The Bloomberg Australia Podcast
Each week, Rebecca Jones and Bloomberg's team of reporters lift the lid on the biggest stories shaping Australia's place in global business.
Episodes
What Australians Need to Know About the Anthropic IPO
Anthropic is preparing for what could be the biggest IPO the world has ever seen, giving Australian investors a rare chance to buy into one of the companies at the heart of the artificial intelligence boom. But with a potential valuation of around $1.5 trillion and enormous spending commitments ahead, how much is the Claude maker really worth? Bloomberg’s New York-based IPO reporter Bailey L
Our Economist Cuts Through the Data Center Hype
Billions of dollars are pouring into Australia’s data centers, with the industry promising jobs, investment and a chance to turn the country’s abundant renewable energy into computing power for the world. But how much richer will the boom actually make Australia — and who ultimately benefits? Bloomberg economist James McIntyre joins host Haidi Stroud-Watts to follow the money and
Why Australia Is Set to Sue Facebook and TikTok
Australia became the first country in the world to ban children under 16 from social media. Almost a year later, the government is preparing for a potential court battle with some of the world’s biggest tech companies — while pushing ahead with even tougher rules for social media platforms and AI chatbots. In an exclusive interview with Bloomberg’s Angus Whitley, communications m
How Firmus Exposed Cracks in the AI Funding Frenzy
Firmus went from being one of Australia’s hottest IPO prospects to a spectacular flop in less than 48 hours. The Nvidia-backed data center operator’s failed listing has raised questions about sky-high valuations, enormous funding needs and just how much investors are willing to pay for the promise of future AI profits. Bloomberg’s Sydney Bureau Chief Ainslie Chandler joins Chris
Australia Wants an AI Boom – But at What Cost?
Australia is embracing the AI boom, with billions of dollars pouring into data centers and the technology promising to transform the economy. But anxiety is growing too. A rogue OpenAI agent’s unauthorized access to Medicare systems has raised fresh questions about what happens when increasingly autonomous AI behaves in ways its creators never intended. Bloomberg’s Chris Bourke is join
Why the RBA Could Hike Again in November
Australia’s inflation fight just got harder. The Reserve Bank has lifted interest rates for the fourth time this year as surging energy prices ripple through the economy — and another hike could be just weeks away. Bloomberg economist James McIntyre joins host Chris Bourke to explain why the RBA is so worried about businesses passing higher costs on to consumers, what that means for jo
Tasmania’s 250-Tonne Bet on Electric Shipping
Tasmania is home to the world’s largest battery-electric ship — a 130-metre ferry powered by more than 250 tonnes of batteries. This week, host Rebecca Jones talks to David Stringer, APAC Managing Editor for ESG and Green, who toured the vessel and met veteran shipbuilder Robert “Bob” Clifford. They explore how this remarkable project came together, whether electric ferries
The Great Yen Rebound and What It Means for Australian Investors
The Japanese yen has been trading near multi-decade lows — but one big Australian investor has bet on the currency’s recovery. This week, host Rebecca Jones talks to Bloomberg’s Chief Asia Rates Correspondent Ruth Carson about why Australian Retirement Trust is buying the yen, what’s driving Japan’s currency, and what a rebound could mean for Australian investors, bus
The Winners and Losers in Australia’s Value Economy
Australians haven’t stopped spending — they’ve just become much more selective about where their money goes. This week, Bloomberg global business editor Karen Leigh joins host Rebecca Jones to unpack the winners and losers from Australia’s latest earnings season, from Kmart and supermarkets to furniture and electronics retailers. They discuss the rise of home brands, the im
Why a Sydney Property Developer Has Private Credit Investors on Edge
The crisis engulfing Sydney property developer Bathla Group has put the spotlight on a fast-growing but little-understood corner of Australian finance. With the company owing about A$3.3 billion to non-bank lenders, its troubles are raising questions about the risks lurking in Australia’s A$200 billion private credit market — and whether other property developers could be next. Bloombe
The Surprising Link Between EVs and Interest Rates
The Iran war has sent fuel prices soaring, but it may also be accelerating a much bigger shift in how Australians get around. Electrified vehicles have accounted for more than half of new car sales in recent months, as high petrol prices collide with a wave of cheaper models from China. Bloomberg economist James McIntyre joins Chris Bourke to explain why the shift could eventually make Australian
What Bank CEOs Are Saying About the Housing Downturn
Australia’s housing downturn is gathering pace — and the nation’s biggest banks are starting to feel the effects. Mortgage applications are falling, investor lending has slumped and house prices have retreated from their March peak as higher interest rates and tax changes weigh on demand. On this episode, host Chris Bourke is joined by finance editor Adam Haigh to unpack what CBA
How Worried Should We Be About Bird Flu?
