- Global share markets were mixed in February, with markets higher in the UK and US but lower in Europe and Japan, while the Australian market rose 2.1%. - The Australian dollar rose against the US dollar in February, gaining 1.2% on the back of stronger commodity prices and expectations of further RBA rate hikes. - Key economic news in Australia included the RBA raising rates to 4%, strong jobs growth adding 52,700 jobs, and retail trade falling 0.7% in December.