Election cycles are almost as predictable as a love song with its recurring themes – hope, disillusionment, change, and renewal. 

The upcoming Federal election has us reflecting on the evolving political landscape and the forces shaping voter sentiment, which are by the way the same attitudes that shape customer sentiment towards finance. We know this from our recent consumer research commissioned by Pyxis Polling – if you haven’t had a chance to view the on-demand webinar, I strongly encourage you to take a look at what is shaping attitudes.  

Like a well-worn love song, the Australian economy is playing a familiar tune—one of moderation, uncertainty, and a little bit of heartache. Inflation is cooling, but the labour market is showing signs of strain, and consumers are pulling back just as businesses start to hope for a return to stability. It’s not quite Total Eclipse of the Heart (Bonnie Tyler), but we are definitely in the middle of a shift, and it’s not yet clear whether the next verse will bring relief or more tension. 

February always has a You Can’t Hurry Love (Phil Collins) beat, when it really should be more like a post-holiday A Groovy Kind Of Love (Phil Collins) feeling—businesses are getting back up to speed, but regulators are already setting the tempo for the year ahead. While most people were easing into 2025, ASIC and the RBA were busy laying down their priorities, and these will be playing on repeat for the industry in the months to come.  

If 2024 was a song about resilience, transition, and economic uncertainty, then 2025 is shaping up to be the remix—same themes, new arrangements, and a few unexpected key changes. The year ahead is likely to be filled with twists, whether in politics, regulation, economic conditions, or industry priorities, and staying ahead of the beat will be critical.