The Bloomberg Australia Podcast

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 can transform global shipping, and what Tasmania’s maritime innovation could mean for an industry under pressure to cut emissions.

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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, businesses and anyone planning a Japanese ski holiday.

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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 impact of higher housing costs and falling property prices, and whether Australia’s newfound obsession with value could permanently change how we shop. 

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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.

Bloomberg finance reporter Richard Henderson joins host Chris Bourke to explain what private credit actually is, why Australian lenders have piled so heavily into property, and why regulators are increasingly worried. They also look at how exposed super funds and ordinary investors are — and whether Bathla’s troubles could be the first sign of something bigger.

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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 households — and inflation — less vulnerable to global oil shocks. They also discuss what it could mean for the Reserve Bank and why, after three interest-rate hikes this year, McIntyre thinks the RBA is finally done.

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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, Westpac, ANZ and NAB are saying about where house prices go from here, how a prolonged slowdown could squeeze bank profits and what it all means for investors. They also examine why the Reserve Bank sees the housing slowdown as a sign its tightening is working — and how much further the market could fall.

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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 governments are doing to contain the virus, and what previous outbreaks in the US can tell us about the potential economic fallout.

Australia had more time than most countries to prepare, but the virus remains unpredictable — with potential consequences stretching from native wildlife and poultry farms to dairy cattle and, in a worst-case scenario, humans. We look at the lessons from overseas, the rollout of vaccines for endangered wildlife and the warning signs to watch in the weeks ahead.

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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 explores the hurdles facing any new entrant, from raising capital and securing airport slots to overcoming Qantas' powerful frequent flyer program and the risk of fare wars. Whitley discusses Jetstar's controversial decision to charge for overhead cabin baggage as an example of the pricing power incumbents enjoy — and if more competition could ultimately mean cheaper fares for Australian travellers.

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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 legacy, why Ward emerged as the board's choice, and the challenges awaiting him — from slowing mortgage growth to regulatory scrutiny and preserving the entrepreneurial culture that has long set Macquarie apart from its rivals.

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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.

In this episode, Chris Bourke speaks with Wellington Bureau Chief Ainsley Thomson about why Australia is winning the battle for Kiwi talent, how employers are actively recruiting across the Tasman, and what the migration boom means for both economies.

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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 our understanding of climate change, why the site matters to governments and investors, and what Australia’s role could be in the global climate fight.

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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 the tungsten market, Australia's untapped reserves and why decades of globalization left Western economies exposed to critical mineral supply risks. Fickling explains how one obscure mine offers a window into the race for critical minerals, the changing nature of war and the global scramble to secure strategic supply chains.

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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 house prices mean for the broader economy. McIntyre says the decline is likely to hit consumer spending through the "wealth effect," slow housing construction and eventually shift the Reserve Bank's focus from stubborn inflation toward supporting growth with rate cuts. 

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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 implications for the consulting industry, investors and corporate Australia. Why has so little changed since PwC's own confidentiality scandal – and are the industry's rules fit for purpose?

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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 giant Pimco. Bowe explains why Pimco believes the RBA has likely done enough, why the next move in rates is more likely to be down than up, and why Australian bonds are among the most attractive opportunities in global fixed income markets today.

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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-based IPO reporter Bailey Lipschultz about the excitement gripping Wall Street, the risks behind SpaceX’s eye-watering valuation, and what the deal could mean for the next wave of AI listings from OpenAI and Anthropic. Is this the start of a new era for markets – or the ultimate test of the Musk premium?

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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 episode, Rebecca Jones speaks with Bloomberg Economy and Government Editor Michael Heath about what’s driving One Nation’s rise, whether it reflects a broader shift in Australian politics, and what it means for Labor and the Coalition. Is this a temporary protest vote, or the beginning of a fundamental political realignment?

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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 — and what lessons it could hold for Australia as its own market begins to wobble.

They discuss the painful reality of falling house prices, why governments fear housing downturns even when affordability is a political priority, and how New Zealand’s property slump is reshaping the way younger generations think about investing. Plus: are there actually bargains to be found across the Tasman for cashed-up Australians?

