SBS On the Money

Australia's unemployment rate has climbed to its highest level since late 2021, with nearly 19,000 jobs lost and youth unemployment on the rise, raising fresh questions about the economic outlook and the path for interest rates. Deloitte Access Economics partner Stephen Smith breaks down what's driving the shift and what it means in a climate of global uncertainty and elevated borrowing costs. Meanwhile, the sharemarket surged, with the ASX 200 posting its strongest gain in six weeks, lifted by materials, banks and real estate, as Heath Moss from HLM Investments unpacks what's behind the rally and whether it can last.

The ASX 200 has fallen to a fresh seven-week low, on fears of rising global interest rates. SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Francesco De Stradis from Ord Minnett about the market sell-off and the key drivers behind it. Plus, William Buck Tax Services Partner Todd Want breaks down the federal government's proposed tax reforms after online memes claiming the Prime Minister would “own” 47 per cent of small businesses sparked confusion and debate.Listen to Australian and world news, and follow trending topics with SBS News Podcasts.

The Australian sharemarket bounced back from a seven-week low as easing tensions in the Middle East lifted investor confidence, with the ASX200 rising 1.2 per cent. Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Westpac Senior Economist Matthew Hassan about why Australians remain deeply pessimistic despite a slight lift in consumer sentiment, as the Reserve Bank warns businesses are preparing further price hikes and workers push for higher wages. Plus, Michael Jenneke from UBS Global Wealth Management breaks down the day's market action, including gains for supermarkets, banks and telcos, while energy stocks slipped as oil prices eased.

The ASX200 has fallen to a seven-week low as surging oil prices and rising inflation fears rattle global markets. In this episode of SBS On the Money, Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with David Scutt from StoneX Group Inc. about the market sell-off, the impact of the Middle East crisis on energy prices, and why investors are now bracing for possible interest rate rises in the United States after inflation climbed to a three-year high. The episode also looks at sharp losses for Brambles and major miners including BHP.

On this episode of the SBS On the Money podcast, Stephanie Youssef speaks with Michael Page Senior Managing Director David George about the growing use of artificial intelligence in recruitment, with more job seekers and employers turning to AI to write resumes, job ads and interview questions. Plus, Ricardo Gonçalves is joined by Tribeca Investment Partners Portfolio Manager Todd Warren to unpack a volatile week on the Australian sharemarket, as profit taking in the mining sector helped drag the ASX 1.3% lower for the week.

The ASX200 closed slightly higher after a late-session rebound, with mining giants BHP and Rio Tinto hitting fresh records while Coles fell after a landmark ACCC court ruling over misleading discount pricing. Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Betashares investment strategist Hugh Lam about the day's market action and the forces driving investor sentiment. Plus, Xero CEO Sukhinder Singh Cassidy responds to concerns artificial intelligence could disrupt the software-as-a-service sector, outlining how the cloud accounting company plans to navigate the next phase of the AI revolution after reporting a sharp fall in profit.

The ASX closed lower, after a record 10.4 per cent slump in CommBank shares wiped around $25 billion from its market value, while investors digested major Federal Budget reforms targeting negative gearing and capital gains tax.

BHP surged to a record high and overtook Commonwealth Bank as Australia's largest listed company, helping lift the materials sector evenas the ASX200 fell for a third straight session. In this episode of SBS On the Money, Jonathan Shead from State Street Investment Management unpack BHP's milestone, the strength in mining stocks and the broader investment environment. NAB Head of Australian Economics Gareth Spence also joins, to explain why business conditions have dropped to their weakest level since 2020 and how the conflict in the Middle East is driving up costs across supply chains.

The ASX 200 slipped 0.5 per cent ahead of the Federal Budget as oil prices surged and investors weighed the prospect of tax reform. Banks were weaker across the board, while CSL plunged 16 per cent after cutting earnings expectations and flagging a major impairment.

The Australian sharemarket rose 0.96 per cent, amid hopes of a peace deal between the US and Iran. As a result, oil prices have dropped sharply – though remain above US$100 a barrel – and precious metal and commodity prices have risen. The Australian dollar has also benefited, reaching a four-year high, as risk appetite increases. For more on this, Stephanie Youssef spoke with Angus Geddes, Chief Investment Officer at Fat Prophets.

Senior Australians on government payments are facing some of the sharpest cost of living increases in the country as soaring electricity prices and rising interest rates put pressure on household budgets. In this episode of the SBS On the Money podcast, Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Patricia Sparrow from COTA Australia to find out more, before Laura Cooper from Nuveen shares her outlook on interest rates after the Reserve Bank's latest decision. Plus, Luke Laretive from Seneca Financial Solutions breaks down a strong rally on the Australian sharemarket as the ASX200 surged following another record session on Wall Street.

