FEAR & GREED | Business News

Monday 23 February 2026 Australia has emerged as a loser after the US Supreme Court’s decision to knock back Donald Trump’s Liberation Day tariffs triggered the imposition of a global 15 per cent levy, which is higher than what we pay now.  Strong earnings from Aussie companies pushes the ASX to record territory. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says his government will be focusing on cost-of-living pressures and the economy in the run up to the May budget Which Australians feel best about life The end of the winter Olympics Join our free daily newsletter here. And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - this week, the kids’ money blueprint. Get the episode from APPLE, SPOTIFY, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

Michael Thompson is joined by economist Stephen Koukoulas to look at the week ahead for the economy, including monthly inflation data, and capex figures - including a closer look at the impact of business investment. Join our free daily newsletter here.

A bumper week of results, a renewed Liberal Party, and Coles and Instagram in court on different sides of the world. 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.

Has remote work contributed to a loneliness epidemic? Michael Thompson quizzes Sean Aylmer and Adam Lang about talking to strangers, phone vs email, and whether remote work has made us braver online and quieter in person. Fear & Greed Q+A: Join Sean Aylmer, Michael Thompson and Adam Lang as they answer questions on business, investing, economics, politics and more. If you have your own question, get in touch via our website, LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook. Join our free daily newsletter here.

This is the Fear and 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 flat CharlesIII: “law must take its course” Taylor on energy Guzman tumbles QBE surges Join our free daily newsletter here.

Friday 20 February 2026 Telstra announces a jump in its dividend as its mobile business powers earnings, just as Wesfarmers provides a note of caution about consumer spending.  The unemployment rate last month came in at 4.1 per cent, upping the chance of an interest rate hike in coming months.  The local share market hits an all-time high.  Mark Zuckerberg concedes it is difficult to enforce age limits on social media. The era of super-sized meals might be coming to an end. Join our free daily newsletter here. And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - this week, the kids’ money blueprint. Get the episode from APPLE, SPOTIFY, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

Wesfarmers has reported a jump in sales and a better-than-expected net profit of $1.6 billion for the December half. But CEO Rob Scott warns households are feeling the full impact of inflation and interest rates. In a wide-ranging conversaiton, Sean Aylmer speaks with Rob Scott about the consumer outlook, productivity initiatives across Bunnings and Kmart, the future of lithium and chemicals, the strategy behind Target, and how AI is being deployed across the group.

This is the Fear and 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 soars, unemployment stable Aussie giants report results PM’s‘contempt’ for ISIS brides ACCC targets Temu, Shein US-Iran tensions build Join our free daily newsletter here.

Thursday 19 February 2026 Real wages in Australia went backwards last year, challenging the view that the cost-of-living crisis is lessening.  NAB’s share price soars after a bumper quarterly profit Another, bigger bid for BlueScope Steel Santos to cut ten per cent of its workforce The countries where bank branches remain popular Join our free daily newsletter here. And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - this week, the kids’ money blueprint. Get the episode from APPLE, SPOTIFY, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

A listener question from far North Queensland sparks a dive into regional property trends. Michael Thompson speaks with Tim Lawless, Executive Research Director for Asia Pacific at Cotality, about how regional markets are performing versus the capitals, what’s driving growth, and whether the pandemic tree change still has legs.

This is the Fear and 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 higher on NAB result Pauline Hanson’s partial apology Health insurance premiums to rise Earnings wrap: Santos, Mirvac, Dexus, Superloop Rev. Jesse Jackson dies Join our free daily newsletter here.

Wednesday 18 February 2026 BHP announces a bumper half year profit as its copper division earnings surpass iron ore.  The minutes of last fortnight’s Reserve Bank board meeting suggest another rate hike is possible.  The IMF calls on Australia to cut income taxes and lift the GST.  Angus Taylor announces his new frontbench.  The real story about Winter Olympic ski jumpers having injections into their penises to gain an advantage. Join our free daily newsletter here. And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - this week, the kids’ money blueprint. Get the episode from APPLE, SPOTIFY, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

For the first time, copper has passed iron ore as the main source of revenue for BHP.  Vandita Pant, Chief Financial Officer at BHP, speaks to Andrew Geoghegan at Ausbiz about the company's bumper half-year results. Fear & Greed is proud to partner with Ausbiz, Australia's leading provider of live and on-demand video of the latest news in Australian business, markets, economy and startups. Sign up for free at ausbiz.com.au

This is the Fear and 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. BHP results boost ASX Angus Taylor tackles childcare Company results wrap Major energy project blowout $100m Pentagon drone challenge Join our free daily newsletter here.

