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The Giving TreeMichael and Susan Dell to donate $6.25 billion to fund 'Trump accounts' for 25 million U.S. kidsLyft CEO: This Giving Tuesday, I'm matching every rider's donationDavid Risher: $78M in 2023Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos commit $102.5 million to organizations combatting homelessness across the U.S.: ‘This is just the beginning'The wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez in Venice is estimated to have cost between $46.5 million and $55.6 millionMacKenzie Scott's $19 billion donations have turned philanthropy on its head—why her style of giving actually worksFighting back! (Stakeholders Rule!)New York City Council passes landmark AI oversight packageThe New York City Council unanimously passed a collection of bills that are designed to provide a heightened level of oversight for the city's use of artificial intelligence tools.Bernie Sanders and Mamdani joined the Starbucks picket line in Brooklyn More than 1,000 Amazon employees sign open letter warning the company's AI ‘will do staggering damage to democracy, our jobs, and the earth'Costco sues Trump administration over tariffs, seeks full refundCostco filed a lawsuit at the U.S. Court of International Trade on Friday, saying the administration's tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) are unlawful.The 1977 law has historically been used to impose sanctions against other nations.Exxon bid to dismiss Connecticut climate lawsuit failsA judge moved the case closer to trial after rejecting the company's request to toss it out.OpenAI Completed Its Conversion. A New Ballot Initiative Seeks to Reverse ItA coalition that tried and failed to block OpenAI's conversion earlier this year is back with a new tactic: a California ballot initiative aimed at reining in the startup's power.The planned initiative, dubbed the California Charitable Assets Protection Act, was filed Monday with California's attorney general. It doesn't mention OpenAI by name, but calls for the creation of an oversight board empowered to review and potentially reverse conversions to nonprofit organizations engaged in scientific and technological research that have happened in the state since January of 2024.Starbucks to settle with over 15,000 New York City workers for roughly $35 millionStarbucks will pay about $35 million to more than 15,000 New York City workers to settle claims it denied them stable schedules and arbitrarily cut their hours.The company will also pay $3.4 million in civil penalties under the agreement with the city's Department of Consumer and Worker Protection.It also agrees to comply with the city's Fair Workweek law going forward.Fighting back! (Shareholders Rule!)Michael Burry calls Tesla ‘ridiculously overvalued' and knocks tech industry for a widely used practiceThe post is critical of Tesla and the technology industry as a whole for its use of stock-based compensation and then ignoring it as a legitimate expense.Burry said Tesla share dilution should continue following shareholder approval of CEO Elon Musk's historic pay package.Second proxy adviser calls for vote against Westpac director over ASX stintA second influential proxy adviser has recommended institutional investors vote against re-electing Westpac non-executive director Peter Nash, citing his six-year stint on the board of the troubled Australian Securities Exchange (ASX).CGI Glass Lewis said in a new report on Tuesday that investors should vote against Nash who joined the Westpac board in March 2018 and chairs the board's audit committee.Norway wealth fund to back call for Microsoft human rights report at AGMMicrosoft AGM takes place on December 5Norway wealth fund is Microsoft's eighth-largest shareholderThe fund also said it would vote against the re-appointment of CEO Satya Nadella as chair of the board, as well as against his pay package.PotpourriOpenAI declares ‘code red' as Google catches up in AI raceIn the memo, reported by the Wall Street Journal and The Information, Altman said the company will be delaying initiatives like ads, shopping and health agents, and a personal assistant, Pulse, to focus on improving ChatGPT.This includes core features like greater speed and reliability, better personalization, and the ability to answer more questions, he said.Corporations say they prioritize people. So why do so few chief people officers become CEOs?Only 16 of the CEOs at the 1,000 biggest companies have HR experience.Stephanie Mehta is CEO and chief content officer of Mansueto Ventures, publisher of Inc. and Fast CompanyMATTUplifting stories:Costco sues Trump admin seeking tariff refunds before Supreme Court rules if they're illegalWhy it's uplifting:Costco is the retail bulwark against stupidity - and they're getting paid for it with persistent quarterly growthCostco board member defends DEI practices, rebukes companies scrapping policiesCostco Under Fire in 19 States for Taking Stand Against TrumpSecond proxy adviser calls for vote against Westpac director over ASX stintWhy it's uplifting:This IS NOT AN ACTIVIST DRIVEN VOTE, and it isn't about attendance! This is purely driven by conflict of interest - an ASX listed company using an ASX board member, a board member who up until 6 years ago lead KPMG in Australia - and KPMG is now Westpac's auditorThe move is underway - ISS/GL were never going to vote against directors in the US first, but Australia is much easier to targetGoogle's data centers could actually be going to the moonWhy it's uplifting:While we couldn't solve the climate crisis for the sake of HUMANITY, we WILL solve it for the sake of AI:one hundred trillion times more energy than we produce in all of Earth todayThe space pitch arrives when Earth is starting to look like a bad long-term landlord for the AI build-out. A 2024 Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory report found that U.S. data centers already chew through about 4.4% of the country's electricity, and that share could climb to as much as 12% by 2028 as GPU farms multiply. McKinsey puts a price tag on the race to scale data centers: roughly $6.7 trillion in global data center capex by 2030, about $5 trillion of that aimed at AI-ready infrastructureextraterrestrial data centers could cut emissions by a factor of 10 compared with their earthbound cousinsAlso, GTFO!
