Stock Market Today: Live Updates 06.08.2026

Ratio Petroleum Energy Lifts Bid for Pharos Energy to 32.8p a Share

August 7, 2026, 3:58 AM EDT. Ratio Petroleum Energy raised its recommended offer for Pharos Energy to 32.8183p per share, topping Serica Energy PLC’s bid. The new price is meant to win over shareholders as takeover interest in the sector stays high. Pharos Energy LSE:PHAR is now in the middle of a contested process as oil and gas deal activity continues.

Ratio makes improved bid for Pharos Energy

Goodwin Jumps 13% After Strategic Review News

August 7, 2026, 3:55 AM EDT. Shares in Goodwin PLC (LSE:GDWN) rose 13% to 21,250 pence after the company said it is carrying out a strategic review and weighing a possible sale of much of its mechanical engineering unit. Investors bought in on the news, betting that restructuring could help boost value as the company looks to streamline its business in a tough market.

Goodwin shares jump 13% as engineering gro…

UK House Prices Stalled in July as Iran Conflict Adds Pressure

August 7, 2026, 3:41 AM EDT. UK house prices were flat in July, Lloyds said, as higher borrowing costs and fallout from the Iran conflict weighed on demand. The monthly reading showed 0% growth, slipping from 0.2% in June and missing Reuters’ 0.1% estimate. Yearly gains came to 0.1%, the slowest since November 2023 and behind June’s 0.7%. Mortgage rates nudged up during the conflict, adding to affordability pressures. Even so, Bank of England figures showed June mortgage approvals topped forecasts. For December, investors have priced in a 0.25 percentage point Bank of England rate hike, pointing to continued tightening.

Prices in UK Housing Market Flat in July a…

LSE Listings Drop Below 1,000; Brexit Blamed as New Share Offers Shrink

August 7, 2026, 3:40 AM EDT. The number of companies on the main London Stock Exchange has dropped from almost 1,700 in 2006 to 909 by July 2026. Brexit is getting much of the blame. New listings have slowed hard too, from about 60 a year in 2007 to just a handful now. Those IPOs raise less than £2 billion a year. That’s raising questions about the LSE’s role in helping fund the UK economy. Some say pension funds aren’t investing enough, though they get £70 billion a year in tax relief. Experts say it’s a deeper problem and want tax perks tied to UK job-creation, so pension money pushes more into the real economy.

Is the London Stock Exchange irrelevant no…

JD Sports Picks Peter Agnefjäll as Next Chair Starting September 2026

August 7, 2026, 3:39 AM EDT. JD Sports Fashion PLC (LSE:JD., OTC:JDSPY) said Peter Agnefjäll will take over as chair of the board starting 1 September 2026. Agnefjäll will replace Darren. The change is part of JD’s ongoing leadership shift.

JD Sports appoints Peter Agnefjäll as chai…

Red Metal Limited ($AU:RDM) Seeks ASX Listing for 500,000 Extra Shares

August 7, 2026, 3:27 AM EDT. Red Metal Limited ($AU:RDM) has put in an application for ASX quotation of 500,000 more fully paid ordinary shares. The miner is looking to add trading liquidity and improve capital options. The request follows ASX rules for new share issues. If approved, the new shares will be available for trading on the exchange.

Red Metal Seeks ASX Quotation for 500,000 …

Charter Hall Retail REIT (ASX:CQR) lifts FY26 operating earnings, sees record occupancy, gives FY27 outlook

August 7, 2026, 3:26 AM EDT. Charter Hall Retail REIT (ASX:CQR) reported operating earnings per unit rose 4% to 26.4 cents in FY26 as portfolio occupancy hit a record 99.1%. Net Tangible Assets climbed 8.4% to $5.03 per unit with portfolio valuation up 4.9%. Same property net property income increased 3%, with shopping centres and net lease assets performing well. The debt margin dropped 40 basis points to 1.25% after moving to a secured debt platform. Gearing stayed at 30.9%. Specialty tenant sales reached a new high of $11,748 per square metre. The REIT said it expects at least 3.5% growth in earnings and distributions for FY27, citing inflation-linked rents and retail strength.

Charter Hall Retail REIT (ASX:CQR) (FY 202…

ASX 200 Drifts Lower; Lithium and Gold Stocks Jump, Liontown (LTR) Leads

August 7, 2026, 3:25 AM EDT. The S&P/ASX 200 finished Friday at 9,263.6, off 0.086% for the day after setting record highs this week. Losses hit financials, healthcare, industrials, consumer discretionary, utilities, REITs, and communication services. Gold shares ran up 3.45%, with gains in materials (+1.32%), information technology (+0.77%), energy (+0.58%), and consumer staples (+0.11%). Liontown Ltd (LTR) jumped 9.26% to $1.18, topping gainer lists. Telix Pharmaceuticals rose 7.65% and Elevra Lithium added 6.62%. Cautious profit taking set in after mixed moves on Wall Street, as the Dow dropped 0.85% and Nasdaq ended nearly unchanged. Investors leaned into resource and tech names as volatility stayed in focus.

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Genel Energy Says No to £202 Million Cash Bid from DNO

August 7, 2026, 3:24 AM EDT. Genel Energy (LSE: GENL) has rejected a £202 million cash offer from Norwegian rival DNO for its operations in Kurdistan, Iraq. DNO proposed to buy Genel outright with cash, but Genel’s board reviewed the deal and said it undervalued the company. Genel’s board turned it down, keeping the company independent for now. The bid comes as DNO looks to build its position, but Genel says it will stick with its current strategy.

Genel rejects £202 million cash approach f…

Cisco (CSCO) jumps 60% in 2024, leaving FTSE 100 far behind on AI demand

August 7, 2026, 3:23 AM EDT. Cisco shares are up almost 60% in 2024, crushing the FTSE 100’s 9.6% gain. The move comes as the company shifts from old-line hardware to AI-driven networking infrastructure. Deals like Splunk and rising interest in AI-ready networks helped drive sales. Last quarter revenue reached $15.8 billion. AI infrastructure orders climbed to $5.3 billion for the fiscal year, and management boosted its full-year AI order target to $9 billion, up from $5 billion. Cisco is betting its tools in switching, optics, and security will catch more growth as spending on AI builds.