The Reserve Bank has lifted interest rates for the third time this year, pushing the cash rate to 4.35 per cent, even as other major economies pause. In this episode, PWC Chief Economist Amy Lomas unpacks what's driving the decision and what it signals for the months ahead. The ASX edged lower, falling 0.2 per cent, with Todd Hoare from LGT Wealth Management breaking down how investors reacted. And with borrowers facing rising costs, Sally Tindall from Canstar explains what the latest rate hike means for mortgage repayments and how to assess whether your loan is still competitive.

Australian shares dropped 0.4 per cent ahead of an expected Reserve Bank rate rise, with losses across most sectors led by consumer staples and energy, while petrol prices continued to ease nationwide. Corporate headlines included a recall by A2 Milk in the United States, an ASIC investigation into Accent Group, and NAB's weaker half-year profit driven by accounting changes despite solid lending growth and a steady dividend. The outlook for borrowers and interest rates is in focus as the Australian dollar lifts above 72 US cents. George Boubouras from K2 Asset Management Ltd joins the podcast to break down the market moves and what to watch next.

The ASX has broken an eight-day losing streak, lifted by mining stocks and easing oil prices, while global tech earnings continue to shape investor sentiment. In this episode of SBS On the Money, Morningstar's Lochlan Halloway unpacks the day's market action, as ANZ posts a higher profit and signals confidence Australia will avoid recession. Meanwhile, Coles flags further price pressures across supermarket shelves, and Cotality's Tim Lawless warns Australia's housing market may be entering a downturn as interest rates bite and growth slows.

The S&P/ASX 200 has extended its losing streak to an eighth straight session, as oil surged past US$120 a barrel following comments from US President Donald Trump that he would extend the naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The effect of rising oil prices is being reflected in company reports with Woolworths Group downgrading its full-year profit outlook, despite reporting a lift in third quarter food sales. For more, Stephanie Youssef spoke with TMS Private Wealth Portfolio Manager Ben Clark.

A sharp lift in inflation and a seventh straight fall on the ASX set the tone for this episode of the SBS On the Money podcast, unpacking how global conflict is feeding into Australia's economy. Official data shows annual inflation expanding to 4.6 per cent in March, driven by a surge in fuel and electricity costs. Harry Murphy Cruise from Oxford Economics breaks down what this means for interest rates and how much further prices could rise, while Damien Boey from Wilson Asset Management explains the market reaction, sector moves and what investors are watching next as US tech earnings come into focus.

Australian shares extended their losing streak, with the ASX200 down 0.6% to a three-week low and ten of eleven sectors finishing in the red, even as US markets hit fresh records. Utilities led the decline, with Origin Energy tumbling, while a lift in oil prices and a rebound in lithium miners offered some support. For a closer look at the day's moves and what's driving the divergence with Wall Street, Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with MPC Markets CEO Mark Gardner.

The ASX slips to a three week low ahead of a pivotal week for global markets, with Raymond Chan from Morgans breaking down what to watch as central banks meet, US tech giants report earnings and fresh inflation data lands. At the same time, the countdown to tax time begins, with Assistant Commissioner Anita Challen outlining the ATO's focus on work related deductions, side hustles and misleading advice circulating online.

The ASX200 edged lower by 0.1 per cent, capping a weekly fall of 1.8 per cent, as global markets pulled back from record highs and investors turned their attention to upcoming tech earnings, with Tony Sycamore from IG Markets unpacking what's ahead. Meanwhile, new data from ASIC reveals a growing number of young Australians are turning to AI platforms, social media and so-called finfluencers for financial information, raising concerns about credibility and oversight. ASIC Commissioner Alan Kirkland explains the regulator's response.

The ASX slipped 0.6 per cent amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Gulf, with losses led by materials and the big banks, while energy stocks climbed on a surge in oil prices. Against that backdrop, a sharp shift in the jobs market is emerging, with SEEK reporting a 75 per cent rise in advertised roles mentioning AI skills.

The Australian sharemarket slipped 1.1 per cent, yet remains within reach of a record high, continuing its recovery from March's downturn as super funds rebound and long-term gains hold steady. In this episode of SBS On the Money, Ricardo Gonçalves unpacks the day's biggest moves, including Cochlear's dramatic 40 per cent fall to a 10-year low after a profit warning tied to weak US consumer confidence and global uncertainty. Portfolio manager James Gerrish from Market Partners joins the conversation to discuss whether other companies will also be hit by the war in the Middle-East.

