FEAR & GREED | Business News

Matthew Berg, co-founder and co-CEO of Local Residential, specialises in build-to-rent developments and institutional residential management. He explains what institutionally owned housing looks like and how long-term leases and bundled services work. He compares international models, describes Australian project types and amenities, and outlines who tends to move into build-to-rent communities.

Markets jump as the ASX reaches a three-month high with miners and big caps in focus. Record-breaking heat in Victoria forces closures and fuels wildfire concerns. Political fallout after flag burning at protests sparks calls for federal action. A security-tech firm posts strong revenue but reveals pipeline worries that rattled investors. Border patrol withdrawal follows a deadly Minneapolis shooting and renewed scrutiny.

They discuss how this week’s inflation print could determine whether interest rates rise. Currency swings and global market jitters are covered. BlueScope’s search for potential buyers and takeover interest is explored. Political manoeuvring within the Liberal party is highlighted. They recount protests on Australia Day and a story about a flight attendant posing as a pilot to score free flights.

Brian Szeto, VP of Energy and Natural Resource Credit Ratings at Morningstar DBRS, specializes in mining sector analysis. He explains why Rio Tinto and Glencore are in talks now. He discusses how mergers can reshuffle portfolios and boost scale. He highlights copper as a strategic must-have. He warns that doing nothing may be the biggest risk for big miners.

A new pick for the US ambassadorship and why it matters for AUKUS and defence. Rising worry among Australians about long-term finances and falling savings. A multi-year Guzman deal with Uber Eats and how delivery is reshaping food sales. Xi Jinping’s shakeup of top military ranks and the implications for China’s leadership.

Stephen Koukoulas, economist and commentator known as 'The Kook', provides quick, sharp analysis on monetary policy, inflation and the labour market. He previews the December CPI and why the trimmed mean matters. He discusses strong jobs data, labour-market pressure on rates, and the key inflation components to watch this quarter.

Conversation about reconnecting with colleagues and the quirks of modern call screening. Setting fresh targets, renewed purpose and the comfort of returning to a routine. A burst of early-year productivity and people being more open to business discussions. The pain of inbox overload, password resets and missing office gear. Debates over commuting as exercise versus a weary chore.

A lively debate on Trump’s Greenland push, proposed tariffs and the market fallout. Political turmoil at home as the coalition implodes and leadership shifts. Strong jobs data tightens the RBA rate outlook. Big super fund returns and a summer house price surge reshape financial conversations. Ancient cave art findings challenge timelines of early human creativity.

Markets were steady with ASX closing flat, while gold prices soared to a record high. Political drama unfolds as the Liberal Party grapples with tensions with the Nationals, amid leadership pressures and polling shifts favoring One Nation. In currency news, the Aussie dollar hits a 16-month high, buoyed by rate-hike expectations. Meanwhile, a tragic shooting incident near Lake Cargelligo claims three lives, prompting a search for the suspect.

A surprise drop in the unemployment rate hints at a possible interest rate hike soon. Opposition leader Sussan Ley faces increasing pressure after the National Party's exit from the Coalition. In international news, Trump reverses his stance on Greenland and tariffs against Europe. Meanwhile, the IPO market in Australia shows signs of recovery after a poor previous year, and scientists unveil a stunning 68,000-year-old cave painting, shedding light on ancient human creativity.