FEAR & GREED | Business News Afternoon Report | ASX rises on bumper results day
6 snips
Feb 19, 2026 Markets jump as the ASX hits a record intraday high and energy stocks rally. Labour data shows unemployment steady at 4.1%. Major corporate results steal the spotlight, including a strong Telstra update and sharp moves for retailers. Regulators target cheap online platforms amid market share concerns. Geopolitical tension grows with increased US military deployments near Iran.
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Markets Rally On Energy And Strong Jobs
- The ASX rose strongly, hitting an intraday record driven by energy, banks and miners.
- Markets priced in another interest-rate hike after unemployment stayed at 4.1% in January.
Earnings Drive Big Stock Moves
- Major company results moved shares sharply across sectors, from retail to telco and logistics.
- Rising doubtful debts and weaker guidance slammed Zip's shares down over 30% after its miss.
Telstra Rewards Shareholders
- Telstra reported stronger earnings, enabling a higher dividend and an expanded buyback.
- Investors rewarded the telco with a share-price lift amid mixed corporate results.