FEAR & GREED | Business News Libs fresh start hopes; anything-but-tech trade grows; Macquarie $12b bid for Qube
Feb 15, 2026
Australian political reset as Liberal leaders map new priorities and face One Nation pressure. Investors rotate out of big tech into supermarkets, energy and industrials. Macquarie is reported to be working on a roughly $12 billion bid for Qube Logistics. Rooftop solar surges raise grid stability and state-versus-regulator tensions.
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Liberal Leadership Reset Faces One Nation Threat
- Angus Taylor and Jane Hume aim to reset Liberal Party policy to rebuild the coalition and blunt One Nation's appeal.
- Early polls show One Nation and the coalition tied at 23% primary vote, giving Taylor a chance but signaling risk.
Major AUKUS Submarine Construction Investment
- The Albanese government pledged $3.9bn toward a $30bn submarine construction yard in Adelaide supporting thousands of jobs.
- The project pairs with a $25bn WA upgrade to sustain AUKUS-class maintenance and long-term apprenticeships.
Australian Market Runs Richer Than Average
- The ASX200 rallied strongly then fell, leaving valuation at a forward P/E around 19.7x versus a long-run 15x.
- That elevated multiple suggests potential volatility if upcoming earnings disappoint.