Tuesday 17 February 2026 The competition watchdog alleges in Federal Court that Coles has used promotions to disguise big price rises.  JB HiFi surges as shoppers stock up on electronics New Liberal leader Angus Taylor outlines his vision Steel maker BlueScope becomes Santa Clause for shareholders Cherie Blair gives a very frank interview about her husband, former British PM Tony Blair Join our free daily newsletter here. And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - this week, the money basics you don't know (but everyone assumes you do). Get the episode from APPLE, SPOTIFY, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

The share market is swinging wildly this reporting season — blue chips are plunging and rebounding, banks are rallying, tech is getting sold off on AI fears, then bouncing back again. Sean Aylmer speaks with Morningstar equity market strategist Lachlan Halloway about what’s driving the volatility, whether AI is a real threat to listed companies, and why long-term investors might actually benefit from the chaos. This is general information only. You should seek professional advice tailored to your circumstances before making investment decisions.

This is the Fear and 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 sector rebouncs Leaked Liberal immigration policy Death at Rio Tinto site Results wrap: JB Hifi, Treasury Wines, A2 Milk Europe hits back at US Join our free daily newsletter here.

Monday 16 February 2026 The federal Liberal Party tries for a fresh start as One Nation looms.  The anything-but-tech trade on Wall Street and elsewhere gather momentum, with the big tech companies underperforming the market Macquarie Group is working on a $12 billion bid for Qube Logistics Solar panels produce too much energy Democrats tell European leaders that Donald Trump will be gone in three years Join our free daily newsletter here. And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - this week, the money basics you don't know (but everyone assumes you do). Get the episode from APPLE, SPOTIFY, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

It’s a “top shelf” week for economic data, with labour force figures, wage growth numbers and the Reserve Bank minutes all due.  Michael Thompson is joined by economist Stephen Koukoulas to unpack what the wage price index actually measures, why monthly employment numbers can be volatile, and how real wages, productivity and consumer spending all connect. Plus - what would it take for Australia to fall into a wage-price spiral, and why that remains unlikely. Join our free daily newsletter here.

The Aussie shout might well be dead, with drinks too expensive for people to buy a round on a night out. New data from payments company Tyro suggests customers are hitting a ceiling on what they're willing to pay for coffee and beer. Michael Thompson quizzes Sean Aylmer and Adam Lang on their attitudes to the shout, tipping, splitting bills, money boundaries, and how much is too much to pay for a coffee? Fear & Greed Q+A: Join Sean Aylmer, Michael Thompson and Adam Lang as they answer questions on business, investing, economics, politics and more. If you have your own question, get in touch via our website, LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook. Join our free daily newsletter here.

Commonwealth Bank soars, while AMP plummets in a very volatile start to reporting season. Plus a leadership spill, fast internet booms, and who would want the corner office? 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 and 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 drops on tech sell-off  Angus Taylor wins Lib spill Austal, Cochlear, Webjet tumble ICE agents out of Minnesota First Aussie gold at Winter Olympics Join our free daily newsletter here.

Friday 13 February 2026 Angus Taylor is expected to become leader of the federal Liberal Party this morning, removing Sussan Ley.  ANZ announces a strong quarterly result sending bank shares surging The Reserve Bank concedes it let the unemployment level fall too low, and as a result inflation crept higher The boom in high-speed internet connections The number of global Spotify users hits 750 million  Join our free daily newsletter here. And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - this week, the money basics you don't know (but everyone assumes you do). Get the episode from APPLE, SPOTIFY, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

Testosterone therapy is booming, but how much of it is medically necessary, and how much is hype? Sean Aylmer speaks with Dr Zac Turner about exogenous testosterone, what it actually is, and what the major TRAVERSE clinical trial found about heart risk and safety. They discuss why falling testosterone levels are common as we age, the surprising role sleep and stress play in suppressing hormone production, and why many people may be able to improve levels naturally before turning to replacement therapy.

This is the Fear and 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 closes up Lib leadership challenge tomorrow AMP’s worst day in two decades Corporate results wrap Canada shooter identified Join our free daily newsletter here.

