2026 is officially underway, and the financial landscape is already moving fast. In this episode, Alex breaks down what’s happened in the markets since the start of the year, from rising inflation and the likelihood of an RBA rate hike to global volatility driven by geopolitics, tariffs, and shifting currencies. With equities swinging, crypto pulling back, and commodities surging, this episode explains what these changes mean for your portfolio and why the second half of the financial year is critical for reviewing strategy, setting priorities, and preparing for tax planning. You’ll learn why consistency matters more than perfect timing, how to assess your goals at the financial “halftime,” and what steps to take now to stay on track through market volatility and into the months ahead.