Economic Analysis 11 February 2026 - 27 March 2026

Westpac Banking Corporation Earnings Preview: $75 Million RAMS Hit, RBA Rate Hike and Bad-Debt Watch
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Westpac Banking Corporation Earnings Preview: $75 Million RAMS Hit, RBA Rate Hike and Bad-Debt Watch

Westpac raised provisions for bad debt to their highest since COVID-19 after Middle East-linked energy shocks hit Treasury and Markets income. The bank reports first-half results Tuesday, as the Reserve Bank of Australia is widely expected to raise rates. Westpac flagged 4% lending growth, 3% deposit growth, and a A$75 million net profit hit from the RAMS mortgage sale. Peers ANZ and NAB also reported higher credit impairment charges.
May 1, 2026
Iran War Slams Markets Again: Oil Tops $110, Bonds Sell Off, Nasdaq Deepens Correction
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Iran War Slams Markets Again: Oil Tops $110, Bonds Sell Off, Nasdaq Deepens Correction

Global stocks slid Friday as Brent crude rose above $110 a barrel and Wall Street opened lower, following President Trump’s extension of the Iran shipping deadline. The Dow fell 450 points Thursday, the S&P 500 lost 1.7%, and the Nasdaq entered correction territory. Bond yields hit multi-year highs, while gold continued its decline. OECD cut its 2026 global growth forecast and raised inflation estimates.
March 27, 2026
Commonwealth Bank of Australia Stock Price: CBA Shares Enter a Key Week After RBA Hike and Oil Shock
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Commonwealth Bank of Australia Stock Price: CBA Shares Enter a Key Week After RBA Hike and Oil Shock

Commonwealth Bank of Australia shares closed Friday at A$175.64, down 0.97%, as the Reserve Bank’s rate hike to 4.10% and rising oil prices unsettled markets. CBA will increase home and eligible business loan rates by 25 basis points from March 27. Brent crude settled at $112.19 a barrel on Friday and may rise further after weekend tensions.
March 22, 2026
Deutsche Boerse stock: ECB minutes, US jobs data set the tone for DB1 shares this week
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Deutsche Boerse stock: ECB minutes, US jobs data set the tone for DB1 shares this week

Deutsche Boerse shares closed Friday at 232.40 euros, up 2.6%, after trading between 225.90 and 234.00 euros. The company began a share buyback on Feb. 20, targeting up to 500 million euros by July 31. Traders are watching for ECB minutes on March 5 and U.S. payrolls on March 6. European markets ended February strong, with the STOXX 600 at a record close.
March 1, 2026
SSE share price near a 52-week high as BoE rate debate sharpens — what to watch next
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SSE share price near a 52-week high as BoE rate debate sharpens — what to watch next

SSE closed Friday up 0.99% at 2,641p, near a 52-week high, after Fitch affirmed its BBB+ rating with a stable outlook. Around 7.5 million shares traded. Investors await the March 3 network price control decision and full-year results on May 28. The FTSE 100 rose 0.4% as markets priced in a possible Bank of England rate cut, though officials signaled caution.
February 15, 2026
Meta Platforms stock slips after US CPI as Wall Street stays wary of AI spending
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Meta Platforms stock slips after US CPI as Wall Street stays wary of AI spending

Meta Platforms shares fell 0.8% to $644.56 on Friday morning, reversing early gains after January U.S. CPI data came in softer than forecast. The communication services sector lagged as Wall Street indexes opened flat, with investors cautious after Thursday’s tech selloff. Traders are watching for Fed minutes on Feb. 18 and upcoming megacap earnings for signals on AI-linked returns.
February 13, 2026
S&P Global stock tries to steady in premarket after 10% slide; SPGI investors eye U.S. jobs data
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S&P Global stock tries to steady in premarket after 10% slide; SPGI investors eye U.S. jobs data

S&P Global shares rose about 0.7% in early premarket trading Wednesday after plunging 9.7% Tuesday on a weaker-than-expected 2026 profit outlook tied to AI disruption fears. The stock hit its lowest level in over two years. Fourth-quarter revenue climbed 9% to $3.916 billion, with adjusted EPS at $4.30. Investors await the U.S. January jobs report at 8:30 a.m. ET for further market direction.
February 11, 2026