One of the big four banks is launching a new pilot program to improve access to services in rural areas. From next year, Westpac will run a mobile banking service to provide face to face and private sessions from bankers making fortnightly visits to the regions. It has also extended its moratorium on regional branch closures until the next decade. Rural Editor Emily Minney caught up with Regional General Manager for Westpac Agribusiness Peta Ward about the program, and how benefit those in the bush.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fake apology, fake branches can't cover the sins of Westpac Presented by Robert Barwick and Richard Bardon Also on the show: • ASIO's Gollum is a liar and hypocrite • What happened to the mysterious RAND report about China? • Big surprise - fraud in defence contracts • Cost of AUKUS blows out; and • Citizens Party makes the front page Become a member of the Australian Citizens Party: https://citizensparty.org.au/membership?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=membership&utm_content=20251120_cit_rep Donate to support the Citizens Party campaigns: https://citizensparty.org.au/donate?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=cit_rep_donation&utm_content=20251120_cit_rep For cheques and direct deposits, call 1800 636 432 Lookup your Senator here: https://citizensparty.org.au/aus-senate Sign the Cancel AUKUS petition: https://info.citizensparty.org.au/cancel-aukus Sign the Citizens Party Petition to create an Australia Post Bank!: https://info.citizensparty.org.au/auspost-bank-petition Subscribe to the Australian Alert Service: https://info.citizensparty.org.au/subscribe?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=AAS_subscibe&utm_content=20251120_cit_rep Sign up for ACP media releases: https://citizensparty.org.au/join-email-list?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=join_email&utm_content=20251120_cit_rep Contact your MP (search by name or electorate): https://www.aph.gov.au/Senators_and_Members Visit the Citizens Party Campaigns page for a run down of the branch closure media coverage: https://citizensparty.org.au/campaigns Follow us on: X: https://x.com/CitizensPartyAU TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@citizenspartyau Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CitizensPartyAU Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CitizensPartyAU YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/CitizensPartyAU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/citizenspartyau Telegram: https://t.me/CitizensPartyAU
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2 - Westpac serving regional customers, Don't bank on it by Australian Citizens Party
3 - Regional banking expert skewers Westpac move by Australian Citizens Party
In this month's episode of TechKnow, Michael Tran from the BT Technical Services Team is joined by Lisa Haley, Senior Financial Adviser at Apt Wealth Partners to delve into the most significant aged care reforms Australia has seen in over a decade. With sweeping changes commencing on 1 November 2025 come new complexities for advisers and families alike. Lisa shares her insights and practical wisdom on navigating the new aged care system, and suggests that expert guidance is now more crucial than ever. Disclaimer: Information current as at 19 November 2025. This TechKnow podcast has been prepared by BT Portfolio Services Limited ABN 73 095 055 208 AFSL 233715 (BTPS), the operator of Panorama Investments; and BT Funds Management Limited ABN 63 002 916 458 AFSL 233724 (BTFM) the trustee of Panorama Super, which is part of Asgard Independence Plan Division Two ABN 90 194 410 365. Westpac Financial Services Ltd ABN 20 000 241 127 AFSL 233716 (WFSL) is the responsible entity and issuer of interests in BT Managed Portfolios. Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 AFSL and Australian credit licence 233714 (Westpac) is the issuer of the BT Cash Management Account and the BT Cash Management Account Saver. Together, these products are referred to as the Panorama products. BTPS, BTFM and WFSL are subsidiaries of Westpac. A Product Disclosure Statement or other disclosure document (PDS) and target market determination (TMD) for the Panorama products can be obtained by contacting BT on 1300 784 207 or by visiting bt.com.au. A person should obtain and consider the PDS and TMD before deciding whether to acquire, continue to hold or dispose of interests in the Panorama products. This TechKnow podcast has been prepared for use by advisers only. It must not be made available to any client and any information in it must not be communicated to any client. This TechKnow podcast provides an overview only and should not be considered a comprehensive statement on any matter or relied upon as such. This information does not take into account your clients' personal objectives, financial situation or needs and so you should consider its appropriateness, having regard to these factors before acting on it. Awards are opinions only, are not recommendations and are only one factor to be taken into account when deciding to acquire, dispose or hold interests in BT Panorama. Awards and ratings are current at the time of publication but are subject to change. The information in this commentary regarding legislative changes is intended as a guide only. It is not exhaustive and does not constitute legal advice. It is based on our interpretation of the law currently in force on the date of this document. BTPS does not undertake to provide any updates to the extent that any of the laws or regulations referred to change in the future. Consequently, it should not be relied upon as a complete statement of the relevant laws, the application of which may vary, depending on your clients' particular circumstances.
