This week on Relative Return, Lonsec Deputy Head of Research Darrell Clark breaks down the fund manager's research framework and assessment processes, explaining how this translates into determining the winners for Money Management's upcoming Fund Manager of the Year Awards.

Darrell delves into the highly competitive nature of the funds management sector and how recognition through industry awards plays into Lonsec's benchmarking system, as well as how it can impact relationships with financial advisers.

In this episode of Relative Return Insider, host Olivia Grace-Curran speaks with AMP Chief Economist Shane Oliver to unpack the latest developments in global and Australian markets. They discuss the Reserve Bank of Australia's latest minutes and what they signal for interest rates, the surprise jump in unemployment to 4.5%, and what it means for the RBA's next move.

The conversation also explores key inflation trends, consumer spending resilience, and the outlook for household activity heading into the next policy meeting. Beyond Australia, Shane examines rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and their impact on oil markets, including the Strait of Hormuz and shifting supply dynamics.

This week on Relative Return, AMP Chief Economist Shane Oliver breaks down one of the most controversial federal budgets in years - from sweeping changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax, to what it all means for inflation, interest rates, housing, and business confidence.

Shane says the budget is effectively adding more stimulus into an economy already struggling with inflation pressures, warning it could make the Reserve Bank's job harder and increase the likelihood of another rate hike later this year.

The conversation dives deep into the winners and losers of the budget, with first-home buyers, shares, super and commercial property tipped as relative beneficiaries, while property investors, startups and growth businesses could face new challenges.