FEAR & GREED | Business News

Andrew Dale, a partner at ECP Asset Management, shares insights on the evolving landscape of bank stocks in Australia. He explains why investors favor banks and the recent divergence in their performance since the Hayne Royal Commission. Andrew contrasts the strengths and weaknesses of the big four banks, and discusses strategies for choosing bank exposures based on individual investment objectives. He emphasizes the importance of quality in investment choices moving forward and evaluates the prospects of regional lenders, highlighting their unique challenges.

Markets are buzzing with the ASX 200 on the rise and household spending surging. Copper prices have hit a record high, benefiting major Australian miners. Meanwhile, ASIC raises alarms about inadequate whistleblower systems in many firms. In remote WA, six Chinese nationals have been discovered, prompting a response from Border Force. To top it off, severe heatwave warnings are in effect across several states. Stay informed about the latest market trends and significant developments!

Economic growth is on the rise, but hopes for interest rate cuts are fading. The Future Fund's CEO faces backlash for extravagant travel expenses for his assistant. Christmas shoppers are starting early, despite a decrease in foot traffic. The property market shows intriguing contradictions this year as prices climb even with declining interest rates. Additionally, the search for missing Flight MH370 is set to resume, reigniting interest in this long-standing mystery.

Karl Durrance, Managing Director at Stripe for Australia and New Zealand, shares insights into the explosive growth of Black Friday in Australia, now surpassing post-Christmas sales. He discusses the staggering $35 billion transaction volume and Sydney's ranking as a top city for online spending. Durrance introduces the concept of agentic AI shopping, set to revolutionize retail by automating purchases. He highlights the challenges retailers face during peak demand and how technology plays a crucial role in meeting consumer expectations.

The market surged following unexpected GDP data, raising hopes for potential interest rate cuts. However, First Guardian Master Fund investors faced disappointing news as liquidators revealed limited recoveries. Bruce Lehrmann's appeal was dismissed amidst serious allegations, while SME activity showed promising growth, indicating a resurgence in productivity. On another note, the MH370 search will resume, igniting renewed intrigue over the long-standing mystery.

The federal government reveals a new AI plan, sparking discussions on energy demands and job safety. Australian bond yields hit a ten-month high, hinting at possible rate increases. Samsung introduces its innovative tri-fold phone, boasting three screens and tablet mode. Meanwhile, Google faces a hefty fine for anti-competitive behavior. An intriguing contrast surfaces as blue-collar workers earn more than many in white-collar jobs, especially with looming AI risks.

Jono Lachlan, Managing Director of Coinbase Australia, shares his insights on the turbulent world of Bitcoin. He explains the historic volatility of crypto and emphasizes the importance of product reliability over mere price predictions. Jono discusses recent market stability, attributing it to returning buyers despite sell-offs. He also suggests that traders might be mispricing Fed rate cuts and anticipates a rally post-December 10. Additionally, he advises on choosing regulated exchanges and highlights the positive movement from Australian regulators toward innovation.

Market movers take center stage as the ASX 200 sees gains led by energy and mining sectors, while tech stocks stumble. A significant drop in bitcoin price draws attention, coinciding with rising bond yields. In corporate news, the suspension of a former PwC chief sparks discussions about company culture. Meanwhile, Accenture faces scrutiny over a massive budget blowout for a website overhaul. Lastly, Airbus inspects hundreds of A320neos for potential defects, raising concerns about delivery timelines.

Tuesday 2 December 2025 The federal government unveils the biggest overhaul of the Defence department in 50 years.  The medicines regulator warns of potential dire side effects of weight loss drugs.  Metcash says it has lost $340 million in cigarette sales because of the illegal tobacco market.  The ASX suffers another embarrassing outage. Consultancy group Accenture takes corporate jargon to a new level. Join our free daily newsletter here. And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - this week, how an abundance mindset can change your bank balance. 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.

The Aussie dollar has been oddly steady, but interest rate expectations are starting to shake things up. NAB’s Ray Attrill explains to Sean Aylmer why commodities no longer drive the currency, and what needs to happen for the dollar to rise.Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.