FEAR & GREED | Business News

Markets skid as the ASX posts its worst month since 2022 with sector swings and energy pullbacks. Gold and miners rally amid shifting rate expectations. A high‑profile IPO enjoys a strong debut while a major quickfire art theft shocks Italy. A high-value legal claim and a fast food chain reshapes its footprint add corporate drama.

Nick Ryan, COO of Essendon Football Club, shares how small, regular improvements shape operations and commercial strategy. He talks about using data, weekly targets and clear role outcomes. He explains building a culture of continuous improvement and testing personalised member experiences to boost engagement.

Nik Burns, Head of Energy Research at Jarden, offers sharp analysis of oil, LNG and global energy markets. He explains why the Middle East conflict may be a structural shock, outlines scenarios for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and sizes the massive restocking need. He also names potential winners from higher prices and discusses limits on fuel substitution and implications for EV demand.

Markets move as oil spikes above $115 and the ASX 200 slips about 0.7%. Energy and mining stocks rally while banks and tech feel the heat. A long manhunt ends in a fatal shootout. Political support shifts and the government halves the fuel excise for three months. Retail sees an AI boost as Macy’s reports much higher spending from chatbot users.

National Cabinet meets to tackle soaring fuel prices and regional supply worries. Discussion of wider supply shocks affecting fertiliser, airfares and pharmaceuticals. Coverage of a Wall Street tech sell-off tied to AI concerns. Housing market weakness with plunging auction clearance rates. Rapid surge in electric vehicle purchases and rising EV finance activity.

Stephen Koukoulas, economist and commentator known as 'The Kook', offers macroeconomic analysis in a brisk weekly preview. He unpacks the RBA's 5-4 split on rates. He explains how the worsening oil-price shock hits households and supply chains. He reviews building approvals, house-price trends and job vacancies for the week ahead.

Rapid-fire questions about customer service spark stories of brilliant support and bewildering failures. Tales range from a helpful phone agent and coffee shop loyalty to clever retail staff who go above and beyond. The conversation pits ignored customers against over-served ones and weighs protecting staff versus pleasing demanding shoppers.

Adam Lang, a regular contributor known for scoring stories with an economic lens. He weighs in on the EU–Australia free trade deal and its export impacts. He adjudicates a heated debate over petrol shortages versus trade wins. He also comments on the Meta/Google legal verdict and timing troubles for carmakers amid fuel shocks.

Markets news: the ASX holds up even after Wall Street slipped. Political clash as the prime minister rebuts criticism over military support. Severe cyclone forces LNG plant shutdowns and raises global gas concerns. Big bank updates lift inflation forecasts and tweak growth outlooks. Treasury plans to add a former president’s signature to US currency.

Ross Fastuca, CEO of Webjet Business Travel and former founder of Locomote, is a tech-focused travel entrepreneur. He explains finding a gap in a mature industry. He describes using technology to disrupt and scale travel services. He discusses challenges and strategies for building a platform in corporate travel.