FEAR & GREED | Business News

Damon Callaghan, partner at ECP Asset Management and software investing pro, digs into the 2026 sell-off in software stocks. He explains why the market overreacted to AI coding tools. He highlights how durable advantages like proprietary enterprise data, reputation and regulatory scale protect some firms while simple, lookalike apps are vulnerable.

Markets slip as ASX drops 0.7% and sector movers shift. Qantas offers reassurance on fuel and fare impacts after supply disruptions. Pressure mounts for KMD to sell Rip Curl amid recapitalisation talks. High-profile legal action rocks the radio industry and drags share prices. ICE agents deployed to US airports to ease security line pressures.

Global market jitters after a dramatic threat to Iran’s power plants and the oil price spike that could follow. Fuel delivery cancellations and rising petrol costs for Australia. Housing auctions slow as clearance rates fall amid higher rates and uncertainty. A surge in fraud driven by AI-enabled fakes. A ruling that clocking just ten minutes a day is not acceptable work time. World airport rankings and where Australian airports sit.

Stephen Koukoulas, economist and commentator known as 'The Kook', offers quick macro reads and forecasting. He discusses the limits of monthly inflation data and why RBA watches quarterly trends. He weighs how the Middle East oil shock changes interpretation of February figures and explains why petrol spikes can both slow spending and hit GDP growth.

A rapid-fire quiz digs into how easy it is to be fooled by AI-generated videos and social posts. The conversation explores telltale signs of fake faces and movements and the awkward moments of sharing dubious content. They debate whether AI material should be clearly labelled and consider how deepfakes could undermine mainstream media and independent journalism.

A fast-paced debate on interest rate hikes versus a sudden petrol supply crisis. Markets wobble amid geopolitical shocks and big leadership shakeups at major companies. Discussion of a possible EU‑Australia trade deal and worrying signs of mortgage fraud and money laundering. Lively picks for the week’s most remarkable business stories.

Markets slide as ASX posts a weekly drop and miners lead losses. Energy and oil prices wobble amid global tensions and shifting coal demand. Coles adjusts freight fuel reviews while airlines hint at higher fares. Cyclone Narelle tracks across Cape York with potential Gulf intensification. Retail chain Smiggle reports a sales slump and corporate shakeup. International moves aim to secure the Strait of Hormuz.

Investigation into petrol companies and a national fuel taskforce amid Middle East supply worries. Oil and gas price moves shake markets and energy stocks. Job numbers jump while the unemployment rate rises. International airfares poised to climb as jet fuel costs surge. A new rich list shows shifting fortunes among top Australians.

Jarrah Borman, Director of Strategy at OutRun Global, helps companies rethink workforce design. He explains why focusing on tasks rather than roles reveals wasted effort. Short, practical takes cover task visibility, duplicated work, the 27% skilled-work finding, and where to start with repeatable and remote-capable tasks.

Markets slip after a surprise Fed hold and rising unemployment numbers. Coverage of changing sector performance on the ASX. Discussion of revised Fed inflation outlook and market reactions. Breakdown of fresh radio ratings and high-profile contract fallout. Report on unidentified drones near a US military base and resulting security measures.