FEAR & GREED | Business News
Business news you can use. A daily business news podcast with journalists Sean Aylmer and Michael Thompson. Find out more at https://fearandgreed.com.au
Afternoon Report | ASX falls as retailers tumble
This is the Fear & Greed Afternoon Report - everything you need to know about what happened in the markets, economy and world of business today, in just a few minutes.
ASX falls as retailers tumble
Helen Haines loses both legs after attack Roberts-Smith reveals $30m legal bill Northern Star open to improved takeover offer Meta hit with $US25 billion penaltyJoin our free daily newsletter here.
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RBA hints at rate hike; NextDC’s $2b crash in data centre fight; SpaceX + Tesla
Thursday 22 October 2026
The Reserve Bank hints at another rate hike on Melbourne Cup Day.
Shares in Australia’s biggest pure data centre play, NextDC, crash after community opposition halts a new development in Victoria Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urges federal MPs to take greater care over their safety Another private credit player freezes redemptions Elon Musk floats the idea of merging SpaceX and Tesla into a $4 trillion company
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Q+A: The next big challenge for Australia's super system
Australia's superannuation system has become very good at helping people save for retirement. But turning those savings into an income that lasts for decades is a different challenge. Now a new generation of retirement products is promising greater certainty, flexibility and potentially more income.
Sean Aylmer speaks with Ashton Jones, Director of Retirement Innovation at MLC, about the changing retirement landscape, modelling suggesting some retirees could receive up to 60% more income, the trade-offs involved, and why having a retirement plan matters more than ever.
This interview is part of Fear & Greed's weekly series in partnership...
Afternoon Report | RBA warning rattles markets
This is the Fear & Greed Afternoon Report - everything you need to know about what happened in the markets, economy and world of business today, in just a few minutes.
RBA warning rattles markets
Fortescue sacks senior executive Qatar Airways signs up for Western Sydney Victorian Premier forgets to pay for petrol Israel plans new strikes on IranJoin our free daily newsletter here.
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NAB slashes jobs; politicians call for calm after attack; cyber hacks target work meetings
Wednesday 21 October 2026
NAB to cut 2,500 jobs as the big banks search for profits
Independent MP Helen Haines loses a leg following an attack, as politicians from all sides call for calm BHP doubles down on copper Cybercriminals find new ways to infiltrate workspaces Donald Trump fights for the MAGA heartland, with two weeks until the US mid-term elections
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Q+A: Why the music industry is fighting AI giants
Australia is at the centre of a growing battle over artificial intelligence and copyright. AI companies want greater freedom to train their models using creative works, but the music industry argues that existing copyright laws are working – and that changing them could undermine artists' livelihoods.
Michael Thompson speaks with Chris Maund, co-CEO of Mushroom Music, about why the industry is resisting changes to copyright law, the AI licensing deals already being signed, and why Australia's decision could have consequences for creators around the world.
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Afternoon Report | ASX slips as BHP weighs on miners
This is the Fear & Greed Afternoon Report - everything you need to know about what happened in the markets, economy and world of business today, in just a few minutes.
ASX slips as BHP weighs on miners Helen Haines loses leg after alleged attack ASIC makes inquiries into Firmus float collapse France imposes curfews as unrest spreads Elon Musk promises SpaceX shares to every American childJoin our free daily newsletter here.
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Mega-mergers stoke ASX; Federal MP attacked; Putin-Xi-Trump summit
Tuesday 20 October 2026
Two mega mergers stoke the ASX.
Federal MP Helen Haines run down in ‘deliberate attack’ The RBA says a higher $A can help tame inflation Vladimir Putin suggests a summit between Donald Trump, Xi Jinping and himself Japan’s ready to send a rocket to Mars, to discover more about the red planet’s moons
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Q+A: Drought, food prices and the next inflation shock
Australia could be facing one of the strongest El Niño events on record, bringing the risk of drought, bushfires and higher food prices. But the economic consequences could extend much further, adding to inflationary pressures at an already difficult time for the economy.
Sean Aylmer speaks with Paul Bloxham, Chief Economist for Australia, New Zealand and Global Commodities at HSBC, about the potential impact on agriculture, global food prices, insurance costs and government finances - and why another inflation shock could force the Reserve Bank to raise interest rates again.
Find out more: https://f...
Afternoon Report | ASX rises despite global tech rout
This is the Fear & Greed Afternoon Report - everything you need to know about what happened in the markets, economy and world of business today, in just a few minutes.
