SBS On the Money

Record annual sales, and rising annual profit have done nothing to stop the worst ever one-day plunge for JB HiFi. Investors showed their concern about Australia's consumer retail environment, after JB HiFi reported a slowdown in the fourth quarter, and in July sales. Rena Sarumpaet speaks to Luke McMillan, Head of Research at Ophir Asset Management.

Telstra posts a $2.4 Billlion dollar annual profit, and docks CEO Vicky Brady $607,000 over July's nationwide outage; More CBA profit-taking; Federal and NSW governments split a $2.5 Billion bailout of Tomago aluminium smelter; Mathan Somasundaram, CEO of Deep Data Analytics, gives his take on the day, speaking to Rena Sarumpaet.

Australia's biggest home lender, Commonwealth Bank, has beaten forecasts with a near $11 billion dollar annual profit. At the same time it warns of how cost-of-living pressures, a slowing Australian economy and global uncertainties are starting to show up in its loan book. Stephanie Youssef speaks to Francesco De Stradis, Investment Advisor at Ord Minnett.

Home borrowers are breathing another sigh of relief, as the Reserve Bank leaves the cash rate at 4.35% for a second consecutive meeting. But a hawkish RBA Governor Michele Bullock makes no bones about the Board's willingness to hike again, to control "still too high" inflation. Rena Sarumpaet speaks to Ebury economist Anthony Malouf. Then Stephanie Youssef gets the views of MIke Jenneke of UBS Global Wealth Management.

A jolt for banking investors, as Westpac flagged a 20-percent drop in Q3 mortgage applications, blaming the combined effects of three interest rate rises this year, and Federal Budget tax changes. Westpac shares slid nearly 6 per cent. David Scutt of StoneX Group tells Rena Sarumpaet, that should CBA offer similar disappointment in Wednesday's annual result, the best days of the month long banking rally may be past.

Ongoing hopes of a US-Iran deal to re-open the Strait of Hormuz have sent the ASX to a second consecutive closing high. The S&P/ASX 200 added 43.8 points, or 0.5%, for a close of 9271.6. Rena Sarumpaet spoke to Hugh Lam, Investment Strategist at Betashares, on a corporate reporting season just heating up, and broader market gains.

The Australian sharemarket has closed at a new record high, amid hopes for an imminent re-opening of the Strait of Hormuz. Rena Sarumpaet spoke to Jun Bei Liu, founder and portfolio manager of Ten Cap Investment Management. She'd had a close eye especially on US corporate reports - none more fascinating than Elon Musk's Spacex, which reported its first quarterly earnings as a public company. Overall, it saw a half a billion US dollar loss, around half that of the same period last year. But revenue nearly doubled to nearly US $8 billion - although the big price tag for growth was capital expenditure - jumping fivefold to US$ 18 Billion.

Researchers at Domain say the profit boom of the past decade is starting to show early signs of weakness. Stephanie Youssef spoke to Domain's Chief of Economics and Reserch, Nicola Powell. Meanwhile, the ASX closed at its highest level since March, surging 1.4%, after a healthy rally on Wall Street. US President Donald Trump's comments - that negotiations to end the Iran war and open the Strait of Hormuz had resumed - triggered a heavy bout of risk-on sentiment. Clive Maguchu, senior strategist with State Street Investment Management, spoke to Rena Sarumpaet.

Australia's property downturn is accelerating - and widening - as higher interest rates and unease over tax changes continue to impact buyer activity. The latest data from Cotality shows national property prices fell 0.7 per cent in July. For more, Jasmine Kassis spoke with Cotality Head of Research Gerard Burg. Also, the Australian share market reversed earlier losses to finish higher, helped by oil prices falling more than five per cent as Donald Trump called off planned strikes on Iran. For more, Rena Sarumpaet spoke with Sarto Advisory analyst David Walsh.

Anthropic has become the second major AI company to reveal one of its AI models hacked into other firms during security testing. For more, Stephanie Youssef spoke with Germaine Tan Shu Ting, Security and AI VP at DarkTrace. Microsoft shares soared to their best day in 18 years, as second quarter results beat expectations. For more, Rena Sarumpaet spoke with Morningstar equity market strategist Lochlan Halloway.

The Australian sharemarket snapped a three-day winning streak, to close 0.8 per cent lower, amid rising risks of inflation emanating from the escalating war in the Middle East. Rena Sarumpaet spoke to Jaqueline Fernley of Arcpoint, about the key driving forces both here and abroad.

