FEAR & GREED | Business News Telstra boosts dividends; labour market stays tight; end of the supersize meal era?
Feb 19, 2026
Telstra's mobile business drives a big profit and a fatter dividend. Wesfarmers warns on consumer spending even as Bunnings stays strong. ASX hits a record high while mining, energy and oil move markets. Labour market stays tight, lifting the chance of a rate rise. Restaurants in the US are shrinking portion sizes amid cost pressures and new weight-loss drugs.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Telstra's Mobile Surge Funds Payouts
- Telstra's December half earnings rose 14% driven by mobile revenue growth and higher ARPU on postpaid and prepaid plans.
- The result funded a bigger dividend and share buyback while workforce cuts trimmed costs.
Wesfarmers Flags Consumer Slowdown
- Wesfarmers saw profit rise but warned consumer spending is cooling and some divisions face headwinds like subdued residential construction.
- Bunnings remains the earnings engine while Target continues to struggle.
Tight Jobs Market Raises Rate Odds
- The labour market remains tight with unemployment at 4.1% and a strong full-time jobs gain, boosting inflation risks.
- Markets now price a greater than 50% chance of an RBA rate hike in May.