Afternoon Report | ASX falls as retailers tumble

The Saturday Edition brings together the serious, the surprising and the slightly ridiculous stories of the week.This week: whether the AI boom is getting ahead of itself; why takeover activity is suddenly heating up in Australia; whether another interest rate rise is inevitable; a crackdown on noisy passengers; and two very different medical breakthroughs involving ageing brains and baldness.Sean Aylmer and Michael Thompson go head-to-head, with Adam Lang picking the winner. And this week, the result sparks an extraordinary dummy spit.Join our free daily newsletter here.Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Miners dive, banks jump Snowy blow-out Competition boost for banks Nats shake-up Typhoon hits Taiwan Join our free daily newsletter here.Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday 23 October 2026 AI discovers one of the biggest failings in internet security ever, triggering the shut-down of websites globally.  The Aussie superannuation system rates as one of the best in the world Higher interest rates hit home builders and retailers, sending share prices south Fortescue Metals takes the battle to Chinese iron ore buyers, with implications for the national budget One of basketball’s best-known teams is set to join Wall Street   Hit follow on the podcast so you don’t miss the latest news, and join our free daily newsletter here.    And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - how to check your offset account is working properly. 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.

The rise of artificial intelligence is creating new cybersecurity risks for businesses. AI agents can access information, interact with systems and carry out tasks on our behalf. But what happens when they access something they shouldn't? And how can businesses protect themselves when threats are moving at machine speed?Sean Aylmer speaks with Nam Lam, Group Vice President for Australia and New Zealand at SailPoint, about the lessons from the recent Medicare security incident, the growing importance of identity security, and why traditional cybersecurity defences are no longer enough.SailPoint is a supporter of Fear & Greed.Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 falls as retailers tumble Helen Haines loses both legs after attack Roberts-Smith reveals $30m legal bill Northern Star open to improved takeover offer Meta hit with $US25 billion penalty Join our free daily newsletter here.Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday 22 October 2026 The Reserve Bank hints at another rate hike on Melbourne Cup Day.  Shares in Australia’s biggest pure data centre play, NextDC, crash after community opposition halts a new development in Victoria Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urges federal MPs to take greater care over their safety Another private credit player freezes redemptions Elon Musk floats the idea of merging SpaceX and Tesla into a $4 trillion company   Hit follow on the podcast so you don’t miss the latest news, and join our free daily newsletter here.    And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - how to check your offset account is working properly. 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 superannuation system has become very good at helping people save for retirement. But turning those savings into an income that lasts for decades is a different challenge. Now a new generation of retirement products is promising greater certainty, flexibility and potentially more income.Sean Aylmer speaks with Ashton Jones, Director of Retirement Innovation at MLC, about the changing retirement landscape, modelling suggesting some retirees could receive up to 60% more income, the trade-offs involved, and why having a retirement plan matters more than ever.This interview is part of Fear & Greed's weekly series in partnership with MLC Expand.This is general information only. Always seek professional advice before making investment decisions.Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. RBA warning rattles markets Fortescue sacks senior executive Qatar Airways signs up for Western Sydney Victorian Premier forgets to pay for petrol Israel plans new strikes on Iran Join our free daily newsletter here.Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday 21 October 2026 NAB to cut 2,500 jobs as the big banks search for profits  Independent MP Helen Haines loses a leg following an attack, as politicians from all sides call for calm BHP doubles down on copper Cybercriminals find new ways to infiltrate workspaces Donald Trump fights for the MAGA heartland, with two weeks until the US mid-term elections   Hit follow on the podcast so you don’t miss the latest news, and join our free daily newsletter here.    And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - how to check your offset account is working properly. 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 is at the centre of a growing battle over artificial intelligence and copyright. AI companies want greater freedom to train their models using creative works, but the music industry argues that existing copyright laws are working – and that changing them could undermine artists' livelihoods.Michael Thompson speaks with Chris Maund, co-CEO of Mushroom Music, about why the industry is resisting changes to copyright law, the AI licensing deals already being signed, and why Australia's decision could have consequences for creators around the world.Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.