FEAR & GREED | Business News

Rob Scott, Managing Director of Wesfarmers, discusses the impressive growth of Kmart and Bunnings, highlighting Kmart's Anko brand's success. He shares insights into Bunnings' expansion into pet care and the challenges faced with the online retailer Catch. Scott also touches on the competitive landscape with the entrance of Chemist Warehouse and reflects on Priceline's growth potential amid changing market dynamics. The conversation offers a compelling look at retail strategies and future growth opportunities for Wesfarmers.

Mark Mentha, co-founder of KordaMentha and a veteran in business recovery, shares insights into his career helping companies in crisis. He discusses notable restructurings, including the infamous Enron collapse and the challenges of COVID-19. Mark emphasizes the importance of adaptive strategies and community-focused recovery. He also reveals his '10 commandments' for launching a successful business and explores effective leadership styles in the face of modern challenges, highlighting the need for resilience and strong company culture.

Sean Aylmer and Michael Thompson go head to head on the top business stories of the week, with Fear & Greed colleague Adam Lang adjudicating.Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is the Fear and Greed Afternoon Report - everything you need to know about what happened in the markets, economy and world of business today, in just a few minutes.  ASX closes down US co targets Domain Bunnings boom QBE boosts profit Chinese warship strife Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listener Rachel asks: Something that's always bugged me about unemployment data. How do they know who's actually employed? Is it based on tax records, or do companies have to report new hires, or is there some other way of reporting? Or is it just an estimate? I'm curious.Join Sean Aylmer & Michael Thompson as they answer listener questions.If you have your own question for Ask Fear & Greed, get in touch via our website, LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook!Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday 21 February 2025 There are plenty of jobs for everyone, it seems, which is good news for workers but it probably pushes out the next interest rate cut.  Canberra and South Australia to pony up $2.4 billion to save the Whyalla steelworks.  And Apple set to release a brand new “cheap” iPhone.  Plus profit results from Telstra, Wesfarmers, Rio Tinto and Fortescue Metals, and Donald Trump finally earns the ire of local politicians. Join our free weekly newsletter here! And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - the script that can help you avoid a loyalty tax. 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.

BHP this week turned in a disappointing underlying profit of $8 billion for the second half of last year, off lower iron ore exports due to reduced steel demand from China. But increasingly, for BHP at least, the future is in copper.Vandita Pant, BHP’s Chief Financial Officer, talks to Juliette Saly from Ausbiz about the result and the outlook for the Big Australian.Ausbiz is Australia's leading provider of live and on-demand video of the latest news in Australian business, markets, economy and startups. Sign up for free at ausbiz.com.auYou can watch this interview hereFind out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is the Fear and Greed Afternoon Report - everything you need to know about what happened in the markets, economy and world of business today, in just a few minutes.  Telstra goes mobile Banks tumble Bunnings boom Miners disappoint Transurban outperforms Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday 20 February 2025 There’s life yet in the local property sector, with data centres, retail and office blocks finding investor favour.  And more, including: National Australia Bank’s profit disappoints, triggering a sell-off among Australia’s banks.  And KFC is leaving Kentucky.  Plus good news on the wages front and the Whyalla steelworks goes into administration. Join our free weekly newsletter here! And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - the script that can help you avoid a loyalty tax. 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.

This week's interest rate cut was a dose of good news for homeowners, and for many businesses too. But for SMEs the positivity may be short-lived.Patrick Coghlan, CEO of CreditorWatch, talks to Sean Aylmer about today's Business Risk Index, and why high interest rates and uncertainty can see good businesses stall.Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.