Stock Market Today: Live Updates 03.08.2026

Frasers Group CEO Could Get £100m Payout on 50% Share Jump as Deals Stack Up

August 4, 2026, 3:59 AM EDT. Frasers Group (LSE:FRAS) chief Michael Murray stands to pocket a £100m bonus if shares reach £12 by 2030, a 50% climb from the current £8. The remuneration committee called the target a ‘realistic stretch.’ As organic growth slows in retail, Frasers is piling into acquisitions, taking stakes in Debenhams, Asos, and pushing to own all of Hugo Boss in Germany, which trades at about 10.5x historic earnings. Frasers holds 30.28% in Hugo Boss and is seeking shareholder sign-off by August 13 on a higher bid. The group also snapped up a surprise 4.15% in Burberry for a shot at the luxury market. Those bets could deliver over £600 million in yearly earnings and drive market cap up 70%, though fresh debt or a share sale may be needed.

Could this FTSE 250 stock soar at least 50…

IG Group (LSE: IGG) Drops 26% on Acquisition, Buyback Freeze

August 4, 2026, 3:55 AM EDT. IG Group (LSE: IGG) shares have dropped 26% in the past month after interim numbers and news of a $1.3bn Underdog buy. The fall comes even with 18% higher revenue and a 66% jump in active customers, as IG kept its guidance, moved to buy Underdog, and stopped buybacks. The Underdog deal is meant to boost U.S. revenue and move into crypto and prediction markets, but IG faces regulatory risk and only limited profit from the deal for now. Margins hold up, the yield sits at 3.6%, and analysts put the forward P/E at 12. That makes IG a FTSE 100 income pick. Shares rose 54% over five years, barely beating the index, helped by increasing dividends.

After crashing 26% in one month, is this F…

Zotefoams Shares Climb Back Toward July High Ahead of Interim Update

August 4, 2026, 3:51 AM EDT. Zotefoams, valued at £229 million, plans to post its Interim Trading Update on August 5, covering the first half. The shares bounced from a low of 330p in March to 458p and now trade near the late July peak of 472p. Zotefoams last traded as high as 595p in May 2021. Some investors are betting this update could push the stock higher if the trading statement lands well. Analysts are tracking whether momentum holds up as markets stay choppy.

Zotefoams: will tomorrow’s Trading Update …

Smith & Nephew Cuts Annual Sales Target After US Slowdown

August 4, 2026, 3:46 AM EDT. Smith & Nephew PLC cut its full-year revenue growth guidance after soft US demand hit its orthopaedics and wound care businesses in the second quarter. The company said US market weakness drove the decision to lower the forecast. Smith & Nephew pointed to pressure in the healthcare space and said growth could stay under strain. Investors await more updates on market trends and the company’s performance.

Smith & Nephew cuts sales outlook after we…

ASX 200 tops February highs as tech stocks rally, DroneShield jumps

August 4, 2026, 3:41 AM EDT. The S&P/ASX 200 Index finished up 1.4% at 9,145.8, its highest close since February. Gains spread across sectors with tech names strong-the IT Index climbed 3.93%. Healthcare rose 2.36%, Financials added 1.93%. Gold, Communications, REITs, Materials, Industrials, Energy, Consumer Discretionary, and Consumer Staples all moved higher. Utilities was the only group in the red, off 0.42%. DroneShield Ltd led, up 14.6% to $2.08 after recent declines. Life360 Inc gained 11.38%. Moves came as investors responded to strong U.S. markets.

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

How to Aim for £1,000 a Month in Dividends from a Stocks and Shares ISA

August 4, 2026, 3:37 AM EDT. Getting to a £1,000 monthly passive income with a Stocks and Shares ISA means steady investing and patience. Aiming for a total return of about 9% a year, in line with historic FTSE 100 figures, and targeting a 5% dividend yield with a basket of 15 to 25 stocks can get you there. The £20,000 yearly ISA limit slows the build-up, but reinvesting dividends can help growth pick up. Spreading holdings helps soften the impact if a company cuts its payout or the market dips. The income is tax-free, but tax rules can move, so advice is worth getting.

How much is needed in a Stock and Shares I…

ASX 200 Jumps to Five-Month High as Wall Street Tech Rally Lifts Mood

August 4, 2026, 3:32 AM EDT. The ASX 200 climbed 1.28% to 9134 by 3:45pm AEST, touching 9139.7 for the highest point since February. The move tracked Wall Street after tech stocks, led by a 15% gain in Palantir on a strong earnings beat, pushed US indexes higher overnight. Softer geopolitical risk and the Fed pausing rate hikes helped sentiment. Australia’s June Monthly Household Spending Indicator rose 0.8%, ahead of forecasts and taking annual growth up to 6.0%. That eased some worries about consumer demand as the housing market cools. Markets now focus on the RBA’s next policy meeting, with rates expected to stay put for now, but a fourth hike still in play.

ASX 200 afternoon report: 4 August 2026

Rio Tinto Ltd ASX:RIO Shares Up 16.72% in 2024 as Revenue and Profit Fall, ROE Holds

August 4, 2026, 3:28 AM EDT. Rio Tinto Ltd ASX:RIO is up 16.72% for the year, but some key numbers stand out. Annual revenue is $53.7 billion, tracking a -5.5% CAGR over three years. Profit came in at $11.6 billion and is down at an -18.2% CAGR. Gross margin sits at 29.7%. Net debt totals $4.94 billion, for a 23.9% debt-to-equity ratio. Return on equity is high at 20.3%. ROE shows efficiency, but falling sales and earnings may raise questions for investors looking at 2024.

6 key numbers to value RIO shares

IG Group (LSE: IGG) drops 26% after results and US deal

August 4, 2026, 3:24 AM EDT. IG Group (LSE: IGG) shares are down 26% for the month after the FTSE 100 trading firm posted interim numbers and said it would buy US-based fantasy sports company Underdog for $1.3 billion. IG’s results showed first-half revenue up 18% to £642.8 million, with active customer numbers jumping 66% to 844,000. The Underdog deal will double IG’s US revenue, but some see more regulatory risk and questions about profits ahead. IG also halted its share buyback, which points to a more cautious management stance. Investors now face a mix of short-term worries and potential in areas like crypto and prediction markets, with margins still strong.

After crashing 26% in one month, is this F…

Five Growth Stocks Analysts Say Could Double in the Next Year—SpaceX, Planet Labs Among Picks

August 4, 2026, 3:19 AM EDT. Analysts are flagging five growth stocks in the US and UK they think could double over the next 12 months. The list features SpaceX and Planet Labs (NYSE: PL), which runs one of the largest commercial satellite fleets and supplies key Earth images. Planet Labs projects a 42% bump in revenue this fiscal year, trades at a lower price than SpaceX, and could have a better risk/reward setup. Other names: Strategy in crypto treasuries, Applied Digital in data centers, and D-Wave Quantum for quantum computing. All five stocks are at least 50% below the average analyst 12-month price target, so analysts see room for sharp gains as uncertainty lingers.

5 growth stocks tipped to double over the …

QEM Picks Up US Tungsten, Fluorspar, Niobium; Future Metals Eyes Two Routes for Panton

August 4, 2026, 3:14 AM EDT. QEM (ASX:QEM) is taking over tungsten, fluorspar and niobium projects in Idaho, going after U.S. supply gaps through the Big It and Columbite assets. Big It has underground access and historical tungsten production, which could keep costs down. Future Metals (ASX:FME) is refreshing its scoping study for the Panton PGM-nickel-chromium project in WA, looking at either building its own plant or reworking the idle Savannah processing plant. The review is weighing base versus alternative plans and looking at what it would take to get infrastructure and plant operations running efficiently. Meteoric Resources (ASX:MEI) just put out a definitive feasibility study on its Caldeira rare earths project in Brazil, supporting the project’s potential for strong returns. All three companies are making moves in critical minerals as global supply issues continue.

Resources Top 5: QEM acquiring US critical…

Frasers Group CEO’s £100M Bonus Tied to Big Share Price Jump

August 4, 2026, 3:10 AM EDT. Frasers Group Plc boss Michael Murray could take home a £100 million bonus if shares close at £12 for 30 straight trading days before September 2030, up about 50% from the current £8. The retailer booked £376 million profit for the year to April 2025 despite tough industry conditions. Frasers continues to build its portfolio, adding stakes in Debenhams, Asos, and luxury names like Hugo Boss and Burberry. The full takeover offer for Hugo Boss at €38 a share has seen just 7.3% shareholder acceptance, so Frasers may need to raise its bid. Frasers is betting on its push into luxury fashion to help it reach that ambitious share price and unlock Murray’s giant payout.

Could this FTSE 250 stock soar at least 50…

China Takes Lead in Gold Pricing, Shifting Market Power

August 4, 2026, 3:00 AM EDT. China has pushed past the U.S. as the main player in gold pricing, per Capital Wars analyst Michael Howell. The change is tied to the People’s Bank of China’s bigger balance sheet, used to address local debt deflation. China runs two separate monetary systems, managing capital movement and limiting crypto, so it can weaken its currency within the country but hold the yuan steady outside. Gold slid from March to June as China cut liquidity, with many watching for more moves as Middle East risks remain in focus. Gold has traded close to $4,030 an ounce after a peak earlier this year. Some investors expect a rebound in the back half of 2024 from these drivers.

China’s Shadowy Gold Move: Secrets of the …

ITM Power Ships First Batch of Green Hydrogen From RWE Lingen Facility

August 4, 2026, 2:56 AM EDT. ITM Power produced and sent out its first green hydrogen from RWE’s 100 MW electrolysis plant in Lingen, Germany. The company moved the hydrogen 120 km by pipeline to Evonik’s Marl chemical park, creating what it says is one of Europe’s first working hydrogen value chains. The project ties together large-scale hydrogen output, transport, and industrial use, and uses PEM electrolysis cells to split water using renewable power. CEO Dennis Schulz called it an important step for hydrogen and said the company is making progress toward the full 200 MW run at commercial scale.

ITM Power delivers first green hydrogen fr…

ASX Touches 100-Day High as Banks, Tech Rally; Credit Corp Falls

August 4, 2026, 2:54 AM EDT. The S&P ASX 200 jumped 1.4% to grab a 100-day high, sitting 0.62% below its record from February. Tech shares led the move, up over 3% after solid leads from Wall Street. Financial names also moved higher, with Macquarie up 3.13% and the sector hitting fresh highs. Materials were mixed. Iron ore dropped to a 13-month low near US$93/t, while copper ticked up 0.5% to US$13,870/t, which pushed up Rio Tinto and copper plays. Defence and drone stocks posted sharp gains. Credit Corp dropped 7.2% after a weak FY26 update and soft FY27 guidance. Life360 and Maas Group climbed after positive broker moves and contract wins.

Closing Bell: ASX soars to 100-day high on…

Taruga Minerals (ASX:TAR) sees strong gold recovery at Weioko as drilling nears in PNG

August 4, 2026, 2:43 AM EDT. Taruga Minerals (ASX:TAR) said metallurgical tests at the Weioko gold deposit in Papua New Guinea returned high gold recoveries on various grades. The company found the gold is free milling, so standard extraction should work. Taruga is about to start its first drilling campaign at the site. The company pointed to simple processing and possibly lower costs. Next, Taruga plans more exploration to test Weioko’s economics.

Long Shortz with Taruga Minerals: Free Wei…

EV Sales Push Up Australian Household Spending in June

August 4, 2026, 2:42 AM EDT. Australian household spending climbed 0.8% in June from the month before, as transport costs jumped 3%, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). The ABS said electric and hybrid cars made up almost half of new car sales from April to June, as buyers reacted to higher fuel prices. Air travel spend also jumped, with travel demand returning after the Iran war hit the sector earlier this year. Recreation and culture spending rose 1.4% on gains in electronics, live shows, and gambling. Commonwealth Bank of Australia sees a slowdown ahead as house prices fall. The Reserve Bank of Australia raised rates three times this year to check inflation. Economists say the latest data is unlikely to force more hikes for now.

Household spending increases in June, powe…

FTSE 100 Hovers Near All-Time Highs; ChatGPT Sees Choppy Trading, Not Crash

August 4, 2026, 2:40 AM EDT. FTSE 100 is trading close to record levels, and questions are swirling about whether it could crash before 2026. ChatGPT points to risks like geopolitical shocks, stretched valuations, and more leverage, all of which could spark a correction. But the tool doesn’t call a crash-just warns about likely volatility. The index is on about 13-14 times forward earnings and yields around 3.5%, which could help soften any drawdown. Legal & General Group Plc carries a 7.2% yield and a 25-year record of payouts, making it a preferred pick if the FTSE slides 10-15%. Most experts say investors should stick to hunting for good long-term buys instead of trying to time any dips.

I asked ChatGPT if the FTSE 100 will crash…

Pro Medicus ASX:PME drops while Rio Tinto ASX:RIO rebounds, diverging on yield and growth

August 4, 2026, 2:39 AM EDT. Pro Medicus Ltd ASX:PME shares have fallen 22% since early 2025, even as revenue is up, putting the price-to-sales multiple at 112.35x compared to its 5-year average of 82.69x. The health software firm’s Visage platform lets users analyse images remotely, speeding up diagnostics. Rio Tinto Ltd ASX:RIO shares are up 56% from their 52-week low but its trailing dividend yield has dropped to 3.78%, below the 5-year average of 6.80%. Rio Tinto is still a leading global miner with iron ore a key export. Growth is the main focus for PME while income and dividend stability matter for RIO, given its blue-chip label. Tools like price-to-sales ratios and dividend yields help investors make these calls.

I’m keeping an eye on PME shares in 2026

Seraphim Space puts £21m to work from May’s £137m fundraise

August 4, 2026, 2:38 AM EDT. Seraphim Space Investment Trust PLC (LSE:SSIT) said it has invested £21 million out of the £137 million raised in May, backing two existing names in its portfolio. This is the trust’s first capital outlay from the latest round of fundraising, targeting more aerospace and space tech assets. Seraphim Space is building its presence in the sector with a focus on growth-stage space ventures.

Seraphim Space deploys first £21m from £13…

FTSE 100 Edges Past S&P 500 With £400 Lead on £50,000 in Past Year

August 4, 2026, 2:23 AM EDT. From July 2025 through the end of July 2026, the FTSE 100 returned 19.1%, beating the S&P 500’s 18.3% and adding £400 more to a £50,000 stake. Financials, defence stocks, miners and energy drove the FTSE’s gains as these sectors picked up on higher commodity prices, interest rates, and stronger global defence spending. The UK blue-chip index now trades at 13-14 times forward earnings, handing investors a 3.5% yield, well above the S&P 500’s 1.1%. BAE Systems stood out, up 19.4% so far this year on bigger NATO budgets and a record backlog. The numbers do not account for dividends reinvested, fees, or currency moves.

£50,000 in the FTSE vs the S&P 500: who’s …

Fortescue moves from hydrogen to data centres, taking aim at global market

August 4, 2026, 2:22 AM EDT. Andrew Forrest is turning Fortescue away from green hydrogen and toward data centres fuelled by its renewable power. In April, Forrest told Norway’s Prime Minister he wanted to use the Holmaneset hydrogen site for big data centres, hoping to finish work there sooner and possibly draw more capital. In Western Australia, Fortescue has pushed for law changes so it can tap surplus energy from its own grid to build out data centre projects. The company says it still plans to go ahead with the Holmaneset green ammonia project, but new statements point to a change in strategy as data centre competition heats up. Fortescue, which landed a €203.7 million EU grant for hydrogen earlier, is now looking to grow by using more of its renewable assets in data projects.

Fortescue pivots from hydrogen dreams to g…

Bessent Steps In as US Moves to Back Yen, Signals Currency Push

August 4, 2026, 2:11 AM EDT. Scott Bessent’s intervention to help the Japanese yen signals a turn in US ‘currency activism’ as Washington looks to push back on trades it sees as hurting US interests. The action shows the US is now willing to step in and move foreign exchange markets to shield its economy. Efforts to steady the yen point to rising US worries over currency swings and the effect on the trade gap. Bessent’s move shifts away from past US policy, with a harder line on global currency moves. It marks a clear effort to block market actions the US sees as negative for its financial and economic aims.

Scott Bessent’s yen intervention signals n…

Southern Water Applies for Drought Order in Hampshire, Isle of Wight

August 4, 2026, 2:10 AM EDT. Southern Water filed for a Drought Order and Non-Essential Use Ban with Defra, targeting Hampshire and the Isle of Wight after drought status was declared. The Environment Agency says more than half of England faces drought conditions, and Southern Water wants to keep drawing the same amount of water even if river flows drop. The utility has fixed 4,000 leaks since January, saving about 40 million litres. The company is rolling out water-saving programs for customers and planning a new reservoir to support supplies for the future.

Proposed water ban over drought in Hampshi…

Whitefield Industrials plans buy-back for up to 10% of shares

August 4, 2026, 2:09 AM EDT. Whitefield Industrials Ltd (ASX: WHF) said it will start an on-market buy-back of as many as 12.05 million shares-about 10% of its issued stock-starting August 19, 2026. The buy-back, run by broker Taylor Collison Ltd, can last up to a year. Whitefield will fund the buy-back from its own cash, buying shares at the market price on ASX and doesn’t need shareholder approval. The company said the goal is to lift shareholder value by possibly improving earnings per share. Whitefield shares have dropped 12% over the past year while the ASX All Ordinaries rose 4%. Investors should keep in mind the timing and scale of this buy-back as Whitefield rolls out the program.

