Labor looks to make changes to the Future Fund; Westpac pushes back predictions of rate cuts to May; Chris Ellison fronts the MinRes shareholders; social media legislation enters parliament; first home buyers saving less of half of what they were; and Scott Phillips joins us for the Market Wrap. Host: Deb Knight Executive Producer: Tom Storey Technical Producer: Liam Achurch Publisher: Nine Radio

The government will change the mandate of the Future Fund, opening a can of worms about what role politicians should have in the investment calls of the pool.

Changes to the Future Fund could see the $230 billion pool prioritise clean energy & housing. 

Jim Chalmers delivers a statement on the economy to the Parliament; calls for a rethink on Australian productivity, including worker training; wages jump over $100b a month; Amcor to take over US packaging company; Black Friday sales getting bigger & bolder; Australian Super to repay $4.2 million; and Carl Capolingua joins us for the Market Wrap. Host: Deborah Knight Executive Producer: Tom Storey Technical Producer: Liam Achurch Publisher: Nine Radio

Black Friday sales are getting bigger and over a longer period of time – so will Australians shop up a storm ahead of Christmas this year?

A deal between Amcor and US group Berry group will see the Aussie packaging giant have 400 factories in its operations. MARKET WRAP: ASX200: down 0.57%, 8,326 GOLD: $2,628 US/oz BITCOIN: $142,306 AUD Utility and Health Care stocks just escaped the losses, with CSL up 1.1% and Pro Medicus rising 1%. Northern Star and Evolution mining both up 1% Small gains for Commonwealth Bank, Infratil and Origin Energy. Amcor’s merger announcement saw down 1.2% to $15.51. Energy stocks were down around 1%, with Woodside & Santos both falling around 0.7%. Nick Scali told the market that freight problems had hurt its guidance, shares fell 1.7% to $13.84. Telstra was down 2.3% and James Hardie fell 2%. CURRENCY UPDATE: AUD/USD: 65.23 US cents AUD/GBP: 51.4 pence AUD/EUR: 61 Euro cents AUD/JPY: 101 Japanese yen AUD/NZD: 1.10 NZ dollars

Australia’s productivity has dropped to a snail’s pace, with a lack of workplace training hampering efforts to get the nation’s economy going again.

The ASX couldn't quite keep up with it's gains from Tuesday, while a packaging giant looked to get its hands on more in the US.

Financial advice changes look difficult to get through parliament; the ASX hits another record high; RBA considers hikes in latest meeting minutes; cost of living data shows age an indicator of spending; the growing trend of property in SMSFs; the growing business of Australian gin; and Evan Lucas joins us for the Market Wrap. Host: Scott Haywood Executive Producer: Tom Storey Technical Producer: Liam Achurch Publisher: Nine Radio

The government’s proposed changes to financial advice is struggling to make it through parliament, with a fight over who pays emerging.

The Australian share market was up by 1.6% at one point, but even an afternoon drop wasn't enough to stop another new record being posted.

The government to make cash mandatory for certain purchases; the supermarkets under the ACCC blowtorch; ASIC hits NAB with legal proceedings; home listings increase as rates remain stubborn; finding the right balance in investment; the jobs with the biggest pay rises revealed; and Elio D’Amato joins us for the Market Wrap. Host: Deb Knight Executive Producer: Tom Storey Technical Producer: Liam Achurch Publisher: Nine Radio

Investment can be a minefield, so how do we find the right balance of risks for different points in our lives?

The ripples of the US election continue, with the appointment of RFK Jr to the Health Department potentially causing headaches for companies like CSL. MARKET WRAP: ASX200: up 0.18%, 8,300 GOLD: $2,587 US/oz BITCOIN: $142,098 AUD BHP 0.7% higher, Fortescue up 1.2% and Rio Tinto up 2.2%. Coal miner New Hope saw its shares gain 2.3% to $4.81 after it reported a jump in production growth, higher prices and lower costs across the first quarter. Paladin and Boss Energy were up 5.5% and 7.3% respectively following a decision by Russia late last week to limit exports of nuclear fuel to the US. Lovisa dropped 3.8% and Cettire down 4%. Life360 was down 6.7% after its co-founder & CEO sold off shares in the company.  While there was a fall of 1.7% for CSL & 2.2% for REA Group. CURRENCY UPDATE: AUD/USD: 64.57 US cents AUD/GBP: 51.1 pence AUD/EUR: 61 Euro cents AUD/JPY: 100 Japanese yen AUD/NZD: 1.10 NZ dollars

Could higher interest rates be finally affecting mortgage holders? An increase in property listings in Australia’s major capitals is certainly setting the trend.

The corporate regulator has launched legal proceedings against NAB alleging that it handled 345 financial hardship applications inccorectly.

This week: Chinese stimulus doesn't live up to the hype; population growth on the national agenda; small businesses look forward to a pickup in conditions; wages still outpacing inflation even as growth falls; and the start-up helping people to finance the messy period of divorce.

