FEAR & GREED | Business News Rate hike next week; Middle East embassies shuttered; robotaxis sans steering wheels
Mar 11, 2026
Discussion centres on a likely interest-rate rise after hawkish central bank signals. Rising oil and Middle East tensions and their inflation risk make markets jittery. Australia closes diplomatic missions amid regional violence. Political leadership changes in the Nationals and a $200m government buy-in to local data infrastructure get attention. Amazon advances pedal-free, steering-free robo-taxis.
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RBA Hawkish Signal Means Rates May Rise Next Week
- The RBA is signalling a likely cash rate increase next week to prevent inflation becoming entrenched.
- Deputy Governor Andrew Hauser warned failing to raise rates risks letting inflation get out of control, pushing three-year bond yields to 4.49% and markets to price a hike.
Middle East Escalation Is Inflating Australian Energy Prices
- The Middle East conflict is acting as an inflationary shock by lifting oil, coal and gas prices and strengthening the Australian dollar.
- Hosts note oil jumped amid strikes and IEA talks of a major reserve release, while coal and LNG surges buoy the AUD toward 72 US cents.
Iranian Soccer Squad's Asylum Application And Relocation
- Six members of the Iranian women's soccer group in Australia sought visas after asylum requests; one returned home.
- Tony Burke said one person changed her mind and the remaining six relocated because their address had been given to the Iranian embassy.