Whitefield Industrials launches on-market …

Westpac (ASX: WBC): What It Takes to Get $2,000 a Month in Dividends

August 4, 2026, 2:08 AM EDT. Westpac Banking Corporation Ltd (ASX: WBC) pays out strong dividends for people after passive income. If you want $2,000 a month-$24,000 a year-on current forecasts, you’d need about 15,584 shares, using the $1.54 dividend estimate for FY26. That’s an investment of roughly $605,126 at today’s $38.83 share price. If the dividend climbs to $1.55 in FY27, you’d need around 15,483 shares, or about $601,204. Westpac’s reputation for steady, fully-franked dividends and a defensive profile put it on the radar for yield-focused buyers, but upfront capital needs are high. Some investors choose to build their position gradually and reinvest dividends for income and growth.

How many Westpac shares do I need to buy f…

ASX: IKO Rockets 100% on Chip Rally, Then Spins 40% Lower in Volatile 2026

August 4, 2026, 2:07 AM EDT. The iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (ASX: IKO) ripped nearly 100% higher in the past year as outsized gains in Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix-together about 44% of the ETF-lifted the fund. Samsung jumped 500%, SK Hynix soared more than 1,000% between June 2025 and June 2026, as the global AI wave drove chip stocks. But the rally snapped since late June, with IKO tumbling about 30% after Samsung dropped 41% and SK Hynix fell 54%. Even after the sharp selloff, IKO is still up 45.35% in 2026 so far, leaving investors watching the fund’s wild swings tied to chips.

Up 100%, down 40%: Meet the ASX's craziest…

FTSE 100 Hits Record; Glencore, NatWest, UK Energy Stocks in Focus as Volatility Continues

August 4, 2026, 2:06 AM EDT. FTSE 100 touched a fresh intraday high at 10,989 on July 31, 2026, while global uncertainty lingers around energy and Middle East issues. Glencore Plc (GLEN) led with copper output up 15% and projected adjusted EBIT of $3.3bn, lifted by industrial demand and gold hedges. NatWest (NWG) posted a 20% jump in operating profit to $4.32bn and set a 12p interim dividend, with returns on tangible equity seen topping 19%. Despite economic headwinds, NatWest remains a steady yield play for now. Climbing oil and gas prices are supporting UK energy shares. These drivers are shaping where investors are looking in the FTSE 100 for August.

Here’s 3 market-driven FTSE 100 stocks to …

Maas Group Lifts FY26 Outlook on $855m Contract Win

August 4, 2026, 2:05 AM EDT. Maas Group Holdings (ASX: MGH) landed a $855 million electrical infrastructure contract from Firmus, pushing total work in hand over $1.2 billion. Off the back of the deal, Maas raised its FY26 underlying EBITDA guidance to $300-310 million, citing momentum in both electrical and digital infrastructure. The company also put another $300 million into Firmus Grid Limited, now holding a $410 million position for a 3.2% stake. Maas looks to complete the sale of its construction materials arm to Heidelberg Materials Australia by October 2026, which could bring in up to $1.7 billion. CEO Wes Maas pointed to a focus on AI and data infrastructure, saying the company has a strong tender pipeline set for next-gen builds.

Maas upgrades FY26 earnings guidance after…

Kmart Sells Out $89 Camera Glasses, Stirring Privacy Worries

August 4, 2026, 1:53 AM EDT. Kmart’s $89 Anko camera glasses sold out fast, giving buyers a cheaper option than Meta or Ray-Ban models that start at $367. The glasses shoot 8-megapixel photos and 1080p video, work with Bluetooth and have smart controls. Privacy experts warn the devices could get used for filming people without consent and say data use rules aren’t clear. Critics say Australian privacy law hasn’t kept up with fast tech changes. Attorney General Michelle Rowland said the government is still working to protect privacy as people get more concerned about hidden recording devices.

Kmart low-cost camera glasses sell-out ami…

Audeara moves to commercial production of AI audio chips with Optek

August 4, 2026, 1:52 AM EDT. Audeara has started commercial production of its AI audio chips through a partnership with China’s Optek Microelectronics, pushing ahead on its fee-per-chip licensing plan. The Australian company said Optek’s SoC platforms now use its AI tech for noise reduction and media personalisation. First commercial orders total about $31,000, giving Audeara its first revenue from a model that’s designed to scale and doesn’t require much capital. The company said this shows it can get its AI audio features onto chips with semiconductor partners as it goes after the consumer audio, hearables, and hearing aid markets. CEO James Fielding said putting the noise reduction algorithms right on the chip cuts latency and boosts sound quality, a key step for Audeara as it focuses on personalised hearing.

Audeara turns up the volume on AI licensin…

ASX Energy Stocks Mostly Trail as Oil Surges

August 4, 2026, 1:51 AM EDT. Crude oil prices have climbed 32% during the Middle East crisis, but most ASX energy stocks aren’t keeping up. Woodside Energy leads, jumping 32% in six months and 24% in a year, as it picks up traction from the oil run and fresh investor interest. Santos, Beach Energy, and Karoon Energy aren’t seeing the same lift-returns are flat or down, with setbacks from project delays and higher costs. Some analysts doubt the oil price rally will boost shares for long. They say investors are sticking to longer-term outlooks, and many expect oil to give up $20-$30 from current prices as supply risks fade, even with ongoing trouble at key energy transit routes.

Most ASX energy stocks have failed to fire…

Trump’s Economic Moves Leave Mark on Debt and Policy

August 4, 2026, 1:50 AM EDT. Donald Trump accounted for 35% of all U.S. national debt gained since 1776, putting his administration’s fiscal impact in sharp focus. He came in vowing to curb immigration and put the U.S. back on top globally, but critics pointed to mixed tariffs, more foreign tensions, and spending cuts that came up short. The era moved away from expectations of free trade or cutting deficits, and saw the U.S. make deals with hard-line leaders and bring on advisors that drew skepticism. Trump’s time compressed U.S. global power and stirred debate about how leadership shaped real outcomes.

Knock the Temple Down

Deferring Income in Australia: Tax Perks Come With Risks

August 4, 2026, 1:49 AM EDT. Australia’s complex tax rules have led many to put off taking income until retirement, hoping for lower tax. It works by shifting income into low-tax periods, usually using superannuation or trusts. But when the tax rules change-which happens without notice-money can end up stuck in old structures, stuck with unexpected taxes. There have been fresh rule changes: capital gains taxes are up, and there’s now a minimum tax on trust payouts. Other countries also made late tax shifts-Thailand started taxing foreign income, and New Zealand is considering a capital gains tax. Experts say deferring income to save on tax is a gamble. Rule changes can wipe out any benefit and lock up funds.

Don’t make this expensive tax planning mis…

Australian Spending Stays Strong, Putting RBA August Hike in Play

August 4, 2026, 1:26 AM EDT. Economists say the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) could hike rates in August as household spending stays high. Persistent demand is seen giving the RBA additional ammunition for another tightening move as it looks to check inflation.

RBA gains ‘ammunition’ for August rate hik…

ASX Looks at Easing IPO Promotion Rules to Spur Listings

August 4, 2026, 1:23 AM EDT. Australian Securities Exchange ASX is considering making it easier for companies to promote an initial public offering before filing a prospectus. Right now, firms can’t advertise an upcoming IPO until the paperwork is filed, which limits how much attention they can get. The possible rule changes would let companies reach investors earlier, a move aimed at helping the shrinking market for public listings. Some in the market say this could kickstart more IPOs and help grow the public market. The change would also fit efforts to bring more listings and speed up activity in Australia.

Companies may find it easier to join the A…

Stakk Lifts FY26 Pro Forma Revenue Outlook After ParaScript Deal

August 4, 2026, 1:20 AM EDT. Stakk (ASX:SKK) raised its combined FY26 pro forma revenue view to about A$45 million after buying ParaScript, up 9% from its first A$41.3 million forecast. Standalone unaudited FY26 numbers were A$14.66 million for Stakk and A$30.35 million for US-based ParaScript, showing better past performance than expected. The new figure does not include any future revenue from planned cross-sell or integration. Stakk now has more than 300 global enterprise customers processing over 100 billion digital interactions a year. Management said both companies beat their initial financial targets, backing up the buy. Full pro forma figures will come with Stakk’s preliminary FY26 results later this month.

Stakk lifts combined pro forma FY26 revenu…

Stelar Metals Taps Andrew Bennett to Run Exploration Before Hill of Leaders Drilling

August 4, 2026, 1:17 AM EDT. Stelar Metals ASX:SLB said it brought on Andrew Bennett, the former Core Lithium ASX:CXO exploration manager, to head exploration. Bennett led work at CXO on the Finniss lithium project, taking it from early exploration all the way to about 50 million tonnes in resource and into production as lithium prices climbed. He joins just as Stelar gets set for its first 3,000-metre reverse circulation drilling campaign at the Hill of Leaders tungsten project. The hire comes as Stelar moves into advanced resource work.

StockTake: Stelar adds seasoned explorer a…

Boots, M&S push deeper into U.K. beauty as rivals crowd sector

August 4, 2026, 1:02 AM EDT. Boots and Marks & Spencer are stepping up their game in U.K. beauty. The two retailers, with almost 3,000 stores between them, are moving to grab more share of a £28.3 billion beauty market that’s now the biggest category on the U.K. high street. Competition is tight, with Space NK, Sephora, Selfridges and Harrods all in the mix. Boots has rolled out new standalone beauty and fragrance shops and added more brands and services. M&S is building up its own beauty line, selling more third-party brands, adding consultations and new names like Estée Lauder and K-beauty label Biodance. M&S lists 70 beauty brands online; third parties make up half its beauty sales. Both retailers are using their brand history and shopper data to pull in customers looking for expert advice in store.

Boots, Marks & Spencer Get Ambitious in a …

Fortescue (ASX: FMG) drops 22% as iron ore slips, outlook split

August 4, 2026, 1:01 AM EDT. Fortescue Ltd shares (ASX: FMG) have fallen 22% from a mid-May high of $22.99 to $17.99 as iron ore prices tumbled and market volatility picked up. Heavy exposure to iron ore left the miner vulnerable. Market sentiment took another hit on concerns about Middle East conflict, costs, and oil supply. The stock is down 19% so far this year. Analysts stay mixed on Fortescue, with consensus targets near $18.50-just above current levels. Some see more downside if iron ore demand cools through 2030 and Chinese steel output keeps slowing. Investors have mostly stayed cautious with the sector still clouded by uncertainty.

Down 22%: Has the market lost interest in …

Cyclical Shares Gain in DAX, ASX 200, Russell 2000

August 4, 2026, 12:47 AM EDT. Investors pushed up cyclical stocks in Germany’s DAX, Australia’s ASX 200, and the U.S. Russell 2000, with all three showing similar price moves. Companies tied to manufacturing and financials led the action. The parallel rise in these indices suggests traders see better economic conditions coming, even as each market faces its own hurdles.

Cyclical stocks sniff out better times ahe…

ASX Midday: Tech Stocks Up, Consumer Staples Fall

August 4, 2026, 12:46 AM EDT. Tech shares jumped more than 3% by midday Tuesday on the Australian market, with WiseTech Global gaining 2% and drawing investors to the sector. Consumer staples fell 0.25%, led down by Woolworths Group. The shift shows traders backing tech and easing out of defensive names on the ASX.

ASX Midday Sector Update: Information Tech…

Brokers Tip 28%-38% Upside for Three ASX 200 Names

August 4, 2026, 12:45 AM EDT. The S&P/ASX 200 Index is up almost 2% early this month. Brokers are pointing to three stocks-Lynas Rare Earths, Vault Minerals, and Megaport-they say could gain 28% to 38% in the next year. Lynas jumped 5% and has clawed back from a recent slide, now 31% above where it was a year ago on strong but slightly underwhelming quarterly sales. Vault Minerals is up 2%, bouncing after dropping 40% in March when geopolitical jitters hit, with brokers seeing 38% more upside. Megaport rallied almost 7% as it rebounds from an April selloff. Most brokers rate these a buy, citing expected growth even as the market remains choppy.

Brokers tip these 3 ASX 200 shares to retu…

Peregrine Gold (ASX:PGD) widens Capricorn gold strike to 2.6km in Pilbara

August 4, 2026, 12:44 AM EDT. Peregrine Gold (ASX:PGD) has lifted the strike length for potential gold-bearing gravels at its Capricorn prospect in Western Australia’s Pilbara to 2.6km, up from 1.7km. The move comes after new assays from a 4km sampling program showed grades up to 12.52g/t gold, with lower grades of 0.45g/t in an older gravel unit. Capricorn, which sits within the Newman Gold & Iron Ore Project, now has a larger shallow target. Peregrine has filed a 202ha Mining Licence Application and is lining up more sampling plus bulk testing and dry processing trials to nail down gold distribution and recovery in the gravels. Technical director George Merhi said the paleochannel system at Capricorn remains open and offers more potential for gold finds.

Peregrine extends Capricorn potential gold…

Analysts Still Like 4 ASX 200 Gold Shares After Sharp Swing

August 4, 2026, 12:31 AM EDT. ASX 200 gold shares have swung hard, with the S&P/ASX All Ords Gold Index jumping 130% over a year to March, then losing almost 30%. Analysts are still finding value in four picks. Capricorn Metals (ASX: CMM) gets the sector leader label, runs without debt, targeting a production boost and a possible 35% upside. Northern Star Resources (ASX: NST) is called out for steady cost control and has a 17% upside, but guidance was pushed back to FY27. Catalyst Metals (ASX: CYL) is flagged for a 126% potential gain on strong cash and record output. Perseus Mining (ASX: PRU) keeps an outperform call with 12% upside and more than US$1 billion net cash. Experts name these as buys, seeing opportunity even with gold prices quiet.

4 ASX 200 gold shares to buy: Experts

ASX 200 Gold Stocks: July Moves for Evolution Mining, Newmont, Northern Star

August 4, 2026, 12:30 AM EDT. The S&P/ASX 200 Index climbed 2.3% in July, beating the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Gold Index, which rose 1%. Evolution Mining dropped 4.1% for the month, even after hitting record operating cash flow of A$3.39 billion and sticking with its FY 2026 production outlook. Evolution said it would buy Carnaby Resources in an all-share deal worth A$213 million. Northern Star Resources added 5% after gold sales jumped 14% quarter-on-quarter to 433,482 ounces, with full-year 2026 earnings guidance steady at roughly A$2.9 billion. Newmont inched up 0.3%. Newmont posted a 14.3% fall in gold output from a year ago, but stronger gold prices drove quarterly sales to US$6.12 billion.

Buying ASX 200 gold stocks? Here's how Evo…

Entropy Neurodynamics (ASX: ENP) gets green light for TRP-8803 basket trial in eight conditions

August 4, 2026, 12:29 AM EDT. Entropy Neurodynamics (ASX: ENP) has secured ethics signoff to run a Phase 1b/2a basket trial of its intravenous psilocin drug, TRP-8803, in eight different indications, including treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD and fibromyalgia. The trial will recruit 72 people across nine cohorts, using a two-week treatment gap and pairing dosing with psychedelic-assisted therapy. Safety is the primary endpoint. Secondary measures include anxiety, symptom changes and quality of life, plus advanced imaging and biomarker work. CEO Jason Carroll said the parallel basket format could speed up clinical readouts and help with commercial planning. The A$3.2 million study follows positive Phase 2 data in binge eating disorder and looks to test multiple conditions using a single protocol to save on cash and time.

Entropy Neurodynamics Gains Ethics Approva…

Qantas Drops 6.3% in July as Oil Surges, Fuel Costs Up

August 4, 2026, 12:18 AM EDT. Qantas Airways shares slid 6.3% in July, even with the S&P/ASX 200 up 2.3%. The drop comes as Brent crude rose 26%, from US$71.55 to US$90.12 a barrel. The jump could lift Qantas’ second-half FY 2026 jet fuel bill by as much as $800 million. Fuel is still Qantas’ biggest outlay after planes. Qantas did log progress on its Project Sunrise plan, with an Airbus A350-1000ULR flying non-stop from France to Melbourne in a test run aimed at future Sydney-London direct service by October 2027. Despite losses in July, Qantas shares rose 3.5% into early August as the market weighed the moves.

Why Qantas shares flew into turbulence in …

Taruga Minerals (ASX:TAR) Says Weioko Gold Testwork Points to Easy Processing; Drilling Planned

August 4, 2026, 12:17 AM EDT. Taruga Minerals (ASX:TAR) said early metallurgical work at the Weioko gold deposit in Papua New Guinea showed high gold recoveries and confirmed the ore is free milling. That means standard processing could work, the company said, as it sets up for maiden drilling. Non-executive director David Chapman talked through the results on the Long Shortz podcast, saying the project could allow for simple, low-cost extraction. The company reminded investors to seek their own financial advice.

Long Shortz with Taruga Minerals: Free Wei…

Australia’s Telstra, BHP, CSL rated hold as market rebounds

August 4, 2026, 12:16 AM EDT. Australian stocks bounced back, with the S&P/ASX 200 and All Ordinaries both gaining over 1%. Telstra ticked up 0.5% to $5.05, still 9% under its 10-year high. Broker calls are split between hold and buy, pointing to just 3% upside. BHP slipped 1% at $60.34 but is up 32% this year as iron ore output stays strong. Most brokers stick with a hold, eyeing a 4% upside. CSL climbed 2.5% to $127.16. Brokers say hold on to these big, defensive names while valuations and sector rotation remain in play.

Buy, hold, sell: Telstra, BHP, CSL shares

4 ASX buys flagged for up to 187% upside

August 4, 2026, 12:15 AM EDT. ASX shares moved up Tuesday as geopolitical worries faded and inflation numbers eased. The S&P/ASX 200 and All Ordinaries both rose around 1%. Brokers pointed to four stocks they expect to outperform over the next year: ResMed Inc (RMD), now up 12% from lows and with a 187% upside target; Elevra Lithium Ltd (ELV), which bounced back from a recent drop and has a 100% upside forecast; West African Resources Ltd (WAF), reporting record output and kept at buy despite higher costs, with brokers seeing more gains ahead; and a fourth name, not specified here, also drawing broker support. Analysts say targets and ratings for these names support the case for more upside in the current climate.

