This week:

• NAB business survey
• Westpac-Melbourne Institute consumer sentiment survey
• Forecasts of slower economic growth

Michael Thompson is joined by economist Stephen Koukoulas to look at what to expect.

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

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Economic growth is slowing, inflation remains stubbornly high, and many businesses are feeling the pressure. But according to one leading business banker, now isn't the time to stand still.

Sean Aylmer speaks with Sam Tomaras, Head of Business Banking at Bank of Sydney, about how small and medium-sized businesses are navigating one of the toughest operating environments in years. Tomaras explains why experienced business owners are looking for opportunities rather than waiting on the sidelines, why every business should conduct a regular financial health check, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right advisers.

Bank of Sydney works with BlueChip Communication, which is a supporter of Fear & Greed.

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The next wave of AI isn't just answering questions - it's making purchasing decisions. And that means businesses need to be ready for AI optimisation.

Sean Aylmer speaks with Talbott Roche, Global CEO of Blackhawk Network, about the rise of agentic commerce, where AI assistants don't just recommend products but eventually buy them on our behalf. They explore how retailers are rethinking how products are discovered online, why the future of retail may be far more personalised than ever before, and how loyalty programs and gift cards could become powerful signals for AI shopping assistants.

Blackhawk Network is a supporter of Fear & Greed.

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

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Australians have a complicated relationship with their banks. But maybe it's time to see them differently - not just as financial institutions, but as critical economic infrastructure.

Sean Aylmer speaks with Simon Birmingham, CEO of the Australian Banking Association, about the role banks play in supporting home ownership, business investment and the broader economy, and why competition in banking is stronger than many Australians realise.

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Twenty-five years ago, Australia's first exchange-traded fund listed on the ASX. Few people had heard of ETFs, and even fewer believed they'd become one of the country's most popular investment products.

Sean Aylmer speaks with Jonathan Shead, Head of Investments at State Street Investment Management and one of the people who helped launch Australia's first ETF. Shead reflects on the challenges of bringing ETFs to Australia, why the product took years to gain acceptance, and the turning points that fuelled the industry's explosive growth to more than $330 billion in assets.

This is general information only. You should seek professional advice tailored to your circumstances before making investment decisions.

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

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This week, it's all about the financial year ahead. What to expect for:

• economic growth
• interest rates
• Australian and US equities
• commodities
• employment

Michael Thompson is joined by economist Stephen Koukoulas to look at the year ahead.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tax time is here, but the ATO has a clear message: don't rush. Taxpayers are twice as likely to make mistakes if they lodge in the first few weeks of July.

Sean Aylmer speaks with Anita Challen, Assistant Commissioner at the Australian Taxation Office, about the biggest mistakes Australians make when lodging their tax returns, the deductions that catch people out, and how data-matching is making the whole process easier and more accurate.

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

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It's been another strong year for superannuation returns, but not without plenty of surprises.

Sean Aylmer speaks with Jonathan Armitage, Chief Investment Officer at Colonial First State, about the investment themes that shaped the financial year and how investors can look at the next twelve months, from emerging markets to AI.

This is general information only. You should seek professional advice tailored to your circumstances before making investment decisions.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.