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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 Podcast, host Chris Bourke speaks with global business editor Karen Leigh about the court ruling, the cost-of-living crisis and why Coles and Woolworths have become targets of consumer frustration. They unpack the power of the supermarket duopoly, the erosion of trust among shoppers and whether growing competition from Aldi and Costco could finally reshape how Australians buy their groceries.

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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’s economic path are only getting higher.

In this episode, Bloomberg’s Swati Pandey breaks down what’s really in the budget — from housing reforms and tax changes to the bigger questions around productivity and growth. What does it mean for households already under pressure? And could this budget force the RBA to hike again as soon as June?

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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 founder Jun Bei Liu and Goldman Sachs’ Marissa Freund discuss what’s driving volatility, where investors are finding opportunity, and why dealmaking hasn’t ground to a halt.

To find out more about Bloomberg New Voices head to https://www.bloomberg.com/newvoices

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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 episode, mining reporter Paul-Alain Hunt breaks down what’s driving the reset – and what comes next. We look at how the war in the Middle East is adding to cost pressures, why mega mergers are struggling to get over the line, and what leadership changes at BHP and Rio Tinto mean for the industry’s future.

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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 tighter eligibility rules.

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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.

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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 means for your retirement savings, why funds are urging members not to panic, and what history tells us about riding out market shocks.

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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 reshuffling it? Bloomberg’s Ros Mathieson joins the podcast to unpack what’s working, what isn’t, and whether this bold experiment could become a global model — or a cautionary tale.

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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 effects could hit everything from supermarket shelves to farm output.

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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 — and what it all means for where rates go next.

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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$82 billion economic toll of illicit drugs, the role of organized crime, and how shipments — from commercial flights to offshore drops — are slipping into the country. Plus, are authorities making any headway, or is demand simply too strong to curb Australia’s growing appetite?

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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 Henderson about how the turmoil is flowing through to the ASX, petrol prices and Reserve Bank policy. From energy producers and airlines to haven trades and AI giants, we unpack the winners, losers and the key risks Australian investors should be watching.

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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 mean for workers decades away from retirement, how super funds are adapting to an ageing membership base, and whether new retirement products — from annuities to AI-powered advice — could reshape how Australians spend their golden years.

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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 crisis and pressure to force wealthier neighborhoods to take on more housing.

Bloomberg’s Swati Pandey and Aradhana Aravindan join the podcast to unpack what’s at stake — from property prices and lifestyle trade-offs to productivity, inflation and the Reserve Bank. Can Australia fix its housing crunch without reshaping its most exclusive suburbs?

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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 reassess what comes next.

On this episode of the Bloomberg Australia Podcast, Rebecca Jones speaks with cross-asset reporter Richard Henderson about what’s behind the volatility, whether the AI trade is cracking or simply cooling off, and why some investors remain surprisingly bullish.

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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 nation’s largest super fund with some A$410 billion under management. They discuss how the fund is navigating market volatility, exposure to US tech and AI, the case for staying invested through uncertainty, and why Australia’s super system still isn’t ready for the retirement wave ahead.

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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 siblings pulling in different directions, succession planning is no longer something that can wait. What happens when it does… and what should families be doing now?

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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 attacks, the passage of gun and hate-speech laws through a divided Senate, and how global instability — from US politics to China and Taiwan — is feeding into Australia’s domestic debate and shaping the year ahead.

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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 the “most obvious” merger in mining can actually get done.

They dig into the race for copper at record prices, the cultural and regulatory hurdles standing in the way, and what a tie-up would mean for rivals like BHP. From coal and China to scale, strategy and leadership, the conversation explores why mining’s long-anticipated M&A wave may finally be taking shape.

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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 deeply, not just for those directly affected, but for the Australian identity itself.

They unpack the cultural significance of Bondi, the global ripple effects of local violence, and how public figures and everyday Australians are responding.

You can read David’s column on the terror here: Bondi, and Australia, Get Swept Into a Violent World - Bloomberg

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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, Bloomberg’s Swati Pandey breaks down why the RBA is shifting toward a potential tightening bias, how upcoming inflation data could shape the next move, and what it all means for mortgages, the housing market and Australia’s economic outlook. 

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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 the controversial move means for Big Tech.

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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’s David Stringer to unpack what the failed COP bid means for Australia’s international standing, how the Coalition’s shift could shape the next election and what renewed climate volatility means for investment, energy transition plans and ultimately your power bill.