Meet the Dow Jones stock that’s outperform…

ASX Weekly Movers: Wellnex Life (ASX: WNX) Soars 168% on Pain Away Sale

August 7, 2026, 3:13 AM EDT. Wellnex Life (ASX: WNX) jumped 168% this week after the company agreed to sell its Pain Away medicinal cream brand for as much as $21.3 million. The deal wipes its debt and resets strategy. The ASX climbed 3% to record territory as resource stocks picked up. Gold drew strong attention at the Diggers and Dealers forum, with optimism in the sector. Gold prices gained 5% while oil slumped almost 10% as US-Iran talks about reopening the Strait of Hormuz weighed on crude. Besides gold, standout ASX gainers came from healthcare, telecom and copper juniors-a sign of strength across sectors this week.

ASX Runners of the Week: Wellnex, Pentanet…

OXB Lowers 2026 Guidance, Says Client Adds Hit Record

August 7, 2026, 3:12 AM EDT. OXB cut its 2026 revenue target to £180m-£200m, down from its earlier view, after a pause in client orders, some programme delays, and a half-year holdup in Durham, North Carolina, though that site is now running again. First half sales climbed 9% to about £80m, powered by 17 new clients-already over 30% more than all of 2025. For 2026, OXB is guiding to mid-single digit EBITDA margins before one-offs, and it kept its longer-term aims for 25-30% revenue growth in 2027 and about £500m in revenue by 2030. CEO Frank Mathias said the company’s pipeline and demand remain strong. Interim results expected September 22.

OXB trims 2026 revenue guidance despite re…

Lowell Resources Fund Seeks ASX Listing for 499,002 New Units

August 7, 2026, 3:11 AM EDT. Lowell Resources Fund has applied to list 499,002 new fully paid ordinary units on the Australian Securities Exchange ASX. The plan is to boost liquidity and let more investors trade the fund’s securities. The fund is looking to increase its market footprint and give shareholders open access to trading. Listing on the ASX will allow buying and selling under regular exchange rules, which may lift investor confidence and the fund’s profile.

Lowell Resources Fund Seeks ASX Quotation …

ASX 200 Pulls Back as Resources Lift, Banks Weigh

August 7, 2026, 3:10 AM EDT. The ASX 200 edged down 0.086% after back-to-back record finishes. Resources stocks rose 1.2% with copper and gold names doing well. Oil jumped 5% as US-Iran tensions resurfaced by the Strait of Hormuz. Tech stocks gained, supported by Atlassian’s after-hours 27% surge on cloud revenue. But financials lost almost 1% as most major banks fell after a big month. Seven out of 11 sectors finished lower. Lithium names bounced as prices steadied. Wellnex Life rallied 109%, Aeris Environmental climbed 52% among small caps. Declines stayed contained, with the market pausing after its run, not selling off in force.

Closing Bell: Markets call time after two …

SpaceX (NASDAQ: SPCX) Shares Seen 86% Undervalued, but $800 Price Target Draws Skepticism

August 7, 2026, 3:09 AM EDT. SpaceX (NASDAQ: SPCX) shares trade deep in the red compared to the highest Wall Street target of $800, putting them at 86% undervalued and hinting at a 627% jump if that target hits. The company is out front in rocket launches and satellite broadband, reporting Q2 revenue up 92% to $7.8 billion and AI revenue up 248%. That puts its addressable market estimate at $28.5 trillion. Still, an $800 target values SpaceX above $10 trillion, much higher than its $1.4 trillion market cap now. Analysts warn that level would demand huge growth fast. Some also point to risks from AI spending and global trends that could weigh on the stock.

Could SpaceX stock be 86% undervalued?

Altamin gets $2m for Italy critical minerals; AT4 jumps on US refinery plans

August 7, 2026, 3:08 AM EDT. Altamin (ASX:AZI) landed a $2 million non-dilutive cash advance from Victor Smorgon Group to develop its Italian critical minerals projects. The money is earmarked for lithium, potassium, and boron extraction using geothermal power. Altamin is looking to wrap up a scoping study and lock in plant rights in Lazio. The move could boost Italy’s minerals supply chain. Meanwhile, shares of American Tungsten & Antimony (ASX:AT4) popped as much as 28% after it set plans to restart and grow its Del Sol antimony refinery in Nevada, with output targeted for Q3 2026. The expansion ties into US aims to rely less on China for antimony. AT4 said it has government funding applications in for the Defense Production Act programs.

Resources Top 5: Altamin toasts $2m for It…

Oxford BioMedica (OXB) cuts 2026 sales target after order delays

August 7, 2026, 3:07 AM EDT. Oxford BioMedica PLC trimmed its 2026 revenue forecast, blaming pushed-back client orders and slowdowns at its US facility. The company said these delays hit short-term sales expectations. It flagged continued supply chain and market issues for the biotech manufacturing sector.

Oxford Biomedica cuts 2026 revenue guidanc…

ASX 200 Ends Flat With Traders Waiting on US Jobs Data

August 7, 2026, 2:56 AM EDT. The ASX 200 finished little changed at 9,263.60 as investors stayed on the sidelines ahead of the US jobs report. Traders are watching for clues on the Fed’s next move on rates. The jobs numbers are expected to guide views on policy and ripple through global markets.

Australia’s ASX 200 Held Steady Ahead Of U…

Rio Tinto ASX:RIO Up Nearly 20% in 2025; Dividend Yield Falls Below 5-Year Mark

August 7, 2026, 2:55 AM EDT. Rio Tinto Ltd ASX:RIO is up 19.8% since early 2025 as swings in iron ore prices shape earnings. The company’s dividend yield now sits at 3.67%, down from its 5-year average of 6.80% after dividends fell. Scentre Group ASX:SCG, which runs 42 Westfield malls worth more than A$34 billion, offers a yield of about 4.28%, a touch under its 5-year average of 4.78%. Scentre reports 99% occupancy and steady retailers. Investors are watching these numbers to judge stability as commodity and property markets shift.