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This is the Fear and Greed Afternoon Report - everything you need to know about what happened in the markets, economy and world of business today, in just a few minutes. ASX down 1.9pc Technology One slumps 17.2pc Westpac boss on housing crisis State politics leadership changes Trump refuses to rule out troops in Venezuela Join our free daily newsletter here.Support the show: http://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This is the Fear and Greed Afternoon Report - everything you need to know about what happened in the markets, economy and world of business today, in just a few minutes. ASX down 1.9pc Technology One slumps 17.2pc Westpac boss on housing crisis State politics leadership changes Trump refuses to rule out troops in Venezuela Join our free daily newsletter here.Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the final episode for 2025 in our Industrious Conversations series, Employment partners Talia Firth and Jane Harvey break down the wave of recent Fair Work Commission decisions on flexible work arrangements, and what they mean for Australian employers navigating changing work patterns. They explain the strict technical rules under the Fair Work Act, why eligibility matters, and how cases like Collins, Sydney Water, and Naden show the real consequences of missing key steps in the process. They also explore the harder question of reasonable business grounds, including what the Westpac decision means for employers, why general statements about teamwork or culture may not be enough to refuse a flexible work request , and how long-standing remote work arrangements may shape the outcome. To listen to this and subscribe to future episodes, search for “Ashurst Legal Outlook” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player. To explore more from Ashurst’s podcast library, visit ashurst.com/podcasts. The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tuesday 18 November 2025 The top five business stories in five minutes, with Sean Aylmer and Michael Thompson. Tech, bitcoin sell-off PM rejects sharing COP summit Energy companies support net zero Westpac bankers go bush Amazon, Temu, Shein to dominate Join our free daily newsletter here. And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - this week, how much super should you have? Get the episode from APPLE, SPOTIFY, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.Support the show: http://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tuesday 18 November 2025 Tech stocks, bitcoin and some very big local companies are sold off, as investors fear higher interest rates. Australia’s big energy companies come out in support of net zero by 2050. Amazon, Temu and Shein are forecast to dominate the local online retail space within 12 months. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says Australia won't co-host next year’s COP summit with Turkey. Westpac sends bankers to the bush. Join our free daily newsletter here. And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - this week, how much super should you have? Get the episode from APPLE, SPOTIFY, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode Overview What does it mean to redefine wealth — not as accumulation, but as enoughness? And what happens when you build a life and a career around community, purpose and shared humanity instead of individual achievement? In this profound and compelling conversation, I speak with Sandy Blackburn, one of Australia's leading voices in social impact and the founder of Social Outcomes and Impact Culture Australia. Sandy spent 15 years living and working in South Africa during the final years of apartheid and the emergence of democracy — years that shaped her identity, worldview and lifelong commitment to social change. She shares the lessons those years taught her about community, belonging, and Ubuntu — the African philosophy meaning “I am because we are.” We explore what Western cultures have lost in their worship of individualism, how business can rediscover its collective heartbeat, and why “enough” might be the most radical idea in the purpose economy. Sandy also takes us inside her new venture, Impact Culture Australia, and the next frontier for purpose-driven organisations: embedding impact deeply into their culture, systems and ways of working. This is a rich, layered, deeply human conversation about what really matters in business — and in life. In This Episode We Explore Sandy's perspective on whether there is a role for love in business Her extraordinary journey living in South Africa during the last violent years of apartheid How Ubuntu reshaped her understanding of identity and connection What Western cultures lose when individualism is elevated above community The deep lessons she learned about privilege, belonging and bearing witness How South Africa taught her the real meaning of “enough” Why so many corporate leaders