FEAR & GREED | Business News

Dr Shane Oliver, AMP’s Chief Economist and Head of Investment Strategy, provides quick macro and market context. He explains why oil shocks still move markets. He compares the recent spike to past shocks. He outlines possible oil-price paths and implications for equities and central bank moves. He ends with a calm warning against emotional, short-term market reactions.

Markets stumble as ASX200 drops amid a sharp oil surge and geopolitical tension. Energy stocks climb while banks, tech and materials take hits. Airlines expand rebooking and refund options as Middle East turmoil disrupts travel. Concerns rise for Iran’s women’s soccer team visiting Australia. Report highlights baby boomer wealth dominance and a surprise rapper-turned-politician victory in Nepal.

Oil surging past US$92 sparks market jitters and geopolitical fallout tied to Strait of Hormuz tensions. Petrol wholesalers begin rationing and panic-buying concerns rise. Australia Post revealed a peak of 3,075 parcels per minute during Christmas. Auctions showed unexpected strength while data centres fuel a boom in temporary worker camps.

Stephen Kukoulos, economist known as The Kook, provides sharp, media-savvy economic analysis. He breaks down a surprisingly strong GDP print and why the central bank might welcome the growth. He highlights a small productivity uptick, the role of business investment, per capita GDP gains and risks from global shocks. Short, clear takes on why households still feel the squeeze.

Adam Lang, a commentator on digital habits and AI sceptic, and Michael Thompson, a business and tech commentator, face rapid-fire questions about how they search and trust AI. They debate Google use, no-click searches, attribution and traffic, which LLMs power results, and whether AI answers satisfy users.

Adam Lang, former radio and media executive who judges the week’s biggest stories. He weighs in on surprising GDP strength and RBA rate signals. He dissects volatile markets driven by geopolitical and inflation fears. He unpacks the landmark directors’ liability ruling and the fallout from a $200 million radio split.

Markets roundup with ASX200 losses and the biggest weekly slide since April. Heavy selling in major miners tied to China buying reports. Fuel pricing scrutiny as regulators watch petrol hikes and pump prices spike. Santos capitalises on a sharp LNG price jump. Escalating Middle East conflict and international responses. A brief item on James Packer’s recent engagement news.

Jason Pellegrino, President of Domain and former Google executive, returns to lead Domain through big change. He discusses moving from Google culture to a listed, founder-influenced business. He explains how he told staff and customers that everything has changed. He outlines integrating CoStar’s scale while running daily operations and measuring transformation.

A federal court clears Star Entertainment directors despite revelations of large-scale casino money laundering. Mark Carney urges middle-power collaboration on AI, minerals and security. Airports plan $1.5 billion upgrades, with passengers warned they may foot the bill. Mexican-themed fast-food chains lead a surge in new outlets across Australia. NATO downs an Iranian ballistic missile near Turkish airspace.

Markets rebound after a sharp rout, with the ASX clawing back losses. Travel chaos in the Gulf affects flights and stranded Australians. Household spending ticks up while airport parking profits surge. Debate heats over expanded annual leave and corporate moves to retain major retail and hotel assets.