Aug 23, 2026 – 11.15amA growing wave of profit downgrades is looming in a final week of the annual reporting season as boardrooms respond to a slowing economy by providing conservative outlook statements and guidance figures.Major retailers including JB Hi-Fi, Myer and Nick Scali have all reported difficult trading conditions, while the major banks have detailed a pessimistic outlook for the local property market. Investors will focus on results from the big supermarkets, Wesfarmers, Harvey Norman and Qantas this week for clues on how the Reserve Bank of Australia’s rapid-fire interest rate rises and a spike in oil prices is flowing through to the economy.Subscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Fetching latest articles