Bird flu has reached Australia and is spreading rapidly among wild birds, raising fears it could jump into commercial poultry flocks and put further pressure on already elevated food prices. In this week’s podcast, recorded on Aug. 11 as the outbreak continues to evolve rapidly, agriculture reporter Ben Westcott explains why eggs would be particularly vulnerable, what producers and governmen
The Startup Airlines Looking to Take on Qantas and Virgin
Australia's domestic aviation market may be on the cusp of its biggest shake-up in years, with two startup carriers — Zinc and Koala Airlines — plotting to challenge the long-standing dominance of Qantas and Virgin. In this episode, Chris Bourke asks global business reporter Angus Whitley why entrepreneurs see an opening despite the industry's brutal track record. The episode also expl
Macquarie’s Next Era: From Millionaire Paydays to Mortgage Rivalry
Macquarie is entering a new era. After nearly four decades at the investment bank and almost eight years as chief executive, Shemara Wikramanayake is stepping down, handing over to veteran executive Greg Ward after overseeing a period of record profits, surging share prices and growing global influence. Bloomberg finance reporter Richard Henderson joins Rebecca Jones to unpack Wikramanayake's lega
How Australia Became the Lucky Country – for New Zealanders
Almost 100,000 New Zealanders have moved to Australia in the past two years, as higher wages, bigger retirement savings and stronger career opportunities prove too tempting to ignore. For Australia, the surge is helping ease chronic shortages of nurses, police officers and other skilled workers. For New Zealand, it’s fueling concerns about a growing brain drain ahead of a November election.
What a Tower in Tasmania Tells Us About the Future of Planet Earth
On a windswept cliff at the edge of Tasmania, scientists are quietly tracking the future of our planet. This week, host Rebecca Jones speaks with David Stringer, managing editor of climate and ESG news in Asia, about Kennaook/Cape Grim — home to some of the cleanest air on Earth and one of the world’s most important climate monitoring stations. Learn how decades of data are reshaping o
A Remote Mine Predicts Major Wars – And It’s Reopening
Could one remote Australian mine be a warning sign for the world? This week, Bloomberg Opinion columnist David Fickling talks to Chris Bourke about the revival of King Island's century-old tungsten mine, and how it reflects a new era of geopolitical competition as countries race to secure supplies of the little-known metal for weapons and munitions. The conversation explores China's dominance of t
What Falling House Prices Mean for Your Mortgage and Your Wealth
Australia's housing downturn is accelerating, with national prices recording their biggest monthly fall since late 2022 as higher interest rates, tighter investor lending rules and geopolitical uncertainty weigh on demand. In this episode, Chris Bourke talks to Bloomberg economist James McIntyre about why the weakness has spread beyond Sydney and Melbourne. The episode also explores what falling h
‘Egregious and Inexplicable’: KPMG’s Day of Reckoning
KPMG Australia is facing its biggest crisis in years after allegations that confidential client information was misused to help win lucrative audit contracts. In this episode, Amy Bainbridge talks to finance reporter Richard Henderson about what emerged from an explosive parliamentary hearing, and why more senior executives are stepping down. We also examine the scandal’s broader implication
Why This Giant Investor Thinks the RBA’s Next Move is a Rate Cut
Australian mortgage holders got some relief this week after the Reserve Bank left interest rates unchanged, pausing after three consecutive hikes. But has the central bank finished tightening? And what does the outlook for inflation, growth and global risks mean for investors? On this week's podcast, Chris Bourke speaks with Adam Bowe, Australian head of portfolio management at global investment g
Could the SpaceX IPO Make Elon Musk the World’s First Trillionaire?
