Watch the Episode on Youtube. Click here.

As Bryce says in this week’s Mindset Minute…

“When you make big life decisions, don’t just listen to people closest to you; listen to those closest to your goals.”  

That’s why, in Ep 559, we’re sitting down with David Robertson, Chief Economist and Head of Economic & Markets Research at Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, to unpack the real forces shaping Australia’s economy and property market right now.

Having been with Bendigo Bank for over 23 years, David’s career spans senior Treasury roles at the State Bank of NSW, First Chicago, and Commonwealth Bank. Known for combining decades of economic expertise with a clear, engaging delivery, he has built a loyal audience through

 

TUNE IN TO HEAR:  

  • The #1 data points David Robertson checks every morning to stay on the pulse 📊
  • What China’s tariffs could mean for Aussie property investors 🇨🇳🏠
  • David’s take on the neutral cash rate – and why it matters for you 💰
  • How an AI economy could reshape productivity, jobs & property investment 🤖
  • Is commutable regional land the secret to fixing Australia’s housing undersupply? 🚉🏡
  • The red tape reforms needed to boost construction productivity 🏗️
  • The optimal population & immigration levels for a sustainable property market 🌏

Plus, we explore David’s money backstory, his professional journey, and the key indicators he watches to keep his finger on the pulse.

If you want a grounded, expert view on where the economy (and your property portfolio) might be headed, tune in now!

 

Resources Mentioned: 

  • It’s That Time of Year Again! Join us on the Couch as a 2026 Summer Series guest!
    Help us to inspire, educate and transform people’s lives by sharing your property investing journey on the couch. From success stories to silver bullet strategies, no story is too small or simple, we WANT to hear from you! 😊

  • The 2025 PIPA Investor Sentiment Survey is CLOSING SOON
    This is how you can financially protect yourself and have your voice heard by property investor policymakers 👉 Take the survey here!

 

Timestamps  

  • 00:00 – What Do US & China’s Tariffs Mean for Aussie Property Investors?
  • 01:59 – AFL finals approaching, Summer Series shoutout & PIPA 2025 Survey is closing soon!
  • 06:37 – Mindset Minute: “When you make big life decisions, don’t listen to people closest to you, listen to…”
  • 09:02 – Welcome David Robertson, Head of Economic & Markets Research at Bendigo and Adelaide Bank!
  • 11:06 – The #1 data points David looks at to stay on the pulse
  • 12:46 – The highest risk-free investment: US dollar, bonds or gold?
  • 17:18 – Money Story: 7pm politics, property & economics updates, racehorses and probability distribution
  • 21:24 – How did David’s upbringing impact his forecasting today?
  • 25:20 – Is human behaviour a macro or micro factor?
  • 26:33 – Professional Story: From foreign exchange dealer to Bendigo Bank
  • 30:13 – Demystifying the role of treasuries inside banks
  • 32:58 – Australian Economic Update: “If you had to sum up the economy in one sentence…”
  • 34:41 – What do US/China tariffs mean for Aussie property investors?
  • 38:46 – David’s thesis: Where is the neutral cash rate?
  • 40:55 – What does an AI economy look like for Australia? Productivity, 2027 tightening cycles & global macro factors
  • 44:43 – 9 out of 27M: Is commutable regional land the key to Australia’s undersupply?
  • 46:34 – David’s sweet spot for where to buy regionally
  • 48:50 – Red tape, construction reform & construction productivity
  • 53:41 – What is the optimal population & immigration level?
  • 55:48 – Headlines around the country: The 2 states in the fast lane
  • 58:07 – Message to Victorian property investors
  • 59:57 – His suggested solution: Increase GST (with offsets), remove stamp duty & low-productivity taxes
  • 1:03:19 – What tobacco, overconsumption and the wealthy have in common (tax design)

And…

  • 1:05:16 – Thank you for those unique insights, David!
  • 1:07:34 – Life By Design Hack: “Marry someone who claps for you in public and coaches you in private”
  • 1:09:52 – WMPN: Warning! Interstate Buyers Agency Market Risk