4 ASX shares rated a buy with upside of up…

Critica (ASX:CRI) cuts acid use by 30% at Jupiter rare earths project

August 4, 2026, 12:14 AM EDT. Critica (ASX:CRI) said it has managed to cut sulphuric acid use by 30% in tests at its Jupiter rare earths project in Western Australia. Third-party lab results put acid consumption at roughly one tonne per tonne of feed, down from earlier levels of 1.4 to 1.6 tonnes. The company said this should mean cheaper processing as it moves toward a scoping study. The new numbers follow earlier work that improved magnet rare earths recovery to 81% and increased concentrate grade by 14 times. CEO Jacob Deysel said the company is focused on fine-tuning the process for both cost and high recovery. Critica said the latest results make the case for Jupiter’s hydrometallurgical process and could help project economics and sustainability.

Critica slashes acid use by 30% in Jupiter…

Brambles Ltd (BXB) Shares Down 12.7% This Year as Investors Weigh Financials

August 4, 2026, 12:13 AM EDT. Brambles Ltd ASX:BXB has dropped 12.72% since the start of 2024 with volatility hitting shares. The group runs CHEP, the pallet hire business, and posted $6.74 billion revenue with compound annual growth at 7.6% over three years. Gross margin is at 34.5%. Net profit rose 14.3% to $780 million a year, showing earnings growth. Brambles reports net debt of $2.53 billion and an 81.8% debt-to-equity ratio. Leverage looks manageable, with more equity than debt. Investors are tracking return on equity, and how the company’s asset-light model holds up with supply chain pressures and rate moves.

A quick way to value the BXB share price

ASX hits record for IPOs in July 2026 as two new listings surge over 100%

August 4, 2026, 12:03 AM EDT. ASX had 10 IPOs in July, the most so far in 2026. Two of those debuts posted triple-digit gains, well ahead of what the market expected. IPO activity stayed strong as investors kept chasing new names. Six more floats are lined up for August, suggesting appetite for fresh listings is not fading yet.

IPO Watch: July was the ASX's busiest IPO …

Entropy gets green light for psilocin basket study in tough-to-treat conditions

August 4, 2026, 12:00 AM EDT. Entropy Neurodynamics has ethics sign-off to launch a phase Ib/IIa basket trial of IV psilocin (TRP-8803) for eight disorders with high unmet need. The company will recruit 72 patients with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD, fibromyalgia and more. The study-described as a “world-first”-will look at safety, tolerability, and early efficacy, pairing the drug with psychedelic-assisted therapy. Psilocin, from psilocybin mushrooms, is still unapproved worldwide but can be tested in Australia. The trial will track biomarkers like MRI and EEG to map out effects. Entropy is working closer now with Swinburne University, pushing its plan to build TRP-8803 into a precision psychedelic platform for hard mental health cases.

Entropy secures ethics approval for ‘world…

Taruga Minerals (ASX:TAR) Says Tests Show Weioko Gold Is Easily Recovered

August 3, 2026, 11:57 PM EDT. Taruga Minerals (ASX:TAR) said early metallurgical work at its Weioko deposit points to high gold recoveries, with the gold classed as free milling, so it can be processed simply. Non-executive director David Chapman talked about these test results before the company’s first drilling at the Papua New Guinea site. Free milling gold usually helps cut processing costs. Investors are waiting for results from drilling to get a clearer sense of what resource is there. The company said this update is in line with standard practice and isn’t financial advice.

Long Shortz with Taruga Minerals: Weioko g…

Honda rolls out Super-One EV in Australia, prices above BYD Atto 1

August 3, 2026, 11:51 PM EDT. Honda is bringing the Super-One, its smallest EV, to Australia. The price is higher than BYD’s Atto 1 even though the Super-One is the most compact EV in the country. The new EV targets city drivers who want a basic electric hatch, but that higher price could make it a tougher sell against rivals that cost less.

PRICE CONFIRMED: Honda Super-One detailed …

Qantas eyes Accenture in early talks to offshore up to 1000 jobs as part of AI shake-up

August 3, 2026, 11:49 PM EDT. Qantas is talking with Accenture about Project iQ, a possible restructure that could outsource as many as 1000 back-office jobs, some to India. Roles in marketing, finance and HR are on the line. Qantas says it hasn’t made a decision and it’s still committed to local staff, but the Australian Services Union says this could break past promises and risk hurting service. The news follows Qantas’s $90 million penalty for COVID-era sackings. Officeworks and Woolworths have made similar moves, with more companies turning to AI and offshore workers to cut costs.

Qantas in ‘discussions’ with consulting fi…

SCX.ai plans $40m ASX debut as open-weight AI infrastructure push accelerates

August 3, 2026, 11:47 PM EDT. SCX.ai is lining up what would be Australia’s first ASX float by a company fully focused on sovereign AI inference infrastructure, with plans to raise $40 million. More enterprises are looking for open-weight AI models they can run and control locally, not depend on big overseas platforms. That trend is steering AI demand to sovereign and secure infrastructure. SCX.ai supplies custom inference computing in Australian data centers, targeting chatbot and automation workloads, not the more expensive AI training. David Keane, the founder, says the pressure is growing on firms to keep AI environments and data in their own hands. Nvidia boss Jensen Huang and some big tech names have backed open-weight models, pushing the new model as the sector moves towards more local control.

Open-weight AI puts SCX.ai at centre of ne…

FortifAI’s NOL8 moves 34TB daily with Megaport network, CEO touts 10x cost edge

August 3, 2026, 11:45 PM EDT. FortifAI said its NOL8 platform pushed 34 terabytes of governed AI data each day across Virginia, Tokyo, and Sydney using Megaport’s network. That’s a big jump from its legacy setup, which handled 2.6 terabytes. The company ran tests on pre-embedding and agent messaging, posting byte-identical governance results in each region-a key feature for firms handling sensitive data on strict infrastructure. NOL8 kept its governance policies aligned worldwide and let customers move data between clouds while staying compliant. CEO Kelly Herrell pointed to a ten-fold cost advantage and 3-millisecond in-region latency. NOL8 held up under a 400% policy growth, beating legacy tools on costs. FortifAI is aiming for broader rollouts, working with Megaport partners as more companies look for secure AI data tools.

FortifAI’s NOL8 proves its AI mettle acros…

Vmoto Posts 140% Jump in H1 2026 EV Sales on Orders, International Push

August 3, 2026, 11:43 PM EDT. Vmoto (ASX: VMT) said first-half 2026 EV sales rose 140% to 12,713 units, citing strong deliveries and a firm order book of 5,504 units. Second-quarter sales climbed 156% to 6,020 units, and Vmoto kept its full-year guidance. Vmoto has A$30.5 million in cash set aside for expansion and product upgrades, and is putting THB77.8 million into its Thailand operations through a new partnership. The company is building out its international business, seeing higher demand in South America and Southeast Asia, and rolling out battery swapping and fast charging tech in several countries. The company also signed a deal with MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group to make MotoGP edition e-scooters. Vmoto is running energy-as-a-service pilots and looking at super app tie-ups as part of its strategy to grow as an integrated e-mobility provider.

Vmoto More than Doubles First-Half Sales o…

ASX up more than 1% at midday as tech rallies, banks steady, REITs mixed

August 3, 2026, 11:41 PM EDT. The S&P/ASX 200 jumped over 1.2% by lunchtime Tuesday, with Xero and WiseTech Global leading tech gains. Banks helped hold up the market before earnings. Oil dropped almost 5% to near $80 after talks between the U.S. and Iran eased tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. Commonwealth Bank said changes to how it reports arrears would push early loan arrears higher, but the bank said it isn’t seeing more consumer stress. In real estate, Charter Hall Social Infrastructure REIT gained 9% after reporting a 27.5% lift in profit, but Centuria Office REIT fell even with a 379% profit surge on weak operations. Qantas left Jetstar Japan, buying back $74.4 million in shares. Tech and banks saw the strongest support as investors took a more cautious approach to REITs.

Lunch Wrap: Tech and strong REIT results f…

Maas Group Jumps After $1.15B Firmus Data Centre Deal, Lifts Earnings Forecast

August 3, 2026, 11:31 PM EDT. Shares of Maas Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: MGH) rose 8.1% after it announced an extra $300 million investment in Firmus data centres alongside $855 million in fresh contracts. The 18-month work focuses on modular power setups for Firmus’ Australian data centres linked to AI. Maas lifted its EBITDA forecast to $300-$310 million, up from $250-$280 million, citing a jump in Firmus’ valuation. CEO Wes Maas said there’s strong demand in electrical infrastructure, naming Maas as a top player in Australia’s AI buildout. The company’s order book, now at $1.2 billion, features projects from JLE Group and helps support Maas’ active tender flow as AI spending picks up.

A two-pronged AI deal has this ASX 300 com…

Metallium strikes 12-month FJH MXene production deal with ECT

August 3, 2026, 11:30 PM EDT. Metallium (ASX: MTM) said its Flash Metals USA unit has signed a 12-month commercial deal with Environmental Clean Technologies (ASX: ECT) to work on commercialising the flash joule heating (FJH) platform for MXene production. MXenes, used in defence and electronics for conductivity and energy storage, usually rely on hydrofluoric acid, a slow and dangerous process. ECT gets exclusive rights to commercialise the FJH process for MXenes at Metallium’s Texas campus and will pay up to US$1.4 million plus options this year. Metallium said the agreement fits its plan to drive revenue from metals recovery and tech licensing. Both companies want to make MXene production more scalable and cost-effective.

Metallium Signs FJH Commercial Monetisatio…

NAB Stock Gets Mixed Value Signals Ahead of August

August 3, 2026, 11:29 PM EDT. National Australia Bank Ltd (NAB) is getting a closer look this August as investors probe its share price through price-earnings and dividend models. NAB trades at $42.6, with FY24 EPS of $2.26, putting its PER at 18.8x – a bit under the banking average of 20x. Sector-adjusted estimates suggest a fair value of $44.63. The dividend discount model is also in play, using NAB’s dividend track record. Banks make up 30% of the ASX, with government support often cited, but returns for shareholders are still up in the air. The review gives investors a way to size up NAB stock versus sector norms and decide if it’s a buy through the latest swings.

Are NAB shares worth considering in August…

ANZ (ASX: ANZ) Share Price Sits Near $37.99; Analysts Look at NIM and ROE

August 3, 2026, 11:28 PM EDT. ANZ Banking Group (ASX: ANZ) is trading around $37.99 as the market watches how its Net Interest Margin (NIM) and Return on Equity (ROE) stack up. ANZ posts a 1.57% NIM, under the 1.78% average for ASX-listed banks, pointing to thinner returns on lending. Its ROE clocks in at 9.3%, a touch below the 9.35% sector average. With 78% of ANZ’s earnings coming from lending, these numbers matter for valuation. Some investors are also looking at workplace culture ratings on sites like Seek, seeing staff retention as a sign of long-term health. Profitability and ability to grow remain key in today’s competitive banking market.

2 tools to value the ANZ Banking Group (AS…

Neurizon (ASX:NUZ) wraps ALS trial enrollment, grabs $17.5m funding

August 3, 2026, 11:27 PM EDT. Neurizon Therapeutics (ASX:NUZ) closed enrollment on its Phase 2/3 HEALEY ALS Platform Trial for NUZ-001, hitting that milestone for its ALS candidate in less than five months. The company expects topline data in late Q4 FY27. Neurizon also locked in a five-year supply deal with Elanco Animal Health for monepantel, its lead ingredient, aiming to strengthen supply and lower manufacturing risk. It lined up a $17.5 million financing deal with Dare Capital Loan Fund, secured by R&D tax incentive claims, to support further development and potential commercial plans.

Neurizon reports Q4 milestones across pivo…

Pro Medicus ASX:PME drops 22.5% in 2025, price-to-sales above 5-year norm

August 3, 2026, 11:26 PM EDT. Shares of Pro Medicus ASX:PME have dropped 22.5% since the start of 2025. The firm sells radiology software like RIS and PACS, with its Visage platform handling remote image viewing. Healthcare names such as PME often see sticky revenue as their services tend not to get cut in downturns. Forecasts have the global healthcare market, led by the US, growing about 7% a year through 2027, while healthcare IT and SaaS could see gains over 15% per year from 2024 to 2030. Trends in ethical and sustainable investing could also keep demand for healthcare stocks up. PME’s price-to-sales ratio is now 111.67x, well above its 5-year average, so shares may be trading rich.

A deep dive into PME shares

Australian Homeowners Face $2.2 Billion Hit as Property Values Slide

August 3, 2026, 11:12 PM EDT. Over 34,000 Australian homeowners could lose as much as $2.2 billion after steep drops in property prices. The market has shed $230 billion with tax reforms, rising rates, and slower growth weighing on values. Analysts say the wipeout risk is real for property holders, as a rare housing downturn spreads through the sector and hits investors and the wider economy.

‘Serious problem’: Wipe-out warning for 34…

Honda Super-One EV to Start at $36,900 Drive-Away in Australia

August 3, 2026, 11:11 PM EDT. Honda Australia has set the starting price for its Super-One EV at $36,900 drive-away, beating out the Hyundai Inster on price. Pre-orders for the compact electric open August 4, but just 130 units are set for 2026 delivery. A broader rollout is planned for 2027. The Super-One runs a 29.6kWh battery and gives a 206km WLTP range, with 70kW Boost mode. Design leans heavy into ’80s retro and includes a simulated seven-speed transmission. Honda’s price tops the BYD Atto 1 but comes with five years of capped servicing at $199 per visit. The slow rollout shows Honda staying cautious on EVs in Australia, with hybrids still the main focus and EV policy direction unclear.

Honda Super-One baby EV price announced fo…

Uranium Stocks on ASX Flagged as Buy by Shaw Despite Price Slump

August 3, 2026, 11:10 PM EDT. Shaw and Partners is calling out what it sees as a disconnection between uranium stocks on the ASX and the uranium spot price, after shares dropped even as uranium held near US$85 a pound. The firm expects a super-cycle could lift uranium to US$200, then fall back to settle at US$120 long-term. Shaw points to geopolitical stress, government backing for nuclear energy, and new demand from AI data centers run by companies like Meta and Microsoft. The broker is raising its price targets, arguing the recent weakness is a buying opportunity as sector fundamentals and nuclear energy targets are still strong.

6 ASX uranium shares to buy ahead of yello…

ASX Biotechs Look to US$100bn US Biodefence Spend

August 3, 2026, 11:09 PM EDT. Australian biotech companies are lining up for a shot at a US$66.9 billion ($100bn) US government biodefence package over five years. The plan targets new threats like pandemics, biohazards, and superbugs. Companies in the mix include Lumos Diagnostics, PolyNovo, Avita Medical, Immuron, Island Pharmaceuticals, and Recce Pharmaceuticals. Recce, which develops synthetic antibiotics, is already linked up with US military health groups and says antimicrobial resistance is getting top attention for funding. The program covers risks from deadly agents: plague, anthrax, Ebola, Marburg. Money comes through the US Department of Health and Human Services’ ASPR and the government flags a US$33.5 billion gap, so it is pushing for updates on anti-infectives with future events like the 2028 LA Olympics on the horizon.

Health Check: Aussie biotechs eye $100 bil…

Lumos Diagnostics bags US$767,800 FebriDx order from PHASE Scientific

August 3, 2026, 11:00 PM EDT. Lumos Diagnostics (ASX:LDX) said it got a US$767,800 purchase order from PHASE Scientific for its FebriDx® rapid diagnostic test. It’s part of a bigger US$5 million prepayment contract after Lumos secured a CLIA waiver in March 2026. The order ties in with broader regulatory approval that lets FebriDx® reach more U.S. healthcare settings, according to the company. Lumos will fill the order in batches over to October 2026 and book revenue as orders ship. Management said this supports its aim to ramp up commercial efforts in point-of-care respiratory infection testing with flu season in sight. Lumos said the deal points to demand for rapid diagnostics that help with quick clinical decisions in the U.S. market.

Lumos Diagnostics (ASX:LDX) Secures US$767…

Acusensus (ASX:ACE) Lands Kentucky Highway Speed Camera Contract

August 3, 2026, 10:59 PM EDT. Acusensus (ASX:ACE) picked up a statewide contract with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to run speed enforcement camera trailers in highway work zones. The first year is worth about US$2.1 million. The contract could run as high as US$20 million over up to six years if extended. Kentucky is using automated speed cameras under new state law aimed at worker safety. Acusensus keeps ownership and control of the trailer fleet and gets recurring revenue through fixed monthly fees per trailer instead of citation volumes. The deal continues Acusensus’ push into the US automated traffic enforcement space.

Acusensus (ASX:ACE) Expands US Presence Th…

Yen Rallies After US and Japan Step In to Halt Slide

August 3, 2026, 10:58 PM EDT. The yen bounced off 40-year lows Wednesday after the Bank of Japan and U.S. Treasury intervened together to prop up the currency. BoJ spent about $89 billion scooping up yen, while the U.S. Treasury helped by selling euros. Officials acted to stem losses fueled by Japan’s heavy fiscal spending and debt, which has weighed on the yen as BoJ sticks with slow rate hikes. The weaker currency had been driving up import bills and feeding inflation, especially with global energy prices squeezed by Middle East unrest. The joint action sent a strong message even though U.S. financial backing was lighter. The yen last traded near 157 to the dollar, an improvement from its 163 low, but market drivers remain tangled between policy moves and geopolitics.

