Money News

Host Scott Haywood explores the recent drop in the Australian share market, analyzing how rising US bond yields impact domestic stocks, government interest costs, and individual mortgages. The episode also examines superannuation adequacy, featuring Bec Wilson's 'Epic Retirement Tick Test' and her mission to improve industry standards. Additionally, the program discusses technological advancements in aged care through IntelliCare's AI-powered remote monitoring solutions. The episode concludes with an analysis of modern advertising trends, covering the rise of retail media and the high engagement value of major sporting events.

In this episode of Money News, Sales Director and Auctioneer John Bongiorno discusses the state of the Victorian property market following the end of September. He addresses the impact of recent RBA rate rises and notes that while the investment market in Victoria is currently stagnant due to interest rates and taxes, the owner-occupier segment remains resilient. Bongiorno also highlights significant upcoming changes to auction and expression of interest regulations in Victoria, which may lead to more off-market transactions. He concludes by discussing the decline in property supply and the trend of investors moving from Victoria to Queensland in search of better opportunities.

In this episode of Money News, CEO Andrew Elf of Mitchell Services Limited (ASX: MSV) discusses the company's position within the Australian and Papua New Guinea drilling industries. Following remarks from Queensland Treasurer David Janetsky regarding state productivity, the conversation explores how Mitchell Services operates 90 surface and underground rigs for major miners in sectors including gold, copper, lead, and zinc. The interview covers the company's financial resilience against rising interest rates, its focus on production-based contracts, and its strategic involvement in emissions reduction through a joint venture with Loop. Elf also provides an outlook on the company's momentum heading into the 2027 financial year and its role in drilling for critical minerals essential to the energy transition.

This episode explores the growing tension between Reserve Bank Governor Michelle Bullock and Treasurer Jim Chalmers regarding the drivers of inflation in Australia. The discussion examines whether rising inflation is primarily a result of global factors, such as Middle East conflicts and oil prices, or driven by domestic government spending. Featuring insights from federal political editor Michael Packie, the program analyzes the political implications of interest rate decisions, potential public service cuts, and the long-term economic burden on future generations ahead of the next federal election.

This episode explores the growing tension between RBA Governor Michelle Bullock and Treasurer Jim Chalmers regarding the drivers of inflation, specifically debating whether government spending or global oil prices are to blame. The discussion also covers the political strategy surrounding interest rate movements ahead of the federal election. Additionally, the program analyzes market movements, risks within the private credit market, and updates on specific stocks like DroneShield and Telex. The episode concludes with insights into Mitchell Services' focus on the energy transition and an analysis of the Victorian property market's resilience amidst regulatory changes.

The episode discusses the Reserve Bank of Australia's decision to lift interest rates by 0.25% to 4.6%, driven by persistent inflation, Middle East conflicts affecting oil prices, and the inflationary pressures of the global AI investment boom. The host explores the economic implications for Australian households, particularly those with significant mortgages, and examines the government's role in managing productivity and fiscal responsibility. Economist Stephen Kukors joins the program to provide expert analysis on the rate hike, discussing the mechanisms by which higher rates curb inflation through reduced discretionary spending and increased savings. The conversation also covers broader economic concerns such as stalling productivity, rising unemployment risks, and the impact of global bond market yields on the domestic economy.

The Reserve Bank of Australia has raised interest rates by 0.25% to 4.6%, a move driven by persistent global inflation, Middle East conflicts, and AI-related supply chain costs. Host Scott Haywood discusses the financial impact on mortgage holders with economist Stephen Kukulos, exploring productivity challenges and the RBA's dual mandate regarding employment. The episode also examines shifts in the rental market, tech sector gains, and corporate leadership changes at Adairs. Additionally, the program covers the economic growth of the Australian tallow industry, practical AI applications for small businesses, and breaking news regarding the suspension of redemptions at Metrix Capital.

In this episode of Money News, Executive Chairman Mark Davies discusses the progress of Neurotech International Limited (ASX: NTI), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company. The discussion focuses on the development of NTI164, a therapy designed to treat neurological disorders in children, specifically targeting core symptoms of autism such as communication, sociability, and anxiety. Davies details the results of previous clinical trials involving level two and level three autistic children and outlines the current commencement of a large-scale Phase 3 trial involving 200 patients. The conversation covers the company's commercial strategy regarding TGA registration, potential licensing to global pharmaceutical firms, and the broader implications for treating other inflammatory neurological disorders like RETS and PANS-PANDAS.

