FEAR & GREED | Business News

Monday 20 April 2026 Today, the success of the big banks and miners is creating risk for ASX investors, as financial markets are buffeted by the war in the Middle East.  The Strait of Hormuz re-opens, and then closes, with hopes peace talks could reconvene as early as tonight The Wall Street stock that jumped 900 per cent in three days Banks battle for mortgage money Robots beat humans at the Beijing half marathon Join our free daily newsletter here. And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - what’s your money personality… and is it costing you? Get the episode from APPLE, SPOTIFY, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

What to make of last week's dismal business confidence and consumer sentiment figures, what the labour figures tell us about the RBA's next interest rate move, and a closer look at the Aussie dollar's strong run. Michael Thompson is joined by economist Stephen Koukoulas. Join our free daily newsletter here.

Have we made travel easier... but somehow worse? From seat space and in-flight Wi-Fi to queues, convenience and expectations, Michael quizzes Sean and Adam on what really makes a good trip today. Does experience still matter more than efficiency? Do airline and hotel brands still influence decisions? How does travel change depending on who you’re with? Plus, their one fix to improve travel immediately... including a very specific request from Sean.

Confession time for corporate Australia, the PM on a dealmaking tour, and a legal battle for the ages finally comes to an end. Sean Aylmer and Michael Thompson go head to head on the top business stories of the week, with Adam Lang picking a winner in a fierce debate. Join our free daily newsletter here.

This is the Fear & Greed Afternoon Report - everything you need to know about what happened in the markets, economy and world of business today, in just a few minutes. Defensive’s win $10b frigate deal Roberts-Smith granted bail Trump lashes Australia Europe fuel crisis Join our free daily newsletter here.

Friday 17 April 2026 Defence Minister Richard Marles warns that the world might be on the foothills of a new nuclear arms race.  The Aussie dollar hits a four year high against the US dollar The unemployment rate steadies at 4.3 per cent but economists warn the jobs market is about to get much tougher Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s latest deal in Asia to buy oil Rolls Royce’s new $5 million car Join our free daily newsletter here. And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - what’s your money personality… and is it costing you? Get the episode from APPLE, SPOTIFY, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

There’s a $US2 billion pipeline of infrastructure projects across the Pacific - and up to $14 billion more behind it - but many Australian businesses aren’t taking advantage. Sean Aylmer speaks with Austrade’s Trade Commissioner for the Pacific, Tim Houghton, about why the opportunity exists, what types of projects are on offer, and how businesses - from SMEs to large corporates - can get involved. The new platform launched by Austrade can be accessed here.

This is the Fear & Greed Afternoon Report - everything you need to know about what happened in the markets, economy and world of business today, in just a few minutes. ASX slumps despite Wall St records Viva refinery fire Blackmores bets on probiotics Prince Harry: social media ban ‘epic’ China’s economy beats forecasts  Join our free daily newsletter here.

Thursday 16 April 2026 Australia’s richest person, Gina Rinehart, and Rio Tinto, will have to pay hundreds of millions of dollars in royalties to another Western Australian mining family after a decades long legal battle US President Donald Trump says the war in the Middle East is close to over One of the founders of the gig economy, Uber, is dumping drivers, spending up big on autonomous vehicles  The RBA takes to social media to explain economic concepts A lucky raffle winner takes home a $2 million Picasso painting Join our free daily newsletter here. And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - what’s your money personality… and is it costing you? Get the episode from APPLE, SPOTIFY, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

Tech stocks have had a rough few months, but the story is more complex than just a sell-off. Rising interest rates, global uncertainty and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence are reshaping the sector. Some companies are benefiting from the AI boom, while others - particularly in software - are facing new competitive threats. Sean Aylmer speaks with William Liu, Deputy Portfolio Manager at WAM Global, about where the tech sector is now, and what it means for investors. Why are companies like Nvidia, Microsoft and Apple moving in different directions? Are hyperscalers like Google and Amazon the real winners? And is the so-called “SaaS apocalypse” a genuine risk, or overblown? This is general information only. Seek professional advice tailored to your circumstances before making investment decisions.

This is the Fear & Greed Afternoon Report - everything you need to know about what happened in the markets, economy and world of business today, in just a few minutes. ASX hits 5 week high IMF’s global recession warning Trump turns against Meloni Earthquake near Newmont mine Charges over alleged OpenAI CEO attack Join our free daily newsletter here.

