FEAR & GREED | Business News Rate cut cycle ends; expenses scandal widens; Trump levies international visitors
Dec 9, 2025
Interest rates are on hold as the Reserve Bank signals no future cuts, shaking up the market. Meanwhile, a widening parliamentary expenses scandal reveals questionable ministerial entitlements. Donald Trump's new fees for foreign visitors at US national parks might deter families from iconic sites like the Grand Canyon. Reddit gears up to challenge Australia’s controversial social media ban for under-16s, and a bidding war erupts as Paramount and Netflix fight over Warner Bros. Discovery.
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RBA Rules Out Further Rate Cuts
- The RBA signalled no more rate cuts in the foreseeable future and warned inflation risks were rising.
- Michelle Bullock said private demand recovery could push inflation higher, making future tightening possible.
Private Sector Is Powering The Recovery
- The recovery is being driven by private-sector spending, housing activity and accessible credit.
- That private-sector strength increases the risk that inflation will remain persistent rather than transitory.
Prepare For Higher-For-Longer Rates
- If you have a mortgage, prepare for rates to stay higher for longer or even rise.
- Investors should reassess asset allocations because the RBA now views rate rises as a realistic possibility.