FEAR & GREED | Business News

Dugald Higgins, Head of Responsible Investment and Real Assets at Zenith, a specialist in sustainable investing strategy. He explains why green investing is maturing, how Australia has stayed steady while other markets cooled, and the difference between ESG and broader sustainability. He discusses renewables, controversial sectors like defence, and how new climate reporting rules could reshape decisions.

Materials and energy stocks drive the ASX higher as gold and copper surge. A federal plan to sell defence properties to fund upgrades sparks debate. Record airport arrivals create border processing delays and calls for tech fixes. A legal test over remote work rights could reshape return-to-office rules. Bill Gates weighs in on AI responsibility and job impacts.

The Reserve Bank lifts rates and signals more hikes later in the year. Political tensions flare as Coalition parties remain divided over reunification rules. Challenger telcos are stealing customers from incumbents in Australia’s mobile market. Elon Musk merges his ventures to push orbital data centres and AI development. US-owned TikTok draws user ire with new terms and content rules.

Deanna Messina, Deputy Chief Economist at AMP focused on Australian macroeconomics and monetary policy. She explains why the RBA surprised markets with a hike and why the unanimous vote raised eyebrows. She discusses whether the move is a one-off fine-tuning, upgraded inflation forecasts, and how government spending and policy shape demand and wage pressures.

Markets react to an RBA cash rate lift and its impact on the AUD and ASX sectors. Political drama as Nationals move to the crossbench and shift question time focus. Qantas plans to sell its Jetstar Japan stake. Corporate updates cover pharma, contractors and a surprising guidance range from Credit Corp. High-profile subpoenas draw attention in a major probe.

Talks to reunite the Liberals and Nationals heat up as parliamentary tensions simmer. Mortgage competition spikes as lenders chase borrowers ahead of possible rate rises. Corporate Travel Management faces upheaval after an accounting probe and CEO resignation. Global moves to restrict youth social media gain traction. A Melania Trump documentary underperforms at the box office.

Roger Montgomery, founder and Chief Investment Officer at Montgomery Investment Management, offers sharp market perspective. He reviews 2025 drivers like the AI boom and a shift beyond US megacaps. He lays out both bullish and bearish cases for US equities in 2026. He discusses the role of the US dollar, commodity rallies, and why diversification may matter as volatility returns.

Markets wobble as ASX and gold slide while miners feel the heat. Bitcoin plunges to a 10-month low and broader crypto losses are highlighted. Political tension rises with a leadership challenge and talks to reunite coalition partners. Airlines battle over Economy Plus and extra-legroom fares. Grammys protests spotlight ICE and a historic all-Spanish Album of the Year win.

Housing starts the year with stronger prices and busy auctions across cities. Markets brace for a possible RBA rate hike and uncertain February trading. Gold, silver and Bitcoin plunge after a surprise US Fed pick. New email releases link prominent business figures to contentious material, stirring fresh controversy.

Stephen Koukoulas, economist known for sharp macro commentary at thekuk.com. He breaks down the RBA’s timing dilemma on a potential rate rise. He explains why a hold with a hawkish tone is possible. He explores inflation measures, global market risks and who feels any hike first.