October brought mixed signals for Australia’s economy — and a growing dilemma for the Reserve Bank.
The RBA held rates steady at its latest meeting, citing elevated inflation and a rising unemployment rate. With its dual mandate to support full employment and keep inflation near 2.5%, the central bank faces a tough choice: cut rates to support jobs, or hike to contain prices.
STOCKHEAD & THE AUSTRALIAN
As ESG stops being a buzzword and starts shaping real investment decisions, Zagga’s move to join the UN’s Principles for Responsible Investment shows how responsible capital is now being used to build, not just profit from, Australia’s future.
Real estate private credit can play defence in portfolios amidst heightened market volatility.
As real estate private credit dominates headlines, it is easy to believe it’s a new, speculative asset class that has just burst onto the scenes. In reality, it’s a globally proven, established asset class with decades of demonstrated success in building more defensive portfolios. In Australia, we are yet to fully realise the scale of this opportunity. By being proactive about risk management, exercising caution amidst uncertainty, and carefully balancing risk and returns, investors can take a risk-off approach to exploring an allocation to real estate private credit and help to unlock its full potential.
THE GOLDEN TIMES
With alternative investments having growing appeal, the need for self-funded retirees and their advisers to do their due diligence has never been more important – as a recent ASIC report highlighted.
The demise of the $40 billion hybrid market by 2032 will simply fuel the growing appeal of private credit – especially for self-funded retirees.
The unemployment rate spiked to a four year high of 4.5 per cent in September, up from 3.4 per cent at the low of the cycle and is now above the RBA’s forecast made in August for a peak of 4.3 per cent. The result rekindled expectations for further interest rate cuts, as soon as its next meeting on 4 November.
Recall that under the revised mandate of the RBA, maintaining full employment sits along side the inflation target as a fundamental objective of the Bank. The key data ahead of the next RBA meeting is the September quarter inflation data which is scheduled for 29 October.
SELFMANAGEDSUPER
The recent experience of a fund manager specialising in private credit suggests more SMSF trustees are looking to include this asset class in their fund portfolios.
“This year since 1 July, that is the start of the financial year, over 30 per cent of the new entities that have been registered for investment with our business have been SMSFs,” Zagga executive director Tom Cranfield told selfmanagedsuper.
FS SUSTAINABILITY
Specialist real estate private credit investment manager Zagga has signed onto the UN-backed Principles of Responsible Investing (PRI).
In doing so, Zagga joins a global network of responsible investing advocates, and formalises its commitment to integrating ESG principles into its investment decisions and operational practises.
INVESTOR DAILY
As a Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) signatory, Zagga has committed to integrate sustainability factors into all investment stages, from analysis to reporting.
Zagga first established its independent ESG advisory committee back in 2023, which is mandated to advise and oversee the integration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations into Zagga’s investment and operational strategies.
After several months of encouraging data, the latest figures have brought a dose of reality: Australia’s economic momentum has slowed. Household spending has softened, building approvals have slipped, and sentiment has weakened — prompting renewed speculation that the RBA may deliver another rate cut before the end of the year.
As the private credit asset class continues to expand, the role of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations has become central to how investment managers assess risk, manage portfolios, and deliver long-term value.
In a recent interview, Zagga Executive Director, Frank Hageali shared how the firm is integrating ESG into its credit risk process and what this means for investors, developers, and communities.
We would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands, seas, and communities in which we provide our services. We would also like to pay our respects to the Elders past, present and emerging, and the continuing cultural influence they have on Australia.
Zagga Market Pty Limited (Australian Credit Licence 490904) ACN 611 662 401 acts as the Servicer of loans acting on behalf of the credit provider, Zagga Investments Pty Limited (AFSL 492354) ACN 615 154 786, trustee of the Zagga Investments Lending Trust
All portfolio numbers quoted correct as at 31 December 2025.
*Average investor return across the active portfolio as at 31 December 2025.
**Target return is after expenses and any applicable management fees for the year ended 30 June 2026. OCR = Australian Reserve Bank Official Cash Rate.
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance, and should not be taken as an indication or guarantee of future results. Investments involve risk, fees and costs, and returns are not guaranteed. No representation or warranty is made regarding future performance, and economic conditions may change.
Prospective investors wishing to invest in a Zagga direct investment or a Zagga Fund should fully consider the Information Memorandum, ZFF Fact Sheet and/or ZWF Brochure, available from Zagga, before applying to invest. Investments are subject to risks.
Articles (including white papers and audio or video content) and FAQs on this website have been prepared by Zagga Investments Pty Limited (AFSL 492354) ACN 615 154 786 (Zagga) for general information only. They do not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs, and are not a substitute for accounting, tax or other professional advice. Nothing in these articles or FAQs is an offer or solicitation to buy or sell a financial product, nor a recommendation to enter into or refrain from any transaction.
Any analysis provided in the articles (including white papers and audio or video content) or FAQs on this website is based on information believed to be reliable, however Zagga does not represent or warrant that it is accurate, complete or up to date. Zagga is not obliged to update the information or opinions contained in any article it. Opinions are those of the author and may change without notice. Readers should exercise their own judgment when relying on information contained in the articles or FAQs. To the maximum extent permitted by law, no member of Zagga accepts liability for any loss arising from the use of such information.
Media coverage featured reflects the independent opinions of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of Zagga.