Wednesday 15 April 2026 Qantas and Westpac are among a growing number of businesses warning that earnings will be hurt by the war in the Middle East.  The Hollywood A-list crowd come out against a merger of Paramount and Warner Bros Discovery The Reserve Bank deputy governor says local interest rates are likely to need to rise to contain inflation  The federal Coalition’s immigration policy includes shades of Trumpism  Business and consumer sentiment tumble Join our free daily newsletter here. And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - what’s your money personality… and is it costing you? Get the episode from APPLE, SPOTIFY, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

Even before the latest oil price spike, business conditions were already deteriorating, with higher interest rates and weaker demand weighing on many sectors. Now, the latest Business Risk Index suggests the chance of business failures is increasing - particularly for small businesses and sole traders. Sean Aylmer speaks with Ivan Colhoun, Chief Economist at CreditorWatch, about how oil shocks flow through to business costs and consumer spending, why SMEs are the most exposed, and what the data reveals about insolvencies.

This is the Fear & Greed Afternoon Report - everything you need to know about what happened in the markets, economy and world of business today, in just a few minutes. ASX rises 0.5pc Hormuz blockade now in effect Roblox overhaul for child safety Price Harry and Meghan in Australia Chinese airlines cuting Aus flights Join our free daily newsletter here.

Tuesday 14 April 2026 The federal government works to calm nerves about the US blockading the Strait of Hormuz.  Department store David Jones feels the pressure of slower consumer spending Two ASX mergers get a kick along 80 per cent of Australians report having long term health conditions The cost of the “annoyance economy” Join our free daily newsletter here. And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - this week: five ways to cut the cost of living. Get the episode from APPLE, SPOTIFY, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

Long before it hits the petrol pump, disruption in global energy markets starts with a handful of critical choke points. Right now, the Strait of Hormuz — one of the most important shipping lanes in the world — is at the centre of it. So what happens when supply is suddenly constrained? And what does it mean for Australia? Sean Aylmer talks to Vivek Dhar, Head of Commodities and Sustainability Research at Commonwealth Bank, about the flow of oil and gas around the world, Australia's exposure to the Middle East crisis, and why our LNG and coal give us a lot of leverage.

This is the Fear & Greed Afternoon Report - everything you need to know about what happened in the markets, economy and world of business today, in just a few minutes. ASX slips Trump order Hormuz blockade Companies announce downgrades IKEA cuts returns policy Hungary election shock Join our free daily newsletter here.

Monday 13 April 2026 Peace talks between the US and Iran break down as fears of higher food prices escalate.  The Aussie dollar, Bitcoin and gold all rise One-time market darling, Atlassian, tumbles on Wall Street Big banks and the US government warn of the destructive capabilities of AI The commercial property market splits in two Join our free daily newsletter here. And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - this week: five ways to cut the cost of living. Get the episode from APPLE, SPOTIFY, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

This week it's all about labour force figures, and the NAB business survey - which will be one of the first indicators of how businesses have coped with the oil crisis caused by the Middle East war. Michael Thompson is joined by economist Stephen Koukoulas. Join our free daily newsletter here.

It's Sean's turn this week to hit Michael and Adam with five questions - no notice, no prep. This week, it's all about consumer behaviour - how the cost of living is changing the way we spend.

From a moon mission and AI errors, to an EV surge and the government now treating fuel as a national security issue - Sean Aylmer and Michael Thompson go head to head over the best business stories of the week, with Adam Lang picking a winner in a fierce debate. Join our free daily newsletter here.

This is the Fear & Greed Afternoon Report - everything you need to know about what happened in the markets, economy and world of business today, in just a few minutes. ASX up 4.4 for week Middle East tensions ahead of peace talks PM strikes deal with Singapore Magellan shareholders back Barrenjoey merger Artemis II prepares for splashdown Join our free daily newsletter here.

Friday 10 April 2026 Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joins world leaders in calling for an end to Israel’s attacks on Lebanon, as the Middle East ceasefire shows signs of fraying.  The local property market under the spotlight as clearance rates fall The federal government starts treating the fuel issue as a national security crisis Bendigo Bank cuts staff, as it inks some big artificial intelligence deals And how accurate are Google’s AI responses?  Join our free daily newsletter here. And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - this week: five ways to cut the cost of living. Get the episode from APPLE, SPOTIFY, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

A $200 million radio deal, a legal battle, and a media company that’s seen its value plunge. The fallout from the Kyle & Jackie O saga is a case study in how fragile legacy media models have become. Sean Aylmer talks to Mumbrella publisher Tim Burrowes, about how the Kyle & Jackie O vs ARN Media battle goes far beyond one show, and raises big questions about audiences, advertising, and the future of Australian media.

This is the Fear & Greed Afternoon Report - everything you need to know about what happened in the markets, economy and world of business today, in just a few minutes. ASX up 0.2pc Fragile ceasefire holding Ampol offers to sell more sites Meta unveils new AI model Apple pushing ahead with foldable iPhones Join our free daily newsletter here.

