FEAR & GREED | Business News Real wages fall as inflation rises; NAB’s bumper profit; $14.2b bid for BlueScope
Feb 18, 2026
Discussion of falling real wages in Australia as inflation outpaces pay. Coverage of NAB’s surprise bumper profit and its market impact. A new $14.2b bid for BlueScope and investor reaction. Santos’ planned 10% workforce cut and broader corporate profit pressures. Trends in bank branch expansion and regulatory scrutiny of superannuation lead generators.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Real Wages Declined Despite Nominal Pay Rises
- Real wages in Australia fell because nominal wages rose 3.4% while inflation was 3.8% last year.
- Public sector wage growth (4%) outpaced private sector (3.4%), but broad pay rises remain limited.
Fiscal Support Can Complicate Monetary Policy
- Former RBA governor Phil Lowe warned that government spending and rebates prop up demand and complicate the bank's job.
- Treasurer Jim Chalmers responded defensively, suggesting Lowe's comments were influenced by disappointment over non-reappointment.
Big Bank Profits Boost Market Value
- National Australia Bank posted a record December quarter profit, lifting its share price over 4%.
- Banks have collectively added about $72 billion in value since profit season began.