FEAR & GREED | Business News The Saturday Edition | 21 Feb 2026
Feb 20, 2026
A lively rundown of big corporate results, from BHP's strategic shift to copper to Telstra's dividend boost and Wesfarmers' retail resilience. Political manoeuvring as the Liberal Party reshapes its frontbench. A major consumer case against Coles over sale pricing. Global tech legal drama as Instagram and YouTube face litigation and high-profile testimony.
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Inflation Is Broad And Labour Remains Tight
- The RBA minutes showed unanimous support for a past rate hike driven by broad-based inflation pressures.
- Real wages fell and labour market tightness (4.1% unemployment) complicates inflation outlook.
Liberal Party Returns To Core Messaging
- The Liberal Party reshuffle signalled a return to traditional policy priorities like immigration and lower taxes.
- Sean Aylmer argues a unified opposition could restore normal political opposition functions.
BHP’s Strategic Shift To Copper
- BHP reported a record half-year profit and copper overtook iron ore as its top revenue driver.
- The company’s strategic pivot to copper aligns with global electrification demand.