Thursday 9 April 2026 The ASX has its best day in a year after the announcement of a two-week ceasefire in the Middle East.  The fuel crisis in Australia spills into industrial relations Goodman Group’s mega LA deal DroneShield’s controversial CEO steps down Kanye West is banned from Britain Join our free daily newsletter here. And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - this week: five ways to cut the cost of living. Get the episode from APPLE, SPOTIFY, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

The market has bounced hard - up 2.6% in a day - on news of a ceasefire in the Middle East. But after weeks of volatility, the big question is whether this is the start of something more… or just another short-term surge. Sean Aylmer talks to Roger Montgomery, Chief Investment Officer at Montgomery Investment Management, who says the rally is real - but the risks haven’t gone away. He also explains why he still considers the wisdom of legendary investor Warren Buffett in times like this. This is general information only. Seek professional advice tailored to your circumstances before making investment decisions.

This is the Fear & Greed Afternoon Report - everything you need to know about what happened in the markets, economy and world of business today, in just a few minutes. ASX jumps 2.6pc Trump: ceasefire a ‘big day for world peace’ BRS remanded in custody NFL game at MCG almost a sellout $US64b bid for Universal Music Group Join our free daily newsletter here.

Victoria Cross recipient Ben Roberts-Smith faces murder charges in what is likely to be the country’s most significant war crimes prosecution ever.  Wednesday 8 April 2026 The local share market surges on hopes of an end to the Middle East conflict The Artemis astronauts travel to the dark side of the moon, and set a new record at the same time The Prime Minister promises to guard fuel supplies Guzman Y Gomez sales surge Join our free daily newsletter here. And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - this week: five ways to cut the cost of living. Get the episode from APPLE, SPOTIFY, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

Diesel keeps regional Australia moving, touching almost every industry. But rising costs and supply disruptions are hitting hard, affecting everything from farming to mining to local businesses. Sean Aylmer talks to Andrew Auerbach, Group Executive for Business and Private Banking at NAB, about the impact on the ground, and what lies ahead for the economy if fuel supplies remain under pressure.

This is the Fear & Greed Afternoon Report - everything you need to know about what happened in the markets, economy and world of business today, in just a few minutes. ASX surges 1.7pc Ben Roberts-Smith arrested Household spending rises in Feb Trump singles out Australia Regions pass 10 million people Join our free daily newsletter here.

Tuesday 7 April 2026 Investors get set for higher interest rates in Australia as the war in the Middle East enters a critical phase.  Auction clearance rates tumble back to COVID levels Is the era of reality TV over? Wait times for electric vehicle buyers pushes out Bad news for renters Join our free daily newsletter here. And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - this week: the $10,000 question. Get the episode from APPLE, SPOTIFY, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

Geopolitical tensions, market concentration, and the dominance of mega-cap tech stocks are forcing big institutional investors to rethink how they allocate capital. But rather than making big calls, many of the world’s largest pension and sovereign wealth funds are doing the opposite — sticking to their strategy. Gerard O’Reilly is Co-CEO of Dimensional Fund Advisors, working with many of the world’s largest pension and sovereign wealth funds, and around $1.4 trillion in assets under management. He tells Sean Aylmer that the key isn’t predicting what happens next — it’s building portfolios that can handle anything. This is general information only. Seek professional advice tailored to your circumstances before making investment decisions.

This is the Fear & Greed Afternoon Report - everything you need to know about what happened in the markets, economy and world of business today, in just a few minutes. ASX to open flat 45-day ceasefire Fuel till May Critical phase for Artemis Tesla sales slide Join our free daily newsletter here.

Monday 6 April 2026 A crazy March sent stocks tumbling, but still the ASX200 had a strong 12 months.  Regional house prices outperform the cities The world’s biggest religious pilgrimages A sacked worker who fought his dismissal with the help of AI gets thrown out of court The rise of the Bank of Grandma and Grandpa Join our free daily newsletter here. And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - this week: the $10,000 question. Get the episode from APPLE, SPOTIFY, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

This week it's all about household spending - and after consumer confidence hit a 53 year low last week, there could be some tough times ahead. And the big question: are we heading for a recession? Michael Thompson is joined by economist Stephen Koukoulas. Join our free daily newsletter here.

Michael asks Sean and Adam five questions - with no notice at all - about a digital detox. Could they handle a week without the internet? Could they do their jobs, navigate and communicate, or would life fall apart?

The war's ongoing economic impact, turning points for social media and the housing market, and the fall of the Coalition - it's been a massive start to the year in news. Sean Aylmer and Michael Thompson go head to head on the top business stories of the quarter, with Adam Lang picking a winner in a fierce debate. Join our free daily newsletter here.

