FEAR & GREED | Business News

Thursday 11 December 2025 PM AA calls the social media ban for under 16-year-olds a profound reform, as more than one million social media accounts are deactivated.  The travel expenses scandal dogs communications Minister Anika Wells and the government.  Qantas’ latest A380 – the one that had 100,000 hours of maintenance done on it – grounded after part of its wing detached.  The market operator says coal is here to stay for longer than thought. The incredible societal changes triggered by weight loss drugs. Join our free daily newsletter here. And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - this week: five ways to deal with money anxiety. 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.

Gold has surged past US$4,000 an ounce in 2025 — its strongest year since the late 1970s. State Street Investment Management’s Robin Tsui explains why the rally isn’t just about safe-haven demand, but de-dollarisation, central bank buying, and a wave of geopolitical tailwinds. Plus, the outlook: how high gold could realistically climb in 2026.This is general information only. Seek professional advice before making investment decisions.Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Financial markets experienced a flat close, reacting to the RBA's rate guidance. Gold miners saw significant gains, driven by record silver prices. A new federal social media ban for under-16s was enforced, with teens quickly discovering loopholes. Westpac faced a major outage affecting various payment systems. Meanwhile, seniors are increasingly targeted by sophisticated scams, with AI technology making them more convincing, prompting concerns about safety in the digital age. Intriguingly, there are fresh claims and images suggesting Putin has secret sons.

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.

Michael "Wippa" Wipfli, co-host of Nova Sydney’s Fitzy & Wippa, discusses his role in the groundbreaking 36 Months campaign that raised the social media age in Australia from 13 to 16. He shares insights on the relief felt after the law change and the strong bipartisan support behind it. Wippa highlights the harmful effects of algorithms on teen mental health and anticipates international interest in the move. He’s optimistic that expected legal challenges will fail, backed by parents and common sense.

The Reserve Bank of Australia decides to keep interest rates on hold amid concerns over inflation risks, causing the ASX to close lower. Bapcor's shares tumble following an earnings downgrade, signaling trouble ahead. In a touching moment, the funeral of Graham Richardson is highlighted, including candid remarks from political figures. A Senate hearing reveals alarming details about TPG's emergency call failures, linked to potential fatalities. Meanwhile, a powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake shakes northeastern Japan, leading to evacuation and power disruptions.

The recent decision to scrap energy rebates has raised eyebrows as the government reassesses its reform strategy. Notably, nearly one million Australians now juggle two jobs amidst rising living costs. A significant social media ban for under-16s has just been implemented, drawing global attention. In aviation news, Qantas celebrates the return of its full A380 fleet. Meanwhile, a controversy is brewing over Communications Minister Annika Wells and her taxpayer-funded travel. It's a whirlwind of business news and intriguing developments!

Henry Yoshida, co-founder and CEO of Rocket Dollar, dives into the shifting landscape of retirement funds. He discusses the dominance of alternatives like private credit and equity in a $17 trillion IRA market. With inflation and geopolitical uncertainties in play, he explains why he’s bullish on gold. Henry also emphasizes that the traditional 60-40 portfolio is outdated and advocates for exploring private investments for better diversification. His insights on the future of real estate and the role of banks in private credit are particularly captivating.

The ASX is feeling the pressure ahead of the RBA meeting, with key market shifts on the horizon. Barnaby Joyce's surprising move to One Nation stirs reactions from political leaders. The government announces the end of a popular power bill subsidy, leaving many concerned. Arnott's secures a hefty $45 million loan to support its expansion efforts. Tensions rise as Australia and Japan condemn a threatening incident involving Chinese aircraft locking radar onto a Japanese plane.

Australia's mining sector shines while tech and healthcare stocks stumble. Rate hike fears chill the housing market and affect auction clearance rates. Defence warns about unexploded ordnance, urging caution as the holidays approach. The government faces scrutiny over Communications Minister Anika Wells' travel expenses. In major industry news, Netflix's $83 billion acquisition of Warner Bros raises eyebrows about the future of cinemas and content in the streaming world.