Prime Value Asset Management was proud to welcome a full room of valued investors, advisers, and partners to the inaugural Economic Outlook & Private Wealth Summit 2026, held at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne. The event brought together leading economic voices and Prime Value’s senior investment experts for a morning of deep insight, forward-looking analysis, and meaningful investor engagement.
A Morning of Insight, Connection and Clarity
Hosted by Lorraine Mercuri, Asset Performance Manager, Hospitality Investments at Shakespeare Property Group, the summit was designed to step back from the noise and uncertainty of day-to-day markets and explore the major forces shaping Australia’s economic and investment landscape.
With 2026 on the horizon, investors are seeking clarity on inflation, policy, growth, and emerging structural shifts – and our event was anchored around equipping them with that clarity.
Keynote Discussion with Professor Ian Harper AO
The keynote session featured one of Australia’s most respected economists, Professor Ian Harper AO, Member of the Monetary Policy Board of the Reserve Bank of Australia, Chair of the Australian Statistics Advisory Council, and Emeritus Professor at the University of Melbourne.
In conversation with Andrew Russell, Prime Value’s Director of Investor Relations, Professor Harper delivered a powerful and timely examination of:
- The RBA’s approach to monetary policy in a resetting economic environment
- The importance of institutional stability and governance
- Australia’s relative position amid global uncertainty
- Structural economic changes shaping the next decade
Professor Harper’s insights resonated strongly with investors, offering a balanced and deeply informed view of the opportunities and risks ahead as Australia moves into 2026.
Expert Panel: Navigating the Future
Following the keynote, Andrew Russell moderated a panel discussion featuring:
- Yak Yong Quek, CEO & Founder, Prime Value
- Professor Ian Harper AO, RBA Monetary Policy Board
- Richard Ivers, Co-Portfolio Manager, Equities
- Benjamin Mellody, Equities Analyst
- Derek McMillan, Managing Director, Centennial Living
Together, the panel unpacked the event’s central theme: “Navigating the Future: Investment Opportunities across the Australian Listed Market and Australia’s Ageing Economy.”
Key themes explored included:
Australia’s Unmatched Stability
Yak Yong Quek emphasised Australia’s strong institutional foundations – political stability, robust regulation, and resilient financial systems – positioning it as one of the most attractive environments for long-term investors.
Small & Microcap Opportunities
Richard Ivers and Benjamin Mellody highlighted why Australian small and microcaps are emerging as a compelling opportunity set:
- Attractive valuations following a multi-year reset
- Early-cycle responsiveness to economic change
- High-quality businesses with strong balance sheets and earnings visibility
- Importance of disciplined research and active management to identify mispricing
Their message was clear: while volatility has unsettled some investors, it is also creating rare long-term opportunities for those with patience and conviction.
Ageing Demographics & Retirement Living
Derek McMillan provided a broader societal lens, exploring the “silver tsunami” and the immense demographic pressures and opportunities reshaping Australia’s seniors housing sector.
Demand for modern, accessible, high-quality retirement living continues to outpace supply — creating long-term structural tailwinds for investors.
A Shared Focus: Clarity and Long-Term Thinking
Across all sessions, a consistent theme emerged: The year ahead presents both challenges and opportunities – but disciplined investing, strong governance, and a long-term mindset remain the most effective tools for building and protecting wealth. This message resonated strongly with the investors in the room, reinforcing the value of staying informed and engaged amid ongoing economic transition.
We were honoured to welcome a full house of clients and partners to this inaugural event. Their engagement, questions, and continued trust in Prime Value are deeply appreciated. Our summit represents the first of many events in a strengthened program of investor communication and education. As markets evolve, we remain committed to being accessible, transparent, and proactive in keeping our investors well-informed.
Looking Ahead
The success of this summit reflects the strong appetite among our clients for deeper insight, meaningful discussion, and opportunities to connect directly with the people who manage their wealth.
Prime Value looks forward to hosting more events in 2026 as we continue to build relationships, share knowledge, and deliver on our promise of Building Wealth Together.