Afternoon Report | ASX up, Fed cuts rates

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.

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 lead the way Wall Street boom Tomago extension Reddit HC challenge Austal approval Join our free daily newsletter here.Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday 12 December 2025 The Australian economy sheds jobs as the employment market slows.  Oasis, Metallica and ACDC spur consumer spending.  Australians travelling to the US could have their social media accounts vetted. Woolworths and Coles go head-to-head on home delivery. A scientist claims to have proof that the Star of Bethlehem, that purportedly led shepherds to the birthplace of Jesus Christ, might have been real.  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.

After surviving the shutdowns and uncertainty of the pandemic, Intrepid Travel has bounced back to post the biggest trading month in its 36-year history. CEO James Thornton joins Sean Aylmer to explain why Australians are travelling more than ever, the destinations dominating demand, and how Intrepid grew from a kitchen-table startup into a global adventure-travel powerhouse.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. Fed cuts rates, unemployment 4.3pc PM clashes on entitlements Optus most distrusted Skydiving near-disaster SpaceX may list on Wall St Join our free daily newsletter here.Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday 11 December 2025 Prime Minister Anthony Albanese calls the social media ban for under 16-year-olds a profound reform, as more than one million social media accounts are deactivated.  The travel expenses scandal dogs communications Minister Anika Wells and the government.  Qantas’ latest A380 – the one that had 100,000 hours of maintenance done on it – grounded after part of its wing detached.  The market operator says coal is here to stay for longer than thought. The incredible societal changes triggered by weight loss drugs. 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.

Gold has surged past US$4,000 an ounce in 2025 — its strongest year since the late 1970s. State Street Investment Management’s Robin Tsui explains why the rally isn’t just about safe-haven demand, but de-dollarisation, central bank buying, and a wave of geopolitical tailwinds. Plus, the outlook: how high gold could realistically climb in 2026.This is general information only. Seek professional advice before making investment decisions.Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.