Tobacco excise backfires; households spend up; Spotify’s artist rankings

Friday 5 December 2025 Cigarettes and vapes cause the federal government, budget, health and crime headaches.  Household spending surges.  The federal government concedes it won’t hit its target for 1.2 new million homes by the end of the decade.  Spotify releases its most played artists and songs. Aussie tourist favourite Thailand relaxes rules around alcohol.  Join our free daily newsletter here. And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - this week: looking for a side hustle? Avoid these ones. Get the episode from APPLE, SPOTIFY, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.