ASX 200 breaks 9000 as copper, Microsoft and AI optimism lead gains
July 31, 2026, 5:48 AM EDT. ASX 200 briefly topped 9000 points, finishing at 8976.8 helped by a fourth straight month of gains and optimism for copper. Copper miners BHP and Rio Tinto moved up, tracking firmer copper prices and appetite for AI, which also helped lift South Korean tech stocks. Microsoft (MSFT) added almost $450 billion in market value after a record single-day jump. Softer inflation in Australia kept bets alive that the Reserve Bank will hold rates at 4.35%. Overseas money flowed in, offsetting sluggish moves in local tech and healthcare. Oil names edged higher even as crude shed 2% on easing Middle East risk.
Market wrap: ASX 200 moves above the 9000 …
FTSE 100 holds steady at open, DAX off 0.15% as July finishes
July 31, 2026, 5:45 AM EDT. The FTSE 100 started the session flat in London as July ends, while the DAX dropped 0.15%. The CAC 40 was nearly unchanged. Trading stayed muted in Europe with little movement heading into August and investors cautious.
BP looks to exit North Sea oil and gas after 60 years as new CEO pushes changes
July 31, 2026, 5:43 AM EDT. BP has started selling off its North Sea oil and gas unit in a sweeping move by new CEO Meg O’Neill, winding down more than 60 years of regional output. O’Neill is pushing to simplify BP’s business and cut debt. She said the North Sea is still a big piece of the UK energy supply but argued someone else should own the assets. The decision comes after the UK signaled a softer stance on oil and gas. Chris Beauchamp, a market analyst, called the move a “watershed moment” and pointed to BP growing tired of policy delays. UK Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said the focus should be looking after workers and local communities through the process. BP first entered the North Sea back in 1964 and made big finds like Forties. The sale arrives shortly after O’Neill took over as CEO and as BP’s chairman was pushed out over governance issues.
BP puts North Sea oil and gas business up …
FTSE 100 Closes Out Strong Month With 4.5% Jump as Corporates Move Shares
July 31, 2026, 5:41 AM EDT. The FTSE 100 hit another record close to 10,970 on Friday, rising more than 0.5% on the day. The index is tracking a roughly 2.2% gain this week and is up about 4.5% for the month, the best since February. Oil prices kept falling and chip stocks stayed volatile. NatWest shares jumped almost 4% on new guidance and a buyback plan. J Sainsbury gained over 3% after news broke it sold its Argos business. Pearson lost 4% even though it stuck to its outlook. IG Group sank 5% after disclosing a $1.3 billion US deal. IAG stock was off 1.6%, missing revenue estimates and warning on higher fuel costs and Middle East issues.
FTSE 100 Posts Best Month Since February
CBA shares trade at $177.53, NIM and ROE stay ahead of rivals
July 31, 2026, 5:39 AM EDT. Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) shares last changed hands at about $177.53. The Net Interest Margin (NIM) is 1.99%, beating the ASX major bank average of 1.78%. The Return on Equity (ROE) stands at 13.1%, well above the sector’s 9.35%. CBA’s market share in mortgages is over 20% and more than 25% for credit cards. The workplace culture score sits at 3.4 out of 5, just above the sector average of 3.1. These numbers sum up CBA’s strong grip on Australia’s banking landscape for long-term investors.
4 best numbers to value CBA shares
FTSE 100 Sets New High as US Tech Rebounds Lift Global Stocks
July 31, 2026, 5:35 AM EDT. The FTSE 100 climbed to a new record on Friday, getting a push from strong US tech gains, especially in AI-linked stocks. The NASDAQ snapped back 2.7% after a recent pullback, with CoreWeave and Nebius both up more than 30%. Earnings from Microsoft added to the upbeat mood even with Iran conflict worries in the background. UK miners and major banks like NatWest posted solid numbers, helping keep the FTSE 100 moving higher. IAG turned in a mixed report-profits dropped on higher fuel bills but still topped forecasts, pointing to some success on costs in a tougher market.
FTSE 100 hits record after US tech rockets…
Africa Bitcoin Corporation Targets Aquis Listing, Eyes SME Lending Expansion
July 31, 2026, 5:33 AM EDT. Africa Bitcoin Corporation is moving ahead with a secondary listing on London’s Aquis Growth Market set for August 17. The Johannesburg firm, which already trades on five venues including in South Africa and Frankfurt, is seeking more reach to global capital to push more lending to African SMEs often bypassed by banks. Its lending arm earns an 18% interest return. ABC ring-fences Bitcoin in its treasury to hedge currency swings and bring loan rates down-cutting them from 13% to 5%. The move comes after a conditional £250,000 funding round. The company says the Aquis listing will boost its position as Africa’s economic growth keeps climbing, with the continent expected to become the fourth-largest market by 2050.
