Friday 20 February 2026

Telstra announces a jump in its dividend as its mobile business powers earnings, just as Wesfarmers provides a note of caution about consumer spending. 

• The unemployment rate last month came in at 4.1 per cent, upping the chance of an interest rate hike in coming months. 
• The local share market hits an all-time high. 
• Mark Zuckerberg concedes it is difficult to enforce age limits on social media. The era of super-sized meals might be coming to an end.

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Wesfarmers has reported a jump in sales and a better-than-expected net profit of $1.6 billion for the December half. But CEO Rob Scott warns households are feeling the full impact of inflation and interest rates.

In a wide-ranging conversaiton, Sean Aylmer speaks with Rob Scott about the consumer outlook, productivity initiatives across Bunnings and Kmart, the future of lithium and chemicals, the strategy behind Target, and how AI is being deployed across the group.

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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. ASX soars, unemployment stable

2. Aussie giants report results

3. PM’s‘contempt’ for ISIS brides

4. ACCC targets Temu, Shein

5. US-Iran tensions build

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Thursday 19 February 2026

Real wages in Australia went backwards last year, challenging the view that the cost-of-living crisis is lessening. 

• NAB’s share price soars after a bumper quarterly profit
• Another, bigger bid for BlueScope Steel
• Santos to cut ten per cent of its workforce
• The countries where bank branches remain popular

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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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A listener question from far North Queensland sparks a dive into regional property trends. Michael Thompson speaks with Tim Lawless, Executive Research Director for Asia Pacific at Cotality, about how regional markets are performing versus the capitals, what’s driving growth, and whether the pandemic tree change still has legs.

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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. ASX higher on NAB result

2. Pauline Hanson’s partial apology

3. Health insurance premiums to rise

4. Earnings wrap: Santos, Mirvac, Dexus, Superloop

5. Rev. Jesse Jackson dies

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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

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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

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