SBS On the Money

Australia’s economy expanded by just 0.3% in the March quarter, with growth driven largely by investment in data centres while household spending remained subdued and productivity declined. NAB Senior Markets Economist Taylor Nugent joins SBS On the Money to unpack what the latest GDP figures mean for the economy and the outlook for interest rates. Plus, despite the weak economic data, the ASX 200 climbed 0.7% as investors scaled back expectations of a near-term rate rise. Josh Gilbert from eToro explains what drove the market higher, including record highs for mining giants BHP and Rio Tinto, strong gains for the banks and a pullback in technology stocks.

Around three million low-paid Australian workers are set to receive a pay rise after the Fair Work Commission lifted the national minimum wage and increased award wages above the current inflation rate. Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Commonwealth Bank economist Harry Ottley about what the decision means for household budgets, inflation and the broader economy. Plus, the ASX 200 edged lower as retailers and shopping centre operators came under pressure following the wage decision, while technology stocks rallied and BHP hit another record high. Alice Shen, CFA from VanEck joins the podcast to unpack the day’s market moves and the influence of another strong session on Wall Street

The Australian sharemarket finished flat ahead of key economic data this week, including GDP figures and US jobs numbers. Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Elio D’Amato from EnviroInvest about the day’s market moves, rising oil prices and BHP’s record high. Plus, Kelly Power, CEO of CFS Superannuation, explains why Australians now believe they need more than $1 million to retire comfortably and why many expect to work longer before leaving the workforce. Also, housing expert Tim Lawless warns national property prices could begin falling from next month as higher interest rates, a slowing economy and policy changes start to weigh on the market.

Following Thursday’s $45 billion wipeout, the S&P/ASX 200 has finished the week 1.62 per cent higher following reports that US and Iranian negotiators have reached a tentative deal to extend the ceasefire by 60 days. As a result, oil prices fell sharply while gold and silver rose. For more, Stephanie Youssef spoke with Opal Capital Management Chief Investment Officer Omkar Joshi. Also, the combined wealth of Australia's 200 richest people has surged to more than $700 billion, with mining magnate Gina Rinehart once again leading the Australian Financial Review’s 2026 Rich List. For more, Stephanie Youssef spoke with AFR’s Rich List Deputy Editor Hannah Tattersall.

Australia’s sharemarket rebounded after a softer-than-expected inflation report lifted hopes the RBA may hold interest rates in June, but ABS data showed some businesses are passing on higher fuel costs to consumers. SBS On the Money explores what the latest CPI figures mean for households, the Reserve Bank and investors, with analysis from Sunny Nguyen, Head of Australia Economics at Moody’s Analytics, and Niv Dagan from Peak Asset Management.