FEAR & GREED | Business News Iran conflict widens as oil surges; profit season ends on a high; Survivor’s 50th season
Mar 2, 2026
James Teodorini, Head of Australia & New Zealand at Airwallex — a fintech executive focused on payment and finance infrastructure. He talks about the value of a ‘what next’ mindset. Short takes on building culture without burnout. How unified financial stacks can challenge legacy banks. A look at embedding AI to make finance teams strategic partners.
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Rapid Regional Escalation After Iran Strike
- The Iran strike rapidly expanded into a regional war, drawing a dozen countries and disrupting civilian life and bases across the Middle East.
- Hosts reported strikes on Tehran, Akrotiri and Beirut plus intercepted missiles over Bahrain, showing broad, multi-front escalation within 48 hours.
Oil Spike Signals Petrol Price Risk
- Oil jumped sharply then settled, with prices spiking about 13% intra-session and trading roughly 7% higher afterward, signaling immediate energy-market volatility.
- Presenters warned the Strait of Hormuz closure risk matters because it carries about 20% of world oil, which would push petrol prices higher if prolonged.
February Reporting Season Exceeded Expectations
- February reporting season was unusually strong: earnings beats outnumbered misses two to one and guidance upgrades beat downgrades three to one according to UBS.
- That strength helped the ASX hit record highs, led by big results from Commonwealth Bank and miners like BHP where copper outperformed iron ore.