FEAR & GREED | Business News Qantas takes a dive; ASX, global sharemarkets hit records; mobile phones test warning
Feb 26, 2026
Qantas posts a record profit but international weakness sends its share price sliding. ASX and global markets reach new highs with tech leading the charge. A nationwide mobile phone test will send a 10-second emergency siren. Capital gains tax changes are under review amid discussions of retrospective rules. Missing FBI pages in the Epstein files spark fresh controversy.
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Frequent Flyer Changes To Boost Revenue Without More Flights
- Qantas is revamping its Frequent Flyer status rules to drive revenue without requiring flights by letting members earn status credits through on‑ground purchases and roll them over year to year.
- The changes raise thresholds to attain and retain tiers while offering non‑flight earning routes.
Equities Rally Despite Geopolitical Risk
- Global share markets, including the ASX200, hit record levels driven by strong earnings and tech leadership after Nvidia's big result.
- ASX200 rose 0.5% to 9,175, touching an intraday record of 9,202 points.
Prepare For Possible Capital Gains Tax Shift
- Expect tax policy changes: the government is considering cutting the 50% capital gains discount for property to 33% and possibly applying it retrospectively.
- Treasurer Jim Chalmers is weighing options for the budget while Treasury prepares scenarios.