privately feel unfulfilled The “golden hour” of township life — and what it reveals about authenticity and humanity The origins of Social Outcomes and the creation of Impact Culture Australia Why impact measurement is no longer enough — and why culture is the next frontier How flexible, trust-based business models can create richer lives What Sandy hopes the sector will look like in the next three years About Sandy Blackburn Sandy Blackburn has four decades of experience working in social change, organisational development, capacity building and culture change in Australia and internationally, including extensive work in community and organisational development in pre- and post-apartheid South Africa. Her autobiographical book, Holding Up the Sky: An African Life, captures her 15 years living through one of the most tumultuous and transformative periods in South Africa's history — a journey that profoundly shaped her identity, worldview and commitment to social justice. She is one of Australia's leading thought leaders in social impact and is the founder of Social Outcomes, and more recently Impact Culture Australia. Before founding these organisations, Sandy was Head of Social Innovation at Westpac, where she created the Organisational Mentoring Program — mobilising hundreds of employees to support for-purpose organisations to build their capacity, a systemic need that is notoriously underfunded. Through this work, and through Social Outcomes, Sandy has worked closely with many hundreds of for-purpose organisations, developing a deep understanding of the sector's strengths and development needs. Sandy is also co-founder of Impact Investing Australia, sits on the NAB Foundation's Investment Committee, and serves on multiple for-purpose boards. She is a sought-after speaker, bestselling author, and holds a Masters Degree in Adult Education. Connect With Sandy Website: Social Outcomes Impact Culture Australia LinkedIn: Sandy Blackburn
The Government says it will act on all 19 recommendations from Parliament's banking inquiry - and it's committed to increasing scrutiny around the banking sector. This comes as Westpac and ANZ report significant increases in profit, prompting concern from experts. Kent Duston from the Banking Reform Coalition says the proposed changes make good steps forward, but it's unclear how much of a difference they will make. "I think the big issue here is that the banks simply don't care. Whatever Parliament says - we're on the back of an inquiry from the Commerce Commission, another inquiry from Parliament from the select committee...whatever it is Parliament's saying, clearly the banks aren't listening." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What's happening in property investing news this week in Australia? It's time to find out! We remove all the fluff to bring a neatly packaged news show, designed to keep you on the ball as an Australian Property Investor. Let's see what's making property news headlines this week in Australia.
Former Sunrise host and current Economic Director at Compare the Market, David Koch, joined Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast to offer insights on Westpac's home loan rate increase. Koshy predicts that expected interest rate cuts are now unlikely due to persistent inflation and robust job growth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Government says it will act on all 19 recommendations from Parliament's banking inquiry - and it's committed to increasing scrutiny around the banking sector. This comes as Westpac and ANZ report significant increases in profit, prompting concern from experts. Kent Duston from the Banking Reform Coalition says the proposed changes make good steps forward, but it's unclear how much of a difference they will make. "I think the big issue here is that the banks simply don't care. Whatever Parliament says - we're on the back of an inquiry from the Commerce Commission, another inquiry from Parliament from the select committee...whatever it is Parliament's saying, clearly the banks aren't listening." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We've had a lot of data coming out recently. The Westpac–Melbourne Institute Consumer Sentiment Index surged 12.8%. The NAB business conditions measure also rose. CBA boss Matt Comyn has come out and said that the Australian economy remains resilient. With all this in mind, is the economy too strong to hope for interest rate cuts next year? Join our free daily newsletter here. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/fearandgreed. Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee
SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Westpac's Matt Hassan about a dramatic rise in consumer confidence, despite reaccelerating inflation and diminishing prospects of lower interest rates; plus the day on the sharemarket with Jamie Hannah from VanEck, including a closer look at the Commonwealth Bank's latest profit result.