I’m keeping an eye on RIO shares in 2026

Amaroq kicks off first drilling at Minturn iron-copper-gold target in Greenland

August 7, 2026, 2:54 AM EDT. Amaroq started scout drilling at its Minturn iron-copper-gold prospect in Northwest Greenland after surface work returned iron grades as high as 69.5%. Drilling will check for mineralisation at depth and look at copper and gold potential linked to a large geophysical and geochemical anomaly. Minturn is held via the Gardaq joint venture and sits on top of Greenland’s biggest magnetic anomaly, roughly 9 km wide in an 80 km mineralised corridor. James Gilbertson, VP Exploration, said the surface work suggests an iron oxide copper gold system. The team is drilling over mapped geophysics to get the most from the rigs under tough Arctic conditions. Results will help fine-tune the model and future plans.

Amaroq begins drilling at Greenland iron-c…

Palantir (PLTR) jumps 15% after Q2 2026 blowout, boosts outlook

August 7, 2026, 2:53 AM EDT. Palantir Technologies (NASDAQ: PLTR) snapped higher by about 15% as it rolled out Q2 2026 numbers that topped estimates, with revenue up 93% year over year to $1.94 billion against the $1.81 billion consensus. US commercial segment was up 149% and government revenue added 90%. Adjusted operating income soared 157% to $1.194 billion. The ‘rule of 40’, a growth and margin indicator, hit 155. Palantir also raised full-year guidance. Analysts pointed to Palantir’s AI products and CEO Alex Karp’s management as key positives. The rally and higher confidence fed a new price target for 2026 tied to further gains and expansion hopes.

I just bought more Palantir stock. Here’s …

Pilbara Minerals (PLS) stock up 6.26% in 2024, six numbers to watch

August 7, 2026, 2:52 AM EDT. Pilbara Minerals Ltd ASX:PLS shares are up 6.26% so far this year, as revenue growth and better profits support the move. Annual revenue came in at $1.254 billion, with a 3-year CAGR of 92.5%. Gross margin was 42.2%. Net profit grew to $257 million from a loss of $51 million three years back. PLS holds net debt of -$1.071 billion-meaning it has more cash than debt-and debt-to-equity sits at 17.1%. Return on equity was 7.7%. As lithium demand picks up with green tech, these six numbers are in focus for PLS in 2024.

6 key numbers to value PLS shares

Foresight Group Holdings Buys More Shares, Lifts Treasury Stock

August 7, 2026, 2:38 AM EDT. Foresight Group Holdings Limited picked up another 200,645 ordinary shares for its buyback programme, buying the stock between July 31 and August 6, 2026 through Berenberg at prices between 466.86 GBp and 495.16 GBp. With this latest purchase, Foresight’s treasury shares rose to 5.54 million out of 116.35 million total, putting its voting rights shares at 110.8 million. Treasury shares do not count toward voting while held. In all, the ongoing buyback has now reached 7.19 million shares. Shareholders follow the new voting share figure for FCA notification thresholds. The deal lines up with UK rules from EU market abuse regulations.

Transaction in Own Shares

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC Buys Back Shares Under Ongoing Program

August 7, 2026, 2:37 AM EDT. InterContinental Hotels Group PLC said on August 6, 2026, it bought back some of its ordinary shares at 20340/399 pence each. The move is part of an ongoing buyback plan. The company said the repurchase cuts outstanding shares.

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC Announce…

Genel Energy board rejects DNO’s £202m takeover offer

August 7, 2026, 2:36 AM EDT. DNO put in a £202 million cash bid for Genel Energy, offering 69p per share, which is 38% above Genel’s 6 August close. Genel’s board turned down the deal. DNO, which also operates in Kurdistan, said the cash-and-shares alternative and the offer would give Genel investors a liquidity option. DNO pointed to value certainty, especially as Genel pursues Capricorn Energy, warning of risks if that deal falls through. DNO pitched the size and regional scale as a draw in a market that runs up to 285,000 barrels a day, but faces trading, security, and commercial issues. DNO said it’s still willing to talk.

DNO makes £202m approach for Genel Energy

ASX Tech Rallies 17% in June Qtr as Small Caps Drive Surge

August 7, 2026, 2:20 AM EDT. The ASX tech sector jumped 17% in the June quarter, beating the ASX200’s 4% rise. Small-cap names pushed the action. ClearVue Technologies (ASX:CPV) and AnteoTech (ASX:ADO) advanced on new funding, certifications and deals. ClearVue landed work for Canva’s Sydney HQ and its first Europe contract in Cyprus. The company also locked in big safety certifications. The sector tracked with better sentiment as the Nasdaq gained 21.4% and South Korea’s KOSPI surged 67.8%. Still, Australian tech stocks stayed about 16% down year-to-date in June after earlier hits from inflation and geopolitics.

ASX Quarterly Technology Wrap: Tech reboun…

Gold Eyes Rally as Commodities Jump, Traders Watch for Moves

August 7, 2026, 2:19 AM EDT. Gold is setting up for a rally after eight months falling, with bounce trades on the table. Copper just hit a new high over $6.80/lb, out front in the commodities push. Lithium and rare earths are showing some lift too as the move picks up steam. Plenty of gold stocks triggered buy signals at the same time, giving traders another shot at the sector. Australian shares jumped with the run in commodities, hinting at strength elsewhere. Market talk covers Canadian copper and gold plays, and a medtech name. The commodity move is giving investors openings to move risk and reap some sector moves.