The real reason Trump just rushed to help …

Hub24 (ASX:HUB) falls in 2025, Zip Co ASX:ZIP lags 52-week high

August 3, 2026, 10:57 PM EDT. Hub24 Ltd (ASX:HUB) shares are off 9.0% since the start of 2025. The wealth management software firm, behind the HUB24 platform, Class and myprosperity, grew annual revenue 44.4% since 2021 to $328 million in FY24. Net profit came in at $47 million, up from $10 million, while ROE hit 9.2%. Zip Co Ltd ASX:ZIP is trading 45.2% under its 52-week top. Zip, a buy-now-pay-later provider, lifted revenue by 75.7% per year to $868 million for FY24. Net profit flipped from a $678 million loss to $6 million, with ROE now at 1.8%. The pair show different paths on growth and profit recovery across fintech and wealth management.

HUB and ZIP shares: 2 ASX shares to watch

Credit Corp (ASX: CCP) slips 9% after FY26 report shows higher profit

August 3, 2026, 10:56 PM EDT. Shares of Credit Corp Group Ltd (ASX: CCP) dropped 9% following its FY26 results. Revenue was up 7% at A$586 million, while net profit after tax climbed 12% to A$105.5 million. US debt buying led with a 26% jump in revenue and a 57% lift in profit, helped by stronger collections and better efficiency. ANZ debt buying rose a bit; lending in ANZ saw 8% revenue growth but faced some earnings pressure from extra loan provisioning and new product costs. The dividend went up by 14% to A$0.775 a share. Credit Corp is set to invest as much as A$130 million in US debt buying and A$100 million to A$150 million into ANZ debt buying for FY27. UK lending business started in July 2026 and aims at an underserved market. Shares fell despite the solid numbers, as the market stayed cautious.

Credit Corp (ASX:CCP) share price falls 9%…

Nordic Resources starts 12,000m gold drilling campaign in Finland

August 3, 2026, 10:55 PM EDT. Nordic Resources (ASX:NNL) has kicked off a 12,000-meter diamond drill program at its Kopsa and Kiimala Trend gold projects in Finland. The company is targeting extensions of known mineralisation and will run in-fill and step-out drilling on several sites. Nordic said this push will more than double the total metres drilled at these Finnish sites. The company has a combined resource of 34.3 million tonnes grading 1.11 grams per tonne gold equivalent, or 1.23 million ounces, across three deposits. The new drilling is set to expand Nordic’s footprint in Finland’s gold sector and feed into updated resource estimates as it eyes future project moves.

StockTake: Nordic Resources kicks off majo…

Audeara (ASX:AUA) posts double-digit sales growth, eyes break-even

August 3, 2026, 10:54 PM EDT. Audeara (ASX:AUA) CEO Dr James Fielding said the company booked double-digit revenue growth last quarter, helped by record Australian wholesale sales. Auracast tech rollout and recent customer wins are building momentum. Audeara is looking to hit break-even soon and is getting ready to launch its AI noise reduction product. The latest numbers from AUA Tech have the company expecting more growth ahead.

Long Shortz with Audeara: Turning revenue …

ANZ (ASX: ANZ) Valuation: PE Lower vs Sector, Dividend Focus Still Strong

August 3, 2026, 10:42 PM EDT. ANZ Banking Group (ASX: ANZ) shares change hands near A$37.91, with FY24 EPS at A$2.15 and a PE of 17.6x. That sits under the banking sector’s average PE of 20x, pointing to a possible undervaluation. Using the sector PE would put ANZ at A$42.37 per share. The bank remains a top pick for ASX income investors, backed by dependable dividends and franking credits for tax perks. Analysts typically run the dividend discount model (DDM) when putting a value on ANZ given its reliable payout history. Both sector averages and the strength of the dividend matter when weighing the current share value.

Value the ANZ share price using its divide…

TG Metals raises A$2.5m in placement to fund WA gold and lithium projects

August 3, 2026, 10:40 PM EDT. TG Metals has pulled in A$2.5 million from a share placement at 16 cents each. The funds will go toward key milestones for the Van Uden gold and Lake Johnston lithium projects in Western Australia. Institutional and sophisticated investors backed the deal, while directors and management plan to join in after shareholder approval. TG will use the money to expand the Van Uden laterite gold resource and wrap up a heap leach scoping study for a low-cost path to commercialisation. Van Uden has an inferred mineral resource estimate of 7.9 million tonnes at 1.06 grams per tonne gold, with most of that in the Indicated category. Over at Lake Johnston, the Burmeister lithium deposit is targeting 15.6 to 20.1 million tonnes at 0.97-1.19% Li2O. The projects sit close to infrastructure like the port of Esperance, which TG says supports a cheaper development route.

TG Metals raises $2.5m for gold and lithiu…

Control Bionics (ASX: CBL) Gets FDA Registration for NeuroStrip Device

August 3, 2026, 10:38 PM EDT. Control Bionics (ASX: CBL) picked up FDA registration for its NeuroStrip surface electromyography wearable, moving it into the medical device category. The US Food and Drug Administration listing gives NeuroStrip a bigger footing with clinical rehabilitation groups, researchers, and medtech makers. Control Bionics said the registration should help lift Performance, Rehabilitation, and Research & Data segments, though it’s not required now for its current sports and rehab use. NeuroStrip tracks muscle electrical signals via non-invasive neural-signal tech. The company has filed for additional regulatory green lights in Australia, the EU, and the UK to push into more markets. CEO Jeremy Steele called the milestone key for wider NeuroStrip uptake and said it fits their global registration strategy.

Control Bionics Secures FDA Registration f…

ASE Technology ASX Jumps 4.3% as GF Value Flags Overvaluation

August 3, 2026, 10:15 PM EDT. ASE Technology Holding Co Ltd ASX stock gained 4.3% to $36.68 on August 3, 2026. Even with the move up, GF Value rated the shares overvalued, giving the stock a 68 out of 100 score on its valuation system. Market action came in strong against the analytics firm’s warning on price.

ASE Technology Holding Co Ltd (ASX) Stock …

ASX 200 Steady as Iran Strait Talks Ease Supply Concern

August 3, 2026, 10:13 PM EDT. The S&P/ASX 200 held steady with little change. Markets took in news that Iran signaled progress in negotiations over the Strait of Hormouz, which is crucial for oil shipments. That eased some worries about supply. Traders stayed cautious with geopolitical risks still in play, and there wasn’t much to move the broader index. Crude price concerns cooled after the diplomatic news, and the ASX 200 traded in a tight range.

ASX 200 Live Today

Scalare Partners (ASX: SCP) Secures $5M Facility After Fishburners Deal

August 3, 2026, 10:10 PM EDT. Scalare Partners (ASX: SCP) lined up binding commitments for a $5 million convertible note from a new investor following its Fishburners brand asset buy from administrators. The startup investor said it had $1.82 million cash on June 30, up from $468,000 the prior quarter. Q4 customer receipts hit $5.29 million, compared to $639,000 last year, as deals like Tank Stream Labs added revenue. Scalare said the Fishburners deal should help boost founder services, corporate deals, and its recurring revenue stream. CEO Carolyn Breeze called it part of a broader push to build a founder ecosystem in Australia, stressing continued focus on tight capital management.

ASX-listed Scalare Partners plans $5 milli…

Alma Metals Finds Steady Copper Grades in Early Briggs Drilling

August 3, 2026, 10:07 PM EDT. Alma Metals (ASX: ALM) said its first three infill holes at the Briggs copper-molybdenum-silver project in Queensland pulled up steady copper mineralisation. Copper grades mostly sat between 0.15% and 0.2%, hitting as high as 0.25% in places. The company kicked off a 41-hole program to lift mineral resources from Inferred to Indicated and test for more tonnes above 2 million at a 0.15% cut-off. Managing director Frazer Tabeart said these results met what the team expected and will feed into a preliminary feasibility study. Drilling continues, with work set to run into early 2027. Environmental surveys are also in progress for regulatory sign-off.

Alma Metals Reports Consistent Copper Mine…

ASX Dividend ETFs in Focus as CGT Changes Near for FY26

August 3, 2026, 9:53 PM EDT. With capital gains tax (CGT) changes set for July 1, 2025, some investors are looking at yield-focused exchange-traded funds (ETFs) on the ASX for returns. The iShares S&P/ASX Dividend Opp ESG Screened ETF (ASX: IHD) leads with a 22% one-year total return and a 4% distribution yield. It’s built to balance dividends and capital gains, meeting ESG standards, and is heavy on financials and materials. The Global X S&P/ASX 200 High Dividend ETF (ASX: ZYAU) comes next with a 19% one-year return and 4.3% yield. These funds aim for tax efficiency as policy changes loom, with rebalancing and stock picks geared to steady income. Investors should watch out for fees and capital gains distributions when picking dividend ETFs.

4 best ASX dividend ETFs of FY26

FlexiRoam lands Etihad Airways as enterprise customer in two-year deal

August 3, 2026, 9:52 PM EDT. FlexiRoam (ASX: FRX) signed a two-year contract with Etihad Airways to handle pooled data in more than 125 countries. The agreement brings all of Etihad’s personnel, on-board routers, and pilot iPads onto a subscription model. FlexiRoam, which runs a carrier-agnostic SIM and eSIM platform across 190 countries and 600 telecom partners, now handles data logistics for another major airline. The company said its AI eSIM agent, which works with WhatsApp and covers more than 70 languages, cuts the need for app downloads and makes it easier to manage connectivity for enterprise clients.

FlexiRoam Signs Landmark Two-Year Agreemen…

Capstone Copper Stays Buy at Morgans; Woodside Held; Lindsay Australia Cut to Sell on Diesel Costs

August 3, 2026, 9:51 PM EDT. Capstone Copper (ASX: CSC) edged up 0.6% to $13.71, now 52% higher for the year, after Morgans repeated its buy, pointing to a strong 2Q FY26 print with record adjusted EBITDA and solid operations. Woodside Energy Group (ASX: WDS) added 0.4% at $32.63. Morgans lowered its target to $32.50 and kept hold, flagging good revenue but ongoing debt pressure. Lindsay Australia (ASX: LAU) slipped 1.5% to 67 cents over 12 months. MPC Markets put a sell on the stock, citing weak profit growth, EPS drop, and higher diesel costs biting into its transport business as tensions in the Middle East add to the pressure.

Buy, hold, sell: Capstone Copper, Lindsay …

TechnologyOne (ASX: TNE) and Xero (ASX: XRO) tumble as SaaS stocks struggle, analyst says hold

August 3, 2026, 9:36 PM EDT. TechnologyOne (ASX: TNE) shares are down 23% over the year, with Xero (ASX: XRO) off 58%, as fears about AI disrupting SaaS businesses weigh on both stocks. The so-called ‘SaaSpocalypse’ has seen the tech sector index fall 38.2%, even as the ASX 200 added 4.4%. Mark Gardner at MPC Markets is telling clients to hold both names. TechnologyOne posted 17% growth in annual recurring revenue and a 6% profit lift, plus a 57.5% rebound off lows in February, but Gardner suggests buying only on weakness. Xero now has over 5 million subscribers and has rolled out more AI tools, but still faces tough conditions. He says keep watching for how things play out before increasing positions.

Down 23% and 58%, should I buy TechnologyO…

Acusensus (ASX: ACE) wins up to $20 million Kentucky speed enforcement deal

August 3, 2026, 9:35 PM EDT. Acusensus (ASX: ACE) landed a master agreement with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to provide mobile real-time speed enforcement cameras for work zones. The contract starts with a first order of about $2.1 million, but total value could hit $20 million if Kentucky expands the camera fleet and extends the deal through 2028, with more options to 2031. Acusensus will keep ownership of the cameras and handle deployment and upkeep. The deal builds on a pilot started since 2025 and matches recent work in Arkansas covering mobile phone and seatbelt checks. CEO Alexander Jannink said the company’s tech supports US state safety pushes while bringing steady revenue from scalable enforcement in Kentucky, Connecticut, and Arkansas.

Acusensus Awarded Master Agreement for Rea…

Adveritas (ASX:AV1) cuts cash burn, lifts revenue; analysts see path to breakeven

August 3, 2026, 9:21 PM EDT. Adveritas (ASX:AV1) holds AU$7.0 million in cash and no debt, leaving it with a 22-month runway at its annual cash burn of AU$3.9 million. Cash burn was trimmed by 27% over the last year. Revenue jumped 69%. Analysts expect the company to hit cashflow breakeven before it needs more money. The cash burn is just 5.2% of Adveritas’ AU$74 million market cap, so shareholder dilution risk stays low. Investors tracking loss-making tech firms are watching as Adveritas manages growth against costs.

We're Not Worried About Adveritas' (ASX:AV…

Life360 Inc (ASX: 360) slides over 50% since October as buyback, earnings lift outlook

August 3, 2026, 9:19 PM EDT. Life360 Inc (ASX: 360) is down more than 50% from October, putting its forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio at a low point. The tech company is moving ahead with a $225 million share buyback as leaders back the business to weather AI worries. Q1 2026 saw revenue jump 38% from a year ago to $143.1 million, and advertising revenue soared 329% to $19.7 million. Monthly active users hit 97.8 million, up 17%, with global paying subs also higher. Life360 is guiding for EBITDA between $130 million and $140 million for 2026, saying cash flow and its model look steady even as the stock trades lower.

A rare buying opportunity in 1 of Australi…

Ampol (ASX.ALD) earnings jump as Lytton margin surges on supply crunch

August 3, 2026, 9:08 PM EDT. Ampol (ASX.ALD) booked a 260% jump in Q2 2026 Lytton refiner margin to USD 30.93 a barrel on Middle East-driven shortages. First-half 2026 underlying EBITDA is expected at $1.6 billion, up 147% from a year ago and ahead of earlier guidance, helped in part by gains from hedging. 2026 earnings per share guidance is up 77% to $5.04. Dividend yield stands at 7.6%. Ampol funded its EG Australia buyout in cash, holding share count at 238 million. Shares are up 40% since February. Despite that, the stock is rated 2-star and called overvalued. Integrated supply chains and higher transport fuel demand are still propping up outlook in Australia and New Zealand, balancing electric vehicle pressure.

Global tensions drive profitability for AS…

EOS Gets Buy on Big Orders, Xero Stuck at Hold, Ramsay Health Care Cut to Sell

August 3, 2026, 9:07 PM EDT. Electro Optic Systems (EOS) jumped 4.6% to $7.26 on Tuesday after an 84% jump in orders to $846 million and its AI play with MARSS; MPC Markets has a buy on the stock. Xero (XRO) added 3.1% to $73.53, but is still down 58% in a year. MPC keeps a hold, citing worries around AI, but says it’s watching the company’s new products. Ramsay Health Care (RHC) eased 0.5% to $43.67, up 16% year-on-year; Catapult Wealth sees margin squeeze from inflation and budget cuts, rating it a sell. The S&P/ASX 200 lifted 0.3% to 9,043.1 points by the close.

Buy, hold, sell: Ramsay Healthcare, Xero, …

Taruga Minerals says Weioko gold ore in PNG shows over 90% recovery in simple tests

August 3, 2026, 9:06 PM EDT. Taruga Minerals said initial metallurgical testing at the Weioko deposit in Papua New Guinea shows the gold ore is free milling and can use standard processing methods. Gold recoveries topped 90%, with high-grade ore giving 96.3% and low-grade ore at 92.6%. Silver recovery also came in near 90%. Tests found coarse gold could be taken out by gravity while finer gold worked with cyanide leaching at standard grind size, backing a cost-focused process flow. The company says this supports its planned drilling in Q3 2026 and boosts technical backing for future development. Weioko is part of a high-grade, near-surface gold system at East Normanby.

Taruga testing confirms simple processing …

GreenTech Metals starts 8300m drill campaign at West Pilbara sites

August 3, 2026, 9:05 PM EDT. GreenTech Metals (ASX:GRE) has kicked off an 8300-meter drilling run focused on copper, gold, nickel, and precious metals at its Whundo and Munni Munni sites in Western Australia’s West Pilbara. The work splits into 4750 meters of reverse circulation (RC) and 3560 meters of diamond drilling. CEO James Rattenbury said they’re aiming to expand high-grade zones and gather metallurgical samples, which are needed to bring precious metals into updated resource estimates. Munni Munni drilling will depend on a heritage survey due to begin August 10 and expected to run eight days. The program is fully funded after a $7.5 million placement, with GreenTech looking to tap further value from its critical minerals ground covering more than 500 square kilometers.

GreenTech kicks off 8300m drill campaign a…

ASX Early Movers: Drilling Ramps, eSIM Deals, Placements in Focus

August 3, 2026, 9:04 PM EDT. ASX small caps traded mixed early with Miramar and New Age Exploration each jumping 25%, but Hyterra fell 50%. Nordic Resources resumed drilling on Finnish gold assets, chasing high-grade zones. Taruga Minerals flagged solid gravity gold recovery in test results. AuKing Mining signed a binding term sheet for a Western Australian rare earths project. FlexiRoam landed Etihad Airways as a customer for its eSIM solutions. Peregrine Gold and WA Gold both announced resource extensions in Pilbara and at Abercromby. TG Metals raised A$2.5 million for gold and lithium work. Critica cut acid use in technical testing. Stelar Metals brought in a new exploration manager. Audeara signed an audio licensing agreement using AI. Stakk updated its FY26 revenue target to A$4.5 million on integration gains.

Morning Feed: What’s cooking on the ASX?

3 steps parents can use to help kids build a lasting ASX portfolio

August 3, 2026, 8:49 PM EDT. Parents can set up kids with a head start on the ASX by getting in early. Putting aside even small amounts each week can take advantage of compound returns-a $50 weekly investment can reach close to $95,000 over 18 years if it earns 8% a year. Diversified ETFs like Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (VAS) are a way in. Explaining shares, dividends, and how businesses work can build real financial literacy, not just saving habits. Spending on skills and education raises kids’ earning potential and helps them grow wealth on their own. The focus is on building smart habits and knowledge, not just passing on money.

