Tom Wilson appears on Ausbiz
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Sydney (23 April 2025): Amid global market turbulence and renewed trade tensions, Tom Wilson, investment specialist at InvestSMART, joined Ausbiz to unpack what the latest investor sentiment data is really telling us.
Drawing on results from InvestSMART's national investor survey, Tom shared that despite widespread concern over Donald Trump's tariff policies, many Australian investors are holding steady — with nearly half maintaining their existing investment strategies.
"There's a strong sense of long-term thinking," Tom said. "Even in the face of volatility, experienced investors aren't rushing to sell. They're revisiting their goals and staying focused on the bigger picture."
Seeing opportunity in volatility
One of the standout findings Tom highlighted was that 21% of investors have increased their holdings during recent market dips — a trend he says echoes behaviour seen during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Some investors are treating this as a buying opportunity," he explained. "They're leaning into the volatility rather than retreating from it."
That said, around 7% of investors have sold assets to reduce risk, and 6% have moved toward more conservative positions, such as cash or bonds. For investors approaching retirement, Tom advised a strategic review to ensure portfolio settings still align with personal goals and timeframes.
On Australia's response to US tariffs
When asked about Australia's potential response to US trade policies, Tom noted that the majority of investors appear to favour a measured approach.
"Three in four investors surveyed believe Australia should avoid retaliatory tariffs," he said. "They're aware of the risks of politicising trade and are more focused on economic stability than grandstanding."
Final thoughts
Tom wrapped up the segment by reinforcing the importance of avoiding fear-based decisions.
"Volatility is part of investing. What matters is staying informed, reviewing your plan, and focusing on what you can control."
Watch the full interview on Ausbiz here: https://ausbiz.com.au/media/can-the-kangaroo-hop-over-the-eagle-?videoId=41399
Read the full media release here: https://www.investsmart.com.au/media-releases/media-release-9-in-10-aussie-investors-concerned-about-trumps-trade-policies-bu/154459
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
According to Tom Wilson from InvestSMART, many Australian investors are maintaining their existing strategies despite market volatility and trade tensions. Nearly half are holding steady, showing a strong sense of long-term thinking.
Tom Wilson highlighted that 21% of investors are increasing their holdings during recent market dips, viewing it as a buying opportunity similar to behaviors seen during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Yes, around 7% of investors have sold assets to reduce risk, while 6% have shifted towards more conservative positions like cash or bonds, especially those approaching retirement.
The majority of investors, about three in four, believe Australia should avoid retaliatory tariffs. They prefer a measured approach focused on economic stability rather than politicizing trade.
Tom Wilson advises investors to avoid fear-based decisions, stay informed, review their plans, and focus on what they can control, as volatility is a natural part of investing.
The current sentiment, where 21% of investors are increasing their holdings during market dips, echoes the behavior seen during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic, where investors also saw volatility as a buying opportunity.
Investors approaching retirement should conduct a strategic review to ensure their portfolio settings align with their personal goals and timeframes, especially during periods of market volatility.
You can watch Tom Wilson's full interview on investor sentiment on Ausbiz by following this link: https://ausbiz.com.au/media/can-the-kangaroo-hop-over-the-eagle-?videoId=41399.
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