Send us a question/idea/opinion direct via text message!This special guest episode launches the latest joint research by Cotality and Westpac, looking at first home buyers.Kelvin Davidson, Chief Property Economist at Cotality, is joined by Westpac's Senior Economist, Satish Ranchhod to discuss the latest report, including the broader macroeconomic and interest rate environment.They then move into the detail of FHB activity, including % market share (by region and price bracket), types of properties bought, prices paid, LVRs, average age, and also a medium term outlook.Sign up for news and insights or contact on LinkedIn, X @NickGoodall_CL or @KDavidson_CL and email nick.goodall@cotality.com or kelvin.davidson@cotality.com
Hello and welcome to Episode 297 of the People Powered Business Podcast!In this episode, we explore a significant new ruling from the Fair Work Commission that could impact every Australian employer managing flexible work arrangements. The case involves a long-term Westpac employee and her right to continue working from home, and the decision has sent ripples through workplaces of all sizes.We unpack what happened, what the Fair Work Commission decided, and what the case means for business owners navigating the tricky terrain of hybrid and remote work. You'll also hear about other developments you should have on your radar.What You'll Learn The details of the Westpac flexible work case and why it matters What “reasonable business grounds” actually means under the Fair Work Act Why following process is just as important as your policy The risks of rejecting flexible work requests without proper documentation Upcoming changes and trends in remote work regulationKey Takeaway:This case is a wake-up call for every employer. Flexible work isn't just a cultural conversation, it's a compliance issue. If you're going to refuse a request, you need to back it up with detailed, evidence-based business reasons and follow the process to the letter.Links & Resources:
The boss of our largest bank says its latest rise in profit doesn't tell the full story. ANZ New Zealand's annual profit has reached a new record high of $2.53 billion – up 21% on last year. That compares to a 13% rise for Westpac and no major change for BNZ and ASB. But Chief Executive Antonia Watson told Mike Hosking when you exclude the bank's hedging investments, cash profit isn't rising nearly as fast. She says that headline growth in a cost of living crisis is very uncomfortable, but underlying profit is only up 4%. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A $2.5 billion dollar boost for our largest bank. ANZ New Zealand's announced a 21 percent increase in its annual profit. It's largely down to a good year for the bank's hedging - investments designed to offset financial risks. Chief Executive Antonia Watson says the bank also grew its balance sheet, and adjusted funds set aside for covering unpaid loans. "In a sign of green shoots, we've actually released some of the credit provisions that we took in previous years." Westpac has had a 13 percent profit increase - and BNZ's had no change. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The battle of the bank BS is back. BNZ, who announced their profit last week, talked of the strong competition out there. But I note their margin went up, up, 6 points to 2.43%. So if there is so much competition, how come the margin is up? Then came the claim from the Reserve Bank among others that the big banks are being tardy when it comes to passing on the Reserve Bank cuts to us punters. Smaller banks are sharper. SBS claims they have hoovered up almost 6000 new customers as changing banks has become easier. Remember SBS last week put out their 3.99% money, limited to certain people, but a market leader nevertheless. Now tied into all of this is the retail bank's long held argument that the margin is higher because they need the cushion, because the Reserve Bank makes them store away too much money for troubled times. But, those rules are changing and changing in the retail bank's favour. In other words; less money required therefore, in theory, it should mean smaller margins. You can also put in there the simple truth that has always been in play - there is nothing stopping us shopping around. We have a good number of retail banks and they do do deals. I know because I've done deals. Some banks will shave decent margins to get your business. The trouble is a lot of us are too lazy to try and moaning is easier than hustling. So who is right? Are the retail banks tardy? Is it a major issue? Is Nicola Willis right when she says things, and by "things" we mean rules, need to change? I of course have long argued that Willis is too much hype and it's not all that bad. But I'm increasingly moving towards accepting I'm wrong. As the Reserve Bank points out as wholesale rates drop the margins have risen, and on latest numbers, keep rising. Maybe, God forbid, Adrian Orr was right when he used to come on this programme and lambaste the banks for making too many excuses. What I do know is the conditions are increasingly right, either through wholesale rates or the changes to reserve rules, for us to see the margins fall and for the cuts to be passed through in full, and faster. And the longer that takes to happen the more we need to see the big banks as a problem and bad actors in the economy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
– The importance of temperament – Burry’s big bearish bet – Westpac’s results out… And suffers the innovator’s dilemma? – Rates on hold… for years?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The ACC vs union work from home legal case is a good one and it became even better after the Westpac dispute in Australia last week. There are two bits to these sorts of cases. One was the specific, as in what's in a contract, what's the wording, what have you agreed to and what haven't you agreed to. Then you've got the moral question; the big picture, the team spirit and the attitude. Work from home is a symptom of all that is wrong with productivity and very few do productivity as poorly as this country. Covid wrecked the workplace. It allowed for work from home to be invented. Not literally, but generally for a period it was all you could do. From that moment a seed was planted, and the seed has grown into a mindset. Over a remarkably short period of time the idea became a habit, a right and, for some, the norm. Not just that, but so entrenched did it become in the minds of some that what was once not even an idea became something to be outraged about if the spectre of it ending was even uttered. Even though you have spent the vast majority of your working life going to the office. No one jumps on a get-out-of-jail card quicker than a union. I don't know what was, and wasn't, said at the ACC. But what I do know is work from home has become a gargantuan piss take. Don't get me wrong – you save on the commute, the cost of parking, and you don't have to worry about hoping the bus is on time. It all makes sense from a selfish point of view. The Australian case even had the woman moving miles from town so she could drop her kid off at the special school they had selected. Westpac said that was a lifestyle choice, which unquestionably it was, but tough luck said the court and the woman won. So maybe ACC are onto a hiding to nothing. Let's see. But specifics aside, work is a quid pro quo and taking the mickey, which is what work from home is now that you aren't locked down, isn't a balanced relationship. It's a material shift, born of necessity, and then abused. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Welcome to The Adviser's What's Making Headlines podcast, your go-to source for the week's biggest stories in finance and real estate, distilled into bite-sized insights. Join host Annie Kane, commercial content writer Ben Squires, and senior journalist Will Paige as they review the news of the week. This week, they discuss: The fallout from the November RBA rate decision. Westpac's revelation it is focusing on proprietary. The first look into uptake of the government's expanded deposit scheme. And much more!
