Q+A: The Week Ahead | 10 Aug 2026

The Reserve Bank looks likely to leave interest rates on hold this week. But what actually happens behind closed doors when that decision is made? Michael Thompson is joined by economist Stephen Koukoulas, looking at why he expects the RBA to stay on hold, how the nine-member Monetary Policy Board…

Q+A: How to spot a good CEO in five minutes

Michael Thompson turns the tables on experienced business journalist Sean Aylmer to find out what he looks for during reporting season. From the numbers that really matter to spotting CEO spin, Sean reveals what makes a good CEO interview - and why the best answers are often the ones that aren't r…

Q+A: Can AI finally become a true personal assistant?

Can AI finally become a true personal assistant? Sean Aylmer speaks with Blake Nussey, Senior Technical Product Manager for Alexa International at Amazon, about the next generation of AI assistants, including how generative AI is changing the way people interact with technology. They discuss how …

Q+A: The companies to watch this earnings season

Reporting season is underway, and investors could be in for another bumpy ride. Sean Aylmer speaks with Ben Gilbert, Head of Australian Research at Jarden, about why this reporting season could be another volatile one, the retail sectors he expects to outperform, why he's bullish on JB Hi-Fi and W…

Q+A: Is Australia getting immigration all wrong?

Migration has become one of Australia's biggest political issues. But behind the headlines lies a much more complicated story. Sean Aylmer speaks with Melinda Cilento, CEO of the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA), about how migration has changed since the pandemic. They discus…

Drugs, escorts and gambling; EVs and hybrids hit 50pc; being poor can damage your brain

Tuesday 4 August 2026 Gaming companies including Tabcorp and Sportsbet accused of offering drugs and escorts to gamblers. The sale of electric and hybrid vehicles reaches just under 50 per cent A private equity consortium set to buy insurance broker Steadfast in a $7 billion deal Australia’s two b…

Q+A: Crypto enters the financial mainstream

Crypto has come a long way from its early days. Regulation is tightening, institutions are becoming more involved, and the technology behind digital assets is increasingly finding real-world applications. In the first of a new monthly series, Sean Aylmer speaks with John O'Loghlen, Managing Direct…

Q+A: The Week Ahead | 3 August 2026

This week: Is a rate hike now off the cards after last week's inflation figures? Household spending data International trade, and why it's the sleeper story of the economy Michael Thompson is joined by economist Stephen Koukoulas to look at what to expect. Join our free daily newsletter here.

Q+A: Is cash making a comeback?

Uber now accepts cash. ATM withdrawals are rising. So is Australia's cashless future on hold? Michael and Sean unpack the surprising resurgence of cash, who's using it, and whether physical money is here to stay. Got a topic you'd like to see explored one Sunday? Get in touch here.

Q+A: Is it time to get rid of stamp duty?

Stamp duty is one of the biggest additional costs homebuyers face - and many economists argue it's also one of Australia's most inefficient taxes. If we got rid of it, it may encourage people to buy and sell more easily, freeing up family homes and reducing pressure in the market. But if government…