FEAR & GREED | Business News Alphabet hits $US4 trillion; Coalition baulks at hate laws; record year for ETFs
Jan 14, 2026
Alphabet's valuation skyrockets to $4 trillion, driven by optimism around AI and a deal with Apple. The podcast delves into the Coalition's hesitation over anti-vilification laws and the influence of religious groups. Australia experiences a historic year in ETFs, with remarkable growth and inflows. The housing market shows signs of stabilization after years of steep rent increases. Meanwhile, China's trade surplus hits a record, reshaping global trade dynamics in response to US tariffs.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Record US Markets Amid Mixed Signals
- Broad market strength lifted tech and non-tech stocks, producing record S&P 500 highs despite political noise.
- Nvidia leads the pack at about US$4.5 trillion while other big names also contributed to gains.
Use Stores As Distribution Hubs
- Companies that leverage existing distribution networks can win in online retail by being close to customers.
- Walmart used store-based distribution centres to scale online sales successfully.
Central Banks Defend Independence
- Central bank independence drew international defense after political attacks on Jerome Powell.
- Thirteen other central bank governors publicly supported Powell, stressing independence as key to stability.