Sydney, Jan 11, 2026, 17:29 AEDT — Market closed
- On Friday, Wesfarmers wrapped up trading at A$81.06, marking a 0.12% increase.
- Australia’s quarterly inflation figures arrive Jan. 28, with the RBA set to announce its decision on Feb. 3
- Wesfarmers will release its half-year earnings on Feb. 19
Wesfarmers Ltd (WES.AX) closed Friday at A$81.06, marking a modest gain of 0.12%, after fluctuating between A$80.73 and A$81.71 during the session, per 8 .
That modest shift carries weight as major retailers brace for changes in interest-rate forecasts. The Reserve Bank of Australia will announce its upcoming policy decision on Feb. 3, following a two-day meeting. 1
Australia’s inflation data for the December quarter arrives Jan. 28. This figure matters because it shows price trends over three months, not just one. 2
The broader market held steady ahead of the weekend, as the S&P/ASX 200 edged down 0.03% to finish at 8,717.80 on Friday. 3
Energy stocks were the top performers today, but mining giant Rio Tinto dropped sharply following reports of merger discussions with Glencore, according to an ABC market report. 4
AMP Deputy Chief Economist Diana Mousina wrote in a weekly note on Friday that the February RBA meeting is expected to be “live,” though she anticipates no change in interest rates. 5
Wesfarmers, the owner of Bunnings, Kmart, and Officeworks, is frequently seen as a key indicator of everyday consumer spending and the appetite for home improvements. Moves in interest rate expectations often ripple through peers like Woolworths Group and JB Hi-Fi, with fund managers typically bundling these stocks together.
That setup goes both ways. If inflation picks up again and the RBA signals a rate hike, retailers could lose favour fast, dragging margin concerns back into focus.
Traders are also eyeing the ABS labour force report for December, set for release on Jan. 22. This data could influence rate expectations and consumer sentiment. 6
On the company front, Wesfarmers’ half-year results land on Feb. 19. Investors will be watching closely for updates on holiday sales, cost pressures, and clues about demand in the second half. 7