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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 on its tourism industry and why Kiwis are leaving in droves.

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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 leadership faces scrutiny over pay and performance.

Bloomberg’s finance editor Adam Haigh joins Rebecca Jones to unpack what’s gone wrong, where the bright spots remain, and whether CEO Shemara Wikramanayake can steady the ship. Plus, how Macquarie stacks up against Australia’s big four banks in an increasingly competitive lending and investment landscape.

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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.

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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.

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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, what makes this economic moment particularly tricky for the central bank, and why more retail investors are eyeing the bond market. Plus, Bowe shares how global forces, including the US Federal Reserve, could shape the outlook into 2026.

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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 Ainslie Chandler and reporter Carmeli Argana about DroneShield’s journey from meme stock to military mainstay, whether the company’s explosive rally can last, and how its CEO’s remarkable backstory fits into this unique company’s rise.

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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 Jones to unpack what Matos’s overhaul means for ANZ’s strategy, shareholders, and staff. They discuss his plan to lift returns, repair relationships with regulators, and steer the bank through an increasingly competitive market.

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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 annual event has become a cornerstone of New Zealand’s policy calendar.

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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 more super funds pour money into unlisted real estate, private equity and infrastructure, regulators are sounding the alarm about transparency and valuation. We unpack what the watchdog’s warnings mean for investors, why these deals can turn sour quickly, and how Australia’s biggest funds are managing the balance between risk and return in the race to grow members’ savings.

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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 Australia Podcast, Chris Bourke speaks with economist James McIntyre about the forces driving prices higher, the outlook for rate cuts, and why the supply crunch is likely to keep pressure on both buyers and renters.

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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 about the rise of financial elder abuse. They discuss how housing pressures, the cost of living and wealth divides are fueling this trend, as well as the toll it takes on victims and what’s being done to better protect retirees.

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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, what it would mean for businesses and workers, and why the work-from-home debate reveals a growing divide in Australia’s workforce.

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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 drew so much international interest, spawning books, podcasts and TV series. They also explore what fuels our obsession with true crime, and whether the intense scrutiny may have influenced Patterson’s fate.

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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.

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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 boost their coffers.

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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 Podcast, host Rebecca Jones speaks to wealth editor Andrew Heathcote about the winners and losers in Australia’s billionaire ranks, the sectors driving their gains, and what lessons we can take from how the ultra-wealthy think.

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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 reporter Ben Westcott about what really sparked the end to the beef ban, what more American meat in Australia means for local producers, and the outlook for the sector.

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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’s changed since the July decision, how far borrowing costs could fall this year - and why US President Donald Trump may play a role in what the RBA does next.

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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 Minister his thoughts on US tariffs, China and the way forward for the AUKUS pact.

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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 Aussie investors are watching closely.

This week on the Bloomberg Australia Podcast, host Rebecca Jones speaks with cross-asset reporter Richard Henderson about what this new wave of momentum really means. From ETFs and super fund exposure to why stablecoins matter more than you might think, they break down how crypto is evolving, what’s driving the surge - and whether this marks a shift toward digital assets going truly mainstream.

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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 Bloomberg Australia Podcast, host Rebecca Jones speaks with Beijing-based reporter James Mayger about how the visit played out inside China and what wasn’t said in the official statements. They also explore what China wants next from the relationship — and how much Canberra is actually willing to give.

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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 misread the RBA, what Governor Michele Bullock’s signals mean for future moves, and what could prompt the next cut. They also unpack the impact on housing and how global risks like President Trump’s tariff threats are complicating the outlook.

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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 people stand to save under the rebate scheme, and what it all means for the country’s power supply.

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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 Virgin can deliver for both investors and travelers.

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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.

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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.

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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 can still get one.

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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.

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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 Trump’s tariff war, and what it all means for the housing market. 

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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 the latest reporting season?

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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 economist James McIntyre about Anthony Albanese’s sweeping election win, and what to expect as Australia gets caught up in US President Donald Trump’s tariff war.

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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 side has a plan that can fix Australia’s twin cost-of-living and housing crises.

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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 Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton are promising to do about the affordability crisis if elected on May 3.

