Sydney, Jan 27, 2026, 17:20 AEDT — Market closed
- On Tuesday, Macquarie Group shares climbed 2.3%, finishing at A$215.19.
- Traders are gearing up for Australia’s December-quarter CPI release on Wednesday, with the Reserve Bank meeting looming next week.
- A NAB survey revealed stronger business conditions, fueling the rate debate.
Macquarie Group shares climbed 2.3% on Tuesday, closing at A$215.19. The rally came after the long weekend and outpaced gains in the wider market. The stock had last traded at A$210.41 on Jan. 23. 1
This matters because Australia’s consumer price index for the December quarter drops Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. AEDT. The number could shift expectations on the next interest rate moves. Inflation surprises often trigger sharp swings in banks and other rate-sensitive shares. 2
A National Australia Bank survey released Tuesday revealed a pickup in business conditions for December, driven by stronger sales and profits alongside sustained high capacity use. Sally Auld, NAB’s chief economist, said, “Momentum improved in the Australian economy in the fourth quarter.” The data arrived as markets debated if the Reserve Bank will raise its 3.6% cash rate at the year’s first meeting. 3
Australian stocks climbed broadly, with the ASX 200 finishing roughly 0.9% higher, driven mainly by gains in materials and tech sectors. The session had that typical cautious tone as investors awaited the inflation data. 4
Beyond Australia, risk appetite remained firm. Asian stocks climbed to new record highs, buoyed by anticipation of a busy week packed with U.S. megacap earnings. Despite fresh U.S. tariff warnings targeting South Korea sparking some safe-haven demand, investors appeared to be increasing their bets on tech shares. “Has investors raising exposure to tech shares,” noted Jose Torres, senior economist at Interactive Brokers. 5
Macquarie, a diversified financial services firm, often moves in line with shifts in market activity and changing rate and growth forecasts. Its business covers asset management, banking, and advisory services, plus risk and capital solutions spanning financial markets and commodities. 6
Investors are eyeing a Macquarie-specific event on the horizon. The firm’s investor calendar marks an operational briefing set for Feb. 10, followed by the full-year results due May 8. 7
The Reserve Bank has scheduled its first 2026 policy meeting for February 2–3. This decision comes just after the CPI report and could shape both the Australian dollar and local banking sector sentiment early in the month. 8
But the risk swings both ways. A hotter CPI reading might ramp up bets on a rate hike, weighing on equity valuations. On the flip side, a softer print could dial down tightening fears and steer attention back to growth and deal flow — where Macquarie’s earnings remain uneven.
Wednesday brings the CPI release at 11:30 a.m. AEDT. Then, eyes turn to the RBA meeting on Feb. 2–3. Macquarie investors have their sights set on the Feb. 10 operational briefing as the next key date.
