Inflation surges as rate bets rise and markets continue to slide

A sharp lift in inflation and a seventh straight fall on the ASX set the tone for this episode of the SBS On the Money podcast, unpacking how global conflict is feeding into Australia’s economy. Official data shows annual inflation expanding to 4.6 per cent in March, driven by a surge in fuel and electricity costs. Harry Murphy Cruise from Oxford Economics breaks down what this means for interest rates and how much further prices could rise, while Damien Boey from Wilson Asset Management explains the market reaction, sector moves and what investors are watching next as US tech earnings come into focus.