The ASX 200 edged lower as investors held back ahead of a key Middle East ceasefire deadline, with Michael Wayne from Medallion Financial Group unpacking the day's market moves. At the same time, Apple enters a new chapter as Tim Cook steps down after 15 years, having overseen explosive growth and the launch of products like the Apple Watch and AirPods. Stephanie Youssef speaks with Wedbush Securities' Dan Ives about Cook's legacy, the challenges facing incoming CEO John Ternus, and why artificial intelligence could define Apple's next phase.

Energy stocks lag, as oil prices remained volatile around supply concerns in the Strait of Hormuz, even as petrol prices eased, though still well above last year's levels. Market analyst Evan Lucas unpacks what it all means for households and investors, as attention also turns to the federal government's new $1,000 instant tax deduction set to benefit more than six million workers. Mark Chapman from H&R Block explains who gains from that, how it works, and when the savings will flow through.

The ASX200 has edged lower, snapping a three-week run despite fresh record highs on Wall Street, with weakness in consumer discretionary stocks offset by gains in tech and buy now, pay later players. In this short end-of-week update, Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Dianne Colledge from Morgans Financial Limited about what is driving the local market, the outlook for key sectors and how global momentum is shaping sentiment at home, alongside moves in the Australian dollar and oil prices.

The ASX eases despite strong leads from Wall Street, while Australia's unemployment rate holds at 4.3 per cent and companies grapple with rising costs. Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with HSBC Chief Economist Paul Bloxham on what the latest labour market data means for interest rates, and with David Lane from Ord Minnett on the day's market moves. Plus, Mark Thirlwell from the Australian Institute of Company Directors explains why artificial intelligence and productivity pressures are keeping business leaders awake at night.

Airfares are set to climb as Virgin Australia cuts flights to manage rising fuel costs, while Qantas flags a sharp increase in its fuel bill, reshaping travel plans for Australians. Phoebe Deas speaks with Ellis Taylor from Cirium on what these changes mean for the aviation sector, as new data reveals Japan has overtaken Indonesia as Australia's second most popular destination, helped by a stronger exchange rate. Meanwhile, the ASX closes slightly higher, with insight from Scott Phillips of The Motley Fool on the market's mixed performance.

The ASX edges higher despite fresh warnings from corporate Australia, with Qantas and Westpac flagging the financial impact of the Middle East conflict as cost pressures build. Ricardo Gonçalves unpacks the latest market moves and what they mean for inflation and interest rates, speaking with NAB Chief Economist Sally Auld and LGT Wealth Management CIO Scott Haslem, while new data reveals rental stress has hit record levels. Cotality's Head of Research Gerard Burg joins to explain why Australians are now spending more than ever on housing and what's driving the shortage.

The ASX edges lower as oil prices climb above US$100 amid escalating Middle East tensions, raising fresh concerns about inflation and growth. Armina Rosenberg from Minotaur Capital breaks down whether AI-driven investing can make sense of geopolitical shocks, while Deloitte Access Economics partner David Rumbens warns Australia could be edging closer to recession, even if the conflict eases. With markets still near record highs but volatility building, this episode unpacks the risks shaping the economic outlook and what it means for investors and households.

A volatile stretch for markets has taken a bite out of Australians' super, with SuperRatings CEO Kirby Rappell explaining how recent gains have been erased amid global uncertainty and falling oil prices. The ASX edged lower on the day but closed out its strongest week since October 2022, with mixed sector performance and sharp losses in tech stocks. Oreana Private Wealth Chief Investment Officer Isaac Poole breaks down what is driving the market moves and what investors should watch next, in this episode of the SBS On the Money podcast.

The ASX pushes higher after a strong rally, edging closer to record territory, while fresh data reveals Australians are changing how they buy fuel as prices stay elevated. NAB Senior Economist Taylor Nugent unpacks why motorists are topping up more often, and what it says about cost pressures. At the same time, new figures show fewer people are investing in work-related training, raising questions about whether employers are doing enough to prepare workers for an AI-driven future. PwC Chief People Officer Karen Lonergan weighs in on the growing skills gap, before Nick Schoenmaker from Portfolio Construction Forum breaks down the latest moves on the sharemarket and what's driving investor confidence.

Australia's sharemarket has recorded its strongest session in about a year, with the ASX200 jumping 2.6 per cent and adding around $80 billion in value as investors responded to a reported two-week ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran. Gains were broad-based, with eight of eleven sectors higher and technology stocks leading the charge, while gold miners and airlines also rallied amid sharp moves in commodity prices. The Australian dollar climbed to around 70.7 US cents. Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Kyle Rodda, Senior Financial Market Analyst at Capital.com, to unpack what's driving the surge and what it could mean for markets next.

