In this episode of Financial Services Online's weekly finance news, we discuss the recent positive activity in the Australian Securities Exchange, fueled by a US court's decision to halt tariffs imposed during Trump's presidency. The sectors most benefitted include energy and tech. However, caution remains due to trade policy uncertainties and AI advancements. We also cover the controversy surrounding Westpac's plans for significant job cuts and the demand for transparency from the Finance Sector Union. Furthermore, we highlight the increasing financial strain on Australians due to soaring living costs, as revealed by a Colonial First State survey. Lastly, we explore the emerging trend of "rentvesting" amongst young Australians spurred on by escalating rent prices and the expectation of interest rate cuts. The podcast concludes with a call for financial vigilance and intelligence.