SBS On the Money

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.

SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Faraz Syed from Citi to find out why the RBA will look through the rise in Australia's unemployment rate at its next interest rate meeting; and Henry Jennings from Marcus Today details the day's market moves as oil surges more than 10 per cent overnight.

SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Jamie Hannah from VanEck about the day's market action including the latest global interest rate expectations and what it means for investments, while BHP announces who will replace CEO Mike Henry.

SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Nick Stenner from Bank of America; Alice Shen from VanEck; and Sally Tindall from Canstar to find out why the RBA lifted interest rates, how the market reacted and what it means for borrowers.

SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Mathan Somasundaram from Deep Data Analytics and looks ahead to tomorrow's RBA interest rate decision on what will be a big week for global central banks; plus Stephanie Youssef looks at how Generation Z is seeking out financial advice with ASIC's Adam Kirkland.

SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Morgans Chief Economist Michael Knox who is betting the RBA will need to lift interest rates three times this year as a wave of inflation prepares to come down on the economy; while Stephanie Youssef looks through the day's market action with Zoran Kresovic from Blueberry and how investors are feeling as the Middle-East war rolls on.

SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Tom Gilbertson from Loftus Peak about the future of AI and the workforce and what it means for investors as Atlassian becomes the first major Software as a Service to slash jobs; Trent Sauders from CBA details why the bank is now predicting the RBA will lift interest rates two more times this cycle; and Angus Geddes from Fat Prophets shares his thoughts on the investment environment as the war in the Middle-East continues.

SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Josh Gilbert from eToro to as NAB, Westpac and Citi predict two RBA interest rate rises in a row as oil prices remain high threatening inflation; and Stephanie Youssef speaks with Blair Davies from the Australian Taxi Industry Association to find out, if like some airlines, taxis will need to increase fares to cover the spike in petrol prices.

SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Cirium Aviation Analyst Ellis Taylor who says airfares may rise as much as 30 per cent as jet fuel prices soar amid the Middle-East war; and Todd Hoare from LGT Wealth Management Australia Management on the markets partial recovery following yesterday's $90bn sell-off.

Nearly $90 billion dollars has been wiped from the S&P/ASX 200, as war in Iran sent oil prices skyrocketing past US$100 a barrel for the first time since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022; The rising oil price sparks panic buying and reports of fuel rationing at some petrol stations in Australia.

The S&P/ASX 200 has recorded its worst weekly drop since Donald Trump's so-called Liberation Day tariffs shocked global markets in April last year. That's as investors weigh the prospect of a drawn-out war in the Middle East, with the rising oil price prompting further inflation concerns. Meanwhile, the US Pentagon has formally labelled AI company Anthropic a supply chain risk, escalating its dispute over AI safeguards. For more, Stephanie Youssef spoke with capital.com senior market analyst Kyle Rodda.

SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Robert Talevski from Activam about the day's market action while Stephanie Youseff discusses the ACCC's latest airports report which warns high levels of investment will be passed onto airlines which may increase airfares as a result.

SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Harry Murphy Cruise from Oxford Economics about the impact of the Middle East war on the Australian economy, even as GDP expands at its fastest rate in almost three years. Plus Niv Dagan from Peak Asset Management on the day's sharemarket news including the market's reaction to ARN Media's decision to pull the Kyle and Jackie O show.

Hear RBA Governor Michele Bullock detail how the Middle East tensions and hit to oil supply may impact inflation and what it means for interest rates; SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Cameron Gleeson from Betashares to find out what it means for sharemarkets; plus Life360 CEO Lauren Antonoff talks through her company's results and AI future.

US and Israel's offensive in Iran has rattled global markets. However, the Australian sharemarket reversed earlier losses, as rising commodity prices saw investors pile into energy and gold stocks, offsetting losses in other sectors. For more on this, Stephanie Youssef spoke with David Walsh, analyst at Sarto Advisory. Plus, a third of Australian workers surveyed think their jobs will disappear in the next five years because of AI. Amelia O'Carrigan, Ranstad Director of Public Sector and Business Support spoke to Stephanie Youssef about this, and the emerging generational divide.

Hear from Block CEO Jack Dorsey as he explains why the company is cutting nearly half of its workforce; SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Omkar Joshi from Opal Capital Management about the future of AI and the impact on stocks. Plus Australia Post CEO Paul Graham details the group's digital transformation plan as it records a fall in profit.

Hear from Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang on why he thinks huge capital expenditure on AI technology will continue as SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Heath Moss from HLM Investments about the days market action including a recovery in tech stocks and a look at Qantas' half-year results. Plus Erin Kitson from S&P Global explains how borrowers are likely to cope with rising interest rates.

Hear from Wisetech CEO Zubin Appoo as he explains why 2000 jobs will go at the company as AI hits its workforce; SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Francesco De Stradis from Ord Minnett to find out the implications for the broader market; plus Woolworths CEO Amanda Bardwell on how the supermarket operator is winning back consumer trust.

SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Mike Jenneke from UBS Wealth Management about the day's market action including investors' renewed AI fears; plus Stephanie Youssef talks with Jame Koval from ASFA to find out how much you need for a comfortable retirement.

SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with David Scutt from StoneX Group Inc. about the day's market action, including how Trump's tariffs are causing a fresh wave of uncertaintly, plus why investors are keeping a close eye on the private credit markets

SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Marcus Bogdan from Blackmore Capital on the day's market action, including a wrap of the major profits and a look at the latest US trade figures.

SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Hugh Lam, CFA from Betashares for his take on the markets as the ASX200 hits another record high, the jobless rate remains at 4.1% and takes a look at the latest company profit reports.

SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Devika Shivadear from RSM Australia about the latest Wage Price Index which shows real wages has gone backwards; plus a look at the day on the sharemarket with Jun Bei Lui from Ten Cap.

SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with BHP CFO Vandita Pant following the miner's US$5.6bn half-year profit to find out more about its growing copper business and future dividend policy; plus Jonathan Shead from State Street Investment Management on the investment environment.