SpaceX is finally heading to the stock market in what could become the biggest IPO in history. The Elon Musk-founded company is seeking a valuation of around $1.75 trillion, a debut that could make Musk the world’s first trillionaire and test investor appetite for one of the most ambitious businesses ever brought to public markets. On this episode, host Chris Bourke speaks with New York-base
What One Nation’s Rise Means for Australian Politics
Fresh polling has delivered one of the biggest political shocks in decades: Pauline Hanson’s One Nation is now Australia’s most popular party, overtaking Labor and the Coalition on primary vote. The surge comes amid growing voter frustration over cost-of-living pressures, higher interest rates and a budget that many Australians feel has done little to ease household strain. On this epi
When a Housing Bubble Bursts: A Warning from Across the Ditch
New Zealand’s housing boom once looked unstoppable. Now prices are falling sharply, construction firms are collapsing and younger buyers are questioning whether property is still the safest path to wealth. On this week’s podcast, Chris Bourke speaks with Wellington Bureau Chief Ainsley Thomson about the economic fallout from one of the world’s biggest housing reversals — an
Why Australians Are Really Angry About High Grocery Prices
Australia’s supermarket giants are facing a growing backlash as shoppers battle rising grocery bills and fresh scrutiny lands on the industry. After a federal court found Coles misled customers over its “Down Down” discount campaign, questions are mounting over whether Australians have really been getting the bargains they were promised. On this episode of the Bloomberg Australia
Why This Week’s Budget Could Mean Even More Rate Hikes
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has pitched his latest budget as one of the most ambitious in decades — but does it live up to the hype? With deficits stretching into the future and spending still strong, economists warn the plan could add to inflation rather than ease it, setting up a growing clash with the Reserve Bank. As interest rates rise and global uncertainty deepens, the stakes for Australia
How Three Experts Are Navigating Volatility in 2026
War-driven energy shocks, persistent inflation and rapid advances in AI are colliding to reshape global markets in 2026. In this special episode, we bring you highlights from a live Bloomberg panel in Sydney, where leading voices in economics, investing and dealmaking unpack how they’re navigating one of the most uncertain environments in years. Westpac Chief Economist Luci Ellis, Ten Cap fo
War, Diesel and Deals: Why Mining Giants Are Under Pressure
Australia’s mining giants are entering a new phase. After years chasing mega deals that never quite landed, the focus is shifting to discipline – cutting costs, reviewing assets and doubling down on metals like copper that are critical to the energy transition. But that shift comes as operating pressures build, from rising input costs to weather disruptions and tighter supply. On this
How the NDIS Became a Budget Blowout, And the Race to Fix It
A blowout in spending on the National Disability Insurance Scheme has forced the Australian government to make tough cuts to rein the program in ahead of its May budget. On this week’s episode, economy reporter Swati Pandey discusses how NDIS spending rose so rapidly, concerns about misuse of the program, and how the government plans to fix it with greater oversight, curbs on fraud and tight
How the Iran War is Shaping What Australia Grows
The war in the Middle East is sending shockwaves through global fuel and fertilizer markets, and that’s flowing through to what farmers are planting in Australian paddocks this season. On this week’s episode, agriculture reporter Ben Westcott breaks down what this means for Australia’s grain production, food security, grocery prices and exports.See omnystudio.com/listener for pri
How Hard Has the Iran Crisis Hit Super Funds?