Gold Reignites: Here’s Our Favourites

ASX Small Ordinaries up 6.81%, Vertex rallies, resources stocks in focus

August 7, 2026, 2:04 AM EDT. The ASX Small Ordinaries index rose 6.81% last week, doing better than the S&P/ASX 200, which gained 3.54%. Blue Ocean Equities’ Carlos Crowley Vazquez named three emerging resources stocks to watch: Larvotto Resources (ASX:LRV), moving close to production at its Hillgrove mine; Broken Hill Mines (ASX:BHM), with progress at Broken Hill; and Lac Gold (ASX:LAC), with a high-grade resource in Quebec. Vertex Minerals (ASX:VTX) jumped 46.46% in five days. Investors shifted into defensive stocks early in the week, then pushed the ASX to record highs with moves into finance, tech, and resources. Gold shares saw gains on strong commodity prices and fresh exploration hopes.

ASX Small Caps Weekly Form Guide

Ozz Resources files ASX listing plan, targets 244 million shares

August 7, 2026, 2:03 AM EDT. Ozz Resources Ltd has applied for an official ASX listing, with plans to offer 244 million shares. The company said the move is part of its plan to access capital and reach more investors. The application is tied to Ozz Resources’ broader push to back its operations and growth. Market participants are waiting for ASX approval and confirmation of trading dates.

Ozz Resources Seeks ASX Listing for 244 Mi…

Sydney Airport Sees Flight Delays Up to 80 Minutes on Controller Shortages

August 7, 2026, 1:53 AM EDT. Sydney Airport flights saw delays as long as 80 minutes on Friday morning, with Airservices Australia blaming a lack of air-traffic controllers. From 8:20 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., average waits hit 28 minutes and more than 75 Qantas flights were pushed back, along with services at Virgin Australia. Airservices put traffic flow controls in place to manage the gap between demand and available staff. Airline group A4ANZ said more staff are needed to avoid this in future. Qantas said 85% of its flights were on time in June and kept its eight-year streak as the country’s most punctual carrier. The problems reflect ongoing strains on Australia’s crowded airspace as Western Sydney International Airport gets closer to launch.

Dozens of flights out of Sydney delayed up…

BofA Calls London Stock Exchange Group Undervalued on Data and AI Growth Hopes

August 7, 2026, 1:51 AM EDT. Bank of America says London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) looks undervalued, pointing to an improved revenue picture and more use of data and AI. BofA argues these growth drivers are not yet reflected in the price, leaving room for the stock to move up as the company pushes more into technology.

BofA Says London Stock Exchange Group Look…

Lloyds Banking Group rallies 148.8% in 5 years as shares hit 15-year high

August 7, 2026, 1:49 AM EDT. Lloyds Banking Group is up 148.8% over five years, bouncing back from both Covid-19 and 2008 crisis lows. Shares trade near a 15-year best at 115.9p, benefiting from higher UK interest rates and strong mortgage lending. But the UK housing slump and cost-of-living pressures add doubt for investors looking ahead. Net interest margins at Lloyds have grown with inflation, but stretched affordability could limit more upside. With a market cap of £67.3 billion and the price almost back to its pre-crisis levels, shareholders are weighing whether to stay in or take profits.

Up 148.8% in 5 years, is it time to sell L…

ASX Small Ordinaries jumps 6.85%, Vertex tops weekly small-cap moves

August 7, 2026, 1:47 AM EDT. ASX Small Ordinaries (XSO) gained 6.85% in the week to August 7, beating out the S&P/ASX 200’s 3.62% increase. Carlos Crowley Vazquez at Blue Ocean Equities picked out Larvotto Resources with its Hillgrove Gold and Antimony project near first production. Broken Hill Mines advanced production as recent drilling results improved its outlook. Lac Gold drew attention for high-grade assets at Quebec’s Cadillac Break. Vertex Minerals took off, rising over 46% for the week. Defensive sectors held early, but finance, tech, and resources stocks led the push to new records. The wrap tracks the main small-cap movers and market themes across ASX resource plays this week.

ASX Small Caps Weekly Form Guide

PLS (ASX: PLS) gains 6% as brokers split on ratings after lithium price bounce

August 7, 2026, 1:31 AM EDT. Shares in PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS) jumped 6.3% to $4.57 as lithium prices rebounded. The miner reported a 17% lift in FY26 spodumene output to 879,500 tonnes. Demand for lithium, fueled by EV sales, has pushed prices higher. Six brokers moved on PLS: Ord Minnett and Canaccord Genuity kept buy calls and set 12-month targets as high as $6.40, while Morgan Stanley and Bell Potter said hold with lower targets. PLS is guiding for a further 21% production rise in FY27 and raised capex to $630-685 million with new processing projects. Analyst commentary centered on earnings potential from recovering lithium prices and PLS’s ongoing expansions.

Here's what brokers tip for PLS shares ove…

West Africa Miners Chase Lithium Boom, Leaving Gold for Battery Metals

August 7, 2026, 1:00 AM EDT. West Africa’s long-running gold mining industry is seeing a shift as miners turn to lithium, chasing a jump in demand from electric vehicle makers needing battery minerals. Big gold firms such as Newmont and Barrick Gold, plus ASX names Perseus Mining, West African Resources, and Predictive Discovery, still lead gold output. Now, though, lithium efforts are picking up fast. Kodal Minerals will start spodumene concentrate output at its Bougouni lithium project in Mali in 2025, with expansion plans ahead. Lithium prices climbed from US$575 a tonne in June 2025 to more than US$2,800 by May 2026 as supply gets squeezed worldwide. Elsewhere, Australian companies like Atlantic Lithium are moving forward on Ghana lithium projects. The mineral shift aims to secure key battery supplies as electric cars gather pace-and cut reliance on China.

West Africa is known for gold, but lithium…

ASX 200 slips, eyes on ex-dividend dates as August earnings start

August 7, 2026, 12:46 AM EDT. The S&P/ASX 200 index dipped 0.1% to 9,264.6 after hitting a new all-time high earlier. August earnings are rolling in and a slate of ASX names are about to go ex-dividend. Miners Alcoa (AAI) and Rio Tinto (RIO) are set for ex-dividend on August 10 and 13, with payouts scheduled for August and September. Investment houses BKI and Argo Investments (ARG) also go ex-div in the week, both landing on August 14. Commonwealth Bank (CBA) updates with an announcement August 12, ex-dividend August 19. AGL Energy, Suncorp, Insurance Australia Group, Telstra, Transurban, and QBE Insurance are among others reporting. Holders need to be on the books before ex-dividend to pick up payments, with prices usually sliding the same day.

