Australian Fund Managers Brace for Impacts of US Tariff Policy

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.

Published:Tuesday, 22nd Apr 2025
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Finance News

Understanding the Impact of RBA's Latest Rate Hike on Your Mortgage

07 May 2026: Paige Estritori

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has implemented its third consecutive 0.25 percentage point increase, elevating the cash rate to 4.35%. This decision is set to influence mortgage repayments across the nation, with major banks passing on the rate hike to their variable home loan customers. - read more

Westpac Faces Declining Mortgage Market Share in Competitive Landscape

07 May 2026: Paige Estritori

Recent data from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) indicates that Westpac has experienced a significant decline in its share of the Australian mortgage market. Since March 2019, the bank's market share has decreased by 3.2 percentage points, now standing at 20.7% of the nation's $2.46 trillion mortgage market. - read more

Anticipated Slowdown in New Mortgage Demand Following RBA Rate Increase

07 May 2026: Paige Estritori

The Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) recent rate hike is projected to further dampen the appetite for new home loans. Data from Equifax indicates a clear loss of momentum among prospective borrowers, with new mortgage demand slowing sharply from a 10.9% year-on-year rise in Q4 2025 to just 3.6% in Q1 2026. - read more

MitchCap Joins Forces with BIA and BIAV to Elevate Marine Industry Financial Acumen

06 May 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian marine industry is set to benefit from a significant boost in financial literacy and support, thanks to a new partnership between MitchCap, the Boating Industry Association (BIA), and the Boating Industry Association of Victoria (BIAV). This collaboration introduces the Industry Financial Skills and Awareness Program, designed to enhance the financial acumen of marine businesses nationwide. - read more

Club Marine Introduces Land-Based Insurance Coverage for Race Boats

06 May 2026: Paige Estritori

Club Marine, Australia's leading boat insurance provider underwritten by Allianz, has expanded its offerings to include specific coverage for race boats while they are on land. This development comes through a new partnership with the Australian Offshore Powerboat Club (AOPC), aiming to address the unique insurance needs of race boat owners during storage and transit. - read more

Click for more Finance News

Truck Loans Articles

Understanding Credit Scores and Their Impact on Your Commercial Vehicle Loan Terms

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

Understanding Your Options: A Guide to Commercial Vehicle Loans in Australia

If you're running a business in Australia, choosing the right commercial vehicle loan can be pivotal to your success. Whether you're a small business owner needing a delivery van or a large company expanding your fleet, understanding your financing options is crucial. - read more

Maximizing Your Fleet Potential: How Truck Financing Shapes Success

Trucks play a pivotal role in the Australian logistics and transport industry, serving as the lifeblood that keeps commerce flowing. The dependable rumble of engines crisscrossing the nation's highways is more than just a symbol of industry; it's a critical component of productivity and economic stability. Without these workhorses facilitating the timely movement of goods, the Australian market would face significant challenges meeting the demands of both businesses and consumers alike. - read more

How to maintain your truck to extend its lifespan in Australian conditions

Maintaining your truck is essential if you want to prolong its lifespan and save money down the road. Australian conditions can put a lot of strain on your vehicle, and neglecting its maintenance can lead to costly breakdowns and repairs. - read more

The Ins and Outs of Commercial Truck Loans: A Buyer's Guide in Australia

Commercial trucks serve as the lifeblood of the Australian economy, providing vital links between industries and markets across the vast landscapes. The importance of these heavy-duty vehicles cannot be overstated, as they are pivotal in ensuring the smooth operation of both urban and rural businesses alike. Engaging in the commercial truck market is a significant investment, and understanding the ins and outs of financing such a purchase is crucial for business success. - read more

Start Here

Get a free truck loan eligibility assessment and compare truck finance and leasing options without accessing your credit file!!

Knowledgebase

Revolving Credit:
A type of credit that does not have a fixed number of payments, in contrast to installment credit.