0104 GMT - Australian interest-rate hikes such as the one the Reserve Bank announced this week are likely to hit consumer confidence and spending with the country's media advertisers, Macquarie analysts warn. They point out that media stocks tend to underperform in the lead-up to rate hikes, more of which could be on the way. They warn in a note that there is already low visibility on ad spend intentions into 2026, although operators are optimistic that volumes will improve. Macquarie's preferred sector pick is oOh!media, with the out-of-home market in which it operates viewed as a structural winner. (stuart.condie@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

February 03, 2026 20:04 ET (01:04 GMT)

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