Business Now with Ross Greenwood

As the ASX200 hits a record high, our team of finance experts and stock market insiders reveal what's driving markets. Plus, the government declares war on debit card surcharges, NAB's new rate cut forecast, and Elon's "AI" robots. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government says exempt small businesses will remain at 15 employees, China's economic stimulus package disappoints for markets. Plus, some big moves and disappointing outlooks in the stock markets today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Financial markets are anticipating a Beijing press conference tomorrow which could result in more stimulus for China's economy. Plus, inflation in the U.S. has lifted to higher than expected in September. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Currency expert Steven Dooley reveals how the USD and AUD will most likely trend after the US election. Plus, stock picker Brock Silvers explains why Shanghai's share market has done a U-turn and lobsters are back on the menu for China. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Small businesses are hammered by a perfect economic storm of rising costs and high rates, COSBOA's CEO reveals how businesses are adapting to survive. Plus, new data reveals 2024 is the worst year for new home builds in ten years. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Consumer confidence lifts as consumers feel confident the RBA won't lift rates again, Westpac's Matthew Hassan explains the data. Plus, AMP bank CEO Sean O'Malley on financial stress, and the RBA Deputy Governor rejects dovish outlook. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The threat of escalation in the Middle East leaves oil traders on edge, NAB's Gerard Burg explains what's driving the oil price and other commodities. Plus, BTC Markets CEO on new Bitcoin research and why "crypto bros" want Trump to win. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Commodity traders buy up oil as Biden suggests Israel may strike Iran's oil supply. Plus, China pumps up its economy to hit it's 5% growth target, this weekend's hottest auctions and Scott Farquhar sells his $130M Point Piper property. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The stock market closes flat as cautious investors wait and see what happens in the Middle East, stock picker Adam Dawes goes through the biggest stories on the ASX. Plus, how dockworkers' strikes in the US will affect Australians. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oil prices spike after Iran launches rockets at Israel, Saul Kavonic explains what the escalation means for energy prices. Plus, customer loyalty fuels the big supermarkets' power, and the battle for Namoi Cotton ends. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Qatar Airways to buy 25 per cent stake in Virgin, former ACCC chair Graeme Samuel says it's a terrific deal for Virgin Australia. Plus, Chinese stocks enjoy their best day since 2008, and the warmest August on record boosts retail sales. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Productivity plunges to 2015 levels, Productivity Commission's Alex Robson explains what went wrong. Plus, the government locks in back-to-back surpluses thanks to iron ore prices, and national auction clearance rates fall significantly. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Property investors hit back at the government as it entertains the idea of changing negative gearing, Star Casino finally releases its results. Plus, the future of Australia's AAA credit rating is at risk, and Qube sues its own workers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monthly inflation cools to 2.7 per cent but economist Marcel Thieliant says the RBA won't be cutting rates soon. Plus, ASIC Chair Joe Longo on the regulator's latest wins, and the ex-girlfriend of crypto fraudster Sam Bankman-Fried is sentenced. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The RBA holds rates for the seventh consecutive meeting, HSBC's Paul Bloxham reveals when he thinks the RBA will cut rates. Plus, the economic impact of the escalating war between Israel and Hezbollah and Cettire shares go to the moon.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the ACCC sues Coles and Woolworths for misleading customers, ACCC's Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb explains how the supermarkets bamboozled customers. Plus, the Green's demand the RBA cuts interest rates and housing affordability plunges. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PwC faces new allegations that its former CEO gave incorrect evidence to a parliamentary inquiry, Committee Chair Deborah O'Neill weighs in on the situation. Plus, the value of iron ore plunges and this week's hottest auctions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the US Federal Reserve cuts interest rates, Market Strategist Stephen Miller reveals why the RBA won't be able to cut rates anytime soon. Plus, the local share market hits a record high, and the largest wealth transfer in history begins. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Markets wait in anticipation for the US Fed's decision on interest rates, La Trobe Financial CEO explains what traders will be looking for. Plus, New Zealand's corporate regulator sues Jetstar, and Trump launches a cryptocurrency project.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the ASX hits a new intraday record high, CEO of Soul Patts Todd Barlow reveals the sectors he has his eye on. Plus, favourable weather and rebounding market prices boost confidence in the farming sector, and Cuba cuts it's bread rations. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Markets hold their breath in anticipation of the US Fed cutting rates, economist Sean Langcake reveals his forecast for when the RBA will cut rates. Plus, the case for a Northern Australia special economic zone, and clearance rates slide. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Household spending lifts as tax cuts and energy rebates flow into consumers' hip pocket, CBA's Stephen Halmarick goes through the data. Plus, Nine's CEO announces he'll step down, and deals activity plummets to a decade low. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the ASX closes in on record highs, VanEck's Deputy Head of Investments reveals which sectors he's keeping a close eye on. Plus, the casino watchdog issues a show cause notice to Star Entertainment and this week's top auctions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The CEO of the world's largest gold miner speaks exclusively to Business Now as it strikes a $475 million deal for its WA mines. Plus, analysis of the US Presidential debate, and the unfortunate timing of a new defence industry ETF. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farmers converge on Parliament to protest the live sheep export ban and other anti-farming policies. Plus, Apple's new iPhone helps lift the stock market, RBA reforms at the mercy of the Greens, and business sentiment continues to slide. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.