It's a very big week for the economy: the December quarter inflation data is out on Wednesday, and Michael Thompson is joined by economist Stephen Koukoulas to look at what to expect, and what the number will need to be in order to avoid an interest rate hike when the RBA board meets next week.

Fear & Greed Q+A: Join Sean Aylmer & Michael Thompson and the team as they answer questions on business, investing, economics, politics and more. If you have your own question, get in touch via our website, LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook!

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After this long weekend, business in Australia returns to normal - the summer holiday period is officially over. Sean and Michael share the best and worst aspects of returning to work.

Fear & Greed Q+A: Join Sean Aylmer, Michael Thompson and Adam Lang as they answer questions on business, investing, economics, politics and more. If you have your own question, get in touch via our website, LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook.

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Australia’s housing market has now recorded 12 straight quarters of price growth - the longest run in more than a decade. Michael Thompson talks to Dr Nicola Powell, Chief of Research and Economics at Domain, about why Melbourne's recovery has accelerated, how Perth has become a million-dollar city, and what happens this year if interest rates increase.

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When equities, bonds and the US dollar all fall at once, where do investors turn? 

Sean Aylmer speaks to Gemma Dale from nabtrade about the rise in anti-US sentiment, the concentration risk hiding in global portfolios, and why some investors are choosing cash over bonds while reassessing their exposure to US markets.

This is general information only. Seek professional advice tailored to your circumstances before making investment decisions.

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The Australian economy enters 2026 as uncertain as ever. There is geopolitical risk and uncertainty over the independence of the world’s most important central bank, the US Federal Reserve. Locally, it's unclear what will happen to interest rates in Australia, while the economy is expanding at what is best described as a modest clip.

But at the same time, Australia has an abundance of growth opportunities. Paul Bloxham, Chief Economist at HSBC Australia, talks to Sean Aylmer about how we can unlock this potential.

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One year into Donald Trump’s second presidency, has he delivered or damaged America’s global standing? 

Dr Charles Miller, Senior Lecturer at the ANU School of Politics and International Relations, joins Sean Aylmer to assess Trump’s record so far — from markets and Gaza to tariffs, Venezuela and the risks to global security.

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This first Week Ahead episode of 2026 highlights a patchwork economy. Michael Thompson is joined by economist Stephen Koukoulas to look at why inflation data is still noisy, why Black Friday distortions matter, how consumer spending is improving, and what businesses should focus on as confidence and activity become the key drivers of growth.

Fear & Greed Q+A: Join Sean Aylmer & Michael Thompson and the team as they answer questions on business, investing, economics, politics and more. If you have your own question, get in touch via our website, LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook!

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Every year around this time there's talk of a Santa Claus rally on the ASX. So what is it, is it real, and will we see one this year?

Fear & Greed Q+A: Join Sean Aylmer and Michael Thompson as they answer questions on business, investing, economics, politics and more. If you have your own question, get in touch via our website, LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook.

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Markets aren’t always rational, and neither is the commentary around them. Diana Mousina, Deputy Chief Economist at AMP, talks to Sean Aylmer about the five lessons she learnt this year, including the growing market impact of politics, how to read Trump’s trade agenda, why gold and tech defied the textbook, why Fed “speak” can be noise, and why inflation can stay sticky, even when everyone expects it to fade.

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Today's question comes from listener Peter, who sent it through the Fear & Greed website:

Who measures emissions, how are they measured, is the number audited, checked off on, and by who? Is it measured the same way in every country? BHP and FMG can measure their emissions, I'm assuming they have budgets, but what about for smaller companies, companies that aren't listed? 

Sean Aylmer is joined by Thomas Hodgson from sustainability consultancy Anthesis for an answer to Peter's question.

Fear & Greed Q+A: Join Sean Aylmer & Michael Thompson and the team as they answer questions on business, investing, economics, politics and more. If you have your own question, get in touch via our website, LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook!

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Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/

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