FEAR & GREED | Business News

Revelations abound as the Reserve Bank of Australia hints at rate hikes while Australia innovates with a ban on under-16s accessing social media, drawing international intrigue. A fierce showdown emerges over Netflix's billion-dollar bid for Warner Bros, underlining Hollywood's fierce competition. Meanwhile, a NASA scientist's theory on the Star of Bethlehem captures imaginations, and weight-loss drugs reshape economic landscapes, influencing various industries. It's a whirlwind of business news, debate, and surprise outcomes!

Markets are buzzing as the ASX 200 sees a 1.2% gain, led by miners and banks. Wall Street sets multiple records, with the S&P 500 and Dow hitting new highs. There's excitement around OpenAI's latest developments and a surge in Cisco shares. A government deal secures 1,000 jobs at the Tamago smelter amid economic challenges. Meanwhile, Reddit is challenging Australia's new social media age regulations. Plus, Hanwha gets the green light to increase its stake in Austal under strict conditions.

Friday 12 December 2025 The Australian economy sheds jobs as the employment market slows.  Oasis, Metallica and ACDC spur consumer spending.  Australians travelling to the US could have their social media accounts vetted. Woolworths and Coles go head-to-head on home delivery. A scientist claims to have proof that the Star of Bethlehem, that purportedly led shepherds to the birthplace of Jesus Christ, might have been real.  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.

After surviving the shutdowns and uncertainty of the pandemic, Intrepid Travel has bounced back to post the biggest trading month in its 36-year history. CEO James Thornton joins Sean Aylmer to explain why Australians are travelling more than ever, the destinations dominating demand, and how Intrepid grew from a kitchen-table startup into a global adventure-travel powerhouse.Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest market movements take center stage with the ASX initially rising following a Fed rate cut, but then cooling off due to Oracle's performance. Political tensions flare as the PM faces tough questions about travel entitlements. Optus is unveiled as Australia's most distrusted telco, highlighting broader issues of public trust in the industry. In a surprising twist, a skydiving mishap in Queensland nearly ends in disaster. Finally, the potential SpaceX IPO could make Musk the first trillionaire.

Thursday 11 December 2025 Prime Minister Anthony Albanese 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.