This episode of Money News explores the rising operational costs impacting small business owners across Australia, specifically focusing on recent research from BizCover regarding insurance premium hikes. Michael Gottlieb, CEO of BizCover, discusses how 73% of small businesses have experienced rate increases over the last year and identifies which industries, such as retail and hospitality, are feeling the most pressure due to high loss ratios. Gottlieb provides insights into the current 'soft market' in insurance, noting that while some sectors face higher costs, many professional services like accountants and architects may actually be eligible for reductions. The discussion concludes with practical strategies for business owners to combat rising overheads by shopping around, utilizing online comparison platforms, and pressuring brokers to leverage market competition.

Tim Lawless, Research Director of CoreLogic, joins Money News to discuss the shifting landscape of Australian property ownership and the economic pressures facing younger generations. The discussion explores how high property prices, rising rents, and cost-of-living pressures are driving Gen Z toward alternative investment strategies like ETFs and micro-investing as traditional home ownership becomes increasingly unachievable for those without intergenerational wealth. The episode also provides an analysis of the current national property market, noting declining values in most capital city suburbs and an accumulation of stock due to slower sales. Lawless offers insights into the potential actions of the RBA regarding interest rate hikes and discusses the broader economic outlook for inflation and mortgage servicing capacity.

Scott Hayward hosts Money News, exploring the economic implications of potential RBA cash rate hikes and their impact on property ownership, retail, and business insurance. The episode features insights from Tim Lawless of CoreLogic on the challenges facing younger Australians in the property market, alongside discussions on rising small business insurance premiums with Michael Gottlieb. The program also provides a market wrap with Scott Phillips, analyzing how interest rate decisions affect sectors like banking and retail. Additionally, the episode covers CSL's recent stock recovery driven by shifting investor sentiment and an interview with Mark Davies of Neurotech International regarding clinical progress in pediatric autism therapies.

An analysis of the latest Household Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) report, featuring social researcher and demographer Mark McCrindle. The discussion explores how rising inflation and the cost of living are driving significant social shifts, including a record 50% of young adults aged 18 to 29 living in the family home. The episode examines the disconnect between increasing educational attainment—with many young women holding university degrees—and the reality of underutilised skills and economic pressure. Key themes include the strength of domestic relationships amidst financial stress, the rise of the gig economy as a necessity for making ends meet, and the potential need for more vocationally-focused, future-proofed education in an AI-disrupted world.

This episode features an interview with Warren Hogan, Managing Director at EQ Economics, regarding recent Australian employment data and its implications for the Reserve Bank of Australia's upcoming interest rate decision. The discussion covers the unexpected rise in the unemployment rate to 4.6% despite significant job growth in August, and the potential for a 25-point rate hike to combat persistent inflation. Hogan provides an analysis of the RBA board's hawkish stance, the impact of global interest rate trends, and the necessity of reaching a higher cash rate level to control living costs. The conversation also addresses the role of government spending in inflationary pressures, arguing that public sector expansion threatens to trigger a per capita recession by limiting the growth capacity of the broader economy.

Luke Grant introduces the evening's news, covering topics such as rising unemployment, economic volatility, and a developer's concerns regarding crime in Victoria. The episode features an interview with economist Warren Hogan on RBA interest rate hikes and inflation, alongside demographer Mark McCrindle discussing social shifts in Australia, including rising university education levels and young adults living at home. The program also provides a market wrap discussing bond yields and retail stocks, reports on AI security breaches, and explores how cost of living pressures are influencing consumer trends in coffee consumption. The episode concludes with updates on AFL news and a summary of the day's market performance.

The 25/26 HIA Housing 100 report reveals a significant shift in Australia's residential construction landscape, with Sumitomo Forestry Australia ascending to the top spot and ending Metricon's decade-long dominance. The report highlights a 9.4% increase in home commencements by the nation's top 100 builders compared to the previous period, despite recent market headwinds such as higher interest rates and declining consumer confidence. Chief Economist Tim Reardon discusses the impact of corporate consolidation, noting the growing influence of Japanese-owned businesses and the trend toward vertical integration and advanced manufacturing. The discussion also addresses the divergence between current construction capacity and a recent 20% drop in sales, the rising cost of land relative to construction, and the long-term stability of large-scale volume builders during market downturns.

