Sydney, Jan 31, 2026, 17:32 AEDT — Market closed
- Wesfarmers closed Friday at A$83.36, rising 0.3% despite a weaker market.
- Attention shifts to the RBA decision on Feb. 3 and Wesfarmers’ half-year results due Feb. 19.
- Mortgage-stress groups are sounding the alarm as rate pressure on households returns to the spotlight, with budgets feeling the squeeze.
Wesfarmers shares closed Friday up 0.3% at A$83.36, gaining slightly after a volatile patch in late January for ASX:WES.
This matters now since Wesfarmers is right at the forefront of Australia’s household spending. Higher interest rates usually hit retailers by cutting discretionary demand, and Wesfarmers faces significant risk given its stakes in Bunnings and Kmart.
Two key events loom in the coming week: the Reserve Bank of Australia’s meeting on Feb. 3 and Wesfarmers’ half-year results later that month. Traders will be watching closely for any clues on demand trends and margin pressures, despite Friday’s stock moves being fairly muted.
Wesfarmers ended the session at A$83.36 on Jan. 30, after swinging between A$82.75 and A$83.98. The S&P/ASX 200 dropped 0.65% to 8,869.1. According to market data, the stock remains roughly 12% off its 52-week peak. (Investing)
Rate calls are closing in. Following a hotter-than-expected inflation print, all four major Australian banks now back a 0.25 percentage point hike on Feb. 3. Deutsche Bank and Goldman Sachs, however, remain inclined to hold steady, according to the report. “We view February’s decision as a very close call,” Andrew Boak commented. (Reuters)
Household budgets are stretched thin, posing a real threat to retailers. “A rate rise would be the straw that breaks the camel’s back for a lot of our clients,” said Nadia Harrison, chief executive of Mortgage Stress Victoria. (ABC News)
The RBA will release its monetary policy decision statement at 2:30 p.m. AEDT on Feb. 3, according to its calendar. An updated Statement on Monetary Policy and a press conference are set for later that same day. (Reserve Bank of Australia)
Wesfarmers has locked in a key date. The company told the Australian Securities Exchange it will release its 2026 half-year results on Feb. 19 and hold an analyst briefing at 10:00 a.m. Perth time (AWST) / 1:00 p.m. AEDT. “Wesfarmers’ 2026 half-year results will be announced on Thursday 19 February 2026,” Sheldon Renkema noted in the announcement. (Company Announcements)
Investors will look beyond the headline profit number for updates across Wesfarmers’ divisions — from home improvement and general merchandise to office supplies, health, and its lithium venture — watching closely for any change in demand outlook. The company covers a broad spectrum, including retail, chemicals, gas, and fertilisers. (Wesfarmers)
The setup remains delicate. If the central bank turns hawkish, household cash flow could feel the pinch once more. On top of that, any hint that sales are slowing post-holiday would put pressure on a stock still trading far below its 52-week high.
Broker buzz crept in as well. On Jan. 26, Fintel flagged that Macquarie Research raised Wesfarmers to Outperform from Neutral. (Fintel)
Markets kick off again Monday. The real gauge of sentiment tied to Wesfarmers will come with the RBA meeting on Feb. 3 — followed by Wesfarmers’ earnings report and investor call on Feb. 19.