Hosts: Deb Knight Executive Producer: Tom Storey Technical Producer: Liam Achurch Publisher: Nine Radio

Many Australians have adopted online accounting software Xero to make their businesses easier to operate, with the company growing subscribers by 6% in the last year.

MARKET WRAP: ASX200: up 0.37%, 8,224 GOLD: $2,557 US/oz BITCOIN: $139,317 AUD The ASX 200 broke a losing streak to close up 0.4% Accounting software company Xero released its half-year earnings with shares finishing 5.9% higher to $171. Farm chemical supplier Nufarm saw its shares gain 6% despite a 29% fall in underlying earnings. Commbank up 2.2%, NAB up 1%, Westpac up 1.3% and ANZ up 1.2%. BHP down 1.3% and Fortescue down 1.9%. Resmed down 2.5% and Bluescope Steel down 2.4%. CURRENCY UPDATE: AUD/USD: 64.65 US cents AUD/GBP: 51.0 pence AUD/EUR: 61 Euro cents AUD/JPY: 100 Japanese yen AUD/NZD: 1.10 NZ dollars

Unemployment remained at 4.1%, but there are some signs that the worm may be starting to turn - probably not enough to change the RBA though!

Wages up 3.5% over the last year; Spotify grows its numbers of paid subscribers; Commonwealth Bank cashes $2.5b first quarter profit; US markets have first down day one week on from the election; Donald Trump appoints his cabinet; cryptocurrency shooting the lights out; how to finance a divorce; and Kate Hanrahan joins us for the Market Wrap. Hosts: Deb Knight Executive Producer: Tom Storey Technical Producer: Liam Achurch Publisher: Nine Radio

Divorce can be a messy time financially, so a new start-up is helping to smooth the process, offering financing for legal fees.

One week on from the US election, markets took their first dive. But with a radical agenda to be put in place, what’s the long term outlook for financial markets & cryptocurrency?

A lack of IPO action has been a mark of the ASX this year, but DigiCo is expected to list before Santa appears down our chimneys. MARKET WRAP: ASX200: down 0.75%, 8,193 GOLD: $2,612 US/oz BITCOIN: $134,135 AUD Financial stocks were down 1.1% Commonwealth Bank gave its first quarter update, with the bank down 0.4% to $149.62 after posting net profit of $2.5 billion in the first quarter. A 23% fall in net profit for building materials company James Hardie didn’t put off investors - shares were up 6.2% to $53.35 Aristocrat Leisure increased its profits by 17%, helping shares to gain 2.6% on the day to $66.62 Gains of more than 1% for Flight Centre, Yancoal, and Ampol. Mineral Resources shares down 7.2% to $34.95 NUIX plunged more than 22% to $5.90 after the CEO told the market growth would be weighted towards the back half of the year. CURRENCY UPDATE: AUD/USD: 65.26 US cents AUD/GBP: 51.2 pence AUD/EUR: 61 Euro cents AUD/JPY: 101 Japanese yen AUD/NZD: 1.10 NZ dollars

Wage growth has fallen over the last quarter, but with salaries still going up at a greater rate than prices, workers are starting to feel better off.

Australian workers have seen a 3.5% increase to wages over the last year, ahead of inflation again, with no signs of a much feared wage-price spiral.

Fertility decline leading to serious conversation on population; Coles boss calls cost of living debate "politicised"; airfares get more expensive; consumer & business confidence looking up; households spend on tickets; ASIC sues Cbus Super; young workers missing out on retirement; Singles Day grows as a sales event; and Henry Jennings joins us for the Market Wrap. Host: Deb Knight Executive Producer: Tom Storey Technical Producer: Liam Achurch Publisher: Nine Radio

Businesses are doing their best, but is red tape getting in the way of them being more successful in their outcomes?

Paladin Energy dropped after it overshot forecasts on its uranium. How will the company rebound? MARKET WRAP: ASX200: down 0.13% to 8,255 GOLD: $2,610 US/oz BITCOIN: $136,106 AUD Materials stocks were another 1.4% lower today, while the Tech sector gained more than 1%. The owner of Afterpay – Block – led the way, up 10.7% to $126.40 following a good night of trade for the company’s Wall Street listing. Tech gains were led by Wistech Global and Technology One, both up 1.8%. Up by more than 1% were Wesfarmers, ANZ, and Reece. Paladin Energy down almost 29% to $6.88 after it slashed its targets for production, calling previous forecasts “a bit ambitious”. Health insurer NIB said it was on track to post an operating loss for the first half, lowering its guidance and seeing shares drop 0.7% to $5.96. Another day of pain for both the gold & iron ore miners saw BHP down 1.8%, South 32 falling 2.4% and Northern Star off 2.7%. CURRENCY UPDATE: AUD/USD: 65.51 US cents AUD/GBP: 51.1 pence AUD/EUR: 61 Euro cents AUD/JPY: 100 Japanese yen AUD/NZD: 1.10 NZ dollars

Net migration is increasing, but the fertility rate is falling. So how do we go about raising living standards?

