SBS News In Depth

Why the US midterms matter, what they reveal about voter sentiment, and what the results could mean for both parties.

As Americans vote in the US midterm elections, political analyst Larry Sabato explains why the contests are seen as a crucial judgment on Donald Trump’s second term. He discusses the issues shaping voter sentiment, what the polls suggest, and how the outcome could reshape both major parties.

In this episode:
Why midterm elections are considered an important measure of public sentiment during a presidential term.
The issues Larry Sabato says are driving voter concerns, including cost of living, fuel prices and the Iran war.
Why these elections are receiving such intense attention and what voters may be signalling about Donald Trump’s presidency.
What current polling suggests about Democratic chances in the House and Senate, and the uncertainty that remains.
How either result could influence the future direction and strategy of both the Democratic and Republican parties.

Higher than average temperatures and dry conditions are on the way, and governments have shored up supplies as they urge caution this bushfire season.

Australia is preparing for potentially damaging effects of the El Nino weather system, after the National Emergency Management Agency warned of a hotter, drier summer this year.

To bolster resources, the federal government says it has committed more than 150 million dollars to support the national aerial fire-fighting fleet.

In this story:
Authorities warn of a heightened risk of bushfires due to El Nino weather system
A multi-agency campaign to urge Australians to talk about bushfire and flood plans
The supplies stored in a national stockpile to be distributed in emergencies
The specialist aircraft waiting in the wings ahead of bushfire season
Tasmanian campaign to ready households for upcoming bushfire threat

European fridge hacks raise questions about whether Australian supermarkets could face similar cyberattacks.

A cyberattack that disrupted supermarket fridges and freezers across Europe has raised new questions about food security and infrastructure risks. Could Australian supermarkets face a similar threat? A cybersecurity expert explains how the attacks work, why they're concerning and what can be done to stop them.

In this episode:
How hackers allegedly gained control of supermarket refrigeration systems and caused food to spoil.
Why recent attacks in Europe are prompting fresh concerns about cyber threats to critical infrastructure.
Whether Australian supermarkets could be vulnerable to the same kind of incident.
The unanswered question about who might be behind these attacks and what their motive could be.
The practical cybersecurity measures experts say could reduce the risk of similar disruptions.

You may not be able to afford to buy a home, but in 2026, experts say it may not even be the best path to financial security anyway.

If you're one of the millions of Australians who rent because you can't afford to buy a home where you want to live, you may be feeling like you're running behind in a race that keeps getting faster.

But in a vastly changed economic landscape, some experts say its time to admit that for many of us, renting is actually a better path to financial security at some points in our lives.

In this story:

Considering a shares portfolio over a property purchase

The cultural milestone of buying a home

The opportunity cost of servicing a mortgage

How economic conditions are changing the viability of property buying

Concerns around minimum rental standards for tenants

This SBS News story is providing general information purposes only and the content of this story should not be considered to constitute advice or a recommendation.

It is not personal advice and does not consider your personal circumstances or objectives. If you are seeking advice, contact a licensed financial professional before making any financial decisions.

SBS News in Depth is a news analysis podcast from SBS, going behind the headlines with reporting and interviews on the stories shaping Australia and the world.

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Australian home values have fallen for seven straight months, with another rate rise expected to deepen the downturn.

Australian home values have dropped 6.7 per cent since their March peak, with another expected interest rate rise threatening further weakness. Cotality Head of Research Tim Lawless speaks with Tom Kennedy about the downturn and what comes next for property. SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves also speaks with David Scutt, Senior Market Analyst at StoneX, about falling shares, Westpac’s profit and the global forces shaping investment decisions.

In this episode
What is driving the fastest decline in home values in more than 40 years, and whether the downturn could extend into 2027.
How a fifth interest rate rise this year could affect property prices and spring buying and selling.
Why Australian shares fell as major banks cut their economic growth forecasts.
What Westpac’s results and falling supermarket shares reveal about the pressures facing businesses.
How global interest rates, US tech earnings, conflict in the Middle East and US midterm elections could influence market