ASX rises despite global tech rout NSW Premier intervenes to save coal jobs Vietjet's Australian ambitions hit turbulence Work-from-home rights begin next week Macron calls for calm after protestsJoin our free daily newsletter here.
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AI sell-off, White House turmoil; gold takeover battle heats up; YouTube eating Netflix
Monday 19 October 2026
A sell-off in AI stocks, rioting in France and a White House in turmoil set to hit financial markets.
The RBA warns that its ability to control inflation shouldn’t be taken for granted Gold Fields ups the ante in its lobbying to buy Northern Star The spring selling season fails to fire YouTube is eating Netflix
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Q+A: The Week Ahead with NAB | 19 Oct 2026
Australia's economy is slowing, unemployment is rising, and yet inflation remains stubbornly high. It's an uncomfortable combination for the Reserve Bank, which is trying to work out whether four interest rate rises have done enough to bring inflation under control.
Sean Aylmer speaks with Sally Auld, Chief Economist at NAB, about the week ahead for the economy, as well as last week's jump in unemployment to 4.7 per cent, which sectors are holding up and which are struggling, and why NAB believes interest rates may have peaked. They also answer a listener question about why education costs remain...
Should you trust AI with your money?
Fear & Greed is proud to share an episode of our sister podcast - How Do They Afford That? - out every Wednesday, wherever you get your podcasts.
AI can write your emails, plan your holiday, help with dinner and explain almost anything you throw at it. So what about your money? Join Canna Campbell - a financial planner for 20 years - and Fear & Greed's Michael Thompson as they look at where AI can genuinely help you manage your finances, and where you absolutely should not be relying on it.
Canna and Michael's new book is...
The Saturday Edition | 17 Oct 2026
This week: is it a good week or a bad week for the Australian economy? A wine bargain for the ages, two spectacular dummy spits, and the unlikely connection between Sean and Michael's early careers.
It's the Saturday Edition of Fear & Greed, with Michael Thompson and Sean Aylmer going head-to-head in a battle of the week's best business stories, judged by Adam Lang.
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Afternoon Report | ASX up 1pc; Tesla’s flying car
This is the Fear & Greed Afternoon Report - everything you need to know about what happened in the markets, economy and world of business today, in just a few minutes.
ASX up 1pc Australian lamb exports under threat Chalmers defends gas tax Sydney Airport strike causes little disruption Tesla's rocket-powered RoadsterJoin our free daily newsletter here.
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Unemployment rate jumps; home sellers drop asking prices; Apple launches smart display
Friday 16 October 2026
Australia’s unemployment rate hits a five year high, but it might not be enough to prevent another rate hike.
The auction market slump is forcing sellers to accept lower prices The federal government launches its flagship online safety legislation ASIC drops its insider trading investigation into WiseTech Global founder Richard White Apple shifts into the smart home world, taking on Amazon and Google
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Q+A: From university dropout to a $700,000 magic business
What does it take to turn magic into a serious business? For Scott Zhou, it meant dropping out of a commerce/law degree, building a team of professional magicians, and finding a way to sell something people really need to experience to understand.
Sean Aylmer speaks with Scott, CEO of The Black Ties, about building a business generating roughly $700,000 a year, why marketing matters as much as the magic itself, and his ambition to create Australia's own version of Hollywood's famous Magic Castle. Scott also performs a trick that leaves Sean completely baffled.
Find out...
Afternoon Report | ASX recovers as unemployment rises
This is the Fear & Greed Afternoon Report - everything you need to know about what happened in the markets, economy and world of business today, in just a few minutes.
ASX recovers as unemployment rises Corporate news Greens senator takes leave over allegations Cue Clothing to close stores White House press secretary's credentials questionedJoin our free daily newsletter here.
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CBA warns on the economy; Guzman chair sells stake; world’s oldest shipwreck found
Thursday 15 October 2026
Commonwealth Bank boss Matt Comyn warns about the economic outlook for the rest of the year.
ASIC puts the heat on auditors over how they value private credit assets. The federal court overturns a ban on a gold mine in central NSW The chair of Guzman Y Gomez sells down his stake The world’s oldest shipwreck found off the coast of Turkey in just 30 metres of waterHit follow on the podcast so you don’t miss the latest news, and join our free daily newsletter here.
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Q+A: Is this the answer to Australia's financial advice shortage?
Australia has a shortage of financial advisers, just as more people need help planning for retirement and managing their wealth. Could artificial intelligence help close the gap - without replacing the human adviser?
Sean Aylmer speaks with Liz McCarthy, CEO of MLC Expand, about how AI is transforming financial advice, the extraordinary productivity gains already being achieved, and what the relationship between advisers and their clients could look like in five years.