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As voters start heading to the polls in the Australian election, the market turbulence from Donald Trump’s trade war continues to drown out much of the leaders’ campaigns - even as some policies could impact investments across a range of asset classes.   

This week on the podcast, host Chris Bourke asks cross-asset reporter Richard Henderson: what should investors be watching out for in the days running up to the May 3 vote - and beyond?

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Governments in developed countries around the world are grappling with their migration policies and Australia is no exception, with the Labor and Liberal parties proffering competing plans on how to slash the number of people arriving at its borders.

This week on the podcast, host Rebecca Jones asks immigration expert Abul Rizvi about Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton’s migration policies ahead of the May 3 federal election — and whether they will actually help Australia’s housing crisis.

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Three years ago, Australia was on the verge of an election dominated by a wave of independent MPs who promised a climate change reckoning. But climate talk seems to have taken a backseat in the current campaign ahead of the May 3 national poll.

This week on the podcast, host Rebecca Jones and Bloomberg’s David Stringer break down the energy policies being pushed by the major parties this election campaign.

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Australia’s pension funds, known as superannuation, control a combined A$4.2 trillion, a lot of which is held in offshore assets with direct and indirect exposure to Trump’s tariff war.

This week on the podcast, host Chris Bourke and ASFA CEO Mary Delahunty unpack the major parties’ election platforms relating to retirement savings and look at what superannuation funds are doing to stay calm in a time of global market turmoil.

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Stock markets staged a dramatic rebound in the wake of the US president’s pause on tariffs, following a tumultuous week that’s caused anxiety for investors and super fund members throughout Australia. 

This week on the podcast, host Chris Bourke and Bloomberg News cross asset reporter Richard Henderson unpack the unprecedented market turmoil and ask: how does this all play out?

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Australians are set to go to the polls on May 3, with  Prime Minister Anthony Albanese going head-to-head with opposition leader Peter Dutton in a knife-edge campaign which could potentially result in a minority government. 

This week on the podcast, host Rebecca Jones asks Bloomberg News government reporter Ben Westcott about the key issues to be debated in the coming weeks, from tax cuts to Donald Trump, and the key things you should know about the battle for the top job.

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Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson has turned around the airline’s post-pandemic performance in her 18 months at the helm.

This week, host Rebecca Jones asks Bloomberg News transport reporter Angus Whitley about what the changes mean for passengers and shareholders, and what’s still in store from Hudson.

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More than a third of Australians are now regularly working from home, some five years after the pandemic forced many employees to start logging in from their kitchen tables.

This week, host Rebecca Jones asks Bloomberg News’s Peter Vercoe about the increasing opposition to remote working from business and politicians, and why it could be an issue in the upcoming Federal election.

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Former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull this week sparked a fight with Donald Trump when he suggested, in an interview with Bloomberg TV, that the US President’s recent actions could make China a more attractive partner for some countries.

This week, host Chris Bourke asks Bloomberg News’s John Liu about the view from Beijing on the early days of Trump’s second term and how it could affect Australia’s relationship with the two super powers.

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Our A$4.1 trillion of superannuation funds are searching the globe for new places to invest our money even as tariffs and wars continue to create mayhem in financial markets. Host Rebecca Jones asks Bloomberg superannuation reporter Amy Bainbridge: where are our retirement savings being invested both globally and at home, and what’s keeping the super fund chiefs awake at night?

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With the February reporting season almost wrapped up, host Rebecca Jones and Bloomberg finance editor Adam Haigh dissect the key takeaways on global and local issues from the CEOs of some of Australia’s biggest listed companies.

Listen and follow The Bloomberg Australia Podcast on Apple, Spotify, on YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Terminal clients: Run {NSUB AUPOD <GO>} on your desktop to subscribe.

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The Reserve Bank of Australia has finally joined the global rate-cut club. Are they ‘one-and-done’ or can we expect more cuts in 2025? In this week’s episode, hear our interview with Deputy Governor Andrew Hauser, who was in the room when the call was made, and join host Rebecca Jones and Bloomberg economy reporter Swati Pandey to break down the decision. 

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Australian property is some of the least affordable in the world, putting the dream of home ownership out of reach of many residents. In this week’s episode, host Rebecca Jones and Bloomberg government reporter Ben Westcott take a look at the country’s housing crisis, and how politicians plan to fix it, ahead of the looming Federal election.

