Iran, Oil, and Your Money: Why Everything Is More Expensive And Your Investments Are Tanking - WEBINAR REPLAY
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This special live edition of the Making Sense podcast dives into the global economic shock triggered by escalating conflict in Iran and the Middle East, particularly the closure of the Strait of Hormuz—a critical oil transit route. The panel, featuring economist Brad Olson, money editor Damien Venuto, and KiwiSaver expert Dean Anderson, explains how this disruption is causing a spike in global oil prices, which is rapidly flowing through to New Zealand via higher fuel, food, and transport costs. The ripple effects are already visible in rising petrol prices, reduced airfares, and increased mortgage rates, with fears of stagflation looming. Despite the volatility, the hosts emphasize that markets are not yet in crisis, and long-term investors should avoid emotional reactions. They stress the importance of sticking to disciplined financial habits—like dollar-cost averaging, maintaining emergency funds, and automating KiwiSaver contributions—while focusing on what’s within personal control. Practical tips include using price-comparison tools like Grocer and Extraordinary for public transport savings, and avoiding speculative investments during uncertainty. The episode ends on a hopeful note, urging listeners to stay informed, stay calm, and take small, actionable steps to regain financial confidence.
Oil price shocks from Middle East conflict are driving up petrol, food, and mortgage costs globally, with New Zealand feeling the impact through supply chains.
Stagflation—stagnant growth with high inflation—is a real risk if businesses pass on rising costs and consumer confidence collapses.
Don't panic-sell investments; stick to long-term plans like dollar-cost averaging and avoid emotional decisions based on headlines or social media.
Use practical tools like Grocer for grocery savings and Extraordinary to reduce transport costs via gross-salary public transport payments.
Focus on controllables: budgeting, emergency funds, mortgage strategy, and financial education—these build resilience during uncertainty.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Global Oil Shock: How Iran's Conflict Hits Your Wallet
“It's the worst sort of economic oil shock that we've seen since the 1970s. In fact, the International Energy Agency says it's even worse than that.”
The Domino Effect: From Fuel to Food to Mortgages
“If you have a long commute, there's absolutely nothing you can do about it. If you have to get to work, you're just going to have to suck this up.”
Stagflation: The Economy’s Worst Nightmare
“It's almost like a doom loop, where businesses go, okay, everything's a whole lot more expensive, people aren't buying my stuff, therefore I don't need to hire.”
Investor Survival Guide: What to Do When Markets Crash
Dean Anderson advises investors not to panic. Avoid selling during downturns or chasing speculative assets. Instead, maintain long-term strategies like dollar-cost averaging and diversified funds. He warns against single-asset property syndicates and meme stocks, which carry hidden risks. The key is emotional discipline and sticking to a well-thought-out plan.
Cost of Living: Smart Shopping and Budgeting in Crisis
Damien Venuto shares practical tips for managing household budgets: use Grocer for price comparisons, adjust meal plans to cheaper proteins like chicken instead of mince, and stock up on staples. He highlights that inflation affects imported and packaged goods more over time, while perishables are hit first. The panel stresses that small, consistent changes add up.
“Don't let emotions dictate your decision making here. 90% of your investment outcome in 10, 20, 30 years from now is going to be dictated by you keeping control of your own emotions.”
“You've got to remember the COVID bounce back was fuelled by unprecedented amount of new money flowing into the system... That does not exist.”
“It's the worst sort of economic oil shock that we've seen since the 1970s. In fact, the International Energy Agency says it's even worse than that.”
Host
Guests
New Zealand
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Dean Anderson
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Brad Olson
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Damien Venuto
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Iran
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KiwiSaver
other
Strait of Hormuz
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Reserve Bank
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Francis
person
Kernel
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