Reflections on the H&B conference 2025

From shifts in U.S. policy and Australia’s market position to the growing appeal of private equity and infrastructure investment, there were plenty of takeaways for investors looking to navigate the year ahead.

Conference discussion

Attending the H&B conference is always a valuable opportunity to gain insights into market trends, economic outlooks, and investment strategies. This year’s conference delivered key discussions that provided plenty of food for thought.


Day 1: Policy resets, economic outlooks, and market positioning


The first day opened with a discussion on America’s policy reset. Libby Cantrill from Pimco introduced the “5 D’s” of the current U.S. administration—deglobalisation, deportation, deficit-financed tax cuts, deregulation, and Department of Government Efficiency (a term yet to be clarified). While these policies may create short-term hurdles, they could be market-friendly in the long run.


Forecasts for the U.S. economy suggest 2% growth, 2.5% inflation, and two interest rate cuts in 2025. The discussion on tariffs and inflation highlighted potential benefits for energy, defence, and financial services, while healthcare and technology may face challenges.


Australia’s investment landscape was also in focus. Vivek Prabhu from Perpetual noted that fixed income markets now offer equity-like returns with more stability. Term deposits delivered a real return in 2024 for the first time in years.


Jonathan Tolub from InvestSense highlighted challenges in the ASX200, particularly limited earnings growth in banks and resource companies. However, Australia appears relatively cheap compared to global markets, with an expected return of 7–7.5% per annum.


Private credit markets were another key focus, with Frank Danieli (MA Financial Group) and Damon Shinnick (Western Asset Management) highlighting their potential for higher returns and lower volatility, albeit with illiquidity risks.


The day concluded with a discussion on infrastructure investment, particularly the growing role of AI and data centres.


Day 2: Private equity, asset allocation, and navigating uncertainty


Day two brought insights into private markets and asset allocation. Rainer Ender from Schroder Capital discussed private equity’s appeal, particularly in SMEs, which tend to have lower debt reliance and stronger pricing power. Private equity continues to outperform public markets by 4–5% per annum.


Lukasz de Pourbaix from Fidelity emphasised structured asset allocation using a scenario-based approach. Fidelity remains positive on mid-cap equities, neutral on duration, and sees opportunities in Australian government bonds and a strong USD.

 

Victor Mayer from Pantheon highlighted the growing role of private equity, infrastructure, and private credit, with returns ranging from 6–12% per annum in private credit and 10–25% per annum in private equity.


Damian Lillicrap (formerly of QSuper/ART) reinforced the importance of long-term asset allocation and dynamic risk management, noting that portfolio risk is easier to measure than returns and should be reviewed on a three-year horizon.


Chad Padowitz from Talaria warned about high U.S. market valuations and advocated for diversification beyond mega-cap stocks. He also highlighted AI’s potential to transform pharmaceuticals by accelerating drug development.


The conference wrapped up with Jason Petras from Resonant Asset Management, who discussed navigating global uncertainty through Australian bonds, long/short funds, and active global equity management.


5 Key takeaways for investors


  1. Macroeconomic shifts: With U.S. policy changes, interest rate cuts, and inflationary pressures, investors should remain adaptable.
  2. Australia’s market position: While the ASX200 faces earnings growth challenges, select sectors present opportunities.
  3. Private markets’ appeal: Private equity and private credit offer strong returns for investors willing to trade liquidity for performance.
  4. Diversification beyond the U.S.: High U.S. valuations make alternative geographies and sectors more appealing.
  5. Infrastructure’s evolution: AI and data centres are emerging as key long-term investments.


The insights from this year’s H&B conference reaffirm the importance of a well-diversified, long-term investment strategy.


At DP Wealth Advisory, we remain committed to guiding clients through these complexities to position them for the future.


If you’d like to discuss how these insights apply to your portfolio, reach out to our team—we’re here to help you make informed, strategic investment decisions.

May 30, 2025
As the dust settles following the 2025 federal election, investors and retirees across Australia are facing new legislative realities—particularly around superannuation tax thresholds and broader wealth management strategies. At DP Wealth, we understand that policy change can be unsettling. Headlines about “panic selling” and “super tax shocks” make it easy to lose sight of the long game. But rest assured, with expert guidance and a clear plan, there are effective ways to stay ahead—and stay in control. Division 296 and the $3 million super balance cap From 1 July 2025, individuals with super balances over $3 million may be subject to an additional 15% tax on earnings linked to the amount above that threshold, including unrealised gains. Who does this affect? Self-managed super fund (SMSF) trustees High net worth individuals nearing or exceeding the cap Those relying heavily on super for retirement and estate planning What should you be considering now? Does this change impact your retirement goals? Is your current structure still the most tax-effective for you? Would investing outside of super provide greater flexibility or advantages? Should you revise your contribution strategy before July 2025? Our team can walk you through different scenarios and work closely with your accountant and solicitor to ensure your plan remains efficient and aligned with your life goals. Tax Time 2025: Why Proactive Planning Is Your Best Asset Tax planning is never just about this year’s return. It’s about building strategies to: Preserve capital Optimise income distribution Minimise unnecessary tax liability Ensure intergenerational wealth transfer At DP Wealth, we’re committed to helping you stay on the front foot and ahead of the curve. We regularly review our clients’ portfolios to ensure they reflect both market conditions and legislative change. Key Strategies to Discuss with Your Financial Planner Here’s where personalised advice can deliver real value: Strategic Super Contributions - Make the most of concessional and non-concessional caps while they’re still available. Timing matters—especially leading up to July 2025. Diversified Investment Structures - We help clients explore options outside of super, including investment lending, tax-deferred income products, and ETF-based portfolios for cost-effective diversification Retirement and Estate Planning Alignment Changes to tax and super legislation should never be looked at in isolation. We assess their impact on: Your long-term income needs Binding death benefit nominations SMSF succession planning Collaborative Wealth Management We work alongside your accountant and solicitor to implement an integrated strategy that optimises capital gains and losses, leverages available concessions, and supports tax-efficient legacy. Stay Informed. Stay in Control. As we approach the 2025–2026 financial year, it’s critical to ensure your wealth strategy is future-ready. Now is the time to: Revisit your investment allocations Update your superannuation and contribution plans Start succession and estate planning discussions Speak to a professional before making reactive decisions Ready to talk tax and super strategy? Call our Toowoomba office today on (07) 4690 2588, or book a confidential consultation.
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