Global markets have been rocked by the escalating conflict between the US, Israel and Iran — and Australians are starting to feel it in their super balances. After one of the worst months since 2022, many investors are nervously checking their accounts and wondering how much damage has been done. On this week’s episode, pensions reporter Amy Bainbridge breaks down what the volatility m
Are Kids Already Beating the Social Media Ban?
Australia’s world-first ban on social media for under-16s was designed to protect kids — but just months in, cracks are already showing. Regulators say major platforms may be falling short, while parents and teens report the rules are easy to get around, with workarounds ranging from shared accounts to AI-generated age checks. So is the policy actually changing behavior, or just reshuf
Could Australia Really Run Out of Fuel?
Is Australia at risk of running out of fuel? Panic buying has surged, prices are spiking and some regional stations are already running dry as tensions in the Middle East rattle global supply chains. This week on the podcast, Ben Westcott joins Rebecca Jones to unpack the data behind the headlines — how much fuel Australia actually has, where the system is under strain and why the ripple eff
Decoding the RBA’s Latest Rate Hike — And What Comes Next
For a second straight meeting, the RBA has lifted interest rates, signaling the fight to curb price pressures isn’t over. But what’s actually driving those decisions behind closed doors? Bloomberg Economics’ James McIntyre joins the podcast to decode the RBA’s thinking: from the data that matters most to how global shocks, like rising energy prices, are shaping the outlook
Why Australians Lead the World in Cocaine Use
Australia consumes more cocaine per capita than any other country in the world — nearly double the rate of the US. In this episode, Bloomberg’s Angus Whitley joins host Chris Bourke to unpack the data behind the surge, why a wealthy, remote nation has become such a lucrative market for global cartels, and how cocaine use has spread across professions and age groups. They examine the A$
What the Iran War Means for Interest Rates, Inflation and Stocks
Oil prices are surging as the escalating conflict involving Iran rattles global markets, sending investors scrambling to assess the fallout. While US stocks have been relatively steady, crude’s jump is sharpening concerns about inflation and what it means for interest rates worldwide. In this episode of the Bloomberg Australia Podcast, Rebecca Jones talks to markets reporter Richard Henderso
The Rising Cost of Retirement (And What Super Funds Are Doing About It)
Retiring comfortably in Australia just got a lot more expensive. New figures show couples now need about A$730,000 in super to fund a comfortable retirement — roughly A$40,000 more than six months ago — as living costs continue to climb. On this episode of the Bloomberg Australia Podcast, host Rebecca Jones speaks with pensions reporter Amy Bainbridge about what the new targets m
Inside the Housing Backlash in Sydney’s Wealthiest Suburbs
Sydney is one of the least dense major cities in the developed world — but that may be about to change. In the affluent suburb of Woollahra, residents are pushing back against a plan to revive a long-abandoned incomplete train station and build 10,000 new homes nearby. It’s a local fight with national implications, as governments grapple with soaring rents, a deepening affordability cr
Bitcoin, Big Tech and the AI Trade Rollercoaster
Global markets have been on a rollercoaster, with billions wiped from two of the hottest trades of the past year: Big Tech and Bitcoin. At first glance they might seem unrelated – but both are deeply tied to the same force driving markets right now: the AI boom. As software stocks wobble, crypto swings wildly and tech giants ramp up spending on data centers, investors are being forced to rea
We Talked to AustralianSuper’s CEO on Wild Markets, AI and Retirement Fears
Global markets have started 2026 in chaotic fashion, with wild swings in stocks, a plunging dollar and fresh questions about everything from gold to AI. So what does all that mean for Australia’s super funds — and the retirement savings of millions of workers? This week on the Bloomberg Australia Podcast, host Chris Bourke is joined by AustralianSuper CEO Paul Schroder, who runs the na
Inside The Succession Turmoil Facing Australian Farmers
We’re tackling one of the most fraught (and often avoided) conversations in Australian agriculture: farm succession. As families return from summer break and set their goals for the year ahead, reporter Ben Westcott joins host Rebecca Jones to unpack why passing on the family farm has become so complex, emotionally charged and financially risky. With soaring land values, ageing farmers and s
How Global Chaos Will Reshape Australian Politics in 2026
Australia’s political year has opened amid deepening domestic and global tensions. One Nation is now surging in polls, underscoring the erosion of support for traditional parties as cost-of-living pressures and cultural divides reshape the political landscape. In this episode, Bloomberg’s new Canberra correspondent James Mayger joins the podcast to unpack the fallout from the Bondi att
Can Rio Tinto and Glencore Really Pull Off a Mega-Merger?
