FEAR & GREED | Business News

The federal government reveals a new AI plan, sparking discussions on energy demands and job safety. Australian bond yields hit a ten-month high, hinting at possible rate increases. Samsung introduces its innovative tri-fold phone, boasting three screens and tablet mode. Meanwhile, Google faces a hefty fine for anti-competitive behavior. An intriguing contrast surfaces as blue-collar workers earn more than many in white-collar jobs, especially with looming AI risks.

Jono Lachlan, Managing Director of Coinbase Australia, shares his insights on the turbulent world of Bitcoin. He explains the historic volatility of crypto and emphasizes the importance of product reliability over mere price predictions. Jono discusses recent market stability, attributing it to returning buyers despite sell-offs. He also suggests that traders might be mispricing Fed rate cuts and anticipates a rally post-December 10. Additionally, he advises on choosing regulated exchanges and highlights the positive movement from Australian regulators toward innovation.

Market movers take center stage as the ASX 200 sees gains led by energy and mining sectors, while tech stocks stumble. A significant drop in bitcoin price draws attention, coinciding with rising bond yields. In corporate news, the suspension of a former PwC chief sparks discussions about company culture. Meanwhile, Accenture faces scrutiny over a massive budget blowout for a website overhaul. Lastly, Airbus inspects hundreds of A320neos for potential defects, raising concerns about delivery timelines.

Tuesday 2 December 2025 The federal government unveils the biggest overhaul of the Defence department in 50 years.  The medicines regulator warns of potential dire side effects of weight loss drugs.  Metcash says it has lost $340 million in cigarette sales because of the illegal tobacco market.  The ASX suffers another embarrassing outage. Consultancy group Accenture takes corporate jargon to a new level. Join our free daily newsletter here. And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - this week, how an abundance mindset can change your bank balance. 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.

The Aussie dollar has been oddly steady, but interest rate expectations are starting to shake things up. NAB’s Ray Attrill explains to Sean Aylmer why commodities no longer drive the currency, and what needs to happen for the dollar to rise.Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A major system outage at ASX sent markets spiraling downward, halting trading and triggering chaos. Concerns arise as the closure of Eraring power station could lead to blackouts in NSW. Woolworths steps up its game with enhanced delivery options just in time for the bustling festive season. Meanwhile, US-Venezuela tensions escalate with a stern ultimatum issued. And in F1 news, a strategic blunder leaves Oscar Piastri's championship hopes hanging by a thread.

The ASX has been struggling, underperforming compared to global markets. Meanwhile, national home prices have seen a surprising third consecutive monthly rise. The tax office is cracking down on income-splitting schemes for high earners. A new help-to-buy scheme is launching, but may come with price pressures. Interestingly, research reveals that cats meow louder at men, possibly because they tend to listen less. It's an entertaining mix of market insights and quirky animal behavior!

Economist Stephen Koukoulas, known as 'The Kook', shares insights on a pivotal week for the economy. He discusses the shocking rise in inflation and its implications for interest rates, arguing that rate cuts are off the table. Stephen also highlights a significant boost in business investment, pointing to its critical role in productivity. As he predicts strong GDP growth, he warns about potential risks from imported capital spending and the impact of cost-of-living pressures on household spending.

The hosts reflect on six years of running their business, sharing lessons learned through experimentation and the importance of failing fast. They discuss the constant mental tension of balancing cash flow with innovative ideas. Belief in their mission kept them going despite early struggles. Knowing one's limits and seeking help from experts was emphasized, along with the value of hands-on learning and effective communication among partners. Finally, they ponder what they would change if given the chance, highlighting the unpredictability of the future.

Adam Lang, a regular contributor, serves as the guest judge in this lively debate on the top business stories. The discussion heats up over surprising economic data, including unexpected inflation and a booming job market. Canberra's last sitting week features political drama, while APRA’s new limits on high-income loans aim to cool the housing market. The hosts reveal tales of unusual wealth, like a German inspector's embezzlement and a treasure hunt for the San José shipwreck. With all this, Adam chooses the week's standout story!