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.

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

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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

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

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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

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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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