The ASX couldn't follow the lead of Wall Street, falling by 0.1%, but there was better news on confidence in the market.

Jim Chalmers prepares for US-China Trade war; commodity prices fall on back of weak Chinese stimulus; Resolute Mining workers detained by Malian junta; Endeavour Group notes a drop off in alcohol sales; Pratt gets US Green Card; protecting consumers from scams ahead of Black Friday & Cyber Monday; and Adam Dawes joins us for the Market Wrap. Host: Deborah Knight Executive Producer: Tom Storey Technical Producer: Liam Achurch Publisher: Nine Radio

With Black Friday & Cyber Monday around the corner, don’t let the hunt for a bargain lead you into a scam trap..

HMC Capital is the latest company to get in on the data centre craze, with the trend set to continue with the rise of AI. MARKET WRAP: ASX200: down 0.35%, 8,266 GOLD: $2,678 US/oz BITCOIN: $123,353 AUD BHP dropping 4.1% to $41.63, Fortescue down 7.3% to $18.12, and Rio Tinto falling 3.1% to $119.47. HMC Capital saw shares rising 4% after revealing plans to launch a data centre investment trust on the ASX Battery tech provider Novonix rallied 12.5% as it signed a supply deal with a US auto company. Goodman Group gained 2.5% and Resmed was up 1.9%. Lower sales for Endeavour saw its shares dropping by 4.9% to $4.50. Backwards by more than 1% was Pro Medicus, Seek and APA Group. CURRENCY UPDATE: AUD/USD: 65.84 US cents AUD/GBP: 51.03 pence AUD/EUR: 61.5 Euro cents AUD/JPY: 101 Japanese yen AUD/NZD: 1.10 NZ dollars

Commodity prices have fallen in reaction to the “not really” Chinese stimulus offered last week, but should we be concerned?

Markets will be waiting for more from the Chinese government in 2025, with a $2.1 trillion plan not hitting the right notes for investors.

This week: The federal government makes a pitch to younger voters, vowing to wipe out 20% of student debts; interest rates are left on hold by the Reserve Bank; Donald Trump moves markets with his victory in the US election; could wave energy be the key to helping our transition?; and as Chemist Warehouse gets the green light to merge with Sigma Healthcare, what does the state of competition look like in Australia?

Radio legends are retiring left right and centre, with 2GB’s Ray Hadley announcing he’ll step down from his position by the end of the year.

US markets go bananas following the election result; Sigma Healthcare gets green light to merge with Chemist Warehouse; ACCC hears supermarket complaints; Cass-Gottlieb a member of the Qantas Chairman’s Lounge; NAB’s profits fall; NAB boss warns on US tariffs; Breville to build up US inventory; radio legends retire; and Scott Phillips joins us for the Market Wrap. Host: Deb Knight Executive Producer: Tom Storey Technical Producer: Liam Achurch Publisher: Nine Radio

NAB’s announcement of a drop in profit to $7.1 billion could be a sign for the rest of the banking industry. MARKET WRAP: ASX200: up 0.33%, 8,226 GOLD: $2,669 US/oz BITCOIN: $113,299 AUD Energy was the best-performing sector, up 2.3%, with Real Estate the worst, down 2.1%. Sigma Healthcare saw its share price spike after that ACCC green light, closing up almost 25% to $2.43. Neuren gained 8.5% to $14.40 after predicting full year income of $216 million. NAB’s full-year cash profits of $7.1 billion was only good enough to see shares lift 0.2% to $39.33. Health insurer NIB’s shares gained 1.9% as it held its AGM. Jumping by more than 1% were Yancoal, Treasury Wines and South 32. The gold price tumbled in the wake of the US election, down more than 3% and hurting local miners with Spartan Resources down over 17%, Westgold down 8.4% and Bellevue Gold down 7.7% While buy-now, pay-later provider Zip dropped 1% despite cash earnings in the first quarter up by 234%. CURRENCY UPDATE: AUD/USD: 66.27 US cents AUD/GBP: 51.3 pence AUD/EUR: 61 Euro cents AUD/JPY: 102 Japanese yen AUD/NZD: 1.10 NZ dollars

The ACCC has given the green light to Sigma Healthcare to merge with Chemist Warehouse, with consumers not being hampered by the arrangement.

The ASX couldn't quite keep up with the gains on Wall Street, but did finish in positive territory again.

Donald Trump wins the 2024 US Presidential Election; US Futures look higher after Trump victory; European markets not as positive; wave energy could be the next renewable project; Bridget McKenzie updates her disclosures; and Carl Capolingua joins us for the Market Wrap. Host: Deborah Knight Executive Producer: Tom Storey Technical Producer: Liam Achurch Publisher: Nine Radio

With the energy transition at the top of the lists of governments right now, could harnessing the ocean be the next best step?