Local shares bounced back from a two-month low on Thursday, with miners leading the charge. The ASX 200 lifted about a third of a per cent, supported by gains in gold and iron ore prices. Materials stocks were easily the day’s best performers, up around 1.5 per cent, with names like Emerald, Ramelius and Bellevue all climbing strongly. But it wasn’t all positive as NAB dragged the broader market lower after falling more than 3 per cent despite hitting a record high earlier in the day. Westpac slipped after going ex-dividend, and James Hardie tumbled more than 10 per cent after being dropped from a key index. The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the appropriateness of the information before acting and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Westpac New Zealand has this week reported a 13% in full year net profit to $1.197 billion. It's a strong result in a tough economy, and it comes as questions continue about competition and the size of bank profits. Westpac New Zealand chief executive, Catherine McGrath spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
The ASX200 fell about 0.25% to a two month low after the RBA kept rates steady and signalled only one cut in 2026. Material and tech stocks led losses, while financials rose on Westpac earnings. US government shutdown and a 2% tech slide added pressure. Look out for US earnings from McDonald’s, Snap and Novo-Nordisk, plus NAB and Macquarie results this week. The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the appropriateness of the information before acting and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Unemployment's set to edge higher despite signs of the job market improving. Stats NZ data, due out this morning, is expected to show the unemployment rate reached 5.3% in the September quarter. That's up from 5.2% in the June quarter. Westpac Senior Economist Michael Gordon told Mike Hosking the unemployment rate would be even higher if more young people were in the labour market. He says they've been first on the chopping block as the economy slowed, so many have gone back into school and aren't seeking work. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The ASX200 slid 0.9% (81 points) to a five‑week low after the RBA left rates at 3.6%. Hotter‑than‑forecast inflation curbed cut hopes. All sectors except healthcare fell, with Westpac the sole bank up 1.5%. City Chic rose 7.5% after a solid ANZ update, while CSL remains down 40% YTD. Focus now shifts to inflation data on 26 Nov and upcoming employment and earnings releases. The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the appropriateness of the information before acting and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Westpac CEO Anthony Miller about the bank's full-year results to find out what will drive growth in the future, and takes a look at the market reaction with David Walsh from Sarto Advisory Pty Ltd.
On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 3 November 2025, Dame Noeline Taurua has raised more questions than answers after her round of interviews. Employment expert Max Whitehead says it's clear Netball NZ has not acted appropriately in the saga. 120 police officers are under investigation for falsifying 30,000 breath tests. Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Jill Rogers explains how this happened. Media commentator Duncan Greive reacts to news that Simon Dallow will step down after 19 years at the 6pm newsreader desk. Finance Minister Nicola Willis on Andrew Bayly and Westpac's 13% profit rise. Plus, the Huddle debates new research that has quantified the amount of unpaid labour we do in a day. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Westpac New Zealand recently saw a significant profit boost - and it's prompted discussion. The Australia-owned bank's reporting a 13 percent jump in net profit after tax of of $1.20 billion in the year to September. Harbour Asset Management expert Shane Solly explained the market reactions. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The ASX 200 started the week in positive territory, as Westpac released its earnings numbers. But it was another lift in house prices that stole the show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wall Street closed higher on Friday, with the Nasdaq notching its best monthly winning streak since 2018. Amazon shares hit all-time highs after a strong sales forecast, while Apple slipped as CEO Tim Cook flagged supply constraints. U.S. government bond yields moved lower as the government shutdown dragged on. In Europe, equities edged lower following a mixed batch of quarterly results. In commodities, OPEC signalled a pause on production hikes until early 2026, and gold rose 4% for October. Back home, Aussie shares are expected to dip ahead of Westpac’s results. The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the appropriateness of the information before acting and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How does a former Westpac mortgage broker become the #1 auction agent in the Belle Property network? Norman So, Principal and Agent at Belle Property Strathfield, has recently been named Belle Property's #1 auction agent and ranks #7 among all NSW agents. His journey from bank employee to one of Belle Property's top performers — now targeting $4M+ in annual GCI — demonstrates the power of market specialisation, innovative marketing, and systematic team building. Norman didn't just change careers; he transformed real estate marketing