The mining sector kicked off 2026 with a bang as Rio Tinto and Glencore confirmed early-stage talks that could create the world’s biggest mining company. In this episode, host Chris Bourke is joined by Bloomberg’s Asia-Pacific head of commodities, Clara Ferreira Marques, to unpack why the deal is back on the table, what’s changed since talks first surfaced last year, and whether
How the Bondi Attack Swept Australia Into a Violent World
Bondi Beach has long stood as a symbol of Australia’s easygoing spirit—a multicultural meeting place of sunlight, surf and community. But the recent terror attack during a Hanukkah celebration shattered that image, leaving a nation in mourning and reflection. In this episode, host Rebecca Jones is joined by Bloomberg Opinion columnist David Fickling to explore why this attack cuts so d
Why Rate Hikes Are Back on the Table for 2026
Australia’s hopes for rate cuts in 2026 have dimmed after RBA Governor Michele Bullock signaled they’re no longer on the table – and that a rate hike is now a real possibility. With inflation proving stickier than expected and price pressures broadening on everything from housing to everyday essentials, markets are beginning to reprice the path for interest rates. In this episode
Social Media Ban: Everything to Know Before Deactivation Day
From next week, Australia’s under 16s will be prevented from accessing platforms including TikTok, Snapchat and Facebook, as the Labor government pushes to curb harms caused by social media.In our latest podcast, Rebecca Jones asks Bloomberg’s Angus Whitley to unpack the origins of the ban, what both parents and children can expect when it comes into force next week – and what th
How Australia’s Climate Fight Was Rekindled
Australia has suffered a major climate setback, losing its bid to host next year’s COP summit in Adelaide. At the same time, the Coalition has reignited Australia’s climate wars by abandoning its commitment to net zero emissions by 2050 – a reversal that resets the political debate just as the world pushes for faster decarbonisation. In this episode, Rebecca Jones asks Bloomberg&
Why Aussies Are Scoring Cheaper Holidays Across the Ditch
The softer New Zealand dollar means more Australian tourists are flocking across the ditch for holidays and long weekends. Meanwhile, Kiwis are increasingly migrating to Australia to escape their country’s economic weakness. On this week’s Bloomberg Australia Podcast, Chris Bourke talks with Ainsley Thomson in Wellington about why New Zealand’s currency has weakened, the impact o
Is the Macquarie 'Millionaires Factory' Losing Its Mojo?