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Few of the world’s financial markets were left unscathed by the fallout from Donald Trump’s tariff war this week, with Australia’s being among the hardest hit. Host Chris Bourke and Bloomberg cross-asset reporter Richard Henderson take a look at what this new bout of volatility means for stocks, crypto and one of our most hotly-anticipated rate decisions in years.

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It was supposed to be a long summer break for Aussie executives. Instead, for the C-suite of one of Australia’s biggest wealth and superannuation providers, Insignia Financial, the holiday period was interrupted by a flurry of takeover offers from overseas players Bain Capital and CC Capital Partners. Host Rebecca Jones and Bloomberg finance reporter Harry Brumpton take a look at this bidding war, what it reveals about the growing importance of Australian wealth firms on the global stage, and the implications for 2025 deal activity.

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Australia has an election due by May, stubbornly high interest rates, and twin cost-of-living, and housing affordability crises. Away from home, a second Trump administration begins and China’s economy is struggling. Rebecca Jones asks economist James McIntyre from Bloomberg Economics, what this all means for Australia in the year ahead.

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Our biggest banks appear to be shunning it, many of our shops have stopped using it, but can we survive without cash? In this week’s podcast, Rebecca Jones asks Bloomberg News finance editor Adam Haigh if Australia could ever become a cashless nation.

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Aussie stocks have rallied this year, buoyed by unwavering gains in banks and a global AI-fueled tech surge. In this week’s podcast, Rebecca Jones asks Bloomberg News stocks reporter Georgina McKay who the biggest winners and losers were on the ASX in 2024, and what lies ahead in 2025.

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ANZ has a new CEO, making it the third of Australia's Big Four banks to appoint a new leader this year. But who exactly is Nuno Matos?

In this week’s podcast, Rebecca Jones asks Bloomberg News finance editor Adam Haigh what we need to know about the former HSBC executive and what this new chapter means for the country’s fourth biggest bank.

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High interest rates, a shortage of homes and a booming population have triggered a housing crisis around Australia. But in Sydney, one of the world’s most expensive markets, the price of buying a house is finally starting to fall.

In this week’s podcast, Rebecca Jones asks Bloomberg News reporter Swati Pandey if there’s evidence of a  longer downturn in Australia’s hottest housing markets. And just when are the country’s homeowners likely to get long-awaited relief from an RBA interest rate cut?

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CSL is an Australian biotech company with a market cap of more than A$130 billion dollars, making it the country’s third biggest listed company, behind BHP and Commonwealth Bank.

In this week’s podcast, Rebecca Jones asks Bloomberg News reporter Amy Bainbridge and senior editor Jason Gale how CSL became a market favorite and about the headwinds it’s facing in the post-pandemic era.

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In this week’s podcast, Chris Bourke and Bloomberg News reporter Ben Westcott discuss the government's plan to ban kids under the age of 16 from some social media. Does it stand a chance of being effective, or is Australia just setting itself up for a massive scrap with the tech giants, and potentially the US government, especially under a re-elected Donald Trump and his new right-hand man Elon Musk?

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What investments are going to be the winners and losers from Donald Trump’s second term? Markets have already gone into overdrive following the US election result, and that’s with weeks to go before the President-elect even returns to the White House.

In this week’s podcast, Rebecca Jones asks Bloomberg cross-asset reporter Richard Henderson about the implications for stocks, bonds, crypto and - yes - Australians' mortgages.

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Donald Trump is back. With him comes renewed vows to take on China and reclaim America's position atop the global world order. And he's vowing to pick up where he left off on his trade war with China.

In this week’s podcast, Rebecca Jones asks Bloomberg senior editor Malcolm Scott about the big implications that has for Australia and its ties with its largest trading partner.

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As shareholders await the outcomes of probes at WiseTech and Mineral Resources in the wake of damaging allegations about their founder CEOs, Rebecca Jones asks Bloomberg reporter Angus Whitley: how much do these types of scandals actually matter to investors in the long run?

In this week’s podcast, we also ask what controversies like these mean for a country fast losing its reputation as a tightly-regulated market with strict governance standards.

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