Wednesday 18 February 2026

BHP announces a bumper half year profit as its copper division earnings surpass iron ore. 

• The minutes of last fortnight’s Reserve Bank board meeting suggest another rate hike is possible. 
• The IMF calls on Australia to cut income taxes and lift the GST. 
• Angus Taylor announces his new frontbench. 
• The real story about Winter Olympic ski jumpers having injections into their penises to gain an advantage.

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And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - this week, the kids’ money blueprint. Get the episode from APPLE, SPOTIFY, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

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For the first time, copper has passed iron ore as the main source of revenue for BHP.  Vandita Pant, Chief Financial Officer at BHP, speaks to Andrew Geoghegan at Ausbiz about the company's bumper half-year results.

Fear & Greed is proud to partner with Ausbiz, Australia's leading provider of live and on-demand video of the latest news in Australian business, markets, economy and startups. Sign up for free at ausbiz.com.au

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This is the Fear and Greed Afternoon Report - everything you need to know about what happened in the markets, economy and world of business today, in just a few minutes.

1. BHP results boost ASX

2. Angus Taylor tackles childcare

3. Company results wrap

4. Major energy project blowout

5. $100m Pentagon drone challenge

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Tuesday 17 February 2026

The competition watchdog alleges in Federal Court that Coles has used promotions to disguise big price rises. 

• JB HiFi surges as shoppers stock up on electronics
• New Liberal leader Angus Taylor outlines his vision
• Steel maker BlueScope becomes Santa Clause for shareholders
• Cherie Blair gives a very frank interview about her husband, former British PM Tony Blair

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And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - this week, the money basics you don't know (but everyone assumes you do). Get the episode from APPLE, SPOTIFY, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

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The share market is swinging wildly this reporting season — blue chips are plunging and rebounding, banks are rallying, tech is getting sold off on AI fears, then bouncing back again.

Sean Aylmer speaks with Morningstar equity market strategist Lachlan Halloway about what’s driving the volatility, whether AI is a real threat to listed companies, and why long-term investors might actually benefit from the chaos.

This is general information only. You should seek professional advice tailored to your circumstances before making investment decisions.

Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/

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This is the Fear and Greed Afternoon Report - everything you need to know about what happened in the markets, economy and world of business today, in just a few minutes.

1. Tech sector rebouncs

2. Leaked Liberal immigration policy

3. Death at Rio Tinto site

4. Results wrap: JB Hifi, Treasury Wines, A2 Milk

5. Europe hits back at US

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Monday 16 February 2026

The federal Liberal Party tries for a fresh start as One Nation looms. 

• The anything-but-tech trade on Wall Street and elsewhere gather momentum, with the big tech companies underperforming the market
• Macquarie Group is working on a $12 billion bid for Qube Logistics
• Solar panels produce too much energy
• Democrats tell European leaders that Donald Trump will be gone in three years

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And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - this week, the money basics you don't know (but everyone assumes you do). Get the episode from APPLE, SPOTIFY, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

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It’s a “top shelf” week for economic data, with labour force figures, wage growth numbers and the Reserve Bank minutes all due. 

Michael Thompson is joined by economist Stephen Koukoulas to unpack what the wage price index actually measures, why monthly employment numbers can be volatile, and how real wages, productivity and consumer spending all connect. Plus - what would it take for Australia to fall into a wage-price spiral, and why that remains unlikely.

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The Aussie shout might well be dead, with drinks too expensive for people to buy a round on a night out. New data from payments company Tyro suggests customers are hitting a ceiling on what they're willing to pay for coffee and beer. Michael Thompson quizzes Sean Aylmer and Adam Lang on their attitudes to the shout, tipping, splitting bills, money boundaries, and how much is too much to pay for a coffee?

Fear & Greed Q+A: Join Sean Aylmer, Michael Thompson and Adam Lang as they answer questions on business, investing, economics, politics and more. If you have your own question, get in touch via our website, LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook.

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Commonwealth Bank soars, while AMP plummets in a very volatile start to reporting season. Plus a leadership spill, fast internet booms, and who would want the corner office?

Sean Aylmer and Michael Thompson go head to head on the top business stories of the week, with Adam Lang picking a winner in a fierce debate.

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