FEAR & GREED | Business News Libs-Nats in talks to reunite; mortgage competition heats up; Melania doco flops
Feb 2, 2026
Talks to reunite the Liberals and Nationals heat up as parliamentary tensions simmer. Mortgage competition spikes as lenders chase borrowers ahead of possible rate rises. Corporate Travel Management faces upheaval after an accounting probe and CEO resignation. Global moves to restrict youth social media gain traction. A Melania Trump documentary underperforms at the box office.
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Coalition Unity Under Pressure
- The Coalition is scrambling to reunite as One Nation's rise pressures both parties to cooperate.
- Internal tensions and leadership threats mean the alliance could still splinter despite talks.
Watch Economic Messaging Closely
- Monitor politics closely because the Coalition's dysfunction hands advantage to Labor in economic messaging.
- Prepare for economic management to become a central political battleground over the coming months.
Mortgage Competition Heats Up
- Macquarie's rapid mortgage growth has re-ignited fierce competition among banks.
- Increased competition could deliver better deals for borrowers but may be offset if the Reserve Bank hikes rates.