FEAR & GREED | Business News The Saturday Edition | 28 Feb 2026
Feb 27, 2026
A lively debate on a surprise inflation print and the pressure it puts on the RBA. A roundup of blockbuster company results and ASX record highs. A heated contest to name the MVP CEO of the last 18 months. Big tech focus with NVIDIA’s historic numbers and the AI hardware boom. Discussion of CGT reform chatter and a proposed Trump-branded Gold Coast tower.
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Inflation Surprise Keeps Rate Hike Risk Alive
- Monthly inflation in January rose slightly with underlying inflation up from 3.3% to 3.4% and headline CPI at 3.8% staying higher than expected.
- Sean and Michael highlight housing as the main culprit and note the Reserve Bank faces a much harder, unclear policy path than during post‑COVID hikes.
Earnings Lift Markets Despite Rate Pressure
- Earnings season pushed the ASX 200 to record highs twice despite higher interest rates that normally dampen equities.
- Michael names big movers like Woolies, Qantas, Woodside and WiseTech where single results triggered ~10% swings.
Capital Gains Tax Reform Is Actively Being Floated
- Treasury is actively modelling capital gains tax reform including cutting the 50% discount to about 33% and discussing retrospective application.
- Michael warns the government is floating the idea to test market and voter reaction ahead of budget decisions.