The latest data from the ABS shows headline inflation fell from 4 per cent to 3.8 per cent in June. Despite trimmed mean inflation remaining steady at 3.6 per cent, well above the Reserve Bank's 2-3 per cent target range, the unexpected drop in the headline figures has eased concerns of another interest rate hike in August. For more, Rena Sarumpaet spoke to Harry Murphy Cruise, head of Economic Research and Global Trade at Oxford Economics Australia. The Australian share market rose following the data drop. For more, Stephanie Youssef spoke with Jamie Hannah from VaNeck.

Australia's sharemarket climbed to a six-week high ahead of key inflation data, with Todd Hoare from LGT Wealth Management unpacking the day's market moves and why China's growing influence in artificial intelligence is capturing investors' attention. Plus, Stephanie Youssef speaks with Professor Damien Manuel from the Deakin Centre for Cyber Security Research and Innovation about Origin Energy's cyber security breach, which has exposed the data of around 900,000 current and former customers, and what it means for those affected.

The Australian sharemarket has climbed to a six-week high as easing oil prices lifted investor confidence, with technology stocks and the banks leading the gains. With inflation data due on Wednesday and reporting season set to begin with Rio Tinto, SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Jacki Neumann from Sharesies about why investors should brace for a volatile earnings season, including the growing influence of algorithmic trading.

Australia's jobs market continues to defy expectations, with more than 76,000 jobs created in the latest month as the unemployment rate held at 4.4 per cent and workforce participation climbed to its highest level in a year.SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Faraz Syed, Senior Economist at Citi Australia, about what the strong labour market means for the outlook for interest rates. Plus, Ben Clark from TMS Private Wealth unpacks a mixed day on the ASX, where gains in materials and energy helped lift the market despite weakness in technology and healthcare following the jobs data.

The Australian sharemarket rose 0.3 per cent after investors sat on their hands for two session. Stephanie Youssef speaks with Luke Laretive from Seneca Financial Solutions to go through the day's moves, including another tick higher in the oil price and he's take on AI.

SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Mark Gardner from MPC Markets as the ASX finished flat yet again, despite the escalating conflict in the Middle-East and explores how China's newest AI tool is shaking up the industry.

Australian superannuation funds have delivered another year of strong gains, with Chant West reporting the median growth option returned 9.5 per cent in the last financial year, lifting cumulative returns to 44 per cent over four years. Mano Mohankumar, Head of Super Investments at Chant West, explains what drove the better-than-expected performance and why diversification continues to pay off. Plus, Raymond Chan, Head of Asian Desk at Morgans, unpacks a flat session for the Australian sharemarket as technology stocks weakened on China's latest AI developments while energy shares rallied after Brent crude climbed above US$90 a barrel, and explains what he's telling clients amid the latest market volatility.

The Australian sharemarket ended the week on a softer note, with the ASX 200 falling half a per cent on Friday as heavy losses among mining stocks dragged the market lower, leaving the benchmark down 0.1 per cent for the week. Meanwhile, in the United States, SpaceX shares slipped below their US$135 IPO price, leaving investors who bought at the float and held the stock sitting on a paper loss. Tony Sycamore, market analyst at IG Markets, joins the podcast to unpack the day's biggest market moves and what they mean for investors.

A stronger year for ASX listings is offering signs of renewed confidence, but competition for IPOs remains fierce as companies increasingly turn to private equity and overseas exchanges for capital. Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with ASX General Manager, Listings James Posnett about the rebound in new listings and what it means for Australia's capital markets. Plus, Mathan Somasundaram from Deep Data Analytics unpacks a flat session for the ASX as BHP shares fell amid strike action at its Port Hedland iron ore operations, while AMP and REA Group rallied on upbeat company updates.A stronger year for ASX listings is offering signs of renewed confidence, but competition for IPOs remains fierce as companies increasingly turn to private equity and overseas exchanges for capital. Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with ASX General Manager, Listings James Posnett about the rebound in new listings and what it means for Australia's capital markets. Plus, Mathan Somasundaram from Deep Data Analytics unpacks a flat session for the ASX as BHP shares fell amid strike action at its Port Hedland iron ore operations, while AMP and REA Group rallied on upbeat company updates.

A rise in BHP shares and a record for Macquarie helped to push the Australian sharemarket 0.4 per cent higher as inflation in the US eased while China's economy slowed. SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with James Gerrish from Market Partners to find out what this means for investors and the outlook for interest rates.A rise in BHP shares and a record for Macquarie helped to push the Australian sharemarket 0.4 per cent higher as inflation in the US eased while China's economy slowed. SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with James Gerrish from Market Partners to find out what this means for investors and the outlook for interest rates.