ASX shares with ex-dividend dates next wee…

Micro-X taps Gonzales as CEO, boosts push into medical CT with $8M raise

August 7, 2026, 12:44 AM EDT. Micro-X (ASX:MX1) named Dr Brian Gonzales as group CEO as the company shifts its focus to medical CT. Gonzales, previously chief scientific officer and US CEO, brings more than 21 years working with cold cathode X-ray platforms and has led major US government deals, including a US$16m Homeland Security contract and a US$16m project with ARPA-H. Micro-X also secured $8 million in convertible note funding. Chairman Patrick O’Brien pointed to Gonzales’ contributions to core technology and commercial programs. The company wants the new leadership to speed up the rollout of its NEX technology for medical imaging.

Micro-X names new CEO, unveils strategic r…

ResMed (ASX: RMD) drops 6% even as FY26 earnings rise, dividend hiked

August 7, 2026, 12:31 AM EDT. ResMed shares slipped 6% to $29.64 after the company posted a 10% jump in revenue to US$5.7 billion and a 17% lift in non-GAAP earnings for FY26. ResMed raised its quarterly dividend by 10% and said it will return more than US$1.85 billion to shareholders next year via dividends and buybacks. Growth hit across the board with Sleep and Breathing Health revenue up 8-10% and non-GAAP gross margin at 62.3%. ResMed agreed to sell MatrixCare for $490 million and bought Noctrix Health to expand into wearables. Shares are down 31% over the past year, with the sector still weak and recent profit-taking trimming a five-day 5% rally.

Why ResMed shares are tumbling 6% today de…

Woodside Drops as Oil Slips; ASX 200 Sets New High

August 7, 2026, 12:30 AM EDT. Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) shares fell 2.7% this week, while the S&P/ASX 200 Index pushed up 3.2% to a new high. Woodside, up 35.6% in 2026 and offering an 83.5 cents per share final dividend, was hit by a 7.5% slide in Brent crude to US$83.39 a barrel. Oil slid as traders looked to a possible Strait of Hormuz reopening, though Iran still wants US and Israeli ships barred. Woodside said it will sell its 70% Calypso Project stake to BP, cutting its ties with Trinidad and Tobago. Investors are watching how ongoing geopolitical moves and the asset sale will play into Woodside’s next steps.

The ASX 200 hit record highs this week, so…

Stagflation’s Legacy Haunts Market Highs as Real Returns Face Pressure

August 7, 2026, 12:29 AM EDT. In the late 1970s, stagflation chipped away at portfolios even when nominal values climbed, as inflation and slow growth hit real wealth across stocks, bonds, and real estate. Central banks drove rates up to fight inflation, but it wasn’t enough to prevent a slide in purchasing power. Now, with markets close to record peaks, investors face similar inflation and supply risk signals. Energy supply remains vulnerable, especially at the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea, and years of light oil investment make the picture worse. Paper gains can disappear if real returns lag inflation, just like the stealth erosion seen in the 1970s. Understanding how commodities move and where inflation might run hot could be key as markets look at possible corrections with global supply and geopolitical risks still in play.

Imagine Your Portfolio Going up but LOSING…

ASX Juniors Eye Mineral Resource Boosts as Metals Prices Hold Firm

August 6, 2026, 11:57 PM EDT. New South Wales juniors are heading toward Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) upgrades after a solid June quarter. Adavale Resources (ASX:ADD) lifted its gold resources 44% with the Calarie gold licence buy and more drilling work at London-Victoria. The area, known for gold, copper, lead, and zinc, has been supported by demand from electrification and AI infrastructure. Copper futures set a new high at $6.703 per pound as supply stays tight, and gold steadied near $4,000 an ounce following ETF flows. Adavale cut uranium to concentrate on gold and copper. ASX juniors look set for more resource growth as commodity sentiment stays strong.

ASX Quarterly Resources Wrap: NSW juniors …

Westgold, Pinnacle, Neuren top ASX 200 after new capacity, FUM, drug sales updates

August 6, 2026, 11:42 PM EDT. Three stocks broke out on the ASX 200 this week, beating the index’s 3.1% gain. Westgold Resources surged 18.2% after it announced a 21% boost in processing at Cue, raising its gold output forecast by 15,000 ounces a year. Pinnacle Investment Management jumped 17.3% as its FY26 results showed a 28% lift in funds under management to $229.4 billion and a 21% rise in net profit after tax. Neuren Pharmaceuticals soared 24.2% off Q2 DAYBUE sales of US$125 million and bumped up full-year sales guidance to US$480 million-US$510 million. Investors piled in on the back of fresh numbers, sending all three names well past the index move.

3 ASX 200 stocks storming higher this week…

Viva Energy Up, Myer Gains, Centuria Office REIT Slips After Analyst Moves

August 6, 2026, 11:41 PM EDT. S&P/ASX 200 Index inched 0.03% higher to 9,274.3, holding just below its record. Viva Energy (ASX: VEA) climbed 1.1% to $2.67 after Ord Minnett bumped its target to $3, pointing to a 5-8% H1 CY26 EBITDA beat from solid retail and industrial, even as refinery challenges stick around. Myer Holdings (ASX: MYR) rose 3.3% to 22c but is still down 65% for the year; Ord Minnett is wary, trimming its target to 24c because of sluggish sales, inflation and weak shoppers. Centuria Office REIT (ASX: COF) lost 0.3% at 90c, off 31% in a year, after Bell Potter kept its sell on the trust.

Buy, hold, sell: Myer, Centuria Office REI…

Most-Traded Big-Cap Stocks on ASX Friday

August 6, 2026, 11:31 PM EDT. Friday on the ASX, EQ Resources traded 22 million shares, the most among big caps. Lindian Resources followed with 20.4 million shares. Liontown Resources was also in the top five. Resource names stayed popular with investors, with volumes staying high in the sector.