Macquarie’s reputation as Australia’s “millionaires factory” is under strain. The investment giant’s latest profit fell short of expectations, sending its shares sliding and investors questioning whether its golden era is fading. Commodities trading – once the powerhouse of the bank – is losing steam amid regulatory pressure and a calmer market, while lead
Inside Hancock Prospecting's Arafura Stake Buy
Gina Rinehart, Australia's richest person, has seen her fortune grow even larger in the last few years, thanks to astute early investing in rare earths. In this episode, we look how the Rinehart-owned Hancock Prospecting Pty almost doubled its stake in Arafura Rare Earths Ltd. and the broader global landscape of the tussle for rare earths.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We Ask Westpac’s CEO About Interest Rates, AI and WFH
Westpac shares have gained 21% this year, outperforming the broader S&P/ASX 200 Financials index. This week on the podcast, CEO Anthony Miller talks to host Rebecca Jones and finance editor Adam Haigh after delivering his first full-year earnings report. They discuss those results, Miller’s outlook for the Australian economy, AI and hybrid work arrangements.See omnystudio.com/listener fo
We Asked One of Australia's Top Investors About Interest Rates
With just two Reserve Bank meetings left in the year, will Australia see another interest rate cut before Christmas? Chris Bourke speaks with Adam Bowe, head of portfolio management at Pimco Australia, about what the latest inflation data means for the RBA’s next move - and whether borrowers can expect any relief soon. They also unpack how bond markets are interpreting rate expectations, wha
Why DroneShield’s Shares Are Rocketing and What Comes Next
Australia’s defense tech sector has a new star. DroneShield has seen its stock soar more than 500% this year, catapulting the Sydney-based company from a niche player to an ASX 200 member. Once built to fend off paparazzi drones, it’s now supplying counter-drone technology to militaries and governments around the world. In this episode, Rebecca Jones talks to Sydney Bureau Chief Ainsli
ANZ’s New Game Plan Explained
ANZ’s new CEO Nuno Matos is moving fast to remake Australia’s fourth-largest bank. In just five months, he’s announced thousands of job cuts, paused a share buyback, and pledged to refocus on core lending and business banking — part of an aggressive push to simplify operations and rebuild investor and regulator trust. Bloomberg finance editor Adam Haigh joins host Rebecca J
Bonus Episode: In Conversation with Nicola Willis
Few economies are as closely watched in this region right now as New Zealand’s as it navigates inflation pressures, productivity challenges and a shifting global environment.In this special bonus episode, Wellington Bureau Chief Matthew Brockett interviews New Zealand Finance Minister Nicola Willis live on stage for the Bloomberg Address in Auckland on Oct. 10. Now in its fifth year, the ann
Your Super Fund’s Private Bets (And the Risks You Can’t See)
A big slice of Australia’s retirement savings is tied up in so-called private markets — assets that don’t trade on stock exchanges and are often hard to value or sell. This week, Rebecca Jones speaks with reporter Richard Henderson about what happens when those opaque investments go wrong, and what that reveals about the growing risks inside the A$4.3 trillion super system. As mo
Is Australia's Property Boom Back?
Australia’s housing market is running hot again. Home values are rising at their fastest pace in nearly two years, fueled by rate cuts and ahead of fresh government support for first-home buyers. But with the Reserve Bank keeping rates on hold this week, the big question is when the next cut might come — and what it means for affordability, supply, and renters. In the latest Bloomberg
How Inheritance Impatience Is Fueling Elder Financial Abuse
Australian retirees are wealthier than ever, thanks to decades of superannuation growth and soaring property values. But with that prosperity has come a disturbing rise in inheritance impatience – where children and relatives pressure older Australians to hand over their savings early. In this episode of the Bloomberg Australia Podcast, Chris Bourke speaks with economy reporter Swati Pandey
Could Working From Home Become a Legal Right?
