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The Australian housing market is seeing a significant downturn, and experts are warning this trend isn't likely to change. Data shows that this drop is happening nationwide, from the major capital cities to the regional areas. HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham explained that this downturn is likely to continue until the RBA decides to cut rates - or until rate cuts are anticipated by the market. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The head of NZME says the company has delivered a positive half year result, returning to profit. The media firm, owner of outlets including Newstalk ZB and the NZ Herald, has posted a net-profit after tax of $6.6 million dollars. Net debt reduced by nearly $14 million - to $19.4 million dollars. Chief executive Michael Boggs says it's still a volatile environment. "The market indicators still say that - well, consumer confidence is increasing, business confidence is increasing. Everyone's doing it tough." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The holding company behind Kiwibank is making an eleventh hour push for TSB before it's sold to Heartland. Toi Foundation trustees are due to vote tomorrow on progressing the $620-million-dollar deal. Kiwi Group Capital has doubled down on its desire to buy TSB after publicly revealing interest last week - calling its offer 'superior'. Massey University Accountancy and Finance head, Claire Matthews, says Kiwibank wants an opportunity to grow. "It's really just more of what they're already offering, and it's just concentrated in a particular part of the country - so it's not obvious why it would be particularly attractive." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Speculation about SkyCity's future has seen the company's share price end the day up 9.9 percent to $0.67. SkyCity management have talked about a strategic review for its Adelaide, South Australia casino business and is progressing the sale of its Grand Hotel asset, which would reduce SkyCity's debt levels. Harbour Asset Management expert Shane Solly explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Right, a poll the Government should be worried about - whose fault is the economy? The importance of this is based on the simple premise that this election is about one thing, which is the state of the place. Is it getting better, or not? Do you see a brighter future, or not? Forget all the other issues and policies because they're frippery. All that matters is the state of your wallet, your finances, your lifestyle, your hopes and your aspirations. The Government will argue they inherited a mess and it was so big that it takes time to turn it all around. For a while they had us onside. We believed them, mainly because it was true. History will show what labour did 2017-23, and particularly 2020-23 is one for the record books. Things were coming right until the war then the momentum was lost. It's now back, to a degree. GDP is growing and major sectors like manufacturing and services are in expansion. Jobs are still an issue and confidence is fragile. So their job is to re-convince you that they had it in hand but Trump got in the way. "Just stick with us and she'll be right". So, to the poll Horizon did in the early part of this month. 31% say yep, it's Trump's fault. 17% say it was Labour. But 29% say it's on this Government. Now like all polls, you can read it a million ways. The 31% who say Trump and the 17% who say Labour makes 48%. That is not a majority. 31%, 17% and the 29% blaming the Government makes up 77%, so that's 23% who don't know. Between the "don't knows" and the 48% you can talk your way to victory. But if the 23% of "don't knows" go with the 17%, at 40% that's a lot of people who don't believe you and you're in trouble. You could be positive and suggest that the 29% who think it's on the Government is not actually that many, so their argument is landing well. But they would need to swing a few of the "don't knows" their way to make sure. Either way, this is what this vote comes down to. The evidence, although there and growing, is not cemented in enough yet to feel really confident. On these numbers I would rather be the Government than not. But on these numbers it is still all there to play for. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour's staying tight-lipped on whether it would make more cuts to the public service if elected, but assures it's focused on protecting it. The party's latest election promise sets out to achieve surplus by 2030, and reduce net debt to 20 percent of GDP over time. It will aim to keep Government spending and revenue at around 33 percent of GDP once its Capital Gains Tax is fully implemented. Finance and Economy spokesperson Barbara Edmonds joined the Weekend Collective to outline the plan further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's hopes an unprecedented lawsuit against Meta will change social media as we know it. The Facebook and Instagram owner is on trial in California over claims it deliberately designed its platforms to be addictive to young people. More than half of US states have joined the lawsuit, seeking billions of dollars and changes to the platforms. Laura Marquez-Garrett, Counsel of Record in a successful case against Meta in March, says the platforms are designed to be digital nicotine - and it's not ok. "If we can change social media as we know it by taking out the digital nicotine and making it something that is safer, it's a great step forward - and I do think these outcomes could change social media for the better." LISTEN ABOVE OR BELOW IF OUTSIDE OF NEW ZEALAND See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A record year for industrial and agricultural manufacturer Skellerup. Revenue is up 10% to $390.1 million, and their normalised profit has risen 18% to a record $64.2 million. And despite Trump's tariffs and Middle East supply disruptions, US revenue has also risen by 12%. CEO Graham Leaming told Mike Hosking the company is in good shape, and can continue to grow. He says they're investing quite a bit to ensure they can capture and convert the opportunities available to them. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland Airport's Chief Executive is feeling optimistic heading into 2027. Its latest financial results saw net profits drop 20%, however revenue is up 3%, and passenger numbers are up about 1.6% on the previous year. Carrie Hurihanganui told Mike Hosking the airport will be back to over 95% recovery in the summer peak – tantalisingly close to a full recovery. She says they're expecting strong growth, with six million seats in and out over the peak – up 4% on last year. Hurihanganui says destination New Zealand is still appealing to airlines. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SpaceX's record as the largest IPO in history is about to be broken by one of the emerging AI giants. Anthropic's business is expanding and it's projecting a 2028 revenue of ‌roughly $190 billion to $200 billion. Fisher Funds expert Sam Dickie explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New-season red meat prices are expected to ease slightly from current extremes, but will likely still be comfortably ahead of previous seasons. New reports show beef and lamb prices are likely to soften, due to pressure from other markets. The Country's Hamish McKay explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pāmu has cracked its goal of $100 million net operating profit four years early as it continues to benefit from strong commodity prices and improved on-farm productivity. The country's state-owned farmer reported a net operating profit - its preferred measure of performance which strips out revaluations - of $113 million for the 12 months to June. CEO Mark Leslie says this result was boosted by looking after pastures and resources, and it's a 'collaborative effort'. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spark's full year financial report reveals a 91 percent jump in net profit to $499 million. The telco's also cut 627 staff due to a mix of falling demand and AI use. At the same time, CEO Jolie Hodson received a $859,000 bonus and a pay bump from $1.27 million dollars to $1.31 million. She says it's based on performance, and she didn't get a bonus during the 2024-2025 financial year because company goals weren't met. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's seasonally adjusted unemployment reached 4.5 percent in July, according to new reports. This is an increase from June's figure of 4.4 percent - and it's the highest level of overall unemployment since the days of the Covid-19 pandemic. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says this could encourage the RBA to potentially bring interest rates down. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A fast-track bid for up to a thousand homes at Pegasus Golf Course has been knocked back - but questions remain over why, and what happens next. Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has declined Wolfbrook Properties' application. The Pegasus Residents' Group is cautiously celebrating the decision. President Matt James says it's unclear why the application was declined, and they're moving with caution. "There is no clarity. I have suspicion, but it's purely a personal opinion - the key thing to fast-track is you need to be able to demonstrate national significance and regional economic benefit, and I don't think a development of this nature would have done that." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The big US companies used to buy back more shares than they issued, but that's changed in recent months. The latest bank estimates claim 2026 could be the first year in almost three decades that that reverses. Milford Asset Management expert Brendan Larsen explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The boss of Fletcher Building says the company's in a much better position now than it was this time last year. It's reported a full year net profit of $228 million, up from a net loss of $419 million last year. The company has sold several business arms - including its Fletcher Construction division to French multinational Vinci. CEO Andrew Reding says this is a very good start for the business - but the journey's not over just yet. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Air New Zealand is rolling out automatic re-booking technology to international flight cancellations after rolling it out for domestic flights mid-last year. The airline says previously, re-booking customers after a long-haul cancellation took up to six hours. Ground and In-Flight Chief Operations Officer, Kate Boyer, says itineraries will now be automatically rebooked - usually in under 20 minutes. "We're using an algorithm to search for seats and availability, and make sure we can give customers a sort of certainty on their plans." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A global boom for beef is driving up cattle numbers - but how likely can it keep up the momentum? Data shows the 2025-2026 season was generally favourable for beef farmers, but concerns have been raised about the impact of overseas markets like the US. The Country's Hamish McKay explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The chair of Kiwibank's holding company is floating the idea of a Kiwibank-TSB merger. It comes as a group of Taranaki locals is seeking an interim injunction to stop a proposed merger of TSB and Heartland banks. The interim injunction on the TSB-Heartland merger is due to be heard on Thursday. Forsyth Barr Associate Analyst Ben Crozier explained how this could work. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mercury Energy has recorded a huge surge in profit, thanks to favourable hydro conditions and renewable power generation. The energy gentailer has announced annual net profit for $321-million, up from just $1 million last year. The previous year had been affected by unusually dry and calm conditions, and faster-than-expected depletion of gas reserves - issues that also affected most other power generators. CEO Stew Hamilton says this profit has been boosted by new investments made by the company. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US share market took a significant drop last Friday, and experts are unpacking the possible factors behind this. Softer US retail sales, weaker consumer sentiment data and ongoing uncertainty surrounding the oil prices are likely factors behind the drop. Harbour Asset Management expert Shane Solly explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lyttelton Port says growing trade and ageing infrastructure have made its $821-million-dollar expansion necessary. The project includes a new wharf and container terminal, lifting capacity to around 850 thousand containers a year. Chief executive Graeme Sumner says the port's running out of capacity - with 92 percent of ships built today unable to fit in the current port. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The looming 'SaaSpocalypse' is doing the rounds and prompting concern among investors, but what does it actually mean? After a significant downturn for software companies, investment has shot back up, but it could be a dead cat bounce - according to some. Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand dairy companies are cashing in on a surge in global demand for bioactive proteins found in cow's milk, namely whey, off the back of the surge in weight-loss drugs. Demand for whey powder in the US is soaring and Rabobank has reported high demand for high-protein yoghurt and dairy drinks. The Country's Jamie Mackay explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's cruise industry is in decline, with nationwide visits down 40 percent - and no hope of improvement forecast for the 2026/27 season. Auckland's Shed 10 played host to the annual New Zealand Cruise Convention, where industry experts are hoping to turn those numbers around for a late-decade recovery. Meanwhile, Auckland Council's economic development arm has pitched plans to boost high-value cruise visitors. Port of Auckland CEO Roger Gray says they're investing in new infrastructure and improving the customer experience in order to attract more people. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi children's clothing brand Jamie Kay has seen some noticeable growth, and it's going global. Jamie Kay opened a flagship store in Christchurch last year and now has four stores in Japan, across Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka, and another to come in 18 months. A flagship in Singapore will open in December, and there's also growing demand for the brand across the US. CEO Zion Armstrong outlines the company's next steps. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earnings season is well under way in New Zealand, with investors outlining their expectations and predictions. A2 Milk is due to report their results soon, amid a 'rollercoaster' period for the company. Milford Asset Management's Jeremy Hutton explained further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ASB's settlement over alleged historic breaches of credit disclosure rules has affected its bottom line. The bank reached a $135.6-million-dollar settlement in October last year. In annual results released today, ASB's reporting a six-percent rise in operating income, but a 16 percent rise in operating expenses. CEO Vittoria Short says inflation and new investments in technology also added to the profit drop. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The uncertain economic environment could be the reason for climbing unemployment and declining job ads. The latest Seek data shows job ads fell 0.8 percent last month, the third consecutive month of decline. It suggests conditions remain strongest in the South Island, while centres like Auckland, Wellington, and Waikato face greater headwinds. Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold says the labour market has not emerged unscathed from the Iran war. "Perhaps at the start of the year, they were looking forward to a much better year, but business confidence really got buffeted around the last three or four months." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More people are starting businesses, despite tough economic conditions. Data shows there's been more than 62 thousand companies incorporated in the year to July, the highest number since 2021. That's despite latest Companies Office data finds liquidations have surged – rising more than 70% in the past three years. First Retail Group Managing Director Chris Wilkinson told Mike Hosking the current gig economy is reducing a lot of barriers. He says inflation is bringing the GST threshold closer and people want to regain control in life. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in Australia, the Reserve Bank has moved to keep the official cash rate in place at 4.35 percent. The result was widely expected by economists and money markets, despite inflation remaining above the RBA's 2-3 percent target range in the June quarter. HSBC Chief Economist Paul Bloxham says there's evidence that the Australian economy is slowing down, which is helping put downward pressure on inflation. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More Kiwis than ever are in debt to the IRD, and one expert has a theory about why it's gotten so bad. As of March this year, more than half-a-million people had debt to Inland Revenue, and overall tax debt sat at $9.4 billion, of which Inland Revenue said 62 percent, or $5.9 billion, was collectable. Chartered Accountants Australia New Zealand lead, John Cuthbertson, says there's been a significant build-up of debt, largely as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. "As debt ages, it becomes harder to collect - and we know that about 43 percent of it is over 2 years old. So once you get into that territory, it gets harder and harder to collect." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour says small businesses are our economy's engine room, as the party launches a new election policy in Rotorua. It's campaigning on a $2 million annual fund to help smaller businesses adopt AI tools. It would also go into topping up an advisory group to help with AI use, and boosting mentoring and support. Leader Chris Hipkins says small businesses want to adapt to this new technology, and they want additional support to make this happen. "So that they can weigh up how AI could help them, what the risks of using AI could be - it's just levelling the playing field." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Contact Energy has reported a record net profit of $423 million, driven by the acquisition of Manawa Energy and higher renewable generation. The result was good for investors, but some have raised concerns over other issues. Harbour Asset Management expert Shane Solly explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New online jewellery startup Heirest aims to reset the market by offering consumers a unique experience. Customers can customise every detail, from metal and gemstone to cut, carat and engraving - with every choice visualised instantly and pricing updated in real time. Founder Liam Whittaker says smaller brands can utilise lab-grown diamonds and new technology, but they don't have the same reach as big companies, and his work at Zuru has encouraged him to think big. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nicola Willis says the National's new proposed increase to the fuel tax, the new bed tax and the possible bank levy aren't new information. A Taxpayers' Union Curia Issue poll shows 76 percent of National supporters want the party to promise no new taxes or tax increases. The party yesterday outlined a promise for fiscal responsibility - including a commitment to lower the debt to GDP ratio and to get the books back into surplus. Finance Minister Nicola Willis says these proposals have been documented and National's simply being straight with voters. "Three issues we've already been very open and upfront about, and I can be very clear with you that there is nothing that we are considering that you haven't heard about." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Contact Energy is putting serious thought into data centres, after reporting record earnings. The gentailer's made a $423 million annual profit - up nearly 28 percent. It's now in talks with Australian firm CDC Data Centres, for a 250 megawatt data centre in Taranaki. Forsyth Barr equity analyst Andrew Harvey-Green says CDC has a good track record, and grid and fibre connections are ready to go at the site. He explained Contact covers the generation side - so from an New Zealand-inc perspective, he's positive about what data centres could do. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Cost of Living Crisis has driven a lot of Kiwis to look for financial advice, and many turn to AI over a financial advisor. But is AI really that reliable as a source of financial advice? And investing in AI seems to be the thing to do at the moment, is it somethng you should be getting in to or watching with caution? Money Coach Amanda Morrall joins Tim Beveridge on Smart Money to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a view Labour's small business policy would give owners more room to grow. The party wants to up the GST threshold, lift the asset write-off, and require big businesses to pay small suppliers faster. It'll cost $1.5 billion and will scrap the current Government's more expensive Investment Boost scheme. Business Canterbury CEO Leeann Watson told Ryan Bridge it's great starting point and would make growth and innovation easier. She says cashflow and compliance are current pain points, which impact what's invested in new assets. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Revenue's soaring for Elon Musk's spacecraft company SpaceX - but so is spending. It's published its first earnings report as a public company. SpaceX says its revenue's grown 92 percent compared to a year ago, bringing it to $7.8 billion. Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rabobank has unveiled their latest agribusiness report for August - and claimed there's plenty to watch going forward. Dairy, beef and sheepmeat are seeing good results, with momentum likely to continue, but there's some concerns impacting the global market. The Country's Jamie Mackay explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.