SBS On the Money

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.

The Australian sharemarket jumped 1.3 per cent to its highest close since mid-April after the US and Iran agreed to an interim deal to end hostilities in the Middle East, easing investor concerns and sending oil prices sharply lower. In this episode, Daniel Martin from Alvia Asset Partners breaks down the market rally, the impact of falling oil prices, and why airlines, miners and other major stocks benefited from the improving global outlook. Plus ASFA CEO Mary Delahunty explains why many Australians may be overestimating how much they need for a comfortable retirement, with new figures showing singles require around $630,000 in super and couples $730,000 by retirement age.

The ASX 200 has surged to a five-week high following comments from US President Donald Trump that a peace deal between the US and Iran is imminent. But haven't we been here before? Also, Elon Musk's SpaceX raises US$75 billion ahead of its much-anticipated Nasdaq debut. For more, Stephanie Youssef spoke with Matt Wacher, chief investment officer at Jana Investment Advisers.

With just one sleep to go until the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off, SBS On the Money explores the business behind the world's biggest sporting event. Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Mark Andersen, Co-Head of Global Asset Allocation at UBS Global Wealth Management CIO, about the economic opportunities and investment themes emerging from football's global reach. Plus, Tim Harcourt, Chief Economist at University of Technology Sydney, looks at the costs facing fans travelling to the tournament and the broader financial impact. The episode also covers a weaker Australian sharemarket, with Henry Jennings from Marcus Today breaking down the day's market moves, the impact of rising geopolitical tensions and inflation, and what investors are watching ahead of the anticipated SpaceX listing.

Australia's largest listed companies are more gender-diverse than ever, with only four all-male boards remaining across the ASX 300, but new research reveals progress has stalled in other areas, including cultural diversity, disability and LGBTIQ+ representation. Stephanie Youssef explores the findings with David Evans, Managing Partner at Watermark Search.

The global AI investment boom is gathering pace, with OpenAI signalling its intention to eventually join rivals Anthropic and SpaceX on the US sharemarket, potentially fuelling another wave of capital raising worth hundreds of billions of dollars across the industry. SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Loftus Peak Chief Investment Officer Alex Pollak about what the AI listing race means for investors, while Adam Dawes from Shaw and Partners breaks down a softer day on the ASX after the long weekend. Plus, Matthew Hassan, Senior Economist at Westpac, explains why Australians are turning away from property as the wisest place for savings and what weakening consumer sentiment could mean for the economy.

The ASX 200 closed 0.7% lower on Friday, extending its weekly decline to 1.2%, as mining stocks came under pressure from a three-month low in iron ore prices. Fortescue, BHP and Rio Tinto all fell, while the major banks also weakened. Bucking the trend was healthcare giant CSL, which jumped 5.8% for its strongest gain in more than four years. SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Blueberry Markets analyst Zoran Kresovic about the forces driving the market and what investors are watching next.

Elon Musk has revealed plans for a potentially record-breaking IPO of SpaceX, with Australian retail investors set to get access to the offer. Stephanie Youssef speaks with Datt Capital Chief Investment Officer Emanuel Datt about the opportunity and the risks for investors. Plus, the Australian sharemarket falls 1.1 per cent as mining stocks lead the losses, with Robert Talevski from Activam Group breaking down the day's market moves and what drove the sell-off.

Australia's economy expanded by just 0.3% in the March quarter, with growth driven largely by investment in data centres while household spending remained subdued and productivity declined. NAB Senior Markets Economist Taylor Nugent joins SBS On the Money to unpack what the latest GDP figures mean for the economy and the outlook for interest rates. Plus, despite the weak economic data, the ASX 200 climbed 0.7% as investors scaled back expectations of a near-term rate rise. Josh Gilbert from eToro explains what drove the market higher, including record highs for mining giants BHP and Rio Tinto, strong gains for the banks and a pullback in technology stocks.

Around three million low-paid Australian workers are set to receive a pay rise after the Fair Work Commission lifted the national minimum wage and increased award wages above the current inflation rate. Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Commonwealth Bank economist Harry Ottley about what the decision means for household budgets, inflation and the broader economy. Plus, the ASX 200 edged lower as retailers and shopping centre operators came under pressure following the wage decision, while technology stocks rallied and BHP hit another record high. Alice Shen, CFA from VanEck joins the podcast to unpack the day's market moves and the influence of another strong session on Wall Street

The Australian sharemarket finished flat ahead of key economic data this week, including GDP figures and US jobs numbers. Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Elio D'Amato from EnviroInvest about the day's market moves, rising oil prices and BHP's record high. Plus, Kelly Power, CEO of CFS Superannuation, explains why Australians now believe they need more than $1 million to retire comfortably and why many expect to work longer before leaving the workforce. Also, housing expert Tim Lawless warns national property prices could begin falling from next month as higher interest rates, a slowing economy and policy changes start to weigh on the market.

Following Thursday's $45 billion wipeout, the S&P/ASX 200 has finished the week 1.62 per cent higher following reports that US and Iranian negotiators have reached a tentative deal to extend the ceasefire by 60 days. As a result, oil prices fell sharply while gold and silver rose. For more, Stephanie Youssef spoke with Opal Capital Management Chief Investment Officer Omkar Joshi. Also, the combined wealth of Australia's 200 richest people has surged to more than $700 billion, with mining magnate Gina Rinehart once again leading the Australian Financial Review's 2026 Rich List. For more, Stephanie Youssef spoke with AFR's Rich List Deputy Editor Hannah Tattersall.

Australia's sharemarket rebounded after a softer-than-expected inflation report lifted hopes the RBA may hold interest rates in June, but ABS data showed some businesses are passing on higher fuel costs to consumers. SBS On the Money explores what the latest CPI figures mean for households, the Reserve Bank and investors, with analysis from Sunny Nguyen, Head of Australia Economics at Moody's Analytics, and Niv Dagan from Peak Asset Management.

Australian businesses are feeling the pressure from rising fuel costs and supply issues, with new ABS data showing nearly three quarters have been negatively impacted. Business NSW Executive Director David Borger joins Ricardo Gonçalves on the SBS On the Money Podcast to discuss how companies are responding and what it means for prices and inflation ahead of key data tomorrow.

Oil prices have tumbled after Donald Trump suggested a peace deal between the US and Iran could be near, raising hopes of lower fuel costs for Australian motorists. SBS On the Money speaks with MST Financial's Saul Kavonic about why petrol prices may ease in the short term, but why oil markets are unlikely to return to pre-conflict levels anytime soon.

The ASX finished the week higher as investors weighed strong gains in mining stocks against weakness in telcos, while attention also turned to the booming space economy. In this episode of SBS On the Money, Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Pepperstone Head of Research Chris Weston about Elon Musk's plans to list SpaceX at a reported valuation of US$1.75 trillion, what it means for future blockbuster IPOs including OpenAI and Anthropic, and whether space is becoming the next big investment opportunity. Chris Weston also breaks down the day on the Australian sharemarket and the outlook for interest rates.

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.