Friday 3 April 2026 US President Donald Trump addresses the nation but fails to provide an end date for the war in the Middle East, sending equity markets lower.  The federal government announced new rules for gambling advertising Apple turns 50 Prime Minister Anthony Albanese outlines support packages for industry Can SpaceX make Elon Musk the world’s first trillionaire? Join our free daily newsletter here. And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - this week: the $10,000 question. Get the episode from APPLE, SPOTIFY, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

This week Brent Smart, chief marketing officer at Telstra, announced he was stepping down from the telco after four years in the job. During that time Telstra’s campaigns have won a number of awards… with Telstra now recognised as one of the strongest brands in Australia, and one of the top telco brands globally. In April 2023 Brent Smart joined Sean Aylmer to talk about what it was like to be the steward of a brand like Telstra - and to be tasked with transforming it, without damaging the legacy.

This is the Fear & Greed Afternoon Report - everything you need to know about what happened in the markets, economy and world of business today, in just a few minutes. Tech stocks dumped Thumbs down for PM address ASX under fire KMD crashes We have lift-off Join our free daily newsletter here.

Thursday 2 April 2026 Prime Minister Anthony Albanese calls for calm amid the petrol crisis and asks people to voluntarily reduce the amount of fuel they use.  The local sharemarket has its best day in a year on hopes of a quickish end to the Middle East war The great KitKat heist Positive signs for new builds in the housing market India kicks off a census of its 1.4 billion people Plus the final interview in our Accelerator series with Airwallex. Today’s guest: Anish Sinha, co-founder & COO at upcover, about disrupting an industry dominated by legacy players with a big headstart.

Executive pay is one of those topics that always sparks debate, whether it’s CEO bonuses, shareholder backlash, or whether pay really reflects performance. And increasingly, it’s not just about how much executives are paid, but how those decisions are made, justified, and explained. Al Jurangpathy, principal at Korn Ferry specialising in executive pay and governance, talks to Sean Aylmer about the nature of executive pay in Australia, with the reality much more more complex than most people think.

This is the Fear & Greed Afternoon Report - everything you need to know about what happened in the markets, economy and world of business today, in just a few minutes. ASX jumps 2.2pc PM to address nation US may exit Iran in 2-3 weeks Eagers Automotive surges Companies embrace April Fool’s Day Join our free daily newsletter here.

Wednesday 1 April 2026 House prices in Sydney and Melbourne fall, while the other capitals and regions do well.  Junior pay rates to be abolished in fast food, retail and pharmacy businesses  Big changes to credit card surcharges set to save consumers $1.6 billion Telstra’s mobile coverage map is redrawn Get set for humanity’s first mission to the moon in 53 years Join our free daily newsletter here. And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - this week: the $10,000 question. Get the episode from APPLE, SPOTIFY, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

Markets are volatile, unpredictable, and increasingly driven by headlines, making it very hard for investors to pick a direction. In that kind of environment, some are turning back to so-called “boring” stocks - companies with steady earnings, strong cash flow, and reliable dividends. Sean Aylmer talks to Josh Gilbert, market analyst at eToro, about why names like Coca-Cola and McDonald’s may be boring but brilliant. This is general information only. Seek advice tailored to your circumstances before making investment decisions.

This is the Fear & Greed Afternoon Report - everything you need to know about what happened in the markets, economy and world of business today, in just a few minutes. ASX ends March down 7.8pc Koala debuts on ASX Jackie O legal action against ARN Collins Foods exits Taco Bell Art heist in Italy Join our free daily newsletter here.

The federal government cuts the fuel excise in half to lower petrol prices.  Prime Minister Anthony Albanese calls on the US President Donald Trump to provide more certainty around the war in the Middle East Global beauty retailer Sephora under fire for marketing to children Opposition leader Angus Taylor rejects major changes to tax rules Gaming group Star Entertainment secures a big new funding package Plus the next interview in our Accelerator series with Airwallex. Today’s guest: Nick Ryan, COO of Essendon Football Club, about how incremental improvements can make a big difference both on and off the field.

The war in the Middle East has triggered a major oil shock — with supply through the Strait of Hormuz effectively shut and millions of barrels removed from the global market. Nik Burns, Head of Energy Research at Jarden, says this isn’t just another short-term spike — it could mark a structural shift in global energy markets. He talks to Sean Aylmer about why prices may stay elevated, what it means for investors, and why the path back to normal could take much longer than expected. General information only. Seek professional advice tailored to your circumstances before making investment decisions.

This is the Fear & Greed Afternoon Report - everything you need to know about what happened in the markets, economy and world of business today, in just a few minutes. Oil jumps, ASX off 0.7pc Accused cop killer shot dead Support for Labor tumbles Ceasefire could be reached ‘fairly quickly’ Macy’s AI sales surge Join our free daily newsletter here.