Q+A: Where SMEs are feeling the squeeze

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the massacre at Bondi Beach on Sunday was inspired by terrorist group ISIS.  Consumer confidence takes a tumble.  Google considers becoming an online property seller.  A precedent setting WFH case is overturned.  The Nasdaq wants to trade 23 hours a day. Join our free daily newsletter here. And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - this week, why we hide our money mistakes. Get the episode from APPLE, SPOTIFY, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia’s small and medium-sized businesses are under sustained pressure from higher costs, tighter cash flow and uneven economic conditions. Sean Aylmer speaks with CreditorWatch chief economist Ivan Colhoun about why capital city SMEs are failing at higher rates than regional businesses, which sectors are most exposed, and what the latest Business Risk Index reveals about the year ahead.Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Tributes flow at Bondi ASX closes lower Star CEO departs Charity reprimanded for cutting salaries Trump criticised for Reiner comments Join our free daily newsletter here.Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The national cabinet will pursue much tougher gun laws, as the federal government faces criticism for not doing enough to stop antisemitism, following Sunday’s massacre in Bondi. Corporate regulator ASIC comes down hard on the ASX.  One of Australia’s largest cattle properties is sold for more than $300 million. Elon Musk’s SpaceX is valued at $US800 billion.  New footage shows killer whales hunting in tandem with dolphins. Join our free daily newsletter here. And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - this week: five ways to deal with money anxiety. Get the episode from APPLE, SPOTIFY, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As expectations shift from rate cuts to possible hikes, many investors are rethinking portfolio positioning. Tim Carleton, Chief Investment Officer at Auscap Asset Management, talks to Sean Aylmer about how investors should think about a turning rate cycle, why sentiment often overshoots reality, and where he’s finding value in healthcare and property despite rising rates.This is general information only. Seek advice tailored to your circumstances before making investment decisions.Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Bondi death toll rises PM flags tougher gun laws ASX slumps on commodity sell-off CBA’s NZ subsidiary in court Director Rob Reiner dead Join our free daily newsletter here.Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday 15 December 2025 Australia awakes to the horror of a terrorist attack on a large crowd celebrating the Jewish Hanukkah festival in Sydney, with at least 12 people dead and dozens injured. The housing market takes a break on the back of potentially higher interest rates.  Former ANZ boss Shayne Elliott sues the bank’s board after it withdrew $13.5 million in bonuses.  The number of investors in ETFs in Australia surges. A second division football club in England attracts private equity. Join our free daily newsletter here. And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - this week: five ways to deal with money anxiety. Get the episode from APPLE, SPOTIFY, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three rate cuts, a surprise inflation flare-up, house prices roaring and the labour market finally losing a bit of steam – 2025 has been a strange year for the economy. In this special year-in-review, Michael Thompson is joined by economist Stephen Koukoulas to unpack what happened with rates, government spending, jobs and productivity, and whether the next move is a rate hike.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.Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A drop in the national participation rate sparks a very personal discussion: what does participation look like in real life? Sean, Michael and Adam talk honestly about the times they’ve loved work the most, why being busy might actually make us happier, and the unexpected rituals that keep them sane.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.Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This was the week where the RBA signalled the end of rate cuts, and the beginning of hikes. But it was also the week where Australia led the world on social media reform. 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.Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.