FEAR & GREED | Business News

Tim Lawless, Executive Research Director for Asia Pacific at CoreLogic/Cotality, shares data-driven property analysis. He compares regional value growth with capitals. He discusses pandemic-era shifts, corrections in lifestyle hotspots, and standout towns like Albany and Karratha. He explains how affordability, services, infrastructure and jobs drive regional resilience.

Markets climb as the ASX benefits from a strong bank result and an AI-fueled tech surge. Wage data show nominal pay rising but falling behind inflation. A controversial politician issues a partial apology that sparks debate. Health insurance premiums are set to increase. Corporate earnings and job cuts make headlines alongside the passing of a major civil rights figure.

BHP posts a huge half-year profit as copper overtakes iron ore in earnings. Discussion of copper’s role in EVs, renewables and AI infrastructure. RBA minutes hint that further interest rate hikes remain on the table. IMF recommends shifting tax from income to consumption. Angus Taylor unveils a new frontbench lineup. A surprising sports medicine story about ski jumpers draws attention.

Vandita Pant, BHP's chief financial officer who steers the company’s finances, talks copper overtaking iron ore and the drivers behind a standout half-year. She outlines the copper growth pipeline across Argentina, Chile, Australia and the US. She explains funding moves like a $4.3bn silver stream and how capital allocation and FX headwinds shape strategy.

Markets lifted after BHP’s strong results and a materials-led rally. Tech stocks showed sharp swings and global markets stayed subdued. JB Hi‑Fi surged after analyst upgrades. A major energy project faces a costly blowout affecting households. A $100m Pentagon challenge sparks competition to build autonomous, voice-controlled drone swarms.

A competition case claims a supermarket used promotions to mask price hikes. Retailers boom as shoppers stock up on electronics and AI drives device demand. New political leadership sets out priorities on living standards and tax. A steel maker surprises shareholders with a generous payout. A candid interview revisits a high-profile political life.

Lachlan Halloway, Morningstar equity market strategist, provides market analysis and commentary. He discusses volatile share swings during reporting season. He explains why late results trigger big moves. He explores short-termism creating opportunities and whether AI threatens software, insurers and banks.

Markets moved on a tech sell-off and a later rebound in software names. Banks and corporate maneuvers kept traders busy, including a notable asset sale and accounting fallout. A leaked hardline immigration plan stirred political debate. Mining news followed a contractor fatality and suspended operations. Europe and the US exchanged sharp diplomatic comments.

Australian political reset as Liberal leaders map new priorities and face One Nation pressure. Investors rotate out of big tech into supermarkets, energy and industrials. Macquarie is reported to be working on a roughly $12 billion bid for Qube Logistics. Rooftop solar surges raise grid stability and state-versus-regulator tensions.

Stephen Koukoulas, economist known for macro analysis, explains the week's big data: labour force figures, wages and RBA policy. Short takes on why monthly employment can jump around. Quick clarity on what the Wage Price Index actually measures. Looks at real wages, productivity and what would (and would not) spark a wage-price spiral.