Australian Fund Managers Brace for Impacts of US Tariff Policy
Australian Fund Managers Brace for Impacts of US Tariff Policy
2
The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.
The imposition of US tariffs under former President Donald Trump's administration is predicted to challenge Australia's publicly listed fund managers, according to analysis by research and ratings firm Morningstar.
Shaun Ler, an equity analyst with Morningstar, suggests that these financial entities might experience a gradual decline in earnings over the medium term due to reduced cyclical benefits from interest rate cuts and increased market volatility.
Despite the anticipated challenges, the full ramifications of tariff uncertainties may not be completely realized until the fiscal year 2026. Ler notes that while these pressures will affect fund managers, the immediate fiscal year should see manageable impacts. The growing volatility and priced-in rate cuts are expected to dampen business momentum, with fee compression and investment in growth impeding earnings advancement.
A trend of market share loss is visible among the covered fund managers, with companies such as GQG, Perpetual, Magellan, and Platinum expected to see net outflows persisting over the coming five years. Yet, despite potential near-term earnings challenges from tariffs, Morningstar's fair value estimates for firms like Challenger, GQG, Insignia, Magellan, Perpetual, Pinnacle, and Platinum remain unchanged.
The analysis reflects that these forecasts account for weaker market returns and fund flows in the short term. Historical patterns from fiscal years 2020 to 2024 demonstrate a trend of investor pessimism giving way to increased risk appetite once uncertainties and volatility diminish.
Even within this challenging landscape, Morningstar identifies Perpetual and Insignia as good value at present prices. Perpetual is expected to gain from cost reductions, fund compounding, and stable corporate trust earnings, whereas Insignia might benefit from moderated fee compression, consistent fund flows, and eco-scalable cost adjustments.
In June 2025, Australian business lending experienced a notable increase, with loans to non-financial businesses reaching $1.14 trillion, marking a 9.2% year-on-year growth. This expansion significantly outpaced the 5.6% growth observed in housing loans, which totaled $2.34 trillion during the same period. The data, released by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), highlights a renewed appetite for corporate borrowing and investment. - read more
In July 2025, Australia's top 10 authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs) reported a combined business loan book of $925 billion. Notably, Japanese banking giants Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) emerged as significant contributors to this growth, outpacing traditional Australian lenders in percentage growth rates. - read more
In November 2025, the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) issued a cautionary statement to small businesses regarding the risks associated with engaging unregulated lenders. This warning comes in response to a notable increase in complaints that AFCA cannot address due to the lenders' non-membership status. - read more
The Australian caravan industry is experiencing a period of significant upheaval, with several manufacturers collapsing in recent years. The most recent and notable among these is the luxury caravan manufacturer Zone RV, which entered voluntary administration in December 2025, leaving creditors owed approximately $40 million. - read more
In the wake of luxury caravan manufacturer Zone RV's collapse, authorities have launched an investigation into fraud allegations against the company's director, David Biggar. The Sunshine Coast-based company entered voluntary administration in December 2025, owing creditors approximately $42 million. - read more
Buying a truck is a major investment, whether it's for personal use or business purposes. With the plethora of options available in the Australian market, it's important to consider various factors before making a purchase. Your specific needs, budget, lifestyle, and work requirements should be taken into account before making a decision to ensure the truck you buy fits your needs. - read more
In the journey to secure a commercial vehicle loan, preparation is key. Just as a vehicle needs to be in perfect condition to hit the road, your loan application requires meticulous attention to detail to ensure a green light from lenders. This article embarks on the essential journey of understanding the critical checkpoints before applying for a commercial vehicle loan. We navigate through the path of prerequisites that pave the way for a seamless approval process. - read more
Commercial vehicle loans in Australia are a vital component in the Continuum of the transportation and logistics industry. They provide businesses and individuals with the necessary funds to acquire trucks and other heavy vehicles critical for their operations. Understanding the nuances of these loans is imperative for anyone in the market for a commercial vehicle. - read more
Finding the right financing for a commercial vehicle in Australia can be a critical step for businesses and individuals alike. Whether it's for a single van or an entire fleet of trucks, understanding the intricacies of commercial vehicle loans is key to securing a deal that aligns with your financial goals. One factor that stands out in determining your loan terms is the credit score—a numerical representation of your creditworthiness. - read more
Small businesses that require regular transportation of goods may find it essential to purchase a truck. However, this acquisition can become a significant investment that requires careful consideration before making a decision. The two options available are buying or leasing a truck. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of each option to help you make an informed choice. - read more
Start Here
Get a free truck loan eligibility assessment and compare truck finance and leasing options
without accessing your credit file!!
Knowledgebase
Compound Interest: Interest calculated on the initial principal, which also includes all accumulated interest from previous periods.