Unemployment surges; Macquarie’s $60b deal; chocolate prices to fall

Friday 17 October 2025 Australia’s unemployment rate jumps to 4.5 per cent, increasing the chance of a rate cut next month.  Macquarie Group’s $60 billion data centre sale.  Good news for chocolate lovers – cocoa prices are tumbling.  Reserve Bank Governor Michele Bullock’s stern warning for the federal government. Plans to crack down on crypto-currency ATMs. Join our free daily newsletter here. And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - this week, 10 supermarket tricks to save $100 on groceries. 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.

This week, Wall Street’s fear gauge, the VIX index, topped 20 for the first time since April. So what does that mean? What is the VIX index, how it measures volatility, why does that represent fear, and what can investors learn from it? 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. ASX jumps on jobless news  Mayne Pharma surges Origin casts doubt on wind BHP addresses China rift Trump authorises CIA ops in Venezuela Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday 16 October 2025 The Australian economy’s speed limit – the rate it can grow without causing inflation – has fallen to two per cent, which doesn’t augur well for rate cuts.  There is less than one month’s supply of jet fuel, petrol and diesel in storage across the country, raising the risk of shortages.  The improbable renewable energy boom in the US under Donald Trump.  Commonwealth bank boss Matt Comyn to stay in the job for at least another three years Reports one million AMEX card holders have had their data stolen Join our free daily newsletter here. And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - this week, 10 supermarket tricks to save $100 on groceries. 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.

There’s a lot happening in the world of banking right now. Just this week, Commonwealth Bank has held its AGM, where it was revealed Matt Comyn would stay on as CEO for another three years. Bank of Queensland announced a jump in profits. And most significantly, new ANZ boss Nuno Matos revealed his plan to dramatically improve efficiency and profitability at the bank.Sean Aylmer talks to Matt Wilson, Jarden Australia’s banking analyst, for his take on what to make of the banks.The information in this episode is general in nature, and doesn’t take into account your own circumstances. You should do your own research and 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 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 rallies Comyn to stay at CBA Housing target missed ACCC probes Southern Cross–Seven merger Trump warns Hamas: disarm or be disarmed Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday 15 October 2025 Today, several key commodities are on a run, with surges in the prices of gold, silver, iron ore, rare earths and uranium.  The Reserve Bank cautious about further interest rate cuts.  Australia will begin manufacturing missiles.  Are the supermarkets heading towards a price war in the run up to Christmas?  Taylor Swift’s latest album smashes more records. Join our free daily newsletter here. And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - this week, 10 supermarket tricks to save $100 on groceries. 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 Australian economy is at an interesting point right now. House prices are rising, consumers are more confident, and inflation seems to be largely under control. But that decline in inflation appears to have flatlined. Jobs growth has also slowed sharply, and wages growth is easing more quickly than expected. Commonwealth Bank’s economics team has just released its 2026 outlook. Sean Aylmer speaks with Luke Yeaman, Commonwealth Bank's Chief Economist, about the year ahead for the economy.  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. Miners surge Politicians’ phone numbers leaked online Virgin limits carry-on luggage Nine Radio rebounds Trump visits Israel Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday 14 October 2025 The federal government backflips on superannuation, watering down plans to increase taxes on balances above $3 million.  Hamas releases Israeli hostages in the first step of the middle east peace plan.  ANZ’s new boss outlines big changes to the bank’s strategy, winning plaudits from investors.  Penfolds’ owner Treasury Wine Estates is struggling to sell into China. Strava beats all comers in the fitness app race. Join our free daily newsletter here. And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - this week, can buying an EV save you money? 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.