Wesfarmers shares fall as high living costs impact second half sales growth
Wesfarmers shares fell today as high living costs slowed retail growth. Despite a record first-half profit, cautious consumer spending hit market confidence.
Insights:
Wesfarmers, also identified as Western Midstream Partners, LP , reported a weaker-than-expected start to the second half of the financial year on February 19, 2026. Following the announcement, the company’s shares fell by as much as 6.1% in AU 
AU, marking the largest one-day decline since late October 2025. This downturn is attributed to intensifying cost-of-living pressures and rising operating expenses, which have begun to dent retail earnings at the conglomerate.
AU, marking the largest one-day decline since late October 2025. This downturn is attributed to intensifying cost-of-living pressures and rising operating expenses, which have begun to dent retail earnings at the conglomerate.