Thursday 12 February 2026 Commonwealth Bank’s share price surges on a strong profit while CSL tumbles after its CEO was forced out the door.  The Dept of Treasury confirms it’s been doing work on potential changes to capital gains tax concessions The local share market nears record highs Angus Taylor quits the front bench and is set to challenge Opposition Leader Sussan Ley The story of a crockery company booming in an AI world Join our free daily newsletter here. And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - this week, the money basics you don't know (but everyone assumes you do). Get the episode from APPLE, SPOTIFY, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

Record growth in loans and deposits has pushed Commonwealth Bank’s half year profit to $5.4 billion, triggering a seven per cent jump in its share price. In a wide-ranging chat, CBA CEO Matt Comyn speaks with Juliette Saly from Ausbiz about competition from Macquarie, housing supply reform, AI investment, productivity, regional branches, workforce impacts, mortgage stress, and whether Australia’s largest bank can justify being the most expensive bank in the developed world. Fear & Greed is proud to partner with Ausbiz, Australia's leading provider of live and on-demand video of the latest news in Australian business, markets, economy and startups. Sign up for free at ausbiz.com.au

This is the Fear and 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 soars on CBA profit Big swings as companies report Leadership challenge may be imminent Breakthrough in US kidnapping 10 dead after Canada school shooting Join our free daily newsletter here.

Wednesday 11 February 2026 Prime Minister Anthony Albanese calls on the Greens to tone down the rhetoric as Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit to Australia triggers plaudits and condemnation.  Macquarie warns the big banks it is after their mortgages and deposits  The privacy commissioner is worried that cars might be spying on owners Alphabet’s 100-year bond Why winners at the Olympics are going home with medals more valuable than ever before Join our free daily newsletter here. And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - this week, the money basics you don't know (but everyone assumes you do). Get the episode from APPLE, SPOTIFY, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

As artificial intelligence explodes, electricity demand is fast becoming one of the biggest constraints on growth. Data centres are consuming vast amounts of power, and access to the grid is emerging as a critical bottleneck - not just in Australia, but globally. Sean Aylmer speaks with Jack Curtis, co-founder and chief commercial officer of Neara, Australia’s newest tech unicorn. Neara has just raised $90 million at a valuation above $1 billion, aiming to help electricity networks unlock more capacity and meet surging AI-driven demand.

This is the Fear and 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 boost market Nine charged over Herzog protests One Nation’s weak preference flows Union pushing for WFH Airline competition heats up Join our free daily newsletter here.

Tuesday 10 February 2026 The local share market surges as investors buy back into tech stocks.  A federal Liberal party leadership spill looks likely this week The number of very rich Australians surges A drop in household spending complicates the interest rate outlook We take a look at the best Superbowl ads Join our free daily newsletter here. And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - this week, seven signs you’re better with money than you think. Get the episode from APPLE, SPOTIFY, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

Reporting season is underway, and after last year’s wild share price swings, investors are bracing for more volatility.  Sean Aylmer speaks to Ben Gilbert, Head of Australian Research at Jarden, about the companies he's watching, which sectors could surprise, where the risks lie, and how interest rates and AI are shaping results. Fear and Greed is not a financial advice podcast. The information provided is general in nature and you should seek advice tailored to your circumstances before making investment decisions.

This is the Fear and 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. Market up nearly 2pc Profit season heats up Coalition’s dire Newspoll NBN won’t be finished until 2040 Epstein saga claims UK scalp Join our free daily newsletter here.

Monday 9 February 2026 Investors can expect a wild ride on equity markets over the next three weeks, as profit season promises big market moves. The AI spending boom by big tech heads towards $1 trillion annually, drawing comparisons with the 19th century rail boom in the US.  Unusual ways to gain an advantage in the men’s ski jumping competition at the Olympics  The federal coalition reforms A bumper week for home sales Join our free daily newsletter here. And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - this week, seven signs you’re better with money than you think. Get the episode from APPLE, SPOTIFY, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

This week we get household spending as well as lending data, giving an insight into the state of the economy, and whether the RBA made the right call increasing interest rates last week. Michael Thompson is joined by economist Stephen Koukoulas. Fear & Greed Q+A: Join Sean Aylmer & Michael Thompson and the team as they answer questions on business, investing, economics, politics and more. If you have your own question, get in touch via our website, LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook! Join our free daily newsletter here.

This week the Washington Post (owned by Amazon's Jeff Bezos) sacked 300 journalists, reducing its newsroom by about a third. Michael and Sean talk about the impact of the decision, the business of newspapers, and Sean's own experience of having to make major changes to newsrooms. Fear & Greed Q+A: Join Sean Aylmer, Michael Thompson and Adam Lang as they answer questions on business, investing, economics, politics and more. If you have your own question, get in touch via our website, LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook. Join our free daily newsletter here.

