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 a significant development for Australia's shipbuilding industry, the Australian government has approved South Korean conglomerate Hanwha's proposal to increase its shareholding in Austal Limited from 9.9% to 19.9%. This decision comes with stringent conditions aimed at protecting national security interests. - read more
As Australia gears up for the summer season, Yamaha has solidified its position as the most-searched marine brand in the country. According to Retain Media's Q3 2025 Marine Market Brand Consideration Report, Yamaha holds an 8.4% share of search queries, maintaining its lead from the previous quarter. - read more
The South Australian government has committed $44 million in the 2025-26 State Budget to fund a new state-of-the-art coastal research vessel. This 37.7-metre vessel is designed to support a wide range of marine research activities, including fisheries, aquaculture, climate science, and oceanography. - read more
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has recently highlighted a critical issue affecting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs): the necessity of verifying a lender's membership status before securing business financing. This advisory comes in response to a significant number of complaints that AFCA is unable to address due to the lenders' non-membership status. - read more
In a recent policy proposal, the Coalition has advocated for easing lending regulations to facilitate small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in obtaining business loans without the necessity of using their homes as collateral. This initiative is part of a broader effort to support the SME sector by addressing one of the significant barriers to accessing finance. - read more
Expanding your truck fleet is a critical step in driving business growth. For many small businesses, increasing the number of commercial vehicles means accessing new markets, delivering goods more efficiently, and ultimately, boosting profitability. In the competitive Australian market, staying ahead requires not just maintaining but expanding your transport capabilities. - read more
Choosing the right commercial vehicle loan is a pivotal decision for any business aspiring to expand its transportation capabilities. For many, commercial vehicles are integral to daily operations, and securing the best financial arrangement to acquire these assets can significantly impact the bottom line. - read more
Stepping into the realm of commercial truck financing can be a highway riddled with complex terms and conditions. Understanding commercial truck loans is not only about getting the keys to a new vehicle; it's a crucial investment in your business's future. As a borrower, you need to navigate through the fine print to find a loan that fits like a glove. - read more
For many Australian businesses, purchasing a commercial vehicle is a significant investment that often requires financial assistance. Understanding the intricacies of truck financing is crucial, as the right loan can affect your company's bottom line and operational efficiency. With a plethora of lenders offering myriad loan products, choosing the most advantageous deal can be daunting. - 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
Balance Sheet: A financial statement that summarizes a company's assets, liabilities, and shareholders' equity at a specific point in time.