Zach Bristow

1 day ago | fool.com.au | Zach Bristow

Swings in the oil price, which are usually fuelled by geopolitical tensions, typically vibrate throughout global markets. The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is no exception, especially given its heavy weighting to mining and energy shares. Oil, or "black gold" as it is often called, is an essential component to just about everything, from energy to plastics to the food we eat every day. But how does this impact investors, and what should you expect going forward with the latest price swings?

1 day ago | fool.com.au | Zach Bristow

If you're watching the ASX tech stocks space, you'll know the sector is buzzing with innovation and growth potential. But it also facing some unique challenges. Tech is a fast changing sector, that's for sure. Yesterday's trend is today's dinosaur age over in the tech world. But there's some emerging themes that need critical discussion, including, but certainly not limited too, artificial intelligence (AI), and the impact it has on ASX tech stocks. Here's what you need to know right now.

3 days ago | fool.com.au | Zach Bristow

In today's uncertain market, many Australian investors face a tricky question: should you hold more cash in your portfolio? What you'd think is a fairly simple question would have a simple answer. But like all things investing and markets: it depends. And while it is technically easy to sit on cash or hold it in the bank, no one has ever got wealthy by simply saving their hard earned pennies under the bed, as they say.

3 days ago | fool.com.au | Zach Bristow

Accounting giant KPMG has its finger on the pulse all things finance and the economy, so when it releases a report on interest rates, it's good to take note. The firm expects the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to cut its policy rate up to three times in 2025, driven by geopolitical tensions, potential oil price spikes, and their flow-on impact on the Australian economy. What does this mean for Aussie stocks, measured by the S&P/ASX 200 index (ASX: XJO)? Let's dive in and see.

4 days ago | fool.com.au | Zach Bristow

It's no secret that 2025 has been a year of ups and downs in business confidence, earmarked by volatility in markets, driven by broader geopolitical uncertainty. And uncertainty seems to be the dominant theme of the year so far. This has its own impacts here locally, measured by the sentiment of both consumers and business alike. And whilst business confidence nudged up slightly last month, according to the Roy Morgan survey, it remains well below historical levels.