This episode of Money News features an interview with Dr. Thomas Kelly, CEO of the Melbourne-based AI startup Heidi Health, which has achieved unicorn status. The discussion explores how their AI scribe technology reduces clinician administrative burdens and prevents burnout while maintaining rigorous patient data security during global expansion. The episode also covers significant economic trends, including warnings regarding Australian housing supply, the impact of energy policy on national security, and shifts in the residential construction market led by Japanese-owned companies. Additionally, the program analyzes the decline of traditional department stores, rising business insolvencies in the construction sector, and recent ASX performance.

Melbourne-based startup Heidi Health has achieved unicorn status following a $340 million funding round led by Blackbird and General Catalyst, bringing its valuation to over $1.4 billion. The company provides an AI-powered medical scribe designed to alleviate clinician burnout and address the projected global healthcare worker shortage by automating clinical documentation, Medicare submissions, and referral letters. In this interview, CEO Dr. Thomas Kelly discusses the transition from vascular surgery to tech leadership, the technical implementation of bank-level encryption for patient privacy, and the scalability of Australian-made AI in global markets. The conversation also touches on the economic challenges facing Australian startups, specifically regarding capital gains tax reforms and the potential for talent brain drain.

This episode explores the intersection of declining consumer confidence and innovative debt recovery technologies. Following reports that ANZ Roy Morgan consumer confidence has dropped to 72, the discussion focuses on the challenges businesses face with low-value, uncollected debts such as utility bills, medical charges, and buy now, pay later defaults. The conversation features Norman Yan, co-founder of Opendebt.ai, a former Westpac data and AI lead. He details how his company utilizes advanced voice AI and large language models to automate the recovery of high-volume, low-value debts through a user-friendly approach. The discussion covers technical implementation, including warm handovers to human operators, regulatory guardrails for privacy compliance, and the economic benefits of automated collection systems.

In this episode of Money News, Let's Talk Business, host and guest Kim Feidelberg discuss the origins and business model of HairShots. The brand offers a range of concentrated active ingredients designed to be added directly into existing shampoo and conditioner routines to customize hair care needs. Feidelberg shares her transition from a brand and communication strategist in the advertising industry to an entrepreneur. She details how she identifies market gaps and discusses the competitive landscape of the beauty industry, specifically focusing on how a smaller, agile brand can compete with global cosmetic giants through direct-to-consumer channels and retail partnerships like Priceline.

In this episode of Money News, host Luke Grant discusses RBA Governor Michelle Bullock's recent speech regarding inflation, unemployment targets, and productivity challenges. The episode also covers market updates, political debates over using superannuation for housing, and an interview with Norman Yan about using AI to automate low-value debt recovery. The discussion continues with a market wrap-up covering lithium mining acquisitions and gold sector challenges. Finally, the episode features an interview with Kim Feidelberg, founder of HairShots, regarding her journey in creating concentrated active boosters for hair care and competing against global cosmetic giants.

Luke Grant hosts Money News, featuring an interview with economist Chris Richardson regarding the implications of Australia's latest intergenerational report and its impact on productivity. The episode also covers various business news items, including Treasury Wine Estates selling the Seppelt brand, Perpetual rejecting a takeover bid from EQT, and ASIC's legal action against former Super Retail Group boss Anthony Herity. The program further explores financial trends such as soaring airline prices for the AFL Grand Final and discussions with Sally Tindall regarding the likelihood of RBA interest rate hikes. Additionally, Scott Phillips of The Motley Fool provides a market wrap, discussing global inflationary pressures from rising oil prices and specific movements in the tech and healthcare sectors.

This episode explores the financial challenges facing Australian retirees amidst rising inflation and interest rates. The discussion focuses on the significant number of retirees carrying mortgages into retirement and the potential risks to housing security when mortgage repayments increase alongside living costs. Featuring Josh Funder, CEO of Household Capital, the conversation examines ways to access home equity without downsizing or depleting superannuation funds. The dialogue highlights strategies for using property equity to pay down debt and create a liquid buffer for unexpected expenses, aiming to help retirees maintain their lifestyle and stay in their communities.

This episode discusses the significant impact of RBA changes to merchant fees and interchange caps on credit card loyalty programs in Australia. Featuring Daniel Skibberis from Point Hacks, the conversation explores how banks like Westpac, ANZ, and CommBank are restructuring their rewards, annual fees, and earn rates to compensate for lost revenue. The discussion also covers updates to frequent flyer programs, specifically regarding Qantas status credits and strategies for maximizing point value through long-haul premium flight redemptions.

