Why your pay's going backwards, dividends surprise & bond market blues explained

Why your pay's going backwards, dividends surprise & bond market blues explained

August 21, 2026 · 42 min · Season 5 · Episode 31

About this episode

The episode explores the challenges in bond markets, corporate investment hesitance in Australia, and the implications of wage growth on the economy.

This week, Chanticleer columnists James Thomson and Anthony Macdonald take you inside the mysterious world of bond markets, and explain what’s got the world’s most important investors rather grumpy. They ask why many of the country's biggest companies don’t seem that keen on investing in Australia and whether there’s something a bit sick about your health insurance.  This podcast is sponsored by Workday . To ask a question, email chanticleer@afr.com . Further reading: Scott Bessent just panicked. Your savings may be at risk The White House’s stunning intervention in bond markets on Wednesday night will have big ramifications for investors around the world, including in Australia. Economists say wage growth is fine. CEOs see a margin squeeze Economists may be celebrating wage growth as “in line with expectations”, but corporate Australia is quietly pressing the panic button. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People in this episode

Hosts: James Thomson, Anthony Macdonald

Topics covered

Keywords

Sponsors

Workday

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Scott Bessent, The White House

Places: Australia

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