Interest rates rising, crypto tumbling, deals collapsing, major tax reform and the start of the Winter Olympics: it's been a monster week. 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 and 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 tumbles Rio-Glencore deal off Coalition still divided Bullock in parliament NFL for MCG Join our free daily newsletter here.

Friday 6 February 2026 The Reserve Bank warns that wages will not keep pace with inflation Uranium stocks take a tumble as the AI debate continues One Nation raises the prospect of joining the Coalition  Bunnings wins the right to keep using facial recognition The Winter Olympics gets underway in the Dolomites in northern Italy Join our free daily newsletter here. And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - this week, seven signs you’re better with money than you think. Get the episode from APPLE, SPOTIFY, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

Are Australia’s big department stores running out of road? In the US, iconic names like Saks and Macy’s are shrinking fast. At home, David Jones and Myer have both been closing stores as consumer behaviour shifts and online retail keeps growing. Sean Aylmer speaks with retail expert Professor Gary Mortimer from Queensland University of Technology, about whether department stores can still survive - and if so, what they need to become.

This is the Fear and 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 dips, silver tumbles Attempted bombing declared terrorism Bunnings wins legal fight ICE agents withdraw Washington Post job cuts Join our free daily newsletter here.

Thursday 5 February 2026 The federal government considers scaling back capital gains tax concessions for property investors.  A tale of two markets with tech stocks dumped and miners surging AustralianSuper loses funds to competitors for the first time in 20 years  Still no re-unification for the federal coalition Crypto’s market cap tumbles nearly half-a-trillion US dollars  Join our free daily newsletter here. And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - this week, seven signs you’re better with money than you think. Get the episode from APPLE, SPOTIFY, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

After years of hype, ethical and green investing has cooled. But instead of going away, it's evolving. Sean Aylmer speaks with Dugald Higgins, Head of Responsible Investment and Real Assets at Zenith Investment Partners, about where sustainable investing now sits, why Australia has held steady while other markets pulled back, the difference between ESG and sustainability, and how new climate reporting rules could reshape investment decisions. This is general information only. Seek advice tailored to your circumstances before making investment decisions.

This is the Fear and 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. Miners lift ASX Major defence land sell-off Airport delays as arrivals hit record WFH case could reshape rights Bill Gates on AI Join our free daily newsletter here.

Wednesday 4 February 2026 The Reserve Bank lifts interest rates and hints that there could be more hikes later in the year.  The federal Coalition parties remain at odds over reuniting.  Cheaper, challenger brands are winning the mobile battle in Australia.  Elon Musk combines his two private companies as he pushes to develop data centres in space.  US owned TikTok changes terms and conditions, upsetting users. Join our free daily newsletter here. And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - this week, seven signs you’re better with money than you think. Get the episode from APPLE, SPOTIFY, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

The Reserve Bank has lifted interest rates for the first time in two years, and while the hike was widely expected by markets, not all economists thought the RBA would do it. AMP Deputy Chief Economist Diana Mousina explains why the unanimous vote raised eyebrows, and why she believes this may still be a one-off adjustment rather than the start of a tightening cycle.

This is the Fear and 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 closes up 1pc Nats on crossbenches Qantas selldown Corporate updates Clintons to testify Join our free daily newsletter here.

Tuesday 3 February 2026 The federal Liberals and Nationals in talks to reform the Coalition just as parliament resumes for the year.  Competition in home lending heats up just as interest rates are set to rise  The boss of Corporate Travel Management resigns five months after the company said it can’t sign off its annual accounts.  The rest of the world pushes to follow Australia’s social media ban for kids Melania, the documentary, about the First Lady Melania Trump, fails to set the box office alight Join our free daily newsletter here. And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - this week, inside the Frugal February challenge. Get the episode from APPLE, SPOTIFY, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

Roger Montgomery, founder and Chief Investment Officer at Montgomery Investment Management, looks back at the forces that drove markets in 2025 — from the AI boom to the “great broadening” beyond US megacaps. He talks to Sean Aylmer about the bull and bear cases for US equities in 2026, why the US dollar matters for Australian investors, and where diversification may make sense as volatility returns. For more information, visit www.montinvest.com or call 02 8046 5000. Follow Roger’s insights at www.rogermontgomery.com Montgomery Investment Management is a supporter of Fear + Greed. Seek professional advice tailored to your circumstances before making investment decisions.