in Sydney's competitive western corridor. Starting with apartments in Homebush and quickly dominating Strathfield, his record-breaking $16.6 million sale redefined the suburb's price ceiling. Now running over 200 auctions annually, Norman credits his success to three game-changing strategies: leveraging influencer marketing, creating collaborative team structures, and maintaining relentless client communication. Meet Your Host: Claudio Encina Stepping in as host this week on behalf of Samantha McLean, Claudio is a former seven-figure real estate agent who built a thriving team, only to realise that success without fulfilment comes at a high cost. After feeling stressed, disconnected, and overwhelmed, he transformed his approach with expert coaching to create a model that delivers freedom, scale, and financial success. Today, Claudio has helped over 1,000 agents implement this model, enabling them to dominate their markets while living a life full of meaningful experiences. He believes that if your business doesn't work for you, then it's not working. What you'll learn in this episode Why Norman conducts 200+ auctions annually and how his team structure makes it possible The influencer marketing strategy that generated two $4.9M duplex sales from a single 140K-view post How one influencer property walkthrough can attract buyers who weren't even looking to purchase Why Norman still calls his coach weekly despite 13+ years of experience The daily structure and goal-setting system behind Norman's $4M+ annual GCI target Chapters Chapters 00:02:14 From Westpac mortgage broker to real estate: Why Norman made the switch 00:04:35 The apartment-to-luxury transition: How Norman secured his first house listing 00:08:27 Team structure revealed: How two EBUs collaborate for 200+ annual sales 00:11:30 Influencer marketing breakthrough: 60% of properties now use this strategy 00:13:50 Three essential success principles for new agents (including working for free) Connect with Norman So LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/norman-so-050391a5/ Email: norman.so@belleproperty.com Instagram: @bellebynso Connect with Claudio Encina Website: https://www.claudioencina.com/ Email: claudio@claudioencina.com Discover More From Elite Agent & Samantha McLean Join the Spark Community for Innovation in Real Estate: https://spark.eliteagent.com Sign up for The Brief for Daily Real Estate News: https://thebrief.eliteagent.com Explore AI Tools, Prompts and Workflows for Real Estate: https://aipoweredagents.com Connect with Elite Agent on Socials Instagram: @eliteagentmag Twitter/X: https://x.com/eliteagentmag LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eliteagentmag/ #EliteAgent #ThoughtLeaders #RealEstateAI #PropertyTech #AustralianRealEstate #ClaudioEncina #NormanSo #InfluencerMarketing #AuctionAgent
The Aussie market ended October on a flat and uninspired note, slipping by around four points on Friday to mark a fourth straight day of losses. That left the ASX 200 down roughly 1.4% for the week — its worst since April — as investors digested hotter-than-expected inflation data and reassessed expectations for future rate cuts. Despite the late-month pullback, the index still managed a 0.4% gain for October overall. Energy and materials helped limit losses, while consumer discretionary and utilities weighed most heavily, with Wesfarmers and Origin Energy both under pressure. Resmed was among the day’s bright spots, lifting after a solid quarterly update. Looking ahead, attention turns to the RBA’s rate decision on Melbourne Cup Day, US inflation data tonight, and next week’s bank earnings from Westpac, NAB, and Macquarie. The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the appropriateness of the information before acting and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
House prices are set to rise dramatically across the nation, according to Westpac. ❓ In this episode we assess how house prices will rise despite the average person not able to afford them. ⚠️ We also investigate which locations will rise the most, and issue a word of warning into the swarm of investors rushing into Victoria right now. Discussion Points: 00:00: Introduction 04:32: Predicting the best time to make money 06:54: House prices in capital cities expected to rise 08:53: RBA’s estimated neutral rate: what does it mean? 10:50: House prices RISING as the rich get richer 12:34: WARNING: think twice before buying into Victoria hype 15:00: The best time to invest is now! 15:35: Conclusion About The Host: Subscribe to Aus Property Mastery with PK for no BS, “straight to the point” property investing strategies and data-driven insights about the Australian housing market - the only property podcast not biased by a “Buyers Agent”. You can listen to Aus Property Mastery on Apple Podcasts, Spotify & YouTube Music. PK Gupta is the founder of the Property Investment Accelerator — Australia's #1 Rated And ONLY 100% Independent Real Estate Course & Mentorship Program that helps people achieve passive income through property investing using DATA, WITHOUT wasting months doing "research", spending weekends at inspections OR dropping $10-20k on Buyers Agents each time. Resources: Watch FREE Trainings On Our Website
Today on the Scoop, the team from Tapod brings you all of the weekly TA & Recruitment News including… ‘Posh' recruitment, Gen Z out of absolute control, Skills shortage in NZ, Mum wins battle against Westpac and much more.Thanks to Indeed for partnering with us on The Scoop.
