The Bloomberg Australia Podcast

The Reserve Bank of Australia surprised the market in July by holding interest rates steady - and only a few people saw it coming. One of those who did was Bloomberg Economics’ James McIntyre. Now, he thinks that Governor Michele Bullock and her board will finally deliver a cut at the August 12 meeting. This week on the Bloomberg Australia Podcast, Chris Bourke talks to James about what’s changed since the July decision, how far borrowing costs could fall this year - and why US President Donald Trump may play a role in what the RBA does next.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since rockstar interviewer Mishal Husain joined Bloomberg earlier this year, she’s grilled the likes of Elon Musk and Keir Starmer. Now, she’s set her sights on Australia. This week on the Bloomberg Australia Podcast, Mishal sits down with Malcolm Turnbull, who as you might expect has a fair bit to say about his old mate US President Donald Trump. Mishal also asks our former Prime Minister his thoughts on US tariffs, China and the way forward for the AUKUS pact.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bitcoin just hit a record above $123,000 and crypto is suddenly back in the headlines. A major new US law backing stablecoins has sent digital assets soaring, and it’s tied directly to Donald Trump’s renewed push to make crypto part of the political mainstream. While Bitcoin itself isn’t covered by the legislation, the broader mood shift has given the whole sector a boost - and Aussie investors are watching closely. This week on the Bloomberg Australia Podcast, host Rebecca Jones speaks with cross-asset reporter Richard Henderson about what this new wave of momentum really means. From ETFs and super fund exposure to why stablecoins matter more than you might think, they break down how crypto is evolving, what’s driving the surge - and whether this marks a shift toward digital assets going truly mainstream.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s six-day visit to China was a diplomatic reset that marks the full restoration of trade ties after years of friction. While the trip was framed around economics, the stakes were far broader, as tensions simmer over Taiwan, defense, and Australia’s balancing act between its biggest trading partner and its key security ally, the US. This week on the Bloomberg Australia Podcast, host Rebecca Jones speaks with Beijing-based reporter James Mayger about how the visit played out inside China and what wasn’t said in the official statements. They also explore what China wants next from the relationship — and how much Canberra is actually willing to give.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The RBA shocked markets this week by keeping interest rates on hold at 3.85%, despite widespread expectations for a third cut in five months. That decision left millions of mortgage holders disappointed and raised new questions about the central bank’s strategy as inflation continues to ease.This week on the podcast, Chris Bourke speaks with economy reporter Swati Pandey about why markets misread the RBA, what Governor Michele Bullock’s signals mean for future moves, and what could prompt the next cut. They also unpack the impact on housing and how global risks like President Trump’s tariff threats are complicating the outlook.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australians have enthusiastically embraced rooftop solar panels. Now the government has introduced a A$2.3 billion rebate plan to get more people to install batteries at their homes, to store all of that solar power to smooth out supply at times of peak demand. This week on the podcast, Rebecca Jones talks to energy reporter Keira Wright about why the government wants more batteries, how much people stand to save under the rebate scheme, and what it all means for the country’s power supply.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Virgin Australia is back on the ASX after a five-year absence, marking the biggest IPO so far this year. Once grounded by the pandemic, the airline is now making money again and flying under new leadership. This week on the podcast, Rebecca Jones talks to Angus Whitley about the airline’s financial reboot, its rivalry with Qantas, the risks of private equity ownership, and whether this new Virgin can deliver for both investors and travelers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US has announced a review of the Aukus defense deal, casting fresh doubts on whether the country will follow through on its pact with Australia and the UK.This week on the podcast, Rebecca Jones asks reporter Ben Westcott to explain what’s behind the review and what the potential consequences are for Australia, the Asia Pacific, and China’s increasing presence in the region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many Australians are already subject to a 15% tax on their superannuation profits, but the wealthiest are facing another levy on top of that. This week on the podcast, Chris Bourke asks cross-asset reporter Richard Henderson to explain how the tax will work, who will be affected, and if Australia’s super system is becoming a wealth accumulation vehicle for the rich.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia scrapped its version of the golden visa last year, after concerns the scheme was being rorted. Meanwhile, New Zealand has just revamped its own system, and is preparing to welcome wealthy expats with open arms.This week on the podcast, Rebecca Jones speaks to wealth editor Ainsley Thomson in Wellington about why golden visas are making a comeback in some parts of the world and where you can still get one.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.