ASX Most Active Stocks

ASX Resources Quarterly Wrap: Canadian Projects Move Closer to Production

August 6, 2026, 11:30 PM EDT. ASX-listed resource companies with projects in Canada pushed ahead this June quarter. FIN Resources reported shallow, high-grade gold at Cabin Lake. Jameson Resources took steps on the Crown Mountain coking coal project, moving it toward its final environmental review. Mont Royal Resources kept up progress at its rare earths and fluorspar project. Prairie Lithium received commercial-scale extraction equipment, looking to start production this year. Companies launched more drilling and economic studies, using government support. They head into the second half of 2026 set up for more drilling, resource work, environmental sign-offs, equipment commissioning, and possible first revenue.

ASX Resources Quarterly Wrap: Canadian pla…

ASX pares gains as banks drop, lithium stocks bounce on energy rally

August 6, 2026, 11:29 PM EDT. The S&P/ASX 200 dipped 0.10% by midday in Sydney, snapping a three-day record run. Energy shares were higher after Brent crude jumped almost 5% to US$83 a barrel on renewed tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. Banks pulled back, weighing on the index given their size in the ASX 200. Lithium names PLS Group and Liontown rose 5% and 4% as steadier lithium prices brought back buyers, even with surplus supply still in focus. James Hardie was up 4% after a solid quarter, with higher sales and EBITDA. Nick Scali fell 5% after flagging a muted outlook, even as profits improved. Charter Hall Retail REIT reported a 78% jump in profit, saying retail property returns stayed steady. Woodside Energy edged 0.7% higher on news it is selling its Calypso gas stake to BP, which is expanding its gas play in the region.

Lunch Wrap: ASX takes a breather as lithiu…

Bendigo & Adelaide Bank (BEN): PE and Dividend Models for Valuing Shares

August 6, 2026, 11:28 PM EDT. Bendigo & Adelaide Bank Ltd (ASX: BEN) is trading near $11.43, with two main ways to value the stock. Using the price-earnings (PE) ratio, BEN’s FY24 EPS is $0.87 and the PE sits at 13.1 times, lower than the sector average of 19. That suggests BEN could be undervalued against other banks. The Dividend Discount Model (DDM) takes BEN’s steady dividends and discounts future payouts back to the present at a risk-adjusted rate, which often works well for established lenders like BEN. Both models aim to show if BEN is priced right based on profits and ongoing dividends in the local sector.

2 easy ways to value the BEN share price

What to Watch on ANZ Banking Group (ASX: ANZ) Shares: Culture, Margins, ROE, Capital

August 6, 2026, 11:27 PM EDT. Market watchers looking at ANZ Banking Group (ASX: ANZ) are weighing a 3.3 out of 5 workplace culture score on Seek, which tops peers. The bank’s net interest margin sits at 1.57%, lagging the 1.78% average for big ASX banks, so lending is less profitable. Return on equity is at 9.3%, just under the sector’s average. Investors are also focusing on the Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio as a sign of capital strength if things turn. Taken together, these tell a story about where ANZ stands financially right now.

4 quick ways to assess the ANZ share price

Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) up 19.8% in 2025 as investors look at strong demand, yield

August 6, 2026, 11:26 PM EDT. Shares of Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) are up 19.8% so far in 2025, with buying driven by demand for key commodities. The miner runs divisions in Aluminium, Copper & Diamonds, Energy & Minerals, and Iron Ore. Iron ore brings the most earnings swings. RIO and the broader ASX Materials sector are beating the wider market. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index has posted 6.86% average annual growth over five years, compared to the ASX 200’s 4.22%. Investors have liked RIO’s average 6.8% dividend yield, but the payout dropped to 3.67% recently. Demand for minerals tied to renewable energy tech is helping Rio Tinto’s outlook as it puts more money into future supply.

A deep dive into RIO shares

Cannon-Brookes' Wealth Hits $10B as Atlassian Shares Soar on Profit

August 6, 2026, 11:12 PM EDT. Mike Cannon-Brookes, co-founder of Atlassian, watched his net worth leap from $7.4 billion to $10 billion as the company posted its first operating profit in more than two years. Atlassian’s Q4 revenue rose 28% to $1.77 billion, ahead of analyst estimates. Shares jumped 38% after hours on the Nasdaq. The firm’s AI-driven developer tools now top 1 million monthly users, more than doubling from last quarter. The company recently cut jobs and lost its spot in the Nasdaq 100, and it expects revenue growth to slow and profit margins to stay tight in fiscal 2027.

Billions before breakfast: Mike Cannon-Bro…

James Hardie, Avita Medical jump; ResMed falls on quarterly numbers

August 6, 2026, 11:11 PM EDT. James Hardie Industries and Avita Medical shares jumped on Friday, standing out against a 0.1% fall in the S&P/ASX 200. James Hardie picked up 3.9% to A$42.41 after its Q1 FY27 earnings. Avita Medical jumped 15.6% to A$1.48, lifted by record Q2 sales, a guidance upgrade, and lower operating costs. ResMed went the other way, down 5.2% to A$29.84. It posted 9% higher Q4 revenue at US$1.5 billion and increased its dividend, but traders focused on a 2% slide in gross margin and a 21% cut to free cash flow as worries about the sleep disorder segment’s margins and cash flow weighed on the stock.

Why James Hardie, Avita Medical and ResMed…

Airlines Launch New Routes, Lie-Flat Bunks and Airport Expansions for 2026

August 6, 2026, 11:10 PM EDT. Air travel innovations for 2026 are starting to show. Air Tahiti Nui plans a direct Sydney-Papeete route, and Luxury Escapes has chartered Melbourne-Maldives flights coming. Air New Zealand is rolling out lie-flat sky-bunks for economy long-haul between Auckland and New York, giving budget flyers a new comfort option. Jetstar is adding low-cost Melbourne-Colombo and Sunshine Coast-Bali routes. Singapore Airlines says it will fly daily Sydney-Singapore from the new Western Sydney International Airport, which won’t have a curfew. Passengers are getting more choices and travel options, pointing to a wider push for better, more flexible flying.

