Fear & Greed Q+A

With $242 billion in infrastructure spending on the table, there is a challenge in deciding where to allocate the funds. Sean Aylmer speaks with Adam Copp, CEO of Infrastructure Australia, about how projects are assessed, prioritised and funded, and why tough trade-offs are unavoidable. They unpack the key pressures shaping decisions — from freight and ports to clean energy and data centres...

The Reserve Bank has lifted interest rates again - but the bigger story is why it’s still worried about inflation. Sean Aylmer speaks with Diana Mousina, Deputy Chief Economist at AMP, about what surprised her most from the RBA decision - and why another rate rise later this year is still on the table. Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inform...

Despite solid lending growth, particularly in business banking, NAB’s half year results yesterday came in a tad below analyst expectations. NAB CEO Andrew Irvine explains to Sean why the bank is preparing for uncertainty, even while key activity barometers remain strong. Irvine also outlines the ‘devilishly difficult’ decision facing the Reserve Bank, the bigger structural issues...

This week the RBA meets - and is widely tipped to hike rates again. Michael Thompson is joined by economist  Stephen Koukoulas  to look at what to expect. Join our  free daily newsletter here . Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Five questions, with no notice. This week, Michael asks Sean and Adam about what it takes to be promoted at work - is it doing your job? Being seen? Speaking up? Networking? And what happens if the wrong person gets promoted into a role? Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Private credit and income strategies have attracted plenty of interest from Australian investors - but many may not fully understand what they actually own. Sean Aylmer speaks with Michael Frearson, Head of Fixed Income at Real Asset Management (RAM), about what’s really “under the hood” of fixed income investments. He explains how rising interest rates and global uncertainty are...

Australia is rapidly emerging as a hub for data centres, driven by AI, cloud computing and massive global investment. Sean Aylmer speaks with Belinda Dennett, CEO of Data Centres Australia, about why Australia is attracting global attention - including a $25 billion investment by Microsoft. She also breaks down the biggest challenges, including energy, transmission and water, and why data centres...

Guzman y Gomez has had a volatile run since listing on the ASX. But its founder and boss is looking beyond short-term market pressure, with big plans for the chain's US expansion.  Sean Aylmer speaks with founder and co-CEO Steven Marks about building a “generational” fast food brand. Marks discusses the challenge of cracking the US market, the role of drive-thrus and delivery, an...

Artificial intelligence is transforming business - but the biggest lessons aren’t always what companies expect. Sean Aylmer speaks with Telstra CEO Vicki Brady about how one of Australia’s largest companies is rolling out AI across its operations. They discuss the moment when Telstra’s early AI efforts didn’t deliver, and why the real issue wasn’t the technology, but...

This week we get the all-important March quarter inflation figures. Michael Thompson is joined by economist  Stephen Koukoulas  to look at what to expect in an environment of rising inflation, slowing economic growth, profit downgrades in corporate Australia and the looming risk of stagflation. Join our  free daily newsletter here . Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/ See om...

Artificial intelligence isn’t just transforming businesses. It’s reshaping schools, charities and entire communities. Sean Aylmer is joined in the studio by Justin Spelhaug, President of Microsoft Elevate, to look at how AI is being rolled out beyond the corporate world: from training three million Australians in AI skills to helping teachers reclaim hours each week. Justin is visiting...

Markets are volatile, from Middle East tensions and high oil prices to inflation, tariffs and slowing growth. Sean Aylmer speaks with Jonathan Armitage, Chief Investment Officer at Colonial First State, about how experienced investors cut through the noise - and why today’s environment may signal a new investment regime, with more volatile inflation, rising protectionism and shifting global...

Tim Cook is stepping down as CEO of Apple after 15 years at the helm, leaving behind one of the most successful runs in corporate history. Now, long-time insider John Ternus takes over, with AI, hardware innovation and global competition shaping the next phase. Sean Aylmer speaks with Josh Gilbert, Head Analyst for APAC and the Middle East at eToro, about what Cook got right, and what comes next....

Artificial intelligence is moving beyond hype, and starting to deliver real-world results. Sean Aylmer speaks with Jane Livesey, President of Microsoft Australia and New Zealand, about the AI breakthroughs that are improving outcomes for businesses and organisations. From accelerating cancer research with organisations like the Cancer Council to improving education and customer experience, Livesey...

What to make of last week's dismal business confidence and consumer sentiment figures, what the labour figures tell us about the RBA's next interest rate move, and a closer look at the Aussie dollar's strong run. Michael Thompson is joined by economist  Stephen Koukoulas . Join our  free daily newsletter here . Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for p...

Have we made travel easier... but somehow worse? From seat space and in-flight Wi-Fi to queues, convenience and expectations, Michael quizzes Sean and Adam on what really makes a good trip today. Does experience still matter more than efficiency? Do airline and hotel brands still influence decisions? How does travel change depending on who you’re with? Plus, their one fix to improve travel i...

There’s a $US2 billion pipeline of infrastructure projects across the Pacific - and up to $14 billion more behind it - but many Australian businesses aren’t taking advantage. Sean Aylmer speaks with Austrade’s Trade Commissioner for the Pacific, Tim Houghton, about why the opportunity exists, what types of projects are on offer, and how businesses - from SMEs to large corporates...

Tech stocks have had a rough few months, but the story is more complex than just a sell-off. Rising interest rates, global uncertainty and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence are reshaping the sector. Some companies are benefiting from the AI boom, while others - particularly in software - are facing new competitive threats. Sean Aylmer speaks with William Liu, Deputy Portfolio Manager at WA...

Even before the latest oil price spike, business conditions were already deteriorating, with higher interest rates and weaker demand weighing on many sectors. Now, the latest Business Risk Index suggests the chance of business failures is increasing - particularly for small businesses and sole traders. Sean Aylmer speaks with Ivan Colhoun, Chief Economist at CreditorWatch, about how oil shock...

Long before it hits the petrol pump, disruption in global energy markets starts with a handful of critical choke points. Right now, the Strait of Hormuz — one of the most important shipping lanes in the world — is at the centre of it. So what happens when supply is suddenly constrained? And what does it mean for Australia? Sean Aylmer talks to Vivek Dhar, Head of Commodities and Sustai...

This week it's all about labour force figures, and the NAB business survey - which will be one of the first indicators of how businesses have coped with the oil crisis caused by the Middle East war. Michael Thompson is joined by economist  Stephen Koukoulas . Join our  free daily newsletter here . Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informa...

It's Sean's turn this week to hit Michael and Adam with five questions - no notice, no prep. This week, it's all about consumer behaviour - how the cost of living is changing the way we spend. Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A $200 million radio deal, a legal battle, and a media company that’s seen its value plunge. The fallout from the Kyle & Jackie O saga is a case study in how fragile legacy media models have become. Sean Aylmer talks to Mumbrella publisher Tim Burrowes, about how the Kyle & Jackie O vs ARN Media battle goes far beyond one show, and raises big questions about audiences, advertising, a...

The market has bounced hard - up 2.6% in a day - on news of a ceasefire in the Middle East. But after weeks of volatility, the big question is whether this is the start of something more… or just another short-term surge. Sean Aylmer talks to Roger Montgomery, Chief Investment Officer at Montgomery Investment Management, who says the rally is real - but the risks haven’t gone away. He...

Diesel keeps regional Australia moving, touching almost every industry. But rising costs and supply disruptions are hitting hard, affecting everything from farming to mining to local businesses. Sean Aylmer talks to Andrew Auerbach, Group Executive for Business and Private Banking at NAB, about the impact on the ground, and what lies ahead for the economy if fuel supplies remain under pressure. Fi...