Friday 23 October 2026

AI discovers one of the biggest failings in internet security ever, triggering the shut-down of websites globally.

• The Aussie superannuation system rates as one of the best in the world
• Higher interest rates hit home builders and retailers, sending share prices south
• Fortescue Metals takes the battle to Chinese iron ore buyers, with implications for the national budget
• One of basketball’s best-known teams is set to join Wall Street

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The rise of artificial intelligence is creating new cybersecurity risks for businesses. AI agents can access information, interact with systems and carry out tasks on our behalf. But what happens when they access something they shouldn't? And how can businesses protect themselves when threats are moving at machine speed?

Sean Aylmer speaks with Nam Lam, Group Vice President for Australia and New Zealand at SailPoint, about the lessons from the recent Medicare security incident, the growing importance of identity security, and why traditional cybersecurity defences are no longer enough.

SailPoint is a supporter of Fear & Greed.

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Australia's superannuation system has become very good at helping people save for retirement. But turning those savings into an income that lasts for decades is a different challenge. Now a new generation of retirement products is promising greater certainty, flexibility and potentially more income.

Sean Aylmer speaks with Ashton Jones, Director of Retirement Innovation at MLC, about the changing retirement landscape, modelling suggesting some retirees could receive up to 60% more income, the trade-offs involved, and why having a retirement plan matters more than ever.

This interview is part of Fear & Greed's weekly series in partnership with MLC Expand.

This is general information only. Always seek professional advice before making investment decisions.

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

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Australia is at the centre of a growing battle over artificial intelligence and copyright. AI companies want greater freedom to train their models using creative works, but the music industry argues that existing copyright laws are working – and that changing them could undermine artists' livelihoods.

Michael Thompson speaks with Chris Maund, co-CEO of Mushroom Music, about why the industry is resisting changes to copyright law, the AI licensing deals already being signed, and why Australia's decision could have consequences for creators around the world.

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Australia could be facing one of the strongest El Niño events on record, bringing the risk of drought, bushfires and higher food prices. But the economic consequences could extend much further, adding to inflationary pressures at an already difficult time for the economy.

Sean Aylmer speaks with Paul Bloxham, Chief Economist for Australia, New Zealand and Global Commodities at HSBC, about the potential impact on agriculture, global food prices, insurance costs and government finances - and why another inflation shock could force the Reserve Bank to raise interest rates again.

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Australia's economy is slowing, unemployment is rising, and yet inflation remains stubbornly high. It's an uncomfortable combination for the Reserve Bank, which is trying to work out whether four interest rate rises have done enough to bring inflation under control.

Sean Aylmer speaks with Sally Auld, Chief Economist at NAB, about the week ahead for the economy, as well as last week's jump in unemployment to 4.7 per cent, which sectors are holding up and which are struggling, and why NAB believes interest rates may have peaked. They also answer a listener question about why education costs remain such a persistent contributor to inflation.

The Week Ahead with NAB is brought to you by National Australia Bank

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Friday 16 October 2026

Australia’s unemployment rate hits a five year high, but it might not be enough to prevent another rate hike.

• The auction market slump is forcing sellers to accept lower prices
• The federal government launches its flagship online safety legislation
• ASIC drops its insider trading investigation into WiseTech Global founder Richard White
• Apple shifts into the smart home world, taking on Amazon and Google

Hit follow on the podcast so you don’t miss the latest news, and join our free daily newsletter here.

And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - should you trust AI with your money? Get the episode from Apple, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

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

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What does it take to turn magic into a serious business? For Scott Zhou, it meant dropping out of a commerce/law degree, building a team of professional magicians, and finding a way to sell something people really need to experience to understand.

Sean Aylmer speaks with Scott, CEO of The Black Ties, about building a business generating roughly $700,000 a year, why marketing matters as much as the magic itself, and his ambition to create Australia's own version of Hollywood's famous Magic Castle. Scott also performs a trick that leaves Sean completely baffled.

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

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