmakers with 17% market share and almost 2 million customers. (AFR)
  
  

• American far-right cable news channel Newsmax launched on the stock market yesterday, with shares up more than 700% from its IPO price. The company raised $75 million at $10 per share and by its first day of trading closed at $83.51. (CNBC)
  
  

• President Trump’s sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, are launching a Bitcoin mining venture. The company, named American Bitcoin Corp, will partner with large companies on industrial-scale Bitcoin mining and the development of a strategic Bitcoin reserve. (Axios)
  
  

• Marine Le Pen, leader of France’s far-right National Rally, was found guilty of misusing European Parliament funds and sentenced to four years detention, two of them suspended and two under house arrest. This will block Le Pen’s presidential bid in the 2027 French elections, although she has said she will appeal the decision. (ABC)

What the…?

Here’s an unlikely pairing: tennis champion Novak Djokovic and billionaire investor Bill Ackman are teaming up to sue the top governing bodies of professional tennis.

Their lawsuit argues that the ATP Tour, the WTA Tour and International Tennis Federation have breached antitrust laws by colluding to control tennis players’ wages and conditions. One example they cite, Oracle cofounder was blocked by the ATP and WTA from increasing the prize money at his BNP Paribas Open tournament. These lawsuits aren’t without precedent, with professional football and baseball players successfully winning similar cases in US courts. (AFR)

Investing is a lifelong journey

Here’s what you can learn today.

Most tax-effective way to invest (outside of Super)

Community Question: What are the most tax-efficient ways to invest outside of superannuation for middle-income earners?

We put this question to Alex Luck, financial adviser and Director of Everest Wealth

For middle-income earners in Australia looking to invest outside of superannuation, tax efficiency is key to maximising returns. Here are some of the most tax-efficient investment strategies:

1. Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) and Index Funds

• Low-turnover ETFs (e.g., S&P500 index funds) can be tax-efficient because they generate fewer capital gains distributions.

• ETFs tracking Australian shares may also provide franking credits, reducing taxable income.

2. Investment or Education Bonds (Tax-Paid Bonds)

• Tax-effective for investors on higher tax brackets since earnings within the bond are taxed at 30%, potentially lower than your marginal tax rate.

• If held for 10 years, withdrawals are tax-free, making them a long-term wealth-building option.

3. Property Investment (Negative Gearing and Depreciation Benefits)

• Negative gearing allows interest and expenses on an investment property to be deducted against taxable income.

• Depreciation on buildings and assets (e.g., appliances) can provide additional tax deductions.

4. Discretionary (Family) Trusts or invest in lower income earners name

• If investing as a family, a discretionary trust can distribute income among lower-income family members, reducing overall tax liability.

Interested in speaking to Alex or another of our hand-picked financial advisers? Fill out the form on our website and we’ll put you in touch.

Today’s sponsor is Bamboo

Is timing the market stressing you out? 

There’s a smarter way to invest—Dollar Cost Averaging (DCA) with Bamboo. Instead of guessing the best moment to buy, the app rounds up your everyday purchases, automates savings and helps you invest consistently over time, reducing risk and smoothing out market volatility.

With Bamboo, it’s effortless:
✅ Round-ups – Invest spare change from everyday purchases
✅ Recurring top-ups – Set automatic weekly or monthly deposits
✅ Instant investments – Add funds anytime with a tap

Whether the market is up or down, you’re always in the game. Start investing today and let small, steady investments in Bitcoin, Ethereum, Gold or Silver build towards big financial goals! 🚀

Want more Equity Mates?