The Rate Debate

Darren Langer
  • 4.9 (8)
  • INVESTING

What do you get when you throw a 36-year-fixed-income veteran into the room with a 26-year-old fixed-income millennial? The Rate Debate. Darren Langer and Jess Ren are seasoned fixed income specialists with a deep passion for bond markets and an opinion on just about everything. And while they may sit facing each other at work, they don’t always see eye-to-eye. Tune-in each month to hear their take on the RBA’s interest rate decision and other macro matters influencing markets.

  1. 11/12/2024

    Ep 53: It's time for a change

    After years of sharp analysis and spirited debates, Co-Head of Fixed Income Darren Langer and Investment Manager Jessica Ren sign off for the very last time in the final episode of The Rate Debate. From resilient labour markets and rising public spending to Fixed Income opportunities, Darren and Jess explore the key drivers that shaped 2024 and what lies ahead for 2025. They discuss inflation, central bank policies, and geopolitical tensions, highlighting potential shifts in corporate credit and global growth. A heartfelt thank you to all our loyal listeners over the past five years—your support made this journey possible. Don't miss the end of an era.

    18 min

  2. 06/11/2024

    Ep 52: Uncertain RBA overshadowed by US election

    In Episode 52 of The Rate Debate, Co-Head of Fixed Income Darren Langer and Investment Manager Jessica Ren dive into the US election’s potential outcomes, exploring its implications for bond markets, foreign policy, spending, and economic stability. The duo break down the gap between trimmed and headline inflation, shifting gold and oil prices, and discuss the geopolitical risks they expect will rise in the next 12-18 months.

    15 min

  3. 26/09/2024

    Ep 51: The rest of the world is changing, so why aren't we?

    The big question remains: will Australia follow the Fed’s lead or stick to its current path? In Episode 51 of The Rate Debate, Co-Head of Fixed Income Darren Langer and Investment Manager Jessica Ren unpack the Fed’s recent decision, explore the chances of rate cuts before Australia’s next federal election, and debate the importance and reliability of employment data for the RBA. They also take a closer look at inflation pressures, from petrol prices and energy rebates to rising service costs.

    11 min

  4. 07/08/2024

    Ep 50: Australia to be at the back end of a major regime change - but that's not a bad thing for investors

    This month, Co-Head of Fixed Income Darren Langer and Investment Manager Jessica Ren celebrate the 50th episode of The Rate Debate. With 50 insightful discussions on the RBA's decisions and their market impacts, from unexpected rate cuts to bold hikes, they've covered it all. To mark this milestone, they are joined by special guest Hans Lee from Livewire Markets. Together, they tackle the RBA's most recent monetary policy decision, unpack the recent chaos caused by the US jobs report and explore whether recession fears are throwing investors off course. But the big question remains: Is Australia on the tail end of a global macro regime change?

    18 min

  5. 19/06/2024

    Ep 49: A statement of ifs and buts

    Pundits of Australia's economy expect the central bank will maintain its default rhetoric of “vigilance against inflation risks”. However, given the number of “ifs and buts” in its most recent statement, the RBA seems to be less certain of the next move. In episode 49 of The Rate Debate, Co-Head of Fixed Income Darren Langer and Investment Manager Jessica Ren explore whether the RBA's gentler approach will continue to work, discuss the global interest rate-cutting party that is underway, debate if Australia should follow suit without considering its own circumstances, and what this means for fixed income investors.

    10 min

  6. 08/05/2024

    Ep 48: Central bank independence is still alive

    The RBA is, and continues to remain an independent central bank, committed to openness, transparency, and accountability. Despite this, perceptions in the Australian market continue to challenge the credibility of its independence.  In episode 48 of the Rate Debate, Darren is joined by Investment Manager Jessica Ren to discuss the latest rate decision, share their opinions on why monetary policy shouldn't be run in isolation but hand in hand with fiscal and regulatory policy and unpack why the fight against inflation will be a slow and bumpy ride.

    11 min

  7. 20/03/2024

    Ep 47: RBA loosens its grip: the end of a tightening era?

    The RBA has scrapped any hints of potential further hikes, sparking speculation on whether it will continue to be open on hiking, despite pivoting to a more neutral guidance. In episode 47 of The Rate Debate, co-head of Fixed Income Darren Langer and Investment Manager Jessica Ren unpack the RBA's "shift in language" from a tightening bias to a neutral rate outlook, share their thoughts on the rebound of consumer confidence and evaluate the likelihood of a policy shift by global central banks this year.

    11 min

  8. 07/02/2024

    Ep 46: New regime, same outcome

    The RBA may have started its new regime of two-day meetings and press conferences to improve transparency, yet the outcome remained the same as it was when it last met: no change to the cash rate. In the first episode of The Rate Debate for 2024, co-head of Fixed Income Darren Langer is joined by Investment Manager Jessica Ren to analyse the RBA’s new approach, unpick the labour market outlook, and discuss whether geopolitical tensions are likely to be the largest challenge facing central bankers in the year ahead. Find out more in episode 46 of The Rate Debate.

    9 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

What do you get when you throw a 36-year-fixed-income veteran into the room with a 26-year-old fixed-income millennial? The Rate Debate. Darren Langer and Jess Ren are seasoned fixed income specialists with a deep passion for bond markets and an opinion on just about everything. And while they may sit facing each other at work, they don’t always see eye-to-eye. Tune-in each month to hear their take on the RBA’s interest rate decision and other macro matters influencing markets.

Information

  • Creator
    Darren Langer
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2024
  • Episodes
    53
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Rate Debate
  • Show Website
    The Rate Debate