This episode is part of a weekly series in partnership with MLC Expand, exploring retirement, investing, financial advice and the future of wealth...
Afternoon Report | ASX falls as banks sold off
This is the Fear & Greed Afternoon Report - everything you need to know about what happened in the markets, economy and world of business today, in just a few minutes.
ASX falls as banks sold off Gold Fields considers sweetening takeover offer AirTrunk delays $4.4 billion float Pope Leo undergoes lung cancer surgery Hackers target supermarket fridgesJoin our free daily newsletter here.
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IMF warns on inflation, employment; egg wars; bed bugs ground Qantas flight
Wednesday 14 October 2026
The IMF warns Australia is on track to be one of the worst performing inflation and employment economies.
The ACCC claims major egg producers have been involved in anti-competitive behaviour The corporate regulator tells mortgage brokers to pick up their acts Qantas cancels a flight because of bed bugs The Nobel laureate for economics goes to two professors who helped governments and central banks protect the most vulnerable in society
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<...
Q+A: The cost of waiting to embrace AI
Australian small businesses are embracing artificial intelligence, and according to Microsoft, they're ahead of many other countries. But as AI becomes more powerful, what happens to businesses that are slow to adopt it?
Sean Aylmer speaks with Ralph Haupter, Microsoft's Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer for Small and Medium Enterprises and Channel, about Australia's AI adoption, why smaller businesses can move faster than large corporations, and how AI is creating opportunities to grow revenue, not just cut costs. They also discuss the competitive cost of waiting, the importance of customer trust, and the one thing...
Afternoon Report | ASX flat as tech and lithium stocks tumble
This is the Fear & Greed Afternoon Report - everything you need to know about what happened in the markets, economy and world of business today, in just a few minutes.
ASX flat as tech and lithium stocks tumble
Domino's loses another boss
Record $21 billion pours into ETFs
Louis Vuitton sales slump in China
Mars rover breaks driving record
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Wall St v mid-term elections; SpaceX mobile plans; domestic airfares to rise
Tuesday 13 October 2026
Wall Street celebrates the fourth anniversary of the current boom, driven by the AI giants. But will the US mid-term elections bring an end to festivities?
SpaceX close to gaining the capacity to take on mobile phone companies like Telstra Former federal treasurer Josh Frydenberg ruffles a few Liberal feathers Virgin and Qantas to increase airfares Wine theft takes hold in Italy
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Q+A: Can AI really make you a better investor?
Artificial intelligence can solve complex problems and identify patterns that humans might miss. But can it actually predict which investments will outperform?
Sean Aylmer speaks with Slava Platkov, Senior Investment Director at Dimensional, about new research testing machine learning models across global markets. They discuss why predicting returns is so difficult, why successful forecasts don't necessarily translate into investment profits, and where AI can genuinely help investors.
This is general information only. You should seek professional advice tailored to your circumstances before making investment decisions.
Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/
<...Afternoon Report | ASX climbs 0.8pc
This is the Fear & Greed Afternoon Report - everything you need to know about what happened in the markets, economy and world of business today, in just a few minutes.
ASX gains for second day
Firmus founder hits back after failed float
PM defends small business record
Airport bus links face delays
McKinsey removes senior partner from leadership
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Failed Firmus float to rock ASX; EV makers cut prices; have rents stopped rising?
Monday 12 October 2026
The ASX, brokers and the tech sector brace for the fall-out from the failed Firmus float.
Renewed fighting in the middle east and higher oil prices are set to hit global markets as investors buy gold Major EV manufacturers cut prices for vehicles in Australia Household rents might have hit a ceiling Donald Trump’s extraordinary 36 hours of criticism
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Q+A: The Week Ahead with NAB
NAB Senior Economist Taylor Nugent joins Sean Aylmer to discuss what tomorrow's RBA minutes might reveal, why the central bank is sticking with its 2–3 per cent inflation target, and why this week's unemployment figures could be crucial ahead of the November interest rate decision.
The Week Ahead with NAB is brought to you by National Australia Bank
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Is your home your best investment?
Fear & Greed is proud to share an episode of our sister podcast - How Do They Afford That? - out every Wednesday, wherever you get your podcasts.
There's been a major change to the way investments will be taxed in Australia. But there's one very important asset that retains a significant tax advantage - your family home. Join Canna Campbell - a financial planner for 20 years - and Fear & Greed's Michael Thompson as they ask the question: if investing elsewhere becomes less attractive from a tax perspective, does it make more sense to improve the asset you alrea...
