FEAR & GREED | Business News Housing starts with a bang; gold, silver, Bitcoin tumble; Epstein captures Gates, Musk
Feb 1, 2026
Housing starts the year with stronger prices and busy auctions across cities. Markets brace for a possible RBA rate hike and uncertain February trading. Gold, silver and Bitcoin plunge after a surprise US Fed pick. New email releases link prominent business figures to contentious material, stirring fresh controversy.
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Housing Market Kicks Off Strong
- Australia's housing market began 2026 stronger than expected with a 0.8% rise in CoreLogic's index for January.
- Supply constraints and tight rentals support prices despite affordability and lower immigration pressures.
Auctions Rebound After Price Adjustments
- Preliminary auction clearance rates rebounded to about 69.7% after falling to ~63% in December.
- Vendors appear to be adjusting prices ahead of an expected Reserve Bank rate rise.
Watch The RBA Meeting Closely
- Expect the RBA decision to drive market moves; markets price a ~75% chance of a hike.
- Monitor inflation and employment data ahead of the 2.30pm announcement tomorrow.