SBS On the Money

A volatile stretch for markets has taken a bite out of Australians’ super, with SuperRatings CEO Kirby Rappell explaining how recent gains have been erased amid global uncertainty and falling oil prices. The ASX edged lower on the day but closed out its strongest week since October 2022, with mixed sector performance and sharp losses in tech stocks. Oreana Private Wealth Chief Investment Officer Isaac Poole breaks down what is driving the market moves and what investors should watch next, in this episode of the SBS On the Money podcast.

The ASX pushes higher after a strong rally, edging closer to record territory, while fresh data reveals Australians are changing how they buy fuel as prices stay elevated. NAB Senior Economist Taylor Nugent unpacks why motorists are topping up more often, and what it says about cost pressures. At the same time, new figures show fewer people are investing in work-related training, raising questions about whether employers are doing enough to prepare workers for an AI-driven future. PwC Chief People Officer Karen Lonergan weighs in on the growing skills gap, before Nick Schoenmaker from Portfolio Construction Forum breaks down the latest moves on the sharemarket and what’s driving investor confidence.

Australia’s sharemarket has recorded its strongest session in about a year, with the ASX200 jumping 2.6 per cent and adding around $80 billion in value as investors responded to a reported two-week ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran. Gains were broad-based, with eight of eleven sectors higher and technology stocks leading the charge, while gold miners and airlines also rallied amid sharp moves in commodity prices. The Australian dollar climbed to around 70.7 US cents. Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Kyle Rodda, Senior Financial Market Analyst at Capital.com, to unpack what’s driving the surge and what it could mean for markets next.

Listen to Australian and world news, and follow trending topics with SBS News Podcasts. TRANSCRIPT: The ASX climbs 1.7 per cent to a four-month high as strong gains sweep across all sectors, with insights from Kai Chen of MPC Markets on what is driving the rally. At the same time, rising fuel prices are helping push electric vehicle sales to new levels, with Tony Weber from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries unpacking whether Australia is nearing a turning point. Plus, Kim Farrant from HESTA warns super fund members about the risks of switching investment strategies during market volatility, as more Australians move towards defensive options despite recent market rebounds.

The ASX closes the short trading week down 1.1 per cent on Thursday as volatility returns following Donald Trump’s latest address, with insights from Morningstar’s Matt Wacher on what’s driving markets. Meanwhile, chocolate prices are leaving a bitter taste ahead of Easter, with confectionery costs up 6.6 per cent over the past year despite easing cocoa prices. Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Tim Piper from the Australian Industry Group to unpack why shoppers are still paying more.