Inflation to set rates; Bluescope looks for buyers; the “pilot” scoring free flights

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 hits three month high Victoria heatwave sets record QLD Premier condemns flag burning DroneShield pipeline worries NRA turns on Trump over Minneapolis shooting Join our free daily newsletter here.Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday 27 January 2026 Local investors are hoping for a benign inflation reading this week, amid all the global turmoil. But if they don’t get one, then a rate hike next week is likely.  Australia’s largest steel company, Bluescope, shops itself around  The push to replace Liberal leader Sussan Ley intensifies  Protests mar Australia Day across the nation The story of a former flight attendant who conned his way onto hundreds of free flights by posing as a pilot Join our free daily newsletter here. And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - this week, seven money habits that could change your year. 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 miners are entering a new phase of consolidation, with a potential mega merger between Rio Tinto and Glencore putting copper, scale and growth firmly in focus.Sean Aylmer speaks to Brian Szeto from Morningstar DBRS in Canada about why the biggest miners are doing deals now, why copper has become the most strategic commodity of all, and why standing still may be the biggest risk.This is general information only. You should seek advice tailored to your circumstances before making investment decisions.Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday 26 January 2026 Prime Minister Anthony Albanese appoints a long-time bureaucrat to the plum, but difficult, job of Ambassador to the US.  Australians are increasingly concerned about their long-term financial prospects.  Delivery wars are heating up with Guzman doing a deal with Uber Eats.  China’s Xi Jinping fires his head of military, consolidating his own power.  Elon Musk ponders buying Ryanair. Join our free daily newsletter here. And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - this week, seven money habits that could change your year. 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.

It's a very big week for the economy: the December quarter inflation data is out on Wednesday, and Michael Thompson is joined by economist Stephen Koukoulas to look at what to expect, and what the number will need to be in order to avoid an interest rate hike when the RBA board meets next week.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.

After this long weekend, business in Australia returns to normal - the summer holiday period is officially over. Sean and Michael share the best and worst aspects of returning to work.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.

Donald Trump's quest for Greenland vs the implosion of the Coalition, plus good news for super funds, homeowners and more. 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.

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 flat Libs come out fighting Aussie dollar hits high Gunman search Tik Tok US deal Join our free daily newsletter here.Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday 23 January 2026 A surprise fall in the unemployment rate increases the odds of a rate hike in a fortnight’s time.  Opposition leader Sussan Ley is under pressure to keep her job after the National Party walks away from the federal Coalition Donald Trump backs down on taking Greenland by force, and on imposing extra tariffs on European countries The IPO outlook in Australia improves Scientists discover 68,000-year-old cave paintings Join our free daily newsletter here. And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - this week, seven money habits that could change your year. 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 housing market has now recorded 12 straight quarters of price growth - the longest run in more than a decade. Michael Thompson talks to Dr Nicola Powell, Chief of Research and Economics at Domain, about why Melbourne's recovery has accelerated, how Perth has become a million-dollar city, and what happens this year if interest rates increase.Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.