ERROL PARKER | Editor-at-large | Contact
A local man has raised concerns about the state of the share market this morning, after noticing an uptick in images of distressed traders on his news feed.
Brad Rowley, a 30-year-old leasing agent from Betoota Grove, said he first became suspicious when he saw several photos of a men in suits clasping their brow.
“Usually when those guys are sullen like that and there’s red lines behind them, it means the economy is rooted,” said Brad.
The self-described finance-adjacent professional said he doesn’t actively follow the news but noticed something was going on when the same image of a crying man in suspenders started appearing on both news.com.au and his mate’s Instagram story.
“Must be bad,” said Brad.
“This happens every couple years, doesn’t it? I bet Trump has something to do with it. He says the funniest stuff.”
Economists have confirmed the ASX opened down more than 6% today, the sharpest fall since the early days of the pandemic. The collapse follows renewed global jitters sparked by Donald Trump’s threats of sweeping tariffs, with analysts warning of a possible return to full-blown trade war conditions.
Brad said he is not directly affected by the downturn.
“I don’t have shares, I don’t have crypto, I don’t even know if I have super,” said Brad.
When asked what his biggest financial asset is, Brad pointed to the white BMW X1 parked on the footpath in front of his office.
“Got that on a novated lease, which I think means the government helps you get a luxury car,” said Brad.
“It was only $440 a week for five years. I had to eat Mi Goreng a lot because of it but just look at it, it’s a mad whip.”
More to come.