The S&P/ASX 200 has closed flat, despite Donald Trump saying the US would reinstate a blockade on Iranian ships transiting through the Strait of Hormuz and impose a 20 per cent toll fee. As a result, crude prices surged in their biggest one-day increase since 2020. For more, Stephanie Youssef spoke with Marcus Today senior market analyst Henry Jennings. The latest consumer sentiment reading by Westpac and the Melbourne Institute has shown confidence rose to 83.9 in July, as lower petrol prices and easing interest rate expectations provided some relief for households, though pessimists still outnumber optimists. For more, Stephanie Youssef spoke with Westpac senior economist Matthew Hassan.The S&P/ASX 200 has closed flat, despite Donald Trump saying the US would reinstate a blockade on Iranian ships transiting through the Strait of Hormuz and impose a 20 per cent toll fee. As a result, crude prices surged in their biggest one-day increase since 2020. For more, Stephanie Youssef spoke with Marcus Today senior market analyst Henry Jennings. The latest consumer sentiment reading by Westpac and the Melbourne Institute has shown confidence rose to 83.9 in July, as lower petrol prices and easing interest rate expectations provided some relief for households, though pessimists still outnumber optimists. For more, Stephanie Youssef spoke with Westpac senior economist Matthew Hassan.

A flat finish for the Australian sharemarket masked a volatile trading session, with the ASX spending most of the day in negative territory as Brent crude oil jumped 5 per cent on renewed uncertainty in the Middle East. The session also followed the blockbuster US debut of another AI-related company, raising fresh questions about where the next investment opportunities in artificial intelligence could emerge. SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Ben Lam, Head of Equities at Colonial First State, about the outlook for AI investing and the day's market moves.A flat finish for the Australian sharemarket masked a volatile trading session, with the ASX spending most of the day in negative territory as Brent crude oil jumped 5 per cent on renewed uncertainty in the Middle East. The session also followed the blockbuster US debut of another AI-related company, raising fresh questions about where the next investment opportunities in artificial intelligence could emerge. SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Ben Lam, Head of Equities at Colonial First State, about the outlook for AI investing and the day's market moves.

Ricardo Gonçalves examines why Westpac Chief Economist Luci Ellis now expects the RBA to begin cutting interest rates in 2027 instead of 2028, while still forecasting two more rate rises before then. Plus, the Australian sharemarket ends a four-day losing streak, with miners leading the gains as gold and uranium stocks rally, while Telstra slips further following its recent network outage. Dianne Colledge from Morgans also joins the podcast to break down the day's market moves and discusses the latest wave of US IPOs.

The Australian sharemarket fell for a fourth straight session as escalating conflict in the Middle East pushed oil prices higher and weighed on investor sentiment, while energy stocks outperformed and Telstra gained ground. SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Nick Schoenmaker from Portfolio Construction Management about the day's market moves, and Nick Schoenmaker also explains what the strong debut of construction group FDC Consolidated, Australia's biggest IPO of the year, could mean for the future pipeline of sharemarket listings.

The Australian sharemarket opened sharply lower as renewed hostilities in the Middle East rattled investors, before recovering most of its losses by the close. Energy stocks surged on a jump in oil prices, while Telstra slid after a network outage sent its shares to their lowest level since February. SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Francesco De Stradis from Ord Minnett about the day's market moves and what investors should watch next.

In this episode of SBS On the Money, Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Piers Bolger, Chief Investment Officer at Infinity Asset Management, about the Australian sharemarket's decline, the impact of Microsoft's latest job cuts and whether global companies are overinvesting in AI.

Petrol prices are edging higher after the fuel excise discount was halved, but why haven't they jumped by the full amount?

Australians are buying new cars at a record pace despite ongoing cost of living pressures, with June sales reaching an all-time monthly high and electric vehicles and utes dominating the market.

Australian shares ended the day little changed, but there is plenty happening beneath the surface. AMP Chief Investment Officer Anna Shelley explains why many superannuation funds delivered double-digit returns last financial year, the role global markets including South Korea played, and whether recent volatility could reshape investment strategies. Plus, Rory Cunningham from the ASX unpacks the record boom in exchange traded funds and why more Australians are investing through ETFs, before Chris Weston from Pepperstone wraps up the day's market action and the forces driving the Australian sharemarket.

The new financial year has begun with a weaker tone for investors, as the ASX 200 fell 0.6 per cent and Australia's housing market recorded its biggest monthly decline since June 2022. SBS On the Money examines what is driving the latest property data with Tim Lawless, Head of Research at Cotality, before unpacking the day's market moves, sector rotation and takeover speculation with Hebe Chen, Market Analyst at Vantage Australia.

The Australian sharemarket ended the financial year with a modest gain, trailing the strong performance of global markets, but many Australians are still set to see healthy returns in their super. SBS On the Money speaks with Kai Chen, Head of Investment at MPC Markets, about why the ASX underperformed overseas markets, and Jeff Brunton, Deputy Chief Investment Officer at HESTA, on why diversified super funds are expected to deliver solid returns and what APRA's latest report says about the growing influence of Australia's superannuation sector on the nation's financial stability.

