NAB Morning Call

Friday 18th September 2026Please note this communication is not a research report and has not been prepared by NAB Research analysts. Read the full disclaimer here.With the US midterm elections looming and the threat of Republican losses hanging over Capitol Hill, how much should investors actually care about a potential shift in congressional power? This weekend on the NAB Morning Call, Phil speaks with Michael Townsend, Managing Director of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs at Charles Schwab and host of the Washington Wise podcast, to break down the realistic market fallout of an impending balance-of-power shakeup. Michael explains why history points to Democrats likely flipping the House while the Senate hangs on a knife-edge, but cautions against overestimating the political noise: historically, Wall Street doesn't care who wins—it simply rallies once the uncertainty is over and gridlock prevents policy overreach. With stubborn inflation, Middle East supply shocks keeping gas prices high, Fed rate hikes, and corporate debt from the AI boom dominating the landscape, does the battle for Capitol Hill even matter to the bottom line, or has the market already learned to shrug off Washington's daily drama?

Friday 18th September 2026NAB Markets Research Disclaimer Financial Services Guide | Information on our services - NABMarkets have shrugged off their early response to the hawkish press conference from Kevin Warsh yesterday. NAB’s Ken Crompton says the unwound started soon after the initial response, with bond yields falling and shares recovering. Both have been helped by a further reduction in oil prices, on hopes of resumed Saudi supply through their east-west pipeline. Ken and Phil also talk about the Bank of England yesterday and the assumption that the Bank of Japan will lift rates today. But what if they don’t?

Thursday 17th September 2026NAB Markets Research Disclaimer Financial Services Guide | Information on our services - NABA unanimous decision from the Fed to lift rates and, a s NAB’s Ray Attrilll explains, at least  one more rate hike seems likely this year. The market response was fairly muted initially after the short statement talked about how the resilience in the economy was adding to the supply-side inflation worries, but it was Kevin Warsh’s press conference that drew the biggest response. So what did he say? Meanwhile the Bank of England is expected to keep interest rates on hold despite rising inflation numbers yesterday. How long can they hod that stance? It’s a similar question for the RBNZ, particularly if there is clear growth in today’s GDP numbers. 

Wednesday16th September 2026NAB Markets Research Disclaimer Financial Services Guide | Information on our services - NABBond yields are still at multi-year highs, driven by inflation concerns, in turn driven by oil prices, which are still rising, alongside expectations for rate hikes from central banks. NAB’s Skye Masters says markets have almost fully priced in a rate hike from the Fed tomorrow morning (our time) but there will be interest in the dots plot (whilst it’s still a thing) to determine future moves. Phil and Skye also look at the rise in Japanese Government Bonds Yields. As Phil points out, the last time they were this high nobody had heard of the Spice Girls.

Tuesday 15th September 2026NAB Markets Research Disclaimer Financial Services Guide | Information on our services - NABRising bond yields, rising oil prices, bond yields higher. Today is a repetition of yesterday as the same pressures drive markets - the Middle East, AI growth concerns, inflation fears and central bank expectations. NAB’s Sally Auld joins Phil to discuss market reactions and where she thinks expectations might be a little over-egged. Why, for example, asks Phil, is the market expecting hikes from the Bank of Canada this week when yesterday’s data shows inflation seems to be more under control there than in most places? Today’s UK jobs data precedes a Bank of England rate announcement on Thursday.

Monday 14th September 2026NAB Markets Research Disclaimer Financial Services Guide | Information on our services - NABIt’s curious that the CEO of a major AI platform argues that AI development should be slowed down in case it causes serious problems, when that same company has its sights set on a share market listing. NAB’s Rodrigo Catril makes that point on today’s podcast with Phil, as they also examine the impact of Friday’s higher than expected inflation read from the US. And the rising uncertainty for middle east oil supplies. And should we take Canada seriously when they talk about becoming an associate member of the EU or is it just talk to upset the US? Phil suggests if they really want to upset the US they should join the Euro!

Friday 11th September 2026Please note this communication is not a research report and has not been prepared by NAB Research analysts. Read the full disclaimer here.As global capital expenditure on artificial intelligence climbs toward $1.8 trillion, Australia finds itself at a pivotal crossroads between world-class research and commercial execution. On this weekend’s NAB Morning Call, Phil Dobbie sits down with former CSIRO Chief Executive Dr. Larry Marshall to examine whether the nation is poised to pioneer high-value AI solutions or remain a passive consumer of overseas technology. While Australia boasts an impressive legacy of scientific breakthroughs—from Wi-Fi to solar cell designs—Dr. Marshall warns that a historical failure to commercialise ideas leaves local jobs and industries exposed as AI replaces entry-level roles. However, by deploying a clear "market vision" and leveraging domestic strengths in areas like photonics to slash data centre energy demands, Australia can capture genuine economic value, create augmented "superpower" jobs, and secure its strategic footing in the global AI landscape.

Friday 11th September 2026NAB Markets Research Disclaimer Financial Services Guide | Information on our services - NABAt a press conference overnight ECB’s Christine Lagarde said it was a ‘no brainer’ to lift rates, given the inflation pressures and a resilient economy. More is expected according to NAB’s Skye Masters, who joins Phil on this morning’s podcast. They discuss the two big moves overnight - oil prices, now well beyond $100 a barrel - and the continued rise in bond yields, with 10 year treasuries rising by 11 basis points and 30 years hitting the highest level since 2007. With no obvious driver in the day’s news flow Skye wonders whether a chunk of the moves can be put down to positioning. There will be a lot of focus on today’s moves, particularly ahead of US CPI, out tonight.

Thursday 10th September 2026NAB Markets Research Disclaimer Financial Services Guide | Information on our services - NABOil prices rose further overnight as Iran fired at US navy vessels, forcing counter attacks from both sides. One Iranian official described it as an existential fight for survival for which there is no backing down. Bond yields rose sharply in the US and Europe overnight, despite Scott Bessen t’s announcement of a $6 billion buyback in 10–20-year bonds. NAB’s Sally Auld says yields rose because the size of the buyback was less than expected, whilst the same factors remain to push yields higher, including the level of debt and the competition from bond issuance from AI companies who continue to up their spending. Tonight the ECB is expected to lift rates, as markets prepare for US CPI tomorrow, with PPI data out tonight.