3 money moves to help your kids build an A…

DroneShield (ASX: DRO) Drops Almost 30% in July as Investors Look Past Revenue Outlook

August 3, 2026, 8:48 PM EDT. DroneShield shares sank 29.7% in July, hitting a new 52-week low of $1.70 and trailing the S&P/ASX 200, which rose 2.3%. The stock is now down 74.3% from its October top at $6.60, even as drone use stays high in ongoing Middle East and Ukraine wars. The company forecast a 74% jump in H1 2026 revenue and announced $23.2 million in new European military contracts, but the stock still dropped 13.2% after that news. CEO Angus Bean called out strong partnerships and growing presence in Europe. The shares’ high price-to-earnings ratio may have turned off buyers. Into early August, the stock bounced more than 14% from July’s close.

Why did DroneShield shares crash 30% in Ju…

Amplia Therapeutics, Eli Lilly to Run NSCLC Trial Blending FAK, KRAS G12C Inhibitors

August 3, 2026, 8:47 PM EDT. Amplia Therapeutics (ASX: ATX) said it will work with Eli Lilly on a Phase 1b/2b study testing its FAK inhibitor narmafotinib and Lilly’s KRAS G12C inhibitor olomorasib in advanced non-small cell lung cancer. The trial is set to look at safety and efficacy in patients who failed prior therapy. FAK is known to drive resistance to KRAS G12C drugs. With this, Amplia moves into the NSCLC market, which is worth about US$31 billion and may nearly double by 2033. Olomorasib is already in two Phase 3 trials for lung cancer. Amplia expects to kick off recruitment in late 2026, targeting sites in Australia and the U.S.

Amplia Therapeutics Partners with Eli Lill…

Brightstar Resources stays on track at Goldfields Project; first gold seen June 2027

August 3, 2026, 8:32 PM EDT. Brightstar Resources Ltd (ASX: BTR) says its Goldfields Project is moving ahead on schedule with first gold production still targeted for June 2027. The company finished earthworks at the Laverton processing plant and locked in energy supply deals as key steps. Gold output is expected to reach around 75,000 ounces per year starting fiscal 2028 for six years. Brightstar said it’s working with EPC partner GR Engineering and expenses are holding within budget. Work at the Lord Byron open pit is underway, while high-grade mining at Second Fortune continues. Brightstar is also pushing forward at its Sandstone Project. Shares are down 19% for the past year, lagging the All Ordinaries index.

Brightstar Resources provides Goldfields P…

ASX Move: Fortescue, Domino's, Bluescope Steel stand out on daily watchlist

August 3, 2026, 8:22 PM EDT. Australian Securities Exchange ASX scan today points to Fortescue Metals Group (FMG), Domino’s Pizza Enterprises (DMP), Bluescope Steel (BSL), Computershare (CPU), Nufarm (NUF), and Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) as stocks to watch. The list also brings in Bravura Solutions, Hammer Metals, Neuren Pharmaceuticals, Web Travel, and Adairs. These names are getting attention for possible moves. Traders look to these scans for a read on shifting trends and setups on the ASX.

ChartWatch ASX Scans: Fortescue, Domino's …

UK to Extend Half Price Railcard to 18-Year-Olds from August 17

August 3, 2026, 8:21 PM EDT. The Department for Transport said the 16-17 Saver railcard will now cover 18-year-olds starting August 17. That means users get 50% off most fares for a year from when they buy it. Before, the card expired at 18, so around 70,000 students ended up paying about £175 more each year. The railcard costs £35 and beats the 16-25 Railcard’s one-third discount. Rail minister Lord Hendy called it a practical way to cut travel costs for young people in education or work. The move lines up with the planned cut to England’s bus fare cap from £3 to £2.

Half price rail travel extended to 18-year…

Centuria Office REIT (ASX: COF) Guides for 9.9% Dividend Yield, Delivers on FY26 Payout

August 3, 2026, 8:20 PM EDT. Centuria Office REIT (ASX: COF) is forecasting a 9.9% dividend yield in fiscal 2027, after posting A$66.9 million in funds from operations. FY26 distribution landed at 10.1 cents per unit, matching the trust’s earlier guidance. Centuria highlighted recent asset sales and steady leasing, saying it stays focused on higher-quality properties. The trust reported no debt is due before FY29, and its gearing is 43.7%. Liquidity remains solid. Market cap is reported at A$545.6 million. Management pointed to low new supply and steady asset values as supporting office markets in Australia.

This ASX property fund is forecasting a di…

CBA Holds Steady in August, But Brokers Stick to Sell Ratings and Warn of Drop

August 3, 2026, 8:19 PM EDT. Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares are flat so far in August after climbing nearly 8% last month and 10% for the year, beating the S&P/ASX 200’s 3% move. But most brokers aren’t buying in. Big names all have sell ratings and price targets around $125, which would mean a 30% fall, with some seeing losses up to 50%. Macquarie and Morgans call out stretched valuations and risks tied to the housing sector. They still mention CBA’s strong earnings and the chance for the dividend to rise to $2.65. Investors are looking to the full-year results and final dividend set for August 12, with many staying cautious as reporting season arrives. CBA remains a major name on the ASX and a defensive choice, but most analysts are wary for now.

Should I invest $5,000 in CBA shares in Au…

Australian Vanadium, Alcoa Look at Vanadium Flow Battery for WA Refinery

August 3, 2026, 8:18 PM EDT. Australian Vanadium (ASX: AVL) and its unit VSUN Energy have signed a non-binding MoU with Alcoa of Australia to study a vanadium flow battery for Alcoa’s alumina refinery in Western Australia. The project looks at a system sized 50-80 MW with 6-8 hours of storage, with the main aim to fit renewables into the site and work on peak demand. Australian Vanadium leads on technical and financial work, with Alcoa giving operational input. The companies want to support electrification and more renewables for high-use energy sites. If the 18-month MoU goes well, they might move to more studies and commercial talks.

Australian Vanadium to Team with Alcoa on …

Southern Cross Gold (ASX: SX2) lifts Sunday Creek target after drilling, expands strike zone

August 3, 2026, 8:17 PM EDT. Southern Cross Gold Consolidated (ASX: SX2) raised its Sunday Creek Exploration Target to 3.0-4.6 million ounces gold equivalent (AuEq) grading 8.9-12.1 grams per tonne, now based on 10.4-11.9 million tonnes. Strike length increased to 1,500 metres from 1,020 metres, expanding the area to five prospects. Nine rigs are now drilling across the site. Gold recovery rates from metallurgical tests ran 92.3%-95.6%. CEO Michael Hudson said drilling and exploration are ongoing, with 200 km planned through Q1 2027. Shares are up 69% in the last year, beating the wider ASX. The project holds both gold and antimony, considered valuable with growing demand in energy, defense, and tech.

Southern Cross Gold lifts Sunday Creek Exp…

ASX seen higher as Wall Street rallies on US talks with AI firms over cybersecurity

August 3, 2026, 7:51 PM EDT. Australian Securities Exchange ASX is set for gains after a strong Wall Street session. The White House has called in top tech names like Meta, Anthropic, OpenAI, and Google to consider voluntary cybersecurity tests for advanced AI models run by the US government. Recent incidents of AI-driven hacking have raised fresh cyberattack worries. The Trump administration wants to roll out tests to gauge whether AI systems can be used for hacking. OpenAI and Anthropic are under fire for reports that AI agents infiltrated other firms’ systems, catching interest from Congress and legal circles. OpenAI said it will put out a technical report once the review finishes. Conversations over AI cybersecurity are drawing more regulatory eyes across tech and markets.

Live: ASX to open higher as Wall Street ra…

Charter Hall Social Infrastructure REIT (ASX: CQE) Operating Earnings Up 13.1% for FY26, Distributions Up 11.8%

August 3, 2026, 7:49 PM EDT. Charter Hall Social Infrastructure REIT (ASX: CQE) posted a 13.1% jump in operating earnings per unit to 17.3 cents for FY26 and an 11.8% lift in distributions to 17.0 cents. Portfolio value is up 9.6% to $2.3 billion, helped by fresh acquisitions like Sonic Healthcare’s Brisbane lab and part of Western Sydney University. Diversification moved non-early learning income to 39%. Portfolio runs at 99.7% occupancy, with leases averaging 11.4 years. Management is guiding to more growth next year, with operating earnings per unit seen at 18.1 cents and distributions at 18.0 cents, pointing to strong social infrastructure demand. CQE shares are down 14% for the year, trailing the S&P/ASX 200.

Charter Hall Social Infrastructure REIT li…

Centuria Office REIT (ASX: COF) hits FY26 FFO and payout goals as occupancy, sales steady

August 3, 2026, 7:47 PM EDT. Centuria Office REIT (ASX: COF) posted full-year FFO of $66.9 million, or 11.2 cents a unit, matching FY26 targets. The trust paid a 10.1 cent per unit distribution. Assets rose 1% by valuation, with occupancy steady at 91% while leasing hit near-record levels with 40,000 sqm signed. It closed a $90 million sale of 9 Help Street, Chatswood, at a 12.5% premium over book. Centuria refinanced, pushing out $1 billion of debt to 4.3 years average expiry. Gearing stands at 43.7%. For FY27, the REIT guides for 11.3 cents FFO per unit and a 9.0 cent distribution, aiming for over 10% yield. CEO Belinda Cheung said performance reflects a more stable domestic office market and active debt management.

Centuria Office REIT meets FY26 earnings a…

ASX Seen Steady as Wall Street Rises but Oil Slides

August 3, 2026, 7:45 PM EDT. The Australian sharemarket is set to edge down at the open Tuesday, with futures pointing to a tiny one-point dip. Local stocks had moved above recent levels earlier. Wall Street finished higher overnight, pushing sentiment up. But falling oil prices are putting pressure on energy stocks, capping any gains. Markets stay cautious as traders weigh strong U.S. equities against lower commodity prices. Investors are watching economic numbers and upcoming results for more direction.

ASX set for flat start as Wall Street rall…

Canaccord Genuity Flags 3 ASX Gold Names with Big Upside

August 3, 2026, 7:31 PM EDT. Canaccord Genuity is pointing to Pantoro Gold, Catalyst Metals, and Predictive Discovery as top picks among ASX gold stocks for big gains. Pantoro turned in a strong quarterly result and says exploration is on track to lift resources, with the goal still set at 200,000 ounces a year. Catalyst Metals beat its production forecast by 11% last quarter, kept free cash flow strong, reports no debt, and is sitting on $331 million in cash. Over at Predictive Discovery, the Kiniero mine topped production expectations for the quarter with 54,000 ounces at a much lower all-in sustaining cost than forecast. Canaccord gave all three price targets well above current trading, citing strong operations and tight cost control as reasons for the positive call.

3 ASX gold companies which could double in…

Hot Chili (ASX:HCH) puts $1.2B NPV on Costa Fuego with production set for 2026

August 3, 2026, 7:30 PM EDT. Hot Chili Ltd (ASX:HCH) has posted a pre-feasibility study for Costa Fuego, showing a post-tax NPV of US$1.2 billion at 8%. IRR comes in at 19%. The plan is for a 20-year mine with average output of 116,000 tonnes copper equivalent a year, start-up capex of US$1.27 billion, and a C1 cash cost of US$1.38 per pound copper. Probable reserve sits at 502 million tonnes at 0.46% copper equivalent. Management said the project would generate US$3.86 billion post-tax free cashflow over its life. Cash in hand is about A$46 million. The company said ongoing work at La Verde could boost resources, with a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate expected this year.

Hot Chili: Costa Fuego PFS and 2026 outloo…

JB Hi-Fi ASX:JBH shares off 14.4% in 2025, sector lags ASX 200

August 3, 2026, 7:28 PM EDT. JB Hi-Fi Ltd ASX:JBH shares are down 14.4% in 2025 but many investors still like it for exposure to consumer discretionary stocks. The company runs stores in Australia and New Zealand and uses a cost-leadership strategy to compete, relying on aggressive pricing and regular discounts. Despite higher rates, JBH has posted 2.5% annual revenue growth over three years. The consumer discretionary sector has returned 2.92% a year over five years, a bit behind the broader ASX 200. JBH has kept up a steady dividend yield of 4.1%, with a five-year average at 5.2%. Its price-to-sales ratio is 0.94x, above the five-year average of 0.70x, so the stock is priced at a premium showing growth. Investors should look at more than one valuation number before deciding.

JBH share price: why investors like consum…

Credit Corp (ASX: CCP) lifts profit 12%, raises fully franked dividend

August 3, 2026, 7:26 PM EDT. Credit Corp Group Ltd (ASX: CCP) posted a net profit after tax of $105.5 million for the year to June 30, 2026, up 12.1%. Revenue came in at $586 million, a 7.4% gain. Credit Corp set its final fully franked dividend at 45.5 cents a share, on top of the earlier interim 32.0 cents. Shareholders get franking credits for tax already paid by the company. Net tangible assets per share rose to $13.18. The company kept the same structure, with no new dividend reinvestment plan. Even with higher profit, shares dropped 10% this year, lagging the S&P/ASX 200 Index. Audited accounts were clean with no qualifications. Investors are looking out for strategy details in the annual report.

Credit Corp profit jumps 12% with fully fr…

FlexiRoam (ASX:FRX) clinches two-year multi-service Etihad Airways deal

August 3, 2026, 7:24 PM EDT. FlexiRoam (ASX:FRX) landed a two-year master deal with Etihad Airways for integrated staff, plane ops, and pilot iPad connectivity in over 125 countries. It’s the third time Etihad has tapped FlexiRoam in 18 months, but this rolls their services into one agreement. The contract covers global roaming for staff, data SIMs for aircraft routers, and data pools for pilot iPads, all on monthly subs. Revenue will track with how fast Etihad deploys and uses data-there’s no minimum. CEO Jefrey Ong called it a proof-point for their enterprise model as Etihad, which has 128 planes flying to 110 spots, wants more reliable global connections. FlexiRoam delivers through its own platform but does not own any network infrastructure.

From staff phones to the flight deck: Flex…

Mont Royal Resources Pushes Ahead With Quebec Rare Earth Project

August 3, 2026, 7:22 PM EDT. Mont Royal Resources (ASX: MRZ) is moving forward on its Ashram Rare Earths project in Quebec, which it calls a critical piece of North America’s energy supply. The latest PEA update shows a mine life of 30 years, with post-tax NPV topping C$2 billion and a 22% IRR. The monazite-rich Ashram aims to turn out about 17,466 tonnes of Rare Earth Oxide per year, including more than 4,000 tonnes of key neodymium-praseodymium oxides used in EVs and wind turbines. China still leads global rare earth output, but Mont Royal is pitching Ashram as a stable, local supply from what it calls Canada’s top mining region. Plans so far cover just a quarter of the resource, with the company pointing to potential for more expansion and for by-products like fluorspar.

Mont Royal Resources Moves to De-Risk Cana…

GreenX Metals (ASX: GRX) grows Eleonore North footprint with more licences in Greenland

August 3, 2026, 7:20 PM EDT. GreenX Metals (ASX: GRX) picked up two more exploration licences in Greenland, stretching its Eleonore North Project out to about 2,100 km². The company has mapped several intrusion-related gold targets, including historical assays up to 50 grams per tonne. Stream sediment sampling pointed to high levels of gold, silver, tungsten and arsenic. Tungsten drew attention as a key defence and aerospace mineral, especially with China restricting exports. Fieldwork is done and lab results are due this quarter, which GreenX says will help steer more exploration. Shares gained 14% over the last year, beating the All Ordinaries Index’s 2% rise. Management says they plan to step up exploration and metallurgy work.

GreenX Metals expands Greenland gold and c…

Pantoro Gold (ASX: PNR) Sees Strong Gold Grades at Norseman Racetrack

August 3, 2026, 7:18 PM EDT. Pantoro Gold (ASX: PNR) says it has proven high-grade gold continuity at its Norseman Racetrack Discovery, with phase two drilling hitting intercepts like 4.94 metres at 349.14 g/t gold. The latest infill drilling mapped out mineralisation across 350 metres of strike and down as far as 600 metres, which the company says adds to the project’s resource potential. Norseman Gold Project holds a 4.6 million ounce mineral resource and is one of WA’s top goldfields by grade. Managing Director Paul Cmrlec pointed to similarities between Racetrack and the old Bullen lode, which produced more than 500,000 ounces at 10 g/t. Pantoro is planning an exploration decline from the nearby OK Decline to support mining at Racetrack. Drilling is ongoing with several rigs, as the company looks to hit 100,000 ounces a year in output and aims for 200,000 ounces longer term.

Pantoro Gold confirms high-grade continuit…

AuKing Mining picks up Machinga rare earths project in Malawi

August 3, 2026, 7:16 PM EDT. AuKing Mining (ASX:AKN) has moved to buy the 200km2 Machinga heavy rare earths site in southern Malawi, pushing further into critical minerals. Machinga reports heavy rare earth enrichment in the 28-30% range, with key elements like dysprosium and terbium, both important for tech and defense gear. The mineralised zone runs for 2km and holds niobium, tantalum and zirconium. Drilling and sampling by DY6 Metals and Tusker Minerals showed promise at Machinga, which AuKing says lines up with North American projects like Ucore’s Bokan-Dotson Ridge. The company has funding in place and is set to start work as soon as the deal closes, banking on Malawi’s location as a supply point for high-grade critical minerals.

AuKing Mining moves on Heavy REE asset as …

Neurizon Therapeutics (ASX:NUZ) finishes ALS trial enrolment, lands new R&D funding

August 3, 2026, 7:14 PM EDT. Neurizon Therapeutics (ASX:NUZ) has finished enrolling patients in its ALS Platform Trial, a key step for its ALS drug program. The company also secured a non-dilutive R&D funding facility that brings in more capital without adding new shares. Chairman Sergio Duchini said momentum is building for its main drug candidate NUZ-001 and voiced confidence in its clinical outlook. The moves tie in with Neurizon’s long-term plans and may impact shareholder value as the clinical work moves forward.

