Affordability pressures, alongside rapid investment, are reshaping the US economic story in 2026 — and the impact is being felt far beyond headline growth.

In this episode of In The Know, Rebecca Hiscock-Croft, Investment Director for the Magellan Global Listed Infrastructure team, chats with Brett Loper, Executive Vice President for Policy at the Peter G. Peterson Foundation and Executive Director of the Peterson Solutions Fund, about what’s really driving the conversation on the ground — from the rising cost of housing and energy to the growing strain on household budgets.

They explore how surging demand from AI and data centres is adding new demands on power systems and infrastructure and why utilities and energy are becoming an increasingly important, if less visible part of the conversation.

With infrastructure and affordability now tightly linked, this discussion explores the forces set to define the next phase of the US economy.

How do you invest when markets feel driven by noise, narratives and sudden shocks?

In this episode, Emma Fisher, Deputy Head of Australian Equities at Airlie Funds Management and Joe Wright, Deputy Portfolio Manager, discuss how they navigate volatility by staying anchored to process, fundamentals and valuation.

They unpack the resurgence of “real assets”, the sharp sell-off in software and classifieds and why AI disruption fears may be creating opportunities in quality businesses. Emma and Joe also explore gold, commodities and portfolio positioning, discussing that while narratives can drive short-term moves, long-term returns are still shaped by earnings, balance sheets and disciplined stock selection.

What could derail markets or fuel the next rally - after 3 years of gains?

In this conversation, Portfolio Managers Alan Pullen and Casey McLean join Investment Director and Analyst, Elisa Di Marco to reflect on the volatile start to 2025 and the powerful AI-driven rally that followed, before looking ahead to what 2026 may bring. The trio discuss expectations for more modest returns and a rotation toward quality and AI execution.

They also highlight the sectors and companies they believe are best positioned to benefit as markets evolve. They explore potential upside surprises and key wildcards, from private credit risks to AI-led productivity gains. Above all, they emphasise the importance of investment discipline, fundamentals and long-term thinking in today’s volatile environment.