Small beats big on ASX in ‘25; PM accepts blame for massacre; Woodside boss to run BP

Friday 19 December 2025 With less than two weeks to go until the end of the year, small caps have significantly outperformed large caps in 2025.  Prime Minister Anthony Albanese accepts some blame for the Bondi massacre.  The boss of Woodside Energy poached to run BP globally.  YouTube to broadcast the Oscars. A rare adoption in the polar bear community. 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.

Markets aren’t always rational, and neither is the commentary around them. Diana Mousina, Deputy Chief Economist at AMP, talks to Sean Aylmer about the five lessons she learnt this year, including the growing market impact of politics, how to read Trump’s trade agenda, why gold and tech defied the textbook, why Fed “speak” can be noise, and why inflation can stay sticky, even when everyone expects it to fade.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. ASX closes flat PM's plan to fight anti-semitism ANZ's second strike Housing market profitability soars Warner Bros prefer Netflix Join our free daily newsletter here.Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, the federal government outlines lower deficits in coming years in its mid-year budget review, but does little to improve the fiscal outlook.  The first funerals for the victims of the Bondi beach massacre are held.  Penfolds owner Treasury Wine Estates admits near defeat in the US and China.  The competition regulator sues Hello Fresh. Tesla’s share price hits a new high on the back of robotaxis. 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.

Today's question comes from listener Peter, who sent it through the Fear & Greed website:Who measures emissions, how are they measured, is the number audited, checked off on, and by who? Is it measured the same way in every country? BHP and FMG can measure their emissions, I'm assuming they have budgets, but what about for smaller companies, companies that aren't listed? Sean Aylmer is joined by Thomas Hodgson from sustainability consultancy Anthesis for an answer to Peter's question.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.

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. Oil price near 5yr low First funeral held for Bondi victim Star Entertainment’s new boss Jacinta Allan’s China trip cost $233k White House Chief of Staff’s frank interview Join our free daily newsletter here.Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.