Victoria wants to make working from home a legal right for two days a week – a move that could reshape how many Australians work. But is Jacinta Allan’s policy about protecting flexibility, or is it more about politics with an election looming? And can it even be done? Chris Bourke speaks with Trent Wiltshire from the Grattan Institute about whether legislating hybrid work makes sense,
Australia’s Mushroom Murders: Why The World Can’t Look Away
Erin Patterson was this week sentenced to at least 33 years in prison for murdering three family members and attempting to kill a fourth, by serving a lunch laced with poisonous mushrooms – closing a chapter in the saga that’s become globally known as the Mushroom Murders. On this week’s Bloomberg Australia Podcast, host Chris Bourke speaks with Ainsley Thomson about why the case
What You Need To Know About The Labubu Economy
If you have a child, or have left the house in recent months, chances are you’re familiar with Pop Mart’s blind box sensation the Labubu. This week on the Bloomberg Australia Podcast, host Rebecca Jones speaks to Ainsley Thomson in Wellington about why the toothy plush toys have developed a cult following and investors are diving in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Goldman Sachs Is Targeting Australia’s Wealthiest
Goldman Sachs is bolstering its private wealth business in Australia as it tries to win the business of individuals and families with more than A$100 million to invest. This week on the Bloomberg Australia Podcast, host Rebecca Jones speaks to finance editor Adam Haigh about what this tells us about the local wealth management market, and how people with slightly less (i.e. most of us) can do to b
Behind Australia’s Billionaire List: Who’s Winning in 2025?
Australia’s richest are getting richer — with Gina Rinehart and Harry Triguboff climbing higher in the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, while others like Atlassian’s founders take a hit. Together, the nation’s top ten fortunes are now worth $144 billion. So where’s the money being made and what does it say about the broader economy? This week on the Bloomberg Australia P
Is US Beef About to Hit the Great Aussie Barbecue?
Australia has just lifted its final bans on beef from the US, more than two decades after they were first imposed. The government says it’s the natural end of a long evaluation process but others see it as a bid to win favor from the US and avoid the worst of Donald Trump’s ongoing tariff war.This week on the Bloomberg Australia Podcast, host Rebecca Jones speaks to agriculture reporte
Why Our Economist — One of the Few to Call RBA's Shock Hold — Now Sees a Cut
The Reserve Bank of Australia surprised the market in July by holding interest rates steady - and only a few people saw it coming. One of those who did was Bloomberg Economics’ James McIntyre. Now, he thinks that Governor Michele Bullock and her board will finally deliver a cut at the August 12 meeting. This week on the Bloomberg Australia Podcast, Chris Bourke talks to James about what&rsqu
Malcolm Turnbull on Tariffs, China and Standing Up to Trump
Since rockstar interviewer Mishal Husain joined Bloomberg earlier this year, she’s grilled the likes of Elon Musk and Keir Starmer. Now, she’s set her sights on Australia. This week on the Bloomberg Australia Podcast, Mishal sits down with Malcolm Turnbull, who as you might expect has a fair bit to say about his old mate US President Donald Trump. Mishal also asks our former Prime Mini
What Trump’s New Crypto Push Means for Bitcoin and Australian Investors
Bitcoin just hit a record above $123,000 and crypto is suddenly back in the headlines. A major new US law backing stablecoins has sent digital assets soaring, and it’s tied directly to Donald Trump’s renewed push to make crypto part of the political mainstream. While Bitcoin itself isn’t covered by the legislation, the broader mood shift has given the whole sector a boost - and A
A Week in China: Albanese’s Visit Beyond the Photo Ops
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s six-day visit to China was a diplomatic reset that marks the full restoration of trade ties after years of friction. While the trip was framed around economics, the stakes were far broader, as tensions simmer over Taiwan, defense, and Australia’s balancing act between its biggest trading partner and its key security ally, the US. This week on the Bloom
The Interest Rate Cut That Didn’t Happen, And What Comes Next
The RBA shocked markets this week by keeping interest rates on hold at 3.85%, despite widespread expectations for a third cut in five months. That decision left millions of mortgage holders disappointed and raised new questions about the central bank’s strategy as inflation continues to ease.This week on the podcast, Chris Bourke speaks with economy reporter Swati Pandey about why markets mi
Australia’s New Home Battery Plan And The Race for Net Zero
Australians have enthusiastically embraced rooftop solar panels. Now the government has introduced a A$2.3 billion rebate plan to get more people to install batteries at their homes, to store all of that solar power to smooth out supply at times of peak demand. This week on the podcast, Rebecca Jones talks to energy reporter Keira Wright about why the government wants more batteries, how much peop
Virgin Australia's ASX Return: Clear Skies or Turbulence Ahead?