Host James Willis examines the Albanese government's migration policy updates and their economic implications, featuring listener discussions on labor shortages in healthcare and construction, as well as concerns regarding offshoring. The episode also explores shifting banking landscapes following RBA merchant fee changes, an analysis of global commodity markets including gold and copper, and strategies for Australian retirees to manage mortgage stress by leveraging home equity.

Scott Phillips discusses his new book, 'The One Page Investing Plan', sharing personal anecdotes on the power of compound interest and early investing. The conversation explores the challenges of the Australian housing market, potential tax changes affecting growth stocks, and historical perspectives on market crashes. The episode also covers investment strategies regarding selling winners, the risks associated with the AI bubble, and views on cryptocurrency. The discussion concludes with reflections on investment regrets, the importance of staying the course during volatility, and advice on regular investing in quality companies.

This episode examines the viability of Australia's green hydrogen ambitions and the broader transition toward renewable energy targets. Featuring an interview with Aidan Morrison, Director of Energy at the Centre for Independent Studies, the discussion critiques the government's 82% renewable energy target for 2030 and the $225 billion green hydrogen pipeline previously promised by Energy Minister Chris Bowen. The conversation explores the economic challenges of hydrogen production, specifically the requirement for extremely low electricity costs and free electrolyzers to compete with natural gas. Additionally, the episode analyzes the high taxpayer cost of subsidies, such as those provided to the Orica plant, and discusses why grid-scale investment in wind and solar has stalled due to grid saturation and diminishing returns.

Major changes are coming to the Australian consumer payment landscape starting October 1, as the RBA allows Visa, MasterCard, and Amex to ban surcharges on transactions. While this removes the extra fee for consumers paying for goods like coffee, it places a significant financial burden on small businesses that must now absorb the cost of electronic payments or raise prices. Concurrently, changes to interchange fees are impacting the value of credit card rewards programs. Major banks including Westpac, CBA, ANZ, and St George are implementing various adjustments, such as increased annual fees, higher interest rates, reduced interest-free days, and scaled-back points earn rates. Consumers are advised to review their bank communications and consider redeeming existing points stockpiles before the value of these rewards decreases.

Host James Willis sits down with Scott Phillips, author of 'The One Page Investing Plan', to discuss financial strategies, the impact of unlimited sick leave on airport delays, and the unviability of current Australian housing policy. The conversation explores wealth building through the share market, navigating tax changes, and managing investment mindset during market volatility. The episode also examines the economic challenges facing Australia's green hydrogen ambitions due to high electricity costs and a lack of real investment. Additionally, Sally Tindall explains upcoming regulatory changes from the RBA regarding credit card surcharges and how shifts in bank rewards programs may impact point accumulation and redemption rates.

In this episode of Let's Talk Business, host explores the rapid growth and operational journey of Happy Little Howlers, a doggy daycare centre located in Botany. Owner Lisa Kritikos discusses how her business transitioned from a small side hustle into a 500 square metre facility catering to dozens of dogs through structured playgroups and boarding services. The conversation covers the challenges of scaling a small business, specifically focusing on the importance of maintaining quality care over quantity and the difficulties regarding staffing. The episode also highlights how community engagement and word-of-mouth marketing have helped build a strong local following around the brand.

An interview with Tim Reardon, Chief Economist of the Housing Industry Association, regarding the significant downturn in the Australian new home market. The discussion covers a recent 20% decline in new home sales across various states, including a 27% drop in Victoria, and explores the correlation between these figures and federal budget changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax. The conversation examines the compounding pressures of rising interest rates, increasing construction costs, and inflationary pressures on wages and materials. Reardon discusses the long-term implications for housing supply, the potential for builder insolvencies, and the fiscal impact on state governments facing reduced stamp duty revenue.

This episode examines the significant decline in Australian new home sales, driven by rising interest rates and federal budget tax changes that are reducing investor activity. The discussion also covers the CBA wage dispute, where employees face financial hardship despite record bank profits, and explores how housing tax implications are impacting supply and state revenues. The episode further analyzes market volatility in the ASX 200, fueled by global yields, oil prices, and economic concerns in China affecting mining and banking stocks. Additional features include the intense negotiation tactics used by Woolworths against its suppliers, a look at the success of the 'Happy Little Howlers' dog daycare business, and the collapse of the retail brand Qantas clothing.