Inflation has risen to a 15-month high of 3 percent, driven largely by increases in essential household expenses. Westpac senior economist Satish Ranchhod spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
They are the heroes who might be called to winch you to safety, if you fall into a crevasse, get stuck in a bushfire, or find yourself circled by sharks at sea. But behind the daring rescues by members of the Westpac Rescue service in NSW, multiple staff members have made allegations of sexual harassment, bullying and lack of safety compliance at the organisation. Today, investigative reporter Eryk Bagshaw, on the months-long investigation he led, along with 60 Minutes, into the rescue service where staff members treated like “god amongst men” are alleged to have engaged in behaviour that might have endangered patients’ safety. Warning: Listeners might find some content in this podcast distressing. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
They are the heroes who might be called to winch you to safety, if you fall into a crevasse, get stuck in a bushfire, or find yourself circled by sharks at sea. But behind the daring rescues by members of the Westpac Rescue service in NSW, multiple staff members have made allegations of sexual harassment, bullying and lack of safety compliance at the organisation. Today, investigative reporter Eryk Bagshaw, on the months-long investigation he led, along with 60 Minutes, into the rescue service where staff members treated like “god amongst men” are alleged to have engaged in behaviour that might have endangered patients’ safety. Warning: Listeners might find some content in this podcast distressing. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on Talking Wealth, Janine shares her insights on interest rates, Westpac's bold move against the RBA, and what this means for borrowers and investors. Also, what is the likelihood of another cut this year and where should you invest?
Another spike in inflation won't stop the Reserve Bank from cutting the Official Cash Rate again next month. Stats NZ is providing its latest quarterly CPI update at 10.45. Most economists expect it to hit the Reserve Bank's upper limit of three-percent, and some think it will surpass that limit. But Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold told Mike Hosking the Reserve Bank still thinks the economy's weak enough to start pushing inflation down. He says even the Reserve Bank probably won't be too bothered, even if inflation surpasses the three-percent limit. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week's episode, Amanda Stevens shares her journey from running a successful marketing agency to becoming a renowned keynote speaker. She discusses the challenges and rewards of public speaking, the importance of creativity and innovation, and the power of positioning in business. Amanda also offers insights into using humor effectively and the significance of speaking with intention. Amanda Stevens, CSP is one of Australia’s most engaging and in-demand keynote speakers. Entertaining, inspiring, and memorable, she’s captivated audiences in 14 countries with her unique blend of humour, insight, and practical wisdom. A specialist in customer experience and brand advocacy, Amanda combines her double degree in marketing and consumer psychology with over a decade of consulting for major brands including Microsoft, Westpac, Foxtel, and Priceline. With five books to her name and a reputation for tailoring every presentation to her audience, Amanda delivers powerful messages that stick and inspire action long after the event.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What happens when a group of friends gathering at Starbucks on Sundays to experiment with ChatGPT evolves into a global movement spanning more than 40 cities?That's the journey of Build Club, and its founder Annie Liao has some compelling insights about what it takes to actually make AI adoption work—not just in theory, but in practice.Annie, who recently raised over $1.7 million and relocated to San Francisco, has a front-row seat to how AI is reshaping work. From her early days in data science at Westpac to strategy consulting at BCG and venture capital, she's now solving what she calls the "AI adoption problem" that enterprises are struggling with worldwide.In this episode, you'll hear:Why Annie's "AI Champions" approach has been Build Club's most successful way of helping companies embrace AI How she struck partnership deals with big names like Nvidia and LovableAnnie's prediction we're all likely to have agents working overnight on our behalf and what that meansThe AI tools Annie uses in her daily workflow, andWhat makes San Francisco's AI ecosystem fundamentally different from Australia'sFrom her vantage point in the Bay Area, Annie shares what excites her most about seeing people use AI for the first time, why there might be too many no-code tools flooding the market, and the practical steps anyone can take to position themselves for what's coming next.Enjoy this episode with the indomitable Annie Liao. Useful links:Build Club websiteAnnie Liao on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
– Westpac the latest to lay off staff – Don’t try to hold back the tide – Mt Isa about to get a cheque – Myer tanks… again.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.