The ASX 200 rallied 0.7 per cent in a late-session surge ahead of the final trading day of the financial year, with tech stocks leading the gains. Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with ASIC Commissioner Simone Constant about why the corporate watchdog says superannuation trustees must do more to protect members from high fees and risky investments on investment platforms. Plus, Kyle Rodda from Capital.com breaks down the day's market action and what investors can expect as the financial year draws to a close.

The Australian sharemarket finished higher despite a volatile session and a global technology sell-off that triggered a second circuit breaker in South Korea this week. Apple price hikes and concerns over AI valuations weighed on tech stocks, while gold miners found support and the ASX closed the week down 0.9 per cent. Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Tom Wickenden from Betashares about what drove today's market moves and what investors should watch next.

Australia's unemployment rate unexpectedly eased in May despite a cooling labour market, but what does it mean for the Reserve Bank after inflation also ticked higher? Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Indeed APAC Senior Economist Callam Pickering about the outlook for interest rates, before LGT Wealth Management Chief Investment Officer Scott Haslem explains why investors moved into defensive stocks as the Australian dollar slipped below 69 US cents, oil fell below pre-conflict levels and gold dropped under US$4,000.Australia's unemployment rate unexpectedly eased in May despite a cooling labour market, but what does it mean for the Reserve Bank after inflation also ticked higher? Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Indeed APAC Senior Economist Callam Pickering about the outlook for interest rates, before LGT Wealth Management Chief Investment Officer Scott Haslem explains why investors moved into defensive stocks as the Australian dollar slipped below 69 US cents, oil fell below pre-conflict levels and gold dropped under US$4,000.

Australia's inflation rate eased in May, offering some relief to households, but sticky underlying price pressures suggest the Reserve Bank may not be finished with interest rates just yet

With tax time approaching, ATO Assistant Commissioner Anita Challen explains why Australians should avoid lodging returns too early and how waiting for pre-filled information could help prevent delays and costly mistakes. Plus Stockspot CEO Chris Brycki speaks with Ricardo Gonçalves about how the latest changes to SMSFs may influence the sharemarket.With tax time approaching, ATO Assistant Commissioner Anita Challen explains why Australians should avoid lodging returns too early and how waiting for pre-filled information could help prevent delays and costly mistakes. Plus Stockspot CEO Chris Brycki speaks with Ricardo Gonçalves about how the latest changes to SMSFs may influence the sharemarket.

Australia's sharemarket edged lower as investors weighed a softer property market and fresh company news. Cotality Research Director Tim Lawless joins the podcast to explain why auction clearance rates have fallen to their lowest level since April 2020, what rising withdrawals mean for the housing market, and the opportunities and risks facing buyers and sellers. Then, Mark Gardner, CEO of MPC Markets, breaks down the day on the ASX, including the sharp sell-off in Wisetech, weakness among miners, gains for the banks, and what he is telling clients as markets search for direction.

The Australian sharemarket fell sharply on Friday as a 5.6 per cent plunge in BHP shares weighed heavily on the ASX 200, offsetting gains from CSL, energy stocks and the major supermarkets. BHP's decline followed a cost blowout at its Canadian potash project, although the mining giant's shares remain up around 70 per cent over the past year. SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Andrew Wielandt, Partner at DP Wealth Advisory, about the day's market moves and what's driving investor sentiment.

SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Equity Trustees Chief Investment Officer Darren Thompson about the next move in US interest rates after the Federal Reserve left them on hold, along with his outlook for the market.

The Australian sharemarket climbed to a nine-week high despite weakness in energy stocks as falling oil prices weighed on the sector, while BHP and Macquarie reached record levels and ARN Media surged after settling a legal dispute. Ricardo Goncalves speaks with Cameron Gleeson, Senior Investment Analyst at Betashares, about the market moves, Wall Street's latest record close and SpaceX's continued momentum. Plus, Stephanie Youssef speaks with CommBank Head of Australian Economics Belinda Allen about a rebound in recreation and hospitality spending, what it reveals about consumer confidence, and what it could mean for the next move in interest rates.

The Reserve Bank has kept interest rates on hold at 4.35 per cent, but warns inflation is likely to remain elevated and has left the door open to further rate rises. SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Barrenjoey Chief Economist Jo Masters about the RBA's decision and what it means for households, businesses and the economy. Plus, the Australian sharemarket recovered from early losses to finish flat after the central bank's announcement. Stuart Roberts from Stocks Down Under breaks down the market reaction, the sectors driving gains and losses, and what he's telling clients in the current investment environment.