In this sponsored segment, Jared Locke, Head of Business, Enterprise and Wholesale Marketing at Aussie Broadband, discusses the evolving role of internet connectivity for small businesses and remote workers. The conversation explores why internet access has transitioned from a simple tool to essential business infrastructure, much like electricity or telephony. Locke emphasizes that businesses should prioritize reliability, support, and backup options over mere speed or monthly cost. He highlights the risks of downtime for operations such as taking payments, accessing customer information, and managing staff working from home, suggesting that choosing a service based solely on price can lead to a false economy.

This episode features an interview with Bran Black, CEO of the Business Council of Australia, regarding Australia's declining productivity rates. The discussion explores how red tape, overlapping state and federal regulations, and tax structures are contributing to what could be the worst decade of productivity since the 1960s. Black explains the fundamental link between productivity growth and real wage increases, arguing that efficiency gains are necessary to drive higher wages without fueling inflation. The conversation also addresses critical economic drivers including the impact of AI on job augmentation versus replacement, the necessity of skilled migration to address significant skill shortages, and the challenges posed by an aging population. The episode concludes with a debate on the balance between upskilling the domestic workforce and relying on overseas talent to maintain economic growth.

Real estate expert Tom Panos discusses recent shifts in the Australian property market, noting that auction clearance rates have reached a 19-week high of 58.5 percent. While some recent auctions in Sydney and Berwood showed positive results, Panos warns that low stock levels and potential RBA interest rate hikes could significantly impact buyer borrowing capacity and market sentiment. The discussion also covers the current state of the Melbourne market, exploring themes of undervaluation, land tax regulations, and the influence of the upcoming state election on property investment.

In this episode of Money News, host James Willis interviews Bran Black, CEO of the Business Council of Australia, to discuss Australia's productivity crisis. They examine how regulatory red tape, high corporate taxes, and migration patterns impact economic growth and real wages. The discussion further explores the Australian labor market debate regarding skilled migration versus domestic workforce trends. The episode also provides a real estate market update with expert Tom Panos, a market wrap covering oil prices and ASX stocks, and a spotlight on the importance of reliable internet infrastructure for small businesses.

O episódio aborda o lançamento do novo iPhone Duo pela Apple, o primeiro smartphone dobrável da empresa, e discute seu impacto no mercado de dispositivos premium. A conversa explora as especificações técnicas, como o tamanho das telas e a integração entre hardware e software, além de comparar o posicionamento da Apple com o da Samsung, que já atua no segmento de dobráveis há anos. Além do novo formato, o debate passa pelas atualizações de inteligência artificial na Siri e no iOS, focando em privacidade e eficiência organizacional. O programa também faz uma breve retrospectiva tecnológica, contrastando os preços elevados dos dispositivos atuais com a simplicidade e o baixo custo de aparelhos icônicos do passado, como o Nokia 3310.

O episódio discute o impacto da Inteligência Artificial no mercado de trabalho, focando em como a tecnologia está transformando setores específicos sem necessariamente eliminar empregos, mas sim alterando a natureza das tarefas. Os convidados debatem a mudança do trabalho manual e repetitivo para funções de maior valor agregado. A conversa aborda também os desafios do recrutamento moderno, como o aumento de candidaturas falsas geradas por IA e o risco de vieses algorítmicos em processos de triagem automatizados. O debate destaca que, embora a tecnologia traga eficiência, ela exige novas habilidades dos profissionais e uma abordagem mais cuidadosa das empresas para evitar discriminação.

Este episódio explora o lançamento do iPhone Duo, o primeiro smartphone dobrável da Apple, discutindo suas inovações de hardware e as atualizações de IA para a Siri. O debate também aborda o impacto da inteligência artificial no mercado de trabalho, analisando a automação de tarefas e os riscos de discriminação em processos seletivos. A análise estende-se ao cenário econômico global e ao desempenho de ações australianas como JB Hi-Fi e Wesfarmers. Por fim, discute-se o mercado imobiliário, com foco no aumento de proprietários de primeira viagem em equity negativo e as mudanças nas regras de impostos sobre ganhos de capital.

Housing economist Cameron Kusher joins Money News to discuss the current downturn in the Australian property market. The discussion covers falling property values in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne, the impact of recent government tax changes on investor demand, and the potential for further interest rate hikes. Kusher analyzes how these economic shifts affect the 'bank of mum and dad,' the stability of markets in Darwin and Hobart, and the challenges facing first-time homebuyers in a landscape of reduced borrowing capacity and shifting rental yields.