Africa Bitcoin Corporation set for Aquis I…
FTSE 100 Sets New Record as AI Drives Tech Rally in Europe
July 31, 2026, 5:17 AM EDT. European markets moved higher with the Stoxx 600 up, lifted by fresh bets on artificial intelligence AI stocks. The FTSE 100 pushed to a record, with UK blue chips gaining ground as investors chased AI winners. The latest gains come as optimism over AI trends and solid earnings support tech shares. Some traders are looking for the next AI catalyst and how it could move broader markets.
European shares advance, FTSE 100 hits fre…
Beetaloo Energy (BTL) seeks ASX quote for more shares
July 31, 2026, 5:02 AM EDT. Beetaloo Energy Australia Limited (BTL) is looking to have additional shares quoted on the ASX after an update from Empire Energy Group Limited about Beetaloo’s share capital. The proposed listing aims to help Beetaloo grow its shareholder base and improve liquidity. Investors are watching as energy stocks draw more attention on the ASX. Details on the share issue and listing schedule are still to come. Beetaloo calls this part of its capital raising plans as it looks to boost its presence in the Australian energy market.
Beetaloo Energy Seeks ASX Quotation for Ad…
Lloyds H1 profit hits £4.3bn, launches £1bn buyback and reworks prefs
July 31, 2026, 4:31 AM EDT. Lloyds Banking Group LSE:LLOY posted a statutory pre-tax profit of £4.3bn for H1 2026. Net income came in at £9.7bn, up 9%, with net interest income also up 9% at £7.3bn, giving a NIM of 3.19%. Other income climbed 11% to £3.3bn; costs were flat. Lloyds lifted its dividend by 30% and started a £1bn buyback to run through January 27, 2027, using Goldman Sachs. The bank also reclassified its Existing Preference Shares to Tier 2 capital, ranking them above AT1 securities in a wind-up, changing capital structure and regulatory capital ranking.
Key facts: LSE:LLOY £4.3bn H1 profit; £1bn…
ASX Gains as Miners, Banks Lead Early Trade
July 31, 2026, 4:19 AM EDT. The Australian Securities Exchange ASX traded higher with miners and banks out in front. Buyers stepped in after new economic data and earnings landed. Traders kept an eye on global trade news and central bank moves for signs on direction. Some uncertainty remains but the tone stayed mostly positive. Mining stocks and financials helped lift the main index.
What's driving the ASX higher?
Taylor Wimpey (TW) slides on dividend cut as UK housing outlook dims
July 31, 2026, 4:18 AM EDT. Taylor Wimpey shares dropped 5% after the company cut its dividend and gave cautious guidance, pointing to a tough UK housing market. The builder reported first-half revenue up 1.7% at £1.68 billion but adjusted operating profit down 19.4% to £129.7 million as margins shrank. Home completions fell to 4,986 and the full-year target is now 10,600-10,800 units, pointing to weaker sales and affordability issues. Average selling price was up 6.7% at £334,000, but the order book dropped to £2.0 billion from £2.19 billion. Year-on-year, cash almost halved to £168.6 million with ongoing cladding costs still hitting liquidity. The board cut the dividend to 4% of net assets, aiming to keep the balance sheet solid as market pressures build. Buyers are still watching prices closely, and trading stays cautious.
Taylor Wimpey shares fall after dividend c…
Live Stock Market Updates for July 31, 2026
July 31, 2026, 4:17 AM EDT. Catch live market coverage for July 31, 2026. Updates roll in from 4:00 AM EDT, bringing early moves, trends, and market action. Track what unfolds today in stocks, indices, and the wider financial markets.
Stock Market Today: Live Updates 31.07.202…
ASX Earnings Season Starts with High Valuations, Mixed Outlooks
July 31, 2026, 4:16 AM EDT. ASX companies kicked off earnings with volatile market conditions as investors face weak consumer confidence, elections in play, and geopolitical risks. The index is trading at a 21x earnings multiple, well above the 16x long-run average. Dividend yield comes in at 3.33%, lower than usual. Market consensus expects 13% profit growth for 2025-26 but analysts warn of unprecedented volatility. Electronics and health stand out in consumer stocks, helping JB HiFi and Sigma Healthcare, but furniture and alcohol sales are falling behind. Coles remains a pick over its retail peers. Traders expect a patchy profit season with sector moves shaped by various catalysts and risks, and uncertainty still weighing on the outlook.
Criterion: Hold on tight for a rocky profi…
BP puts North Sea business up for sale under new CEO Meg O'Neill
July 31, 2026, 4:15 AM EDT. BP PLC is selling its North Sea operations, moving to simplify its portfolio under new CEO Meg O’Neill. The company is offering the North Sea assets, a key part of its business, as it scrambles to manage the global energy transition and cut exposure to mature fields. BP hasn’t named buyers or set a timeline. The sale follows the strategy to focus on core businesses and rework capital spending as market conditions shift.
BP puts North Sea business up for sale
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