Long Shortz with Neurizon Therapeutics: Mi…

Qantas Looks at Moving Up to 1000 Jobs to India Under Efficiency Plan

August 3, 2026, 7:01 PM EDT. Qantas is weighing plans to offshore as many as 1000 marketing, finance and back-office roles to India, working with Accenture under what’s called Project iQ. The airline is in early talks and hasn’t made any final call yet. CEO Vanessa Hudson said AI could help handle customer disruptions better. Qantas may cut some headquarters jobs but wants to add pilots and engineers in Australia. High oil prices and digital demands are driving airlines to cut costs and push for more tech.

Qantas mulls offshoring up to 1000 jobs to…

ASX 200 Futures Hold Steady While Dow Hits New Highs, Nasdaq Pushes Up on Tech

August 3, 2026, 7:00 PM EDT. ASX 200 futures hovered flat before the open, suggesting a quiet start for Australian shares. In the U.S., the Dow Jones Industrial Average hit fresh record highs as investors stayed optimistic. The Nasdaq Composite moved higher, powered by gains in big tech. Traders are watching to see if the move sticks as global signals remain mixed.

Morning Wrap: ASX 200 futures flat, Dow su…

Shield and First Guardian Failures Put Australia's Superannuation Funds Under Pressure

August 3, 2026, 6:58 PM EDT. Failures at Shield and First Guardian are shaking confidence in Australia’s superannuation sector, raising questions about where retirement savings end up. What used to be a fight between industry and retail funds now includes more financial planner-led platforms, which pool client money but have drawn criticism after clients lost over A$1 billion on the back of hard sales tactics and light checks. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) is now looking deeper into how these platforms operate, bringing more heat. The mess is sharpening tensions between the Super Members Council, which backs the industry side, and the Financial Services Council for retail funds and platforms, as the rift in super gets wider.

Don’t Become a Victim of the Super Wars

RareX (ASX:REE) moves forward in Mrima Hill rare earths project bid

August 3, 2026, 6:44 PM EDT. RareX (ASX:REE) and its partner Iluka are through to the next phase of the tender process for the Mrima Hill rare earths project in Kenya. Managing director James Durrant confirmed the step and flagged upcoming first drilling at Khaleesi. The company has other advances in its pipeline. RareX is targeting more news over the year as it pursues growth. Stockhead’s full market review ran alongside the update, with a reminder that its views aren’t financial advice.

Long Shortz with RareX: Consortium advance…

Australia’s Red Cross Calls for Urgent Blood Donors as Flu Surge Hits Supply

August 3, 2026, 6:43 PM EDT. Australia’s Red Cross Lifeblood says it needs more than 12,000 donors in the next week with type O and A blood stocks running low, pushed down even more by a late winter flu spike that’s keeping potential donors with coughs and colds away. Yasmin Sayed, 12, depends on regular transfusions for sickle cell thalassaemia, showing how vital donated blood can be. Dr. Richard Mitchell at Sydney Children’s Hospital said transfusions are essential for many patients, especially now. Victoria is under the most pressure, needing 4,500 donors, but cancellations linked to illness mean daily bookings still miss targets. Lifeblood said blood supply is now below where it should be for both emergency and regular needs, and urged healthy, symptom-free donors to come in and help fill the gap.

12yo relies on blood donors to keep her al…

Telstra ASX:TLS: $10,000 in 2016 Shows Dividends Dominate Returns

August 3, 2026, 6:42 PM EDT. A $10,000 buy of Telstra Group Ltd in 2016 would be worth about $9,543 now based on the share price, a 4.6% drop. But factor in dividends-$3,754 over 19 payouts, plus around $1,601 in franking credits-and the total return climbs to about $14,898. The annualised return works out to 4.1%, or 2.9% if you ignore the franking credits. The stock’s slow growth traces back to the NBN rollout, tighter margins, and dividend cuts between 2016 and 2020. More recently, infrastructure deals have lifted cash and changed the way the market values Telstra. For context, putting the same $10,000 in an ASX 200 index fund would now be close to $22,000, leaving Telstra behind but showing the steady dividend stream it offers.

If you invested $10,000 in Telstra shares …

Alan Joyce’s Memoir Sees Weak Sales, Bookshops Mark Down Copies

August 3, 2026, 6:25 PM EDT. Alan Joyce’s autobiography, Riding the Jet Stream, isn’t moving fast after its July 28 debut and has dropped out of Amazon Australia’s top 100. Some bookshops are now cutting prices and running offers to get copies off the shelves. Booksellers say it’s standard to try promos early on and think sales could pick up if promotional pushes work. The memoir covers Joyce’s polarizing Qantas run, including tough calls during COVID-19 that drew flak. Joe Aston’s 2024 book on Joyce is still selling strong in business and investing, scoring better reception than Joyce’s own story so far.

Bookshops begin discounting Alan Joyce’s m…

$100,000 Split Between Telstra (ASX: TLS) and BHP (ASX: BHP) Delivers 5% Grossed-Up Yield

August 3, 2026, 6:13 PM EDT. If you put $100,000 into Telstra (ASX: TLS) and BHP (ASX: BHP), split evenly, you’d get about $3,561 in cash dividends each year. That’s a 3.6% yield. Franking credits bump the grossed-up income to $5,044, or a 5.0% yield. Telstra pays $2,000 in dividends, BHP brings in $1,561 plus another $669 with franking. The yield here edges above the 4.35% cash rate, but BHP’s commodity-linked payouts move around a lot, and holding just two stocks leaves you with little diversification. There’s a chance for dividend growth, but values can swing.

How much passive income can $100,000 in th…

Life360 and Xero trade on growth as user numbers climb

August 3, 2026, 6:11 PM EDT. Life360 and Xero shares are riding growth trends this month. Life360 reported its family safety app hit 97.8 million users, with a 20% jump in international customers. Subscriptions rose 32% as more users paid and new ad revenue came in after its Nativo deal. The firm is eyeing families with pets and older relatives for fresh growth. Xero now has 5 million clients, up 11% in FY26, as it pushes deeper into cloud accounting. Xero’s revenue rose 21%, helped by more platform use and new finance tools; US revenue was up 30%. Both firms are betting on global user growth, more services, and reaching new markets.

Should you buy Life360 and Xero shares in …

ANZ (ASX: ANZ) $10,000 stake may return $444 in 2027 income, analysts tepid

August 3, 2026, 6:09 PM EDT. Putting $10,000 into ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) would get investors about 268 shares, based on current prices, and could pay out roughly $444.88 in dividends in the 2027 financial year. ANZ’s projected annual dividend is $1.66 a share, for a forward yield of 4.4%, or 5.7% when factoring in franking credits. Dividends have held steady, but growth has lagged. CMC Invest consensus sees shares falling by about 5% in the next year. Out of six recent analyst calls, just two are buy ratings. Brokers suggest better value might be found on the ASX for those chasing yield and growth.

If I invest $10,000 in ANZ shares, how muc…

Demand for White and Blush Strawberries Surges in Australia

August 3, 2026, 5:51 PM EDT. White and blush strawberries, including varieties brought in from Japan and the US along with local breeds, are picking up traction across Australia’s strawberry market. These types, created through genetic mutations, are less acidic and have tastes like vanilla or guava. Growers such as SSS Strawberries in Bundaberg and TSL Family Farms near Brisbane say strong demand is leading to supply running short. TSL, which controls rights to the Florida-bred ‘Rose Pearl’, says that variety can handle heavy rain. Coles stores have seen quick sell-outs. The market is seeing a shift as consumers chase novel, sweeter strawberries rather than just the regular reds.

White but ripe, these strawberries are new…

Flutter drops LSE listing, goes all-in on NYSE for US growth

August 3, 2026, 5:49 PM EDT. Flutter Entertainment is no longer listed in London, making its shares trade only on the NYSE. The switch wrapped up on July 31, 2026, following an earlier move this year to focus on New York as FanDuel drives bigger US business. London’s exchange has been losing out as more companies switch to overseas listings. Flutter keeps brands like Paddy Power and Betfair going in the UK and Ireland. CEO Jeremy Peter Jackson said the company sees strong growth ahead as it chases more US investors and builds out its North America footprint.

Flutter Officially Delisted from the Londo…

REA Group ASX:REA sinks; Downer EDI (ASX:DOW) climbs off lows as valuations move

August 3, 2026, 5:47 PM EDT. REA Group Ltd ASX:REA shares have dropped 13.4% in 2025. The stock trades on a price-to-sales ratio of 12.49x, under its 5-year average of 17.41x, even with ongoing revenue growth. REA holds the lead in Australia’s online real estate, with network effects and more services. Downer EDI Ltd (ASX:DOW) is now trading 15.6% above its 52-week low. Its trailing dividend yield sits at 2.16%, lower than the 5-year average of 3.74%. Market valuation and yield have shifted for these ASX property ad and infrastructure names.

REA and Downer EDI Ltd: 2 ASX shares to di…

RareX-Iluka Group Moves Forward in Mrima Hill Tender, Eyes Drilling at Khaleesi

August 3, 2026, 5:45 PM EDT. RareX (ASX:REE) managing director James Durrant said the RareX-Iluka consortium advanced to the next phase in the competitive tender for the Mrima Hill rare earths project in Kenya. RareX laid out its growth strategy and flagged maiden drilling at Khaleesi, with more updates expected from its wider portfolio. The company pointed to a steady flow of catalysts in the next year as it pushes further into rare earths for electric vehicles and renewable energy.

Long Shortz with RareX: Consortium advance…

Vantage Metals Starts Drilling at Botswana Copper Project

August 3, 2026, 5:43 PM EDT. Vantage Metals (ASX:VAN) has started drilling at its Kalahari copper project in Botswana, kicking off a new phase for the company. CEO Will Dix pointed to recent progress and said more milestones are coming, with the company planning steady exploration updates. Vantage is targeting Botswana’s copper deposits as it pushes ahead with its field work. The company said this follows a solid quarter and puts Vantage in a stronger spot in copper. Investors should get independent advice as drilling picks up.

Long Shortz with Vantage Metals: Building …

Moonlight Resources Drills at Leo Grande, Eyes First Gold Resource

August 3, 2026, 5:41 PM EDT. Moonlight Resources (ASX:ML8) is looking to put out its first gold resource at the Leo Grande target in Queensland’s Clermont project, managing director Greg Starr said on The Explorers Podcast. Drilling is underway into higher-grade areas at the Goldfinger prospect, with assay results coming in. The company also started drilling at its historic Peak Downs copper site, giving it another potential boost near term. Moonlight is working to build its gold and copper resource base in a well-known minerals area.

Explorers Podcast: Moonlight eyes maiden L…

ASFA Says $80,000 a Year in Retirement Needs Up to $2M Savings for Australians

August 3, 2026, 5:39 PM EDT. Superannuation advisors at ASFA set the annual target for a comfortable retirement at $80,000 for both singles and couples in Australia. The ASFA numbers put $730,000 for couples and $630,000 for singles as the lump totals needed by age 67, if you own your home and can get some Age Pension. If there’s no Age Pension factored in, the savings need to be higher, between $1.33 million and $2 million depending on withdrawal rates from 4% to 6%. Super caps went up July 1, 2026, so contribution limits are higher, and the transfer balance cap is now $2.1 million. Investments like ETFs, such as Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (VAS), help build super balances. Actively managed funds like Australian Foundation Investment Co Ltd (AFI) reported a 3% lift in profit for FY26.

How much superannuation do you need to ret…

Morgans cuts targets for BOE, NST, WDS; ratings largely unchanged

August 3, 2026, 5:37 PM EDT. Morgans updated ratings on three Australian resources stocks. Boss Energy (BOE) kept its accumulate rating as uranium output stays tricky, but the broker cut the target price to A$1.40. Northern Star (NST) also sticks with an accumulate, though Morgans trimmed its rating after the stock bounced, despite solid cost and production numbers, and set the target at A$24.00. Woodside Energy (WDS) remains at hold, as a strong operational update and better revenue was offset by higher than expected net debt from cash flow timing. Morgans lowered Woodside’s target to A$32.50.

Buy, hold, sell: Boss Energy, Northern Sta…

ASX likely to open flat after Wall Street tech stocks surge; oil drops

August 3, 2026, 5:23 PM EDT. S&P ASX 200 futures were off 0.1% before the open, suggesting a steady start for the ASX. Wall Street ended with sharp gains across major indexes, boosted by gains in big tech-Meta rose 6%, Microsoft added 5%, and Amazon climbed 4.5%, sending its market cap above US$3 trillion. The Dow rose 1.3%, S&P 500 advanced 1.5%, and Nasdaq jumped 2.1%. Oil prices tumbled nearly 5% as some traders bet on US-Iran talks lowering Strait of Hormuz risk. AstraZeneca shares fell 9% after news emerged of a possible US$400 billion merger with Bristol-Myers Squibb, rattling investors. Key Australian data today includes household spending and job ads; US trade and job opening numbers are also due. Focus remains on signs of inflation and labor trends influencing what the Fed does next.

Rise and Shine: Everything you need to kno…

Bell Potter Puts Buy on Cedar Woods Properties (ASX: CWP) for August, Sees 36% Upside

August 3, 2026, 5:22 PM EDT. Bell Potter rates Cedar Woods Properties Ltd (ASX: CWP) a buy for August, pointing to its solid dividend yields and steady exposure to first homebuyers. The broker notes recent tax changes in the Federal Budget and high interest rates pushed residential prices down 0.7%, but says CWP’s earnings are shielded for FY27 thanks to more than 80% of revenue already pre-sold. Bell Potter sees 7% settlement growth in FY27 and FY28, and forecasts a 6% lift in EPS. At 8.4 times one-year forward earnings, Bell Potter puts potential upside at 36% from CWP’s $6.85 close, with yield between 5.5% and 6.1%. The broker says strong demand and population growth put CWP in a good position among ASX dividend plays this August.

Is this the best ASX dividend share to buy…

ASX seen opening down as Wall Street surges on oil slide; Amazon tops $3 trillion

August 3, 2026, 5:09 PM EDT. Wall Street jumped overnight, with the S&P 500 up 1.5% and Nasdaq gaining 2.1% after Brent crude oil lost 5% to $83.52, taking some pressure off inflation fears tied to Iran. The Dow added 1.3%, getting a boost from airlines and Boeing, which soared 8% after getting FAA approval for its 737 MAX-7. United Airlines rose 5.8%. Amazon stock was up 4.6%, briefly taking its value to a record $3 trillion. The ASX is set for a slight drop, with futures pointing to a 1-point loss. US 10-year yields dropped to 4.68% but are still high. Tyson Foods beat forecasts, sending its shares up 2.9%. Softer geopolitical risk helped drive stocks higher, even as borrowing costs stayed elevated.

ASX set to dip, Wall Street rallies on fal…

Neil the Seal merch site offline after donation claims, AI art flagged

August 3, 2026, 5:08 PM EDT. The “Neil the seal official” site, which sold items like $150 hoodies, went dark after questions on whether it really donated profits to marine conservation groups. The shop had named Australian conservation partners, but those groups said they never worked with it or got money. Media pressure saw the site change its donation statements and add direct links, then it was pulled offline. OpenAI tools flagged the merchandise art as AI-made, though the site claimed it was by a local artist. Another similar store is still live, with owners unknown. The episode puts a spotlight on gaps in transparency and authenticity in conservation-themed online sales.

Neil the seal merch site taken down after …

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) Shares Look Pricey on PE Ratio Math

August 3, 2026, 5:07 PM EDT. Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) shares are trading near $178 on the ASX, drawing buyers interested in dividends. Looking at valuation, CBA’s PE ratio sits at 31.6x-well above the sector’s 19x average. With EPS of $5.63, analysts run that through the sector average PE to get $109.31, which points to CBA trading at a premium. The PE ratio stacks the share price against profit per share and gives a rough value, but investors usually dig beyond that. ASX-listed banks make up about one-third of the market, so numbers like these matter for anyone weighing stocks like CBA, ANZ, and Macquarie Group.

The easiest way to value the CBA share pri…

Woolworths (ASX: WOW): $1,000 Passive Income in FY27 Would Need 885 Shares

August 3, 2026, 5:06 PM EDT. If you’re looking to make $1,000 a year in passive income from Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) by FY27, you’d need to own about 885 shares, based on the latest dividend forecast of $1.13 a share. At Woolworths’ current price of $40.08, that’s an upfront investment of around $35,470. Woolworths is known for stable cash flows tied to grocery sales across Australia and pays out twice a year. Its forward dividend yield is forecast to increase from 2.5% in FY26 to about 2.8% in FY27. While the buy-in is high, investors can build toward the goal over time with steady purchases and reinvested dividends.

How many Woolworths shares do I need to bu…

Pressure Mounts to Scrap NSW Emergency Services Levy as Insurance Bills Climb

August 3, 2026, 4:57 PM EDT. Home insurance premiums across New South Wales (NSW) have shot up, jumping as much as 51% over five years and stretching household budgets. Pensioner Hans saw his yearly bill climb almost $1,000 to $3,590, with government taxes and levies included. The Emergency Services Levy (ESL), which shows up on insurance bills, is up 54% in six years and now puts about $1.4 billion each year into NSW emergency services. NSW is the only state that still funds emergency services this way; others have shifted to models based on property or used general tax income instead. Industry groups are pushing the NSW government to ditch the ESL before the 2027 election. Premier Chris Minns has promised a new flat charge on all properties to spread the cost. The plan is meant to take the load off people who insure, with 36% of NSW households currently without insurance.

