Aussie unemployment supports rate hike, higher tension in Middle East
HomeNAB Morning Call › Episode

Aussie unemployment supports rate hike, higher tension in Middle East

15:22 Feb 19, 2026
About this episode
Friday 20th February 2026NAB Markets Research Disclaimer Financial Services Guide | Information on our services - NABAustralia’s unemployment rate held steady at 4.1%, reinforcing the case for a potential RBA rate hike in May as the labour market remains tighter than expected. Meanwhile, oil prices have surged above $71.80 a barrel as the U.S. bolsters its air power in the Middle East to levels not seen since 2003, creating a volatile backdrop of geopolitical risk. While the U.S. continues to show economic resilience with a strong labor market, a record-high trade deficit and cautious outlooks from major retailers like Walmart are tempering global market optimism. NAB’s Skye Masters joins Phil to talk through the overnight market news. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Select an episode
0:00 0:00