Virgin Australia is back on the ASX after a five-year absence, marking the biggest IPO so far this year. Once grounded by the pandemic, the airline is now making money again and flying under new leadership. This week on the podcast, Rebecca Jones talks to Angus Whitley about the airline’s financial reboot, its rivalry with Qantas, the risks of private equity ownership, and whether this new V
What Happens If Trump Bails on Aukus?
The US has announced a review of the Aukus defense deal, casting fresh doubts on whether the country will follow through on its pact with Australia and the UK.This week on the podcast, Rebecca Jones asks reporter Ben Westcott to explain what’s behind the review and what the potential consequences are for Australia, the Asia Pacific, and China’s increasing presence in the region.See omn
We Need to Talk About the New Tax on Super
Many Australians are already subject to a 15% tax on their superannuation profits, but the wealthiest are facing another levy on top of that. This week on the podcast, Chris Bourke asks cross-asset reporter Richard Henderson to explain how the tax will work, who will be affected, and if Australia’s super system is becoming a wealth accumulation vehicle for the rich.See omnystudio.com/listene
Why Golden Visas Are Quietly Making a Comeback
Australia scrapped its version of the golden visa last year, after concerns the scheme was being rorted. Meanwhile, New Zealand has just revamped its own system, and is preparing to welcome wealthy expats with open arms.This week on the podcast, Rebecca Jones speaks to wealth editor Ainsley Thomson in Wellington about why golden visas are making a comeback in some parts of the world and where you
The Global Tussle For The Port of Darwin
In 2015, Chinese company Landbridge was awarded a 99-year lease over the Port of Darwin. Now, Australia wants to take it back and put it into local hands. This week on the podcast, Rebecca Jones speaks to government reporter Ben Westcott and senior editor Chelsea Mes about why Beijing is speaking out against that decision, and what role the US might play.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inf
How Low Will Australia’s Central Bank Go On Rates?
The Reserve Bank of Australia this week cut rates by 25 basis points, for the second time this year, while pulling off a post-Covid economic crisis soft landing for the local economy that few central banks have been able to execute.This week on the podcast, Rebecca Jones speaks to Bloomberg Economics’ James McIntyre about the outlook for interest rates, how that could be affected by Tr
What’s Going Wrong at Some Of Australia’s Biggest Banks?
Australia’s finance industry is beset by a raft of compliance lapses, from data reporting breaches to trader misbehaviour. Macquarie was targeted yet again this week in a civil action filed by the Australian Securities & Investment Commission.This week, Chris Bourke asks Bloomberg finance editor Adam Haigh: What’s going wrong with some of our biggest banks, and how did they fare in
How Albanese’s Australia Fits Into Trump’s New World Order
How will Australia’s newly emboldened leader deal with a White House seeking to transform the world? Listen to this special edition of the Bloomberg Australia Podcast, taped in front of a live audience at our Sydney headquarters with a panel of Bloomberg experts. Rebecca Jones speaks with Beijing Bureau Chief Yanping Li, Washington editor Derek Wallbank, economy reporter Swati Pandey and eco
Is This The End of Australia's 'Miracle' Economy?
For years, Australia’s “miracle” economy has been buoyed by immigration, property and China. With those three pillars now wobbling, whoever wins this weekend’s federal election faces an economy in need of some tough fixes.This week on the podcast, host Rebecca Jones talks to Swati Pandey and Ben Westcott about the major parties’ economic policies, and whether either s
Can Australia’s Housing Crisis Be Fixed?
Australian capital city house prices continue to rise, and hotly anticipated interest rate cuts later this year could add further fuel to the fire, leaving some buyers and renters struggling to keep roofs over their heads. This week on the podcast, host Chris Bourke talks to Brendan Coates, the Housing and Economic Security Program Director at the Grattan Institute, about what Prime Minister Antho