Calls to scrap NSW emergency services levy…

Block (ASX: XYZ) and Zip (ASX: ZIP) Shares: August Moves in Focus

August 3, 2026, 4:55 PM EDT. Block Inc. (ASX: XYZ) and Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) have shown some new momentum in August. Block reported Cash App gross profit up 38% and an 82% jump in consumer lending origination for Q1 FY26. Square’s international gross payment volume climbed 35%, pointing to more action outside the US. Zip is riding US gains too, posting a 43.1% jump in transaction volume and a 17.9% lift in its merchant network for Q3 FY26. Zip’s Stripe deal is targeted at driving merchant take-up and boosting customer use, especially for day-to-day buys like groceries and bills. Both stocks have drawn attention from those looking at long-range growth.

Should I buy Block and Zip shares in Augus…

ASX Tech Index Jumps 17.5% in June Quarter as Small Caps Rally

August 3, 2026, 4:53 PM EDT. The S&P/ASX All Technology Index climbed 17.5% for the June quarter, beating the ASX 200, which rose 3.5%. Investors rotated back into Australian tech, with small cap names getting more attention as focus moved to real sales and deployments. Nodestream landed new defence subscription renewals and worked on consolidating products. Eden Innovations increased installations and added $4.05 million to cash from a placement. The sector has started bouncing back from earlier rate and AI worries, with small companies looking for more stable growth and contracts.

ASX Quarterly Tech Wrap: Brighter quarter …

ASX 200 Set to Edge Up Tuesday; Wall Street Gains, Oil Drop in Focus

August 3, 2026, 4:51 PM EDT. The S&P/ASX 200 index finished Monday up 0.45% at 9,019.3 and is looking at a slightly higher open Tuesday, following Wall Street where the Dow climbed 1.3% and Nasdaq added 2.1%. Bell Potter kept its buy rating on Cedar Woods Properties Ltd (ASX: CWP), citing sustainable earnings growth and a good near-term outlook. Energy stocks like Beach Energy and Santos Ltd could come under pressure as oil prices dropped more than 5% after US-Iran tensions cooled. Gold players Genesis Minerals and Capricorn Metals (ASX: GMD, CMM) may get a lift from gold futures rising on dollar weakness. Market is also watching Credit Corp Group’s FY 2026 guidance, with lending growth of 15% and a higher net profit expected from FY 2025.

5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesda…

Gold Bulls Hold Ground Despite 19% Drop for Aussie Miners

August 3, 2026, 4:49 PM EDT. Gold miners in Australia are down 19% on the sub-index since early 2026, but market players aren’t backing off the metal’s long-term prospects. Ongoing volatility-driven by the Iran situation and concern over possible US Federal Reserve rate hikes-hasn’t shaken bullish calls from analysts like Paul Howard at Canaccord Genuity. The pullback has pushed some mid-tier producers and juniors into cheap territory. Simon Lawson points to policy shifts, such as Capital Gains Tax and negative gearing reforms, as headwinds for speculative gold names. Still, gold’s margin strength and safe-haven appeal during geopolitical risks keep it on the radar for those chasing stability.

Diggers and Dealers: Gold experts say the …

CSL's FY26 Results on August 18 Put Recovery Hopes in Spotlight

August 3, 2026, 4:38 PM EDT. CSL Ltd is set to report FY26 numbers on August 18, and the update could be key for its recovery story. Shares are off about 52% for the year as investors question the outlook following job cuts, the spin-off of its vaccine arm, and profit warnings. Revenue and NPATA have both fallen, hit by weaker flu vaccine sales and higher costs. The company has made some headway on a cost-saving plan aimed at up to US$550 million per year by FY28, but growth still isn’t in sight. Investors will be looking for clues on whether CSL Behring can turn things around, management’s transformation efforts, and if a permanent CEO steps in, as the share price remains stuck at its lowest level in a decade.

CSL reports on 18 August. Can the healthca…

DroneShield (ASX: DRO) trades near $1.82 as earnings outlook cools

August 3, 2026, 4:37 PM EDT. Shares in DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) are changing hands around $1.82, with the stock seeing some swings after analysts cut earnings forecasts. Market watchers now expect EPS of just 0.1 cents in FY26, climbing to 1.8 cents in FY28. That points to softer profit growth, even with strong revenue gains. The FY28 P/E near 101 looks pricey, and contract timing remains sketchy. DroneShield has kept up spending on manufacturing, product work, and sales expansion. First-half revenue jumped 74% to $125.8 million. The group forecasts $250-$270 million in FY26 revenue, up 15%-25% from earlier periods, and recurring sales now make up 11.3% of first-half revenue. The RfAI-3 detection engine, set to launch from 2026, should broaden its lineup. Investors are weighing the company’s expansion in the defence and government drone countermeasure markets against delays in turning rising sales into profits.

DroneShield shares: Buy, hold, or sell?

ASX critical minerals stocks climb as US military drills fuel rare earths focus

August 3, 2026, 4:36 PM EDT. Australian critical minerals stocks on the ASX are getting a lift with US military drills pushing rare earths into the spotlight again. Former Treasurer Joe Hockey, with his links to Donald Trump and other US figures, said Australian developers have an edge in the global rare earths supply race. These minerals are key for defense and tech, and the US exercises point to their strategic role. ASX-listed miners in the space could draw fresh investor interest as security concerns drive demand for reliable supplies.

Diggers and Dealers: How US war games prop…

ASX lifts 2% in July, beating global peers

August 3, 2026, 4:35 PM EDT. The S&P/ASX 200 put on 2% in July, outpacing most global markets as traders navigated choppy conditions. Tech swings and Middle East headlines drove the action. Some sectors helped steady the index even as geopolitical risk picked up. Tech names traded sharply both ways through the month, adding to the noise. The 2% rise put the ASX ahead of weaker moves seen on other major indices in July.

ASX Monthly Winners: ASX rises 2% in volat…

ASX Banks Seen Steady as RBA Expected to Hold, CBA Results in Focus

August 3, 2026, 4:34 PM EDT. ASX bank stocks head into a big week as the Reserve Bank of Australia meets on 11 August, with the market betting the cash rate stays at 4.35%. The RBA pause would follow three hikes earlier this year, giving banks some breathing room before Commonwealth Bank of Australia’s full-year numbers land on 12 August. Rate increases haven’t always boosted bank profits, as more savers have chased high-interest accounts, hitting margins. Westpac’s big mortgage book could mean more arrears if rates jump again. Analysts aren’t all on the same page: Morgan Stanley and Jefferies rate the big banks as sells, while Citi is backing ANZ as a buy. Investors will be watching both the RBA call and CBA’s earnings to set the next move for ASX banks.

The RBA meets on 11 August. What could thi…

MoneyMe Hits $2bn Loan Book as Losses Ease and Profit Returns

August 3, 2026, 4:33 PM EDT. MoneyMe’s loan book hit $2.08 billion, up 34% for the year and setting a new record for originations at $1.23 billion. Gross revenue rose 20% to $249 million. Net credit losses dropped for a fifth straight quarter, now at 2.4%, as lending ramped up. CEO Clayton Howes said the focus is on smarter growth, not just volume, pointing to 30% growth in secured car loans and 50% in personal loans. Headline net interest margin slipped to 6.5% from 7.5%, but risk-adjusted margin improved to 2.4% from 1.5% with fewer losses and better funding. The lender turned a $500,000 net profit for the second half after narrowing full-year losses to $4.1 million, down from $15.5 million. Management is sticking with sustainable growth over chasing scale.

MoneyMe finds sweet spot between growth, r…

BP up 36.3% in past year as oil rises on US-Iran flare-up

August 3, 2026, 4:31 PM EDT. BP shares jumped 36.3% over the past year. A £39,935 investment at last year’s 52-week low of 399.35p now stands at £54,420. The move came as US-Iran tensions hit oil supply and sent crude prices higher. BP, listed in London with an £85.3 billion market cap, picked up on the oil rally and saw better revenues and margins. The shares yield 4.6%, drawing in income investors. BP has also moved to sell its North Sea assets, a step in its shift to stronger-return business. Over the same stretch, the return beat the 4% from a savings account, despite global market worries lingering.

£39,935 invested in the BP share price a y…

A 2016 £15,240 Stocks and Shares ISA Would Now Be Worth £38,254

August 3, 2026, 4:30 PM EDT. A £15,240 lump sum put in a Stocks and Shares ISA in 2016 would now be valued at about £38,254, a 151% total return, Unbiased says. The calculation uses an average 9.64% yearly return including growth and reinvested dividends. Unbiased estimates that over a 40-year work span, the same ISA investment could pass £600,000, showing the benefit of tax-free compounding. The £20,000 annual ISA limit hasn’t changed since 2017, and inflation has cut its real value, but UK equities-especially FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 stocks-are still seen as appealing. Dividend yields and valuations matter, but Unbiased said results will differ and tax policy is not fixed, urging investors to get professional advice.

See how much £15,240 invested in a Stocks …

Rolls-Royce LSE:RR. shares climb 40% in a year, analysts debate if stock still offers value

August 3, 2026, 4:29 PM EDT. Rolls-Royce LSE:RR. shares are up 40% in the past year and up 1,253% over five years, fueling new questions about value. The P/E ratio is close to 39, well above the peer average of 28. Still, analysts point to growth in civil aerospace and the aftermarket engine business as reasons for strong earnings ahead as airline fleets expand. They also cite ongoing recovery in aviation and restructuring steps. The premium valuation is in line with typical recovery trades, with earnings forecasts expected to bring down the P/E eventually. Analysts say investors need to consider growth versus valuation given persistent global risks.

Is the Rolls-Royce share price secretly ch…

See How a SIPP Can Match the New £12,547 State Pension

August 3, 2026, 4:28 PM EDT. The UK State Pension now pays £12,547 a year, but that won’t be enough for many in retirement. Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs) come with tax relief-20% for basic taxpayers, 40% for higher-rate-so they’re popular for building retirement funds. On retirement, up to 25% of a pot can be taken tax-free. To generate £12,547 income, you’d need a SIPP pot between £209,117 and £313,675, depending on yield between 6% and 4%. Paying in £250 monthly for 30 years at 8% growth with dividends would take you past that range. SIPPs also work alongside ISAs, offering long-term investors extra retirement income and key tax breaks on top of what the State Pension gives.

The new State Pension is £12,547 a year — …

Australia’s Long Property Boom May Be Over, AMP Says

August 3, 2026, 4:27 PM EDT. AMP’s chief economist Shane Oliver says Australia’s 30-year run of surging home prices could be ending. Oliver pointed to higher rates, weak affordability, slower immigration and tax changes as reasons. New data shows capital city house values fell 0.9%, with Sydney down 1.7% and Melbourne off 1.4%. Major city median prices still sit above $1 million. Oliver sees a 7% drop through next year but figures they’ll stay well above long-term levels-41% too high in Sydney, 65% in Brisbane. KPMG also sees moderate national declines. A housing shortage could push some prices up, but Oliver expects a flat market for a decade, with deeper downturns and slower bounce-backs.

End of the super-cycle: Big call on the na…

SpaceX slides 52%, Tesla off 37% from highs as Musk firms face mixed outlooks

August 3, 2026, 4:26 PM EDT. SpaceX and Tesla shares have dropped 52% and 37% from their 52-week highs. Tesla is still a leader in electric vehicles but is dealing with weaker sales, a pricey 159x forward earnings multiple, and delays in rolling out new AI-driven products like robotaxis and humanoid robots. SpaceX posted a record 165 Falcon 9 launches in 2025, mainly driven by demand for its profitable Starlink service, which now has 13.6 million subscribers. Wall Street is looking for SpaceX to lift revenue from $18.7 billion in 2023 to $140 billion in 2028. Investors are weighing financial risks at Tesla against SpaceX’s launch pace and revenue targets.

Down 37%+, does SpaceX or Tesla stock look…

Greggs Shares Up 22%, Still Below Five-Year High

August 3, 2026, 4:25 PM EDT. Greggs Plc shares surged 22% after interim earnings, but the stock is still 32% under its five-year top. Shares now trade at 15 times earnings, making them look less like a bargain. Some analysts point to cost inflation and higher running costs, like those from a new distribution centre, as ongoing risks. The market liked that there were no new negative surprises after last year’s weather-hit profit warning. Uncertainty is still hanging over the stock, with some saying Greggs is a cautious buy rather than obviously cheap.

Greggs shares have soared. Could they stil…

SIPP or Stocks and Shares ISA: How the tax perks and access rules stack up

August 3, 2026, 4:24 PM EDT. SIPPs hand basic-rate taxpayers a 25% government top-up on contributions, with higher-rate taxpayers able to claim extra tax relief through the tax return, but money is locked until at least age 55 (set to rise to 57 from 2028), and just a quarter comes out tax-free. Stocks and Shares ISAs don’t give upfront tax relief, but you can take your money out any time, tax-free, giving more flexibility. ChatGPT points out SIPPs suit retirement-focused savers, especially higher earners. ISAs fit those who want easy withdrawals. Using both can mean better tax planning, but ChatGPT also warns that using AI for picking investments isn’t risk-free and may lead to mistakes.

I asked ChatGPT whether a SIPP or Stocks a…

Legal & General's 7.25% Yield Draws UK Investors Despite Headwinds

August 3, 2026, 4:23 PM EDT. Legal & General (LSE: LGEN) is out front on the FTSE 100, showing a projected 7.25% dividend yield and trading at a P/E of 8.7. The shares are getting strong buying interest on UK platforms, even as the market faces worries over US tariffs and wider conflicts. Some analysts flag that 2026 earnings could just be a one-off boost, with P/E forecast to hit 13 by 2027. Legal & General tops major rivals like Standard Life, Aviva, and Admiral for yield and valuation. Analysts say investors looking long term still favor Legal & General and Aviva as standouts in the group.

This FTSE 100 stock offers a stunning 7.25…

Americans’ Backing for Judicial Independence Drops When Rulings Clash With Their Views, Study Says

August 3, 2026, 4:22 PM EDT. Alexandra Filindra’s research shows Americans’ support for judicial independence fades when court decisions go against their political or racial identity. The idea that judges stay above politics is a core democratic value, but court-baiting-politicians targeting judges over rulings-is more common now, especially under Donald Trump. Trump and some Republicans have called for punishments against judges based on outcomes, not legal process, and Congress has tried to impeach some. Most people say they oppose punishing judges for political reasons, but that resistance drops a lot if they dislike the ruling. The risk is a hit to the rule of law, since judicial legitimacy looks shaky as political divisions deepen.

Americans’ support for judicial independen…

SpaceX (NASDAQ: SPCX) Sinks Over 50% After Post-IPO High

August 3, 2026, 4:21 PM EDT. SpaceX (NASDAQ: SPCX) jumped 63% right after its IPO and cleared $220 a share at the top. Now the price has dropped more than 50% to $108 in just six weeks. A £7,777 buy at the top would be worth £3,735. The sharp slide is tied to zero profits, high R&D costs, and a price-to-sales ratio near 70. Investors have pulled back with US tariffs and global conflicts adding to the uncertainty. SpaceX is said to be the world’s most shorted stock right now, with plenty of traders betting it keeps dropping. Analysts warn the valuation depends mostly on bullish sentiment, not business results.

£7,777 invested in SpaceX stock at the pea…

Macquarie Group Runs Ahead of ASX Banks in 2026 Outlook

August 3, 2026, 4:20 PM EDT. Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) is up 23.8% so far this year, beating the S&P/ASX 200’s 3% rise and leaving major banks like Commonwealth Bank (CBA) and Westpac behind. The company, focused on global investment banking and asset management, isn’t as exposed to weak housing and loan demand as its retail-focused peers. Macquarie pays a 2.8% partly franked dividend. Dylan Evans at Catapult Wealth points to the bank’s broad business and commodity ties as positives in choppy markets shaken by geopolitical risks. Leadership changes haven’t rattled the stock. For FY2026, profit jumped 30% to $4.8 billion, as every business line posted gains.

Why Macquarie shares are forecast to outpa…

Coles Group Ltd gains in 2025, Brambles Ltd lags 52-week high

August 3, 2026, 4:19 PM EDT. Coles Group Ltd ASX:COL has climbed 13.7% in 2025, as the retailer holds a 28% share of Australia’s grocery market and posted a FY24 debt/equity of 278.4%. It reported a 3.8% average dividend yield and 32.4% return on equity. Brambles Ltd ASX:BXB, which rents out CHEP pallets to supply chains, trades 27.1% below its 52-week high and finished FY24 with an 81.8% debt/equity ratio. Both names still rank among potential ASX blue-chip picks for income and steady returns.

COL shares: your next blue chip investment…

How Much Super Do You Need for $5,000 a Month in Passive Income?

August 3, 2026, 4:18 PM EDT. If you want $5,000 monthly passive income ($60,000 a year) from your superannuation, the target balance changes with your portfolio’s dividend yield. At 3% yield, you’d need about $2 million in super. With a 4% yield, it drops to $1.5 million. At 5%, expect to need about $1.2 million, while 6% yield would take around $1 million. A 7% yield brings it to about $900,000, and 8% lowers it further to $750,000. Most dividends get paid semi-annually or yearly, not monthly, so income arrives as bigger lumps. ASX stocks like Macquarie Group, Wesfarmers, and Westpac currently pay yields around 2%-5%, which matters for those structuring super for passive income streams.

How much superannuation is needed to targe…

WAM ASX Funds Lift Dividends After Posting Big Returns

August 3, 2026, 4:17 PM EDT. Wilson Asset Management’s ASX funds-WAM Strategic Value (WAR), WAM Active (WAA), and WAM Income Maximiser (WMX)-have all raised their fully franked dividends off the back of solid performance. WAR bumped up its payout 8.3% to 6.5 cents per share for a yield of 5.9%, or 8.4% with franking credits. WAR’s portfolio climbed 9.5% for the year, topping the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Accumulation Index by 3.8%. WAA’s portfolio surged 75.5%, with total return including capital gains at 40.2%, as key themes like AI and critical minerals drove gains. WMX kept lifting its monthly dividends, reaching 7.1% yield annualized. Strong cash on hand gives the funds room to buy selected discounts in volatile markets.