Listen to Australian and world news, and follow trending topics with SBS News Podcasts. TRANSCRIPT: The ASX climbs 1.7 per cent to a four-month high as strong gains sweep across all sectors, with insights from Kai Chen of MPC Markets on what is driving the rally. At the same time, rising fuel prices are helping push electric vehicle sales to new levels, with Tony Weber from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries unpacking whether Australia is nearing a turning point. Plus, Kim Farrant from HESTA warns super fund members about the risks of switching investment strategies during market volatility, as more Australians move towards defensive options despite recent market rebounds.

The ASX closes the short trading week down 1.1 per cent on Thursday as volatility returns following Donald Trump's latest address, with insights from Morningstar's Matt Wacher on what's driving markets. Meanwhile, chocolate prices are leaving a bitter taste ahead of Easter, with confectionery costs up 6.6 per cent over the past year despite easing cocoa prices. Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Tim Piper from the Australian Industry Group to unpack why shoppers are still paying more.

The ASX 200 rebounds strongly after its worst month in four years, adding nearly $70 billion in value as hopes grow for an easing in global tensions, with insights from Matt Sherwood at Perpetual. At the same time, rising interest rates are beginning to weigh on the housing market, with Sydney and Melbourne recording declines even as national prices edge higher. Stephanie Youseff speaks with Tim Lawless from Cotality to unpack what's driving the shift and whether a broader downturn is emerging, alongside the key consumer finance and market stories shaping the day.

A major shake-up to how Australians pay is on the way, with the Reserve Bank moving to scrap $1.6 billion in card surcharges and shift costs into upfront pricing. In this episode of SBS On the Money, Ricardo Gonçalves breaks down what it means for households and businesses, with insights from Finder's Graham Cooke, while Chris Brycki from Stockspot unpacks a rebound on the ASX after a volatile March that delivered the market's worst monthly result since 2022.

Brent crude surges as Middle East tensions escalate, sending fresh shockwaves through global energy markets and raising concerns the real supply crunch has yet to reach Australia. In this episode of the SBS On the Money Podcast, analysis from Saul Kavonic, Head of Energy Research at MST Marquee, unpacks why this spike is sharper and faster than 2022, while Luke McMillan from Ophir Asset Management explains what it all means for the ASX after shares fell amid rising inflation fears and interest rate pressure.

Markets held relatively steady to close the week, with the ASX200 dipping just 0.1 per cent but still breaking a three-week losing streak, as Adam Dawes from Shaw and Partners unpacks the key movers including sharp losses in tech and gains in energy stocks. At the same time, fresh warnings from the OECD point to rising global food prices if conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt fertiliser shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. Stefan Vogel from Rabobank Research explains what that could mean for Australian farmers, supply chains and grocery bills in the month's ahead.

Australia's minimum wage is back in focus, with the government signalling support for a real wage increase ahead of the Fair Work Commission's June decision, as unions and business groups put forward competing claims. Independent economist Chris Richardson unpacks what a potential rise above inflation could mean for the economy. Meanwhile, the sharemarket dipped after a strong rally, with Darren Thompson from Equity Trustees breaking down the latest moves across sectors and what is driving investor sentiment.

Australia's inflation shows signs of stabilising but remains stubbornly above target, just as global tensions threaten to push prices higher for longer. In this episode of SBS On the Money, Ricardo Gonçalves breaks down the latest data from the Bureau of Statistics and what it means for interest rates with Westpac Senior Economist Pat Bustamante. Plus, the ASX200 delivers its strongest gain in nearly a year, driven by a surge in materials and retail stocks, while energy slips on shifting oil price expectations. Betashares' Cameron Gleeson joins the podcast to unpack what's moving markets and what investors are watching next.

Australia's new free trade deal with the European Union could unlock a $10 billion boost to trade, cut prices on European goods and expand access for local exports, though it comes with compromises for some producers. University of Technology Sydney Chief Economist Tim Harcourt explains what it means, before a look at the markets with Stuart Roberts from Stocks Down Under, as the ASX200 edges higher and mining stocks lift.

SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Daniel Martin from Alvia Asset Partners about the day's market action as the ASX200 edges closer to correction territory and finds out what the future holds for gold as global central banks reconsider monetary policy easing.

SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Tony Sycamore from IG Austraila about the day's market action and why markets are now pricing in three rate rises this year; plus Stephanie Youssef looks though The Australian's Rich List 250 with list editor John Stensholt.