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Institutional investors across the globe are largely standing firm despite acknowledging the rising geopolitical risks impacting their portfolios.
Recent research by investment consultancy firm Bfinance, involving over 160 institutional investors worldwide, reveals that most entities have not adjusted their strategic investments amidst the current economic turbulence driven by trade conflicts.
The survey found that a significant 82% of respondents have noticed an increase in geopolitical risks since the start of the year. European investors particularly feel the pressure, with 85% responding to increased risks, compared to 80% in the Americas and other regions. Unstable political environments and shifting global alliances are major factors contributing to this sentiment.
Despite these challenges, 75% of the institutional contingent report their risk appetite remains unchanged, indicating resilience amid turbulent times. Bfinance highlighted that the view of increased risk is shared across all investor categories, from pension funds to sovereign wealth funds, suggesting a wide-reaching consensus on the issue.
In terms of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) considerations, nearly half of the investors report no change in strategy. However, opinions are shifting, with 24% viewing ESG as less appealing amidst growing policy resistance in the US. Around 50% are actively reassessing their approaches to ESG-related investments, focusing particularly on sustainability and climate-oriented strategies.
This divide on ESG priorities varies among investor types. Mission-linked investors like endowment funds are staying committed to ESG objectives, while those under more economic performance scrutiny are reconsidering their positions. Notably, institutional investors showed a split stance: 36% are staying the course, yet significant proportions are either downgrading (25%) or upgrading (17%) the appeal of ESG.
Ultimately, Bfinance's study shows a strategic recalibration phase for institutional investors, even as geopolitical uncertainties and policy shifts, especially in the US, prompt reassessments of certain tactics. Yet the dedication to long-term goals persists, with European investors leading in maintaining ESG principles whereas US investors navigate a shifting policy environment.
Australia's leading banks-Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), Westpac, National Australia Bank (NAB), and ANZ-are adjusting their mortgage strategies to reduce dependence on mortgage brokers. This move comes as profit margins are squeezed by lower interest rates, rising operational costs, and intensified market competition. - read more
On November 3, 2025, Westpac Banking Corporation announced an agreement to sell its RAMS mortgage portfolio, valued at A$21.4 billion, to a consortium comprising Pepper Money, investment firm KKR, and asset manager PIMCO. The sale is at a slight premium to the gross loan value of the portfolio to be transferred at completion. However, Westpac anticipates incurring a loss on the sale after accounting for transaction costs and other financial adjustments. - read more
Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), the nation's largest bank by market value, reported a slight increase in first-quarter cash profit, driven by strong growth in home loans and household deposits. The bank achieved an unaudited cash profit of approximately A$2.6 billion, a 1% rise from the previous two-quarter average and 2% higher than the same period last year. - read more
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In its November 2025 meeting, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) decided to keep the cash rate unchanged at 3.60%. This decision reflects the central bank's cautious approach in light of persistent inflationary pressures and a robust housing market. - read more
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A mortgage offset account is a financial product that allows homeowners to use their savings to reduce the interest charged on their mortgage. It is a transaction account linked to your mortgage, and the balance in this account is offset against your outstanding mortgage balance when calculating interest charges. - read more
Embarking on the journey to homeownership is a quintessential part of the American dream, one that conjures images of stability, accomplishment, and personal sanctuary. Yet, this dream comes with significant financial implications that can often feel daunting to aspiring homeowners. Navigating the landscape of real estate and mortgages requires an understanding of the economic commitment it entails. - read more
Embarking on the journey to buy your first home is both an exciting and significant milestone in Australia. However, the process is also complex, and the learning curve can be steep for first-time home buyers. Being thoroughly informed is key to navigating the housing market's intricacies and can help elude the common missteps that befall many novices. - read more
Welcome to the exciting and sometimes complex world of real estate in Australia! If you are on the cusp of purchasing your first home, you've probably heard about stamp duty. But what exactly is it? Stamp duty is a form of tax imposed by Australian states and territories on property transactions. This tax is usually a percentage of the property purchase price or market value and is a legal requirement for most property sales. - read more
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"Mastering Home Loans: Navigating the Australian Mortgage Market"