The Saturday Edition | 10 Oct 2026
Is it a good week or a bad week for AI? And what should Australians really be worried about?
Michael and Sean go head-to-head over the AI boom, consumer confidence and two potentially landmark court cases involving fossil fuel companies. Plus, the worst things you can do in a job interview.
Adam Lang returns to judge the arguments, while ChatGPT gets a new role as the Saturday Edition's court of appeal.
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Afternoon Report | Firmus failure
This is the Fear & Greed Afternoon Report - everything you need to know about what happened in the markets, economy and world of business today, in just a few minutes.
ASX’s mixed week
Firmus float pulled
ATO delays CC ban
AI report card
Broadcast execution
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Firmus IPO on verge of collapse; airlines ramp up business class; work-from-the-cricket
Friday 9 October 2026
Australia’s biggest IPO since Telstra is on the verge of collapse, after big super funds and North American investors shunned the Firmus Technologies IPO
The federal government hints at a light touch regulation for AI Pure electric vehicles now account for 25pc of the market as petrol sales tumble Airlines ramp up business class offerings, reducing economy seating Cricket Victoria’s novel work-from-the cricket offering
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Q+A: How better messaging can save businesses time and money
Text messaging has traditionally been a marketing tool for businesses. But it's increasingly becoming a way to manage appointments, deliveries, customer service and even sales — with the potential to save businesses time and money.
Sean Aylmer speaks with Andrea Topping, Vice President, Product Applications at Sinch, about the shift towards two-way customer conversations, the importance of trusted and verified messaging, and why businesses need to think beyond traditional marketing campaigns.
This is the third and final interview in our series with Sinch, a supporter of Fear & Greed.
Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au...
Afternoon Report | ASX falls as bond yields jump
This is the Fear & Greed Afternoon Report - everything you need to know about what happened in the markets, economy and world of business today, in just a few minutes.
ASX falls 0.8pc as bond yields rise
Government pressures ATO over credit card ban
Older workers win work-from-home ruling
Talkback radio loses listeners
Samsung profit surges on AI chip boom
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High Court hits fossil fuels; ASIC sues financial advisor; Australia’s Roo-ver lunar module
Thursday 8 October 2026
A ruling from the High Court raises the bar for new fossil fuel mines.
ASIC sues an adviser for allegedly taking kickbacks and fuelling client money into the failed First Guardian investment fund The ATO won’t accept credit card payments even if it means pushing a taxpayer into default Australia is going to the moon via its first lunar rover, called Roo-ver Global concern rises over a possible case of the plague in Russia
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Q+A: The cyber risk hiding in every business
Cyber attacks can cost a business far more than lost data. They can disrupt operations, damage client relationships and consume enormous amounts of time — and for accountants and financial advisers handling sensitive information, the stakes are particularly high.
Recorded at Class Ignite 2026, Sean Aylmer speaks with Lydia Pearson, Head of Growth Solutions at MyProsperity; Nathan Steiner, Senior Director of Solution Consulting at DocuSign; and Greg Hansen, Executive Group Strategy at HUB24. They discuss why email remains such a significant vulnerability, how client portals can improve both security and customer experience, and where a small business should start wh...
Afternoon Report | ASX slips despite Wall St record
This is the Fear & Greed Afternoon Report - everything you need to know about what happened in the markets, economy and world of business today, in just a few minutes.
ASX slips despite Wall St record
October 7 attacks remembered
US boosts submarine production
Telco complaints fall despite triple-0 failures
Paramount completes $162b Warner Bros takeover
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Sentiment at 50-year lows; OpenAI apologises with a warning; Aussie $ holiday winners
Wednesday 7 October 2026
Consumer sentiment hits 50-year lows, creating the potential for a dive in household spending.
The Coalition unveils its immigration policy, with a big drop in migrant numbers OpenAI apologises for its agents accessing official websites, but says companies and governments need better defences The best places to take a holiday, at least if you want to take advantage of a strong Aussie dollar Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni wants to copyright her voice to counter deepfakes
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Q+A: Australia has a governance gap. Why is it getting worse?
Australians expect organisations to behave with integrity and accountability. But the new 2026 Australian Governance Index reveals a substantial gap between those expectations and what people believe they're actually seeing, with 43 per cent of Australians saying organisational behaviour has become worse in recent years.
Sean Aylmer speaks with Katrina Horrobin, CEO of the Governance Institute of Australia, and Matt Rowley, partner at strategic advisory firm General Strategic, about what's driving the governance gap, why expectations differ between sectors, and what businesses can actually do about it. They also discuss AI governance, the importance of human judgement, and why...