Seven new things coming to plane travel th…

AVITA Medical (ASX: AVH) Hikes 2026 Outlook After Q2 Revenue Tops Estimate

August 6, 2026, 11:09 PM EDT. AVITA Medical (ASX: AVH) raised its 2026 net revenue target to US$86 million-US$89 million after posting record Q2 sales of US$21.7 million, up 18% from a year earlier. growth came from RECELL, Cohealyx, PermeaDerm, along with gains overseas. The net loss shrank to US$7.7 million from US$9.9 million. Gross margin climbed to 81.9%. Quarterly net cash use fell to US$3.2 million, down from US$9.9 million. AVITA still sees cash flow breakeven by Q4 2026, with another US$10 million credit line available if it meets revenue targets. CEO Cary Vance said growing physician trust and broader commercial reach support continued expansion.

AVITA Medical Lifts Guidance as Record Qua…

Coles to Send Hundreds of Corporate Jobs to India as Part of Cost Cuts

August 6, 2026, 10:55 PM EDT. Coles is set to outsource several hundred back-office jobs to India under a new deal with Accenture as part of its push to cut costs. The $32.4 billion supermarket group will make redundancies in corporate roles but won’t touch store staff. Other big Australian companies like Qantas, Telstra, and Endeavour Group have already moved white-collar jobs offshore to places such as India, Vietnam, and the Philippines, with outsourcing focused on roles in tech, finance, HR, and customer service. Coles is also looking to manage digital disruption as AI spreads. The shift is part of a bigger strategy to run centralized and lower-cost operations with more digital tools.

Coles to move several hundred jobs to Indi…

ASX Resource Firms Push Ahead on Canadian Projects in Q2 2026

August 6, 2026, 10:54 PM EDT. ASX-listed companies active in Canada moved forward in Q2 2026, with work on gold, coal, rare earths, and lithium assets. Fin Resources hit high-grade gold at Cabin Lake and expanded targets using geophysical work. Jameson Resources took its Crown Mountain coal project into Canada’s last environmental review. Mont Royal Resources mapped out scope and economics for Ashram, a rare earths and fluorspar play. Prairie Lithium started up commercial lithium extraction gear, targeting first production and sales later this year. The companies look to key news in H2, with drilling results, studies, approvals, and output milestones ahead. ASX explorers remain active in Canada’s mining sector, working across several minerals.

ASX Resources Quarterly Wrap: Canadian pla…

Challenger wraps up A$85m raising, taps Peter Marrone as chairman

August 6, 2026, 10:53 PM EDT. Challenger Gold locked in A$85 million in new capital and named Peter Marrone, who founded Yamana Gold, as its new non-executive chairman. Marrone put in A$8 million, and Eduardo Elsztain added A$5.3 million. The company also named Yohann Bouchard chief operating officer and interim CEO. Bouchard brings 25 years in mining. The money is earmarked for the Hualilan gold project in Argentina-planned spend includes drilling, pushing ahead with a DFS and prep for standalone development. Hualilan has a target of 1.84 million ounces gold-equivalent over 14.25 years and a pre-tax NPV of US$1.45 billion at a US$3,500/oz gold price. Challenger is also looking to restart exploration drilling in Ecuador later this year, with the fresh cash and new team in place.

Challenger seals $85m raise as Marrone tak…

Connected Minerals starts 6,000m drill campaign at Bailundo carbonatite in Angola

August 6, 2026, 10:52 PM EDT. Connected Minerals (ASX: CML) kicked off a 6,000-metre drilling program at its Bailundo carbonatite project in Angola, the first organized resource drilling at the site. The campaign will use reverse circulation and diamond drilling across two big surface zones with niobium and rare earths, backed by prior reviews and older data. The plan is for 99 holes, most set for 50 to 75 metres depth, and drilling is scheduled to wrap before the November 2026 wet season. Teams are testing the southern zone for niobium and the northern REE target to check mineral continuity. Results will go into a future Mineral Resource Estimate to JORC standards. Geophysical surveys shaped the current drill layout. CEO Stephen Wetherall called this start an important stage as CML works to establish a maiden resource at one of the bigger underexplored carbonatite complexes worldwide.

Connected Minerals Moves Bailundo Carbonat…

ZIP ASX:ZIP down 15.8% in 2025, MQG ASX:MQG trades near 52-week high

August 6, 2026, 10:39 PM EDT. Zip Co Ltd ASX:ZIP shares are off 15.8% for 2025, even with revenue up at an annual average pace of 75.7%, hitting $868 million for FY24. The company posted a 1.8% ROE and partners with over 79,300 retailers worldwide in the BNPL space. Macquarie Group Ltd ASX:MQG is holding close to its 52-week high, with a 10.4% ROE and 55 years of steady profits. The group carried a 258.5% debt-to-equity ratio in FY24 and keeps its average dividend yield around 3.2%. Investors are looking at ZIP’s growth record and MQG’s financial stability.

ZIP and MQG shares: 2 ASX shares to watch

AVITA Medical (ASX: AVH) up 16% after Q2 2026 beat, higher outlook

August 6, 2026, 10:37 PM EDT. AVITA Medical (ASX: AVH) shares rose 16% after a strong Q2 2026 report, with net revenue up 18% from a year earlier at $21.7 million. Gains came on higher RECELL platform sales and more uptake of Cohealyx and PermeaDerm. RECELL revenue increased 11% from Q1 to $18.5 million; international sales climbed 26%. Gross margin reached 81.9%. Opex dropped 6% over last year. AVITA cut net cash burn to $3.2 million, down from $9.9 million in Q1, and finished the quarter with $11.1 million in cash and securities. The company lifted 2026 net revenue guidance to $86-$89 million. Cashflow breakeven now expected by Q4 2026. AVITA also pointed to proposed 2027 Medicare rule changes that could help RECELL payments.