These ASX dividend funds have been quietly…

ASX Stocks Hold Up as Earnings Land Better Than Feared

August 3, 2026, 3:31 PM EDT. Australian Securities Exchange ASX companies have managed to hold up in this earnings season, performing better than many expected given ongoing inflation, a tough housing market, geopolitics and changing SaaS sector trends – the so-called ‘SaaSurrection’. Full-year 2026 earnings have not taken a significant hit. Andrew Dale, portfolio manager at ECP Asset Management, said consumer sentiment and economic signals are still weak, but corporate earnings haven’t wobbled much. He said companies seem to be coping for now in rough macro conditions, surprising some of the more negative forecasters.

Soft guidance and signs of a SaaSurrection…

Turning $1,000 a month into $1 million with ASX stocks

August 3, 2026, 3:30 PM EDT. Putting $1,000 a month into ASX-listed stocks and getting a 9% annual return with dividends reinvested, the model gets you to roughly $190,000 after 10 years, $640,000 after 20 years, and breaks the $1 million mark in just over 24 years. This shows how compounding grows returns faster than what you put in. Picks include Aristocrat Leisure, TechnologyOne, and Macquarie Group, all noted for their position and growth. Still, the 9% return isn’t guaranteed and doesn’t account for fees or taxes. The approach is about steady, long-term buying-not trying to time the market-so even smaller month-to-month amounts add up over time.

How to turn $1,000 a month into $1 million…

Olix AI Start-up Hits £2.5 Billion Valuation With £232 Million Raise

August 3, 2026, 3:14 PM EDT. Olix, an AI chip start-up led by a school drop-out, raised £232 million in new funding, pushing its valuation to £2.5 billion. The founder says the company’s chips can drive better performance and cut costs for AI uses. Investors put the money in as demand climbs for more efficient AI hardware.

School drop-out’s AI start-up valued at £2…

Futures Tick Up as Mideast Worries Cool and Investors Eye Earnings

August 3, 2026, 2:58 PM EDT. U.S. stock index futures edged up Monday, with easing Middle East tensions pushing crude oil lower. Traders looked ahead to a crowded week of corporate earnings and key economic data. Futures showed some optimism as geopolitical worries faded. Crude slipped. Investors stayed cautious before major earnings and economic numbers set to hit later this week.

Wall St futures edge up on Mideast deal ho…

SWR sharpens focus on £31m ticket fraud as misuse crackdown ramps up

August 3, 2026, 2:27 PM EDT. South Western Railway is stepping up its push to stop fare dodgers using electronic ticket tricks, especially those buying cheaper tickets for a short trip and then going further-so-called short-faring. The company puts the risk to its revenue at £31 million. SWR found 153 such cases since June, way up from just seven last year. Offenders face a £100 penalty, with a lower rate if they pay quickly, plus the cost of the right fare. Persistent dodgers could end up in court. SWR’s efforts have cut overall fare evasion by 67% since 2017, though some passengers have changed their approach. Nationwide, ticket fraud is a £350-400 million problem for the rail industry. SWR said lost fare money hits investment in its services in southern England.

South Western Railway cracks down on fare …

Panda Mart Draws Massive Crowds as Queensland Store Opens

August 3, 2026, 1:58 PM EDT. Panda Mart, described by some shoppers as “Temu in real life,” kicked off its first Queensland opening in Rocklea, Brisbane and drew huge crowds. The new discount outlet, set up in a former Bunnings, put 18 checkouts to work and still saw long lines and full parking stretching several blocks. Some shelves quickly emptied as people grabbed snacks, makeup, and furniture. Panda Mart started in South Africa in 2010 and only recently expanded to Victoria, where it briefly paused trading due to regulatory safety issues. On opening day in Queensland, no police were called despite heavy traffic inside and outside the store.

We went to Panda Mart’s first Queensland s…

Clarksons Eyes Deals to Boost Growth, Andi Case Says

August 3, 2026, 1:57 PM EDT. Clarksons is looking at numerous transactions to drive growth in its businesses, Andi Case said. The shipping services group wants to expand in all segments. The company is trying to strengthen its market position as deal activity picks up across the shipping space. Clarksons’ plan matches what other firms are doing in response to changes in global trade.

Andi Case: Clarksons looking at ‘numerous …

UBS hit with $125 million U.S. fine over AML failures

August 3, 2026, 1:56 PM EDT. UBS will pay $125 million after U.S. regulators said the Swiss bank did not have strong anti-money laundering controls in place. The latest penalty follows earlier sanctions tied to similar problems. U.S. officials said UBS did not fix flagged issues even after previous warnings.

UBS fined $125mn over lax money laundering…

EU Rolls Out AI Transparency Law, Enforcement and Fines Start Aug. 2

August 3, 2026, 1:40 PM EDT. The EU will start enforcing new AI transparency rules under Article 50 of the AI Act from August 2. The law requires companies to clearly label AI-generated content-covering images, audio, video, and text-when users interact with AI systems. The goal is to boost trust and integrity in digital content by making it obvious when AI is involved. Providers of general-purpose AI must log data and stick to copyright and transparency requirements. Breaking the rules can bring fines up to €15 million or 3% of global sales. The rules don’t cover personal content or artistic parody. Europe’s move puts it ahead as an AI regulator, even as critics warn it could chill innovation.

EU Announces New Rules On AI Transparency

Analysts: Middle East Tanker Risk Highest Since Iran War Began

August 3, 2026, 1:09 PM EDT. Oil tanker threats in the Middle East are at their worst since the start of the Iran war, according to analysts at ship-tracking firm Kpler. Attacks in the Red Sea, a route used since Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz, have picked up. Iran has refused talks with the US on reopening the strait, but is talking security with Oman. Tanker traffic through the Strait has dropped sharply-from over 100 ships a day before the war to fewer than 10 now because of new strikes. Iranian-backed Houthi forces continue to block shipments and target Saudi tankers in the Red Sea, pushing up risk zones and disrupting global flows. Industry groups say the falling security could threaten market stability and navigation.

Threat to oil tankers in Middle East worst…

EY: Iran War Threatens to Stall UK Growth

August 3, 2026, 12:54 PM EDT. EY said war involving Iran could threaten to halt UK economic growth, even as the Big Four accounting group lifted its 2024 forecast to 0.9%. The firm warned the UK depends on the Strait of Hormuz staying open for oil and gas shipments. If energy stays disrupted, growth could slow to 0.5% this year and tip to a 0.2% drop in 2025. EY said inflation could spike to 6.4% if energy shocks deepen, well above its 3.5% base case. Chief economist Peter Arnold said the UK faces resilience tests with volatile energy and construction costs. Chancellor John Healey said cost pressures are persisting. EY also said tech adoption and AI could help growth despite global risks.

How the Iran War Will Determine Britain's …

AstraZeneca Drops on Merger Rumor, Pulls FTSE 100 Down as Other Markets Rise

August 3, 2026, 12:53 PM EDT. FTSE 100 fell 0.1% to 10,857.70 after AstraZeneca slumped 9% on talk of a $400 billion merger with Bristol-Myers. If it goes ahead, the tie-up would position the combined company as the fourth-biggest in pharma by market value, just behind Eli Lilly, Johnson & Johnson, and AbbVie. Jefferies and Bank of America analysts questioned the sense of the move given AstraZeneca’s growth and pipeline outlook. The FTSE 250 gained 1.0% and AIM All-Share added 0.8%. European shares were firmer, with the CAC 40 up 1.2% and the DAX 40 up 1.5%. US stocks also moved higher, led by a 1.8% bounce in the Nasdaq. Brent crude slid below $84 a barrel as US-Iran tension eased, which helped cool inflation fears and pushed US Treasury yields down.

Stocks mixed as AstraZeneca merger talk de…

TMX Group closes deal for Cboe Australia, widens reach

August 3, 2026, 12:04 PM EDT. TMX Group Limited wrapped up its purchase of Middlebury Holdings Pty Limited (Cboe Australia) from Cboe Global Markets, a deal first announced in April 2026. TMX says the buy expands its services for capital markets and its international reach. Cboe Australia, which is now called TMX Australia Exchange, offers public listing support for ETFs, structured products, and access to trading at lower cost. Cboe Global Markets sold the business to sharpen its focus on core areas but will keep its Asia Pacific presence. TMX is still waiting for regulatory clearance on its planned Cboe Canada purchase. TMX says this deal strengthens its role in mining and energy transition finance worldwide.

TMX Completes Acquisition of Cboe Australi…

Flutter Drops London Listing, Puts Spotlight on U.S. Market

August 3, 2026, 11:49 AM EDT. Flutter Entertainment, owner of FanDuel, is no longer listed on the London Stock Exchange and now trades only on the New York Stock Exchange. The company says this lets it put more focus on the U.S. market, which brings in most of its revenue. Flutter expects this move will drive more investment into FanDuel and responsible gaming. The shift comes after controversy over VIP betting promotions tied to pro athlete endorsements. Flutter is looking to cut costs and make it easier for U.S. investors to access its shares. It also says the move could help the U.S. sports betting sector with better features and more responsible gambling tools.

Flutter Delists on London Stock Exchange, …

Robinhood Approved for FCA Crypto License in UK as Competition Heats Up

August 3, 2026, 11:35 AM EDT. Robinhood picked up approval from the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to run crypto services, landing a spot on the UK registry after earlier failed launch attempts. Its move adds to a roster that already includes eToro and Interactive Brokers. Robinhood’s U.S. brand and fee structure won’t guarantee easy growth, with homegrown platforms like Revolut in the mix. The FCA recently cut capital buffer and redemption requirements on stablecoins, giving crypto firms some relief. Robinhood’s license comes as a September application deadline looms ahead of bigger rule changes kicking in from 2027.

Robinhood Secures UK Crypto License, But F…

Drax Pushes for Compensation on UK Grid Delays

August 3, 2026, 11:34 AM EDT. Drax, the country’s biggest power station, is seeking damages after delays in the electricity grid hurt its business. CEO Will Gardiner pressed the UK Energy Secretary for significant fundamental system change to fix long-running grid bottlenecks. The company says these problems keep the grid from handling capacity well and threaten energy supply stability. Grid holdups can stop generators from delivering electricity and may hit market activity and investment. It’s another sign of pressure on the UK energy sector as demand rises and renewables make up more of the mix.

Britain’s biggest power plant demands dama…

CITIWARRANTS IVVJOB (ASX:IVVJOB) Share Price, News and Trading Data

August 3, 2026, 11:33 AM EDT. CITIWARRANTS 40.3569 IVV 25-OCT-35 INSTAL MINI (ASX:IVVJOB) is listed on IntelligentInvestor.com.au with current share price, research, charts, announcements, dividends, and director trades. The platform gives investors the latest market data and analysis to support trade decisions on this warrant.

CITIWARRANTS 40.3569 IVV 25-OCT-35 INSTAL …

Sportsbet in Court Over Fast Code Live Bet System

August 3, 2026, 11:18 AM EDT. Sportsbet is facing trial in Victoria’s Supreme Court over its ‘Fast Code’ phone betting tool, which lets users place live bets in 16 seconds. Plaintiffs say this service got around Australia’s Interactive Gambling Act, which bans online live in-play bets to cut down on harm and match-fixing, while phone bets are only allowed if they’re slower. Maurice Blackburn says Sportsbet’s system lets bets get placed and confirmed by phone too quickly, and may have misled customers. The law firm is asking for the feature to be pulled and for losing bets from 2018 to 2024 to be refunded, a move that could cover hundreds of thousands of people. Neds and Ladbrokes face similar lawsuits. The case turns on whether Sportsbet’s method fits the law around live betting speed and rules.

‘Bet’s on’: Sportsbet in court over the li…

Orica (ASX: ORI) holds steady as volume dries up on ASX

August 3, 2026, 11:17 AM EDT. Orica Limited (ASX: ORI) finished unchanged at $23.320 with volume dropping to 634,601 shares, far under its 1.5 million average. Shares moved between $22.940 and $23.445 through the day. The flat close came as trading was light, pointing to little urgency among investors. The stock stayed in its 52-week range from $18.580 to $26.470. Bid sat at $22.800 and offer at $23.890. Thinner volume shows participation was down, but doesn’t signal a clear direction shift in sentiment.

Why Did Orica Limited (ASX: ORI) Finish th…

Carnavale Resources (ASX:CAV) sees gold recovery hit 99% at Kookynie

August 3, 2026, 11:03 AM EDT. Carnavale Resources Ltd (ASX:CAV) said metallurgical testwork at its Kookynie Gold Project in Western Australia delivered gold recoveries as high as 99%. The company said this shows strong potential for efficient extraction and backs up the project’s economics. Carnavale flagged the ore as favorable and said this result supports its development push. The Kookynie project remains central to Carnavale’s plans to move toward production. Higher recovery numbers could be positive for future revenues and for managing costs at the site.

Carnavale Resources confirms up to 99% gol…

ResMed (ASX:RMD) climbs 1.58% as healthcare stocks move higher

August 3, 2026, 11:01 AM EDT. Shares of ResMed Inc (ASX:RMD) added 1.58% to $30.26 on 3 August 2026, beating the S&P/ASX 200, up 0.47%, and the Health Care Index, up 1.02%. The company makes medical devices and digital health tools for sleep and breathing problems, with business in more than 100 countries. The healthcare tech group keeps shifting as more connected devices and digital tools roll out. Still, analysts warn today’s gain points to trading momentum, not long-term trends. Investors looking at healthcare tech tend to watch for steady product innovation, strong market position, and how well companies run their operations.

ResMed (ASX:RMD) ClimbsHigher as Healthcar…

Oil Falls Hard, European Shares Gain as Trump Shelves Iran Strike Plans

August 3, 2026, 10:47 AM EDT. Oil prices took a hit Monday after Donald Trump cancelled planned military action against Iran and raised the idea of renewed talks. Brent pulled back 5% to $83.47, and U.S. WTI dropped more than 5%, settling at $79.47 a barrel. The drop comes after crude spiked over 20% this July on U.S.-Iran headlines and incidents near the Strait of Hormuz. European equities climbed, with the Stoxx 600 up 0.5%. Travel and leisure shares lifted the index even as energy stocks lagged. U.S. Treasury yields declined, cooling worries about inflation. Some analysts warned that staying positive depends on diplomacy working, as the oil market remains exposed to disruption risks in waters like Bab el-Mandeb.

Oil prices plunge and Europe’s stock marke…

UK buyers face hurdles in US M&A deals

August 3, 2026, 10:46 AM EDT. UK buyers eyeing US targets have to deal with a patchwork of legal and regulatory issues. From US corporate law to tax and antitrust, these cross-border deals bring extra compliance demands. Getting up to speed on those rules helps avoid risk and smooths the deal process, but navigating disclosure and jurisdiction can still slow integration.

Key Considerations for UK Buyers Acquiring…

RBC Targets 47% Total Return for Drax Group, Flags Renewables as Cheap

August 3, 2026, 10:45 AM EDT. RBC Capital Markets sees a 47% total return potential for Drax Group (LSE:DRX), saying the market undervalues Drax’s renewables portfolio. London analysts say there’s room for upside in Drax’s shares as the company bets more on sustainable energy. RBC is positive on names with heavy renewable exposure.

Drax's renewables portfolio is undervalued…

Australia Housing Prices Fall as Auction Activity Stalls

August 3, 2026, 10:14 AM EDT. Australia’s housing market kept sliding in July, with national dwelling values off 0.7% and capital city prices falling 2.5% for the quarter. Sydney lost 1.4% and Melbourne dropped 1.2% last month. Properties at the top end saw the biggest falls, down 3.2% in three months, while more affordable homes edged up 0.3%. Perth reversed direction into negative growth after a June revision. Demand keeps cooling, hit by tighter mortgages, three rate hikes this year, higher fuel prices, and weaker consumer confidence tied to global tensions and federal policy changes. Sellers are still holding back, especially in Sydney, pointing to possible supply shortages ahead even as buyers pull back.

Australia's housing market downturn deepen…

Fresnillo PLC LSE:FRES to release Q2 2026 earnings; GF Value sees 42% downside

August 3, 2026, 10:13 AM EDT. Fresnillo PLC LSE:FRES is set to post Q2 2026 results on August 4. No consensus revenue estimate yet. GF Value, an investment research shop, is calling for a 42% downside from here. The precious metals miner is dealing with pressures that weigh on its stock. Investors are looking for clarity on sales and profits as metals markets stay rocky. This comes as mining companies track commodity swings and economic jitters.

Earnings To Watch: Fresnillo PLC (LSE:FRES…

Tyne and Wear Saver Takes £100,000 Premium Bonds Prize in August 2026

August 3, 2026, 10:00 AM EDT. A Tyne and Wear saver picked up the second-biggest Premium Bonds prize for August 2026. The £100,000 award went to someone with a £650 holding who bought the winning bond just four months back. Premium Bonds are a UK government savings product with payouts based on a prize draw instead of interest. The win shows even smaller holdings can hit big prizes in the scheme.

Premium Bonds August 2026 winners: Saver w…

Flutter Entertainment drops London for sole NYSE listing as US business grows

August 3, 2026, 9:59 AM EDT. Flutter Entertainment has scrapped its London Stock Exchange listing and now trades only on the New York Stock Exchange, after wrapping the switch on August 3, 2026. The move comes as the company leans harder into the US market-FanDuel, its big US sports betting arm, is driving growth. First-quarter revenue was up 17% to $4.3 billion, with 41% of sales now coming from the US. Flutter said light trading and regulatory costs pushed it out of London. The group still runs its main UK and Irish brands, including Paddy Power and Sky Betting & Gaming. This is the company’s biggest shift since starting with Paddy Power two decades ago in London.

Flutter Moves Sole Listing To New York Sto…