Even before the latest oil price spike, business conditions were already deteriorating, with higher interest rates and weaker demand weighing on many sectors. Now, the latest Business Risk Index suggests the chance of business failures is increasing - particularly for small businesses and sole traders.

Sean Aylmer speaks with Ivan Colhoun, Chief Economist at CreditorWatch, about how oil shocks flow through to business costs and consumer spending, why SMEs are the most exposed, and what the data reveals about insolvencies.

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

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This is the Fear & Greed Afternoon Report - everything you need to know about what happened in the markets, economy and world of business today, in just a few minutes.

1. ASX rises 0.5pc

2. Hormuz blockade now in effect

3. Roblox overhaul for child safety

4. Price Harry and Meghan in Australia

5. Chinese airlines cuting Aus flights

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

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Tuesday 14 April 2026

The federal government works to calm nerves about the US blockading the Strait of Hormuz.

• Department store David Jones feels the pressure of slower consumer spending
• Two ASX mergers get a kick along
• 80 per cent of Australians report having long term health conditions
• The cost of the “annoyance economy”

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And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - this week: five ways to cut the cost of living. Get the episode from APPLE, SPOTIFY, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.