AVITA Medical (ASX:AVH) share price soars …

Canva Trims Growth Outlook as AI Expenses Bite

August 6, 2026, 10:06 PM EDT. Canva has lowered its annual revenue growth target from 30% to near 20%, blaming the shift on costs tied to its newest artificial intelligence suite. The startup, worth $42 billion, still posted a 25% revenue jump last quarter to $922 million. CEO Melanie Perkins said the company is slowing growth by design to bring down spending on AI and overhaul core tech. After rolling out AI 2.0 in April, Canva realized its per-task costs were too high with third-party models. Canva has since slashed those costs about 90% by rolling in-house alternatives, aiming to scale in a way it can afford. The company, which now fields over 200 AI staff, is trying to keep pushing into AI but without breaking the bank as it eyes an IPO.

Canva cuts growth forecast after revealing…

Bank of Queensland (ASX: BOQ) Trades Below Sector PE, Possible Upside Against ASX 200 by 2026

August 6, 2026, 10:05 PM EDT. Bank of Queensland (ASX: BOQ) is at a PE of 16.2, lower than the sector’s 19. That suggests the bank could be undervalued. With earnings per share at $0.41, BOQ’s implied value using sector PE is $7.99, well above its latest $6.64 close. Dividend discount models, which go deeper into dividends and risk, need guesses on payout growth and rates. Any chance of BOQ beating the S&P/ASX 200 (XJO) by 2026 rests on BOQ’s profit trend, steady dividends, and where bank valuations go from here.

Can BOQ shares beat the ASX 200 (XJO) in 2…

RBA Rate Call Splits Analysts as Tuesday Decision Nears

August 6, 2026, 9:55 PM EDT. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) will announce its interest rate move on Tuesday, with the cash rate at 4.35%. Most in the market don’t expect a change, but experts are split. Filip Tortevski points to stubborn core inflation despite headline numbers dropping with cheaper fuel. Ivan Colhoun sees a hold for now but warns hikes could come later this year. Carl Ang puts the odds of a hike at 20%, warning that risks are being played down. Westpac’s Luci Ellis thinks the RBA will stay put, saying inflation has pulled back more than expected. The decision comes as signals around inflation and policy tightening stay mixed.

Will they hold, or won't they? What expert…

De.mem (ASX: DEM) sets sights on record 2026 results after H1 cash flow jumps

August 6, 2026, 9:52 PM EDT. De.mem Limited (ASX: DEM) says it is targeting a record calendar 2026 after booking $928,000 in operating cash flow for the first half, turning around a $1.9 million outflow from 2022. Cash receipts for the half reached $20 million, with recurring revenue pushing above 90%. The company, which reports a compound annual growth of 24% over seven years, runs a mix of membrane systems and specialty chemicals. De.mem bought Core Chemicals for $2.68 million, extending its footprint and gold recovery business. The group is rolling out graphene oxide membranes for domestic water filters, expanding across Asia and North America. Management forecasts 2026 receipts above the $32.2 million projected for 2025, with more than half coming typically in the second half.

De.mem Targets Record CY2026 Results after…

BHP, Rio Tinto execs set for U.S. critical minerals summit

August 6, 2026, 9:49 PM EDT. Top execs from BHP Group and Rio Tinto are heading to a U.S. critical minerals summit. The agenda zeroes in on the supply of minerals key for electric vehicles and renewables as the U.S. looks to boost security of these resources. BHP and Rio Tinto remain central players in mineral supply chains. The meeting brings together industry and policymakers, with the U.S. trying to cut dependence on foreign sources, especially China.

BHP, Rio Tinto executives to attend Trump …

ResMed (ASX:RMD) shares slide 4% even as underlying EPS jumps 16% in Q4

August 6, 2026, 9:36 PM EDT. ResMed (ASX:RMD) shares dropped 4% after posting its FY26 Q4 numbers. Revenue climbed 9% to $1.5 billion, boosted by demand for sleep apnea devices and software. Underlying EPS rose 16% to $2.95, ahead of statutory EPS, which gained 2%. Gross profit margin was up by 90 basis points. Full-year FY26 revenue hit $5.7 billion, a 10% increase, and operating profit rose 16% to $2.04 billion. The board bumped the quarterly dividend 10% to $0.66. Shares are still down 30% over the year as investors remain wary, with management giving a cautious FY27 outlook focused on digital health plans and patient outcomes.

ResMed (ASX:RMD) share price falls despite…

ASX Drops as Geopolitical Risks Lift Oil, Yields

August 6, 2026, 9:35 PM EDT. The ASX slipped with energy and bank stocks under pressure after fears about Iran blocking the Strait of Hormuz sent oil prices and U.S. Treasury yields climbing. The move clipped the market’s recent bounce. The Strait is a major route for global oil, so traders reacted quickly to the risk. Investors shifted positions, with caution still high in sectors hit by the uncertainty.

ASX Rally Hit A Speed Bump As Middle East …

ASX 200 Sets Record; Coles, Woodside, Telstra in Focus

August 6, 2026, 9:34 PM EDT. ASX 200 trades at a new high as worries about inflation and interest rates cool. Coles shares are at $24.12, climbing 13% so far this year. Most brokers call it a buy, though see just a 1.5% upside. Coles saw some trouble in July after acquisition plans got tossed, but things have picked up for the stock in August. Woodside shares last traded at $32.24, up 36% this year. Broker calls are mostly hold with a 7% downside risk, blaming Middle East oil market uncertainty. Telstra shares sit at $4.96, just 2% above where they started the year and still 11% under their 10-year peak. Here, brokers also say hold as investor mood shifts.

Buy, hold sell: Coles, Woodside & Telstra …

Invictus Energy locks in Exalo Rig 202 for Musuma-1 test at Cabora Bassa in November 2026

August 6, 2026, 9:33 PM EDT. Invictus Energy (ASX: IVZ) has signed up Exalo Rig 202 for its Musuma-1 exploration well at the Cabora Bassa project in Zimbabwe, with drilling slated for November 2026. Musuma-1 is targeting a gross mean of 1.2 trillion cubic feet of gas and 73 million barrels of condensate. This will be the company’s first high-impact exploration work