FEAR & GREED | Business News

The podcast discusses the tragic rise in the Bondi death toll, with shocking details about the victims, including an 87-year Holocaust survivor. Ongoing investigations reveal firearm seizures linked to a young gunman. The Prime Minister signals a push for tougher gun laws following the incident. In business news, the ASX slumps due to a commodity sell-off, affecting major mining stocks. Additionally, ASB faces a hefty fine for compliance failures, and the shocking news of director Rob Reiner's suspected double homicide adds a somber note.

A tragic terrorist attack in Sydney leaves the city in shock as 12 lives are lost during a Hanukkah festival. Meanwhile, the Australian housing market experiences a slowdown in response to rising interest rates. In a surprising legal twist, former ANZ CEO Shayne Elliott sues the board over stripped bonuses. The surge in ETF investment highlights a growing trend among Australian investors. On the football front, a second-division club attracts private equity interest, signaling a shift in the sport's financial landscape.

Stephen Koukoulas, an insightful economist known for his macroeconomic expertise, joins Michael Thompson to dissect the unusual economic landscape of 2025. They discuss the implications of three interest rate cuts amid modest growth, the unexpected inflation surge, and the shifting dynamics in the labour market with rising unemployment. Stephen also predicts future trends in house prices and consumer spending while highlighting a lean towards private-sector growth. It's a captivating look back at a tumultuous year with key indicators to watch moving forward.

A drop in the national participation rate sparks a candid discussion about real-life work engagement. The hosts reflect on their happiest work moments and how ownership can make long hours more rewarding. They explore the paradox of busyness, arguing that many people secretly enjoy being occupied, as it boosts productivity and happiness. Personal rituals like exercise and family time are revealed as essential for maintaining sanity amidst chaos. It's an insightful conversation about finding balance in today's busy world.

Revelations abound as the Reserve Bank of Australia hints at rate hikes while Australia innovates with a ban on under-16s accessing social media, drawing international intrigue. A fierce showdown emerges over Netflix's billion-dollar bid for Warner Bros, underlining Hollywood's fierce competition. Meanwhile, a NASA scientist's theory on the Star of Bethlehem captures imaginations, and weight-loss drugs reshape economic landscapes, influencing various industries. It's a whirlwind of business news, debate, and surprise outcomes!

Markets are buzzing as the ASX 200 sees a 1.2% gain, led by miners and banks. Wall Street sets multiple records, with the S&P 500 and Dow hitting new highs. There's excitement around OpenAI's latest developments and a surge in Cisco shares. A government deal secures 1,000 jobs at the Tamago smelter amid economic challenges. Meanwhile, Reddit is challenging Australia's new social media age regulations. Plus, Hanwha gets the green light to increase its stake in Austal under strict conditions.

Friday 12 December 2025 The Australian economy sheds jobs as the employment market slows.  Oasis, Metallica and ACDC spur consumer spending.  Australians travelling to the US could have their social media accounts vetted. Woolworths and Coles go head-to-head on home delivery. A scientist claims to have proof that the Star of Bethlehem, that purportedly led shepherds to the birthplace of Jesus Christ, might have been real.  Join our free daily newsletter here. And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - this week: five ways to deal with money anxiety. Get the episode from APPLE, SPOTIFY, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After surviving the shutdowns and uncertainty of the pandemic, Intrepid Travel has bounced back to post the biggest trading month in its 36-year history. CEO James Thornton joins Sean Aylmer to explain why Australians are travelling more than ever, the destinations dominating demand, and how Intrepid grew from a kitchen-table startup into a global adventure-travel powerhouse.Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest market movements take center stage with the ASX initially rising following a Fed rate cut, but then cooling off due to Oracle's performance. Political tensions flare as the PM faces tough questions about travel entitlements. Optus is unveiled as Australia's most distrusted telco, highlighting broader issues of public trust in the industry. In a surprising twist, a skydiving mishap in Queensland nearly ends in disaster. Finally, the potential SpaceX IPO could make Musk the first trillionaire.

Thursday 11 December 2025 Prime Minister Anthony Albanese calls the social media ban for under 16-year-olds a profound reform, as more than one million social media accounts are deactivated.  The travel expenses scandal dogs communications Minister Anika Wells and the government.  Qantas’ latest A380 – the one that had 100,000 hours of maintenance done on it – grounded after part of its wing detached.  The market operator says coal is here to stay for longer than thought. The incredible societal changes triggered by weight loss drugs. Join our free daily newsletter here. And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - this week: five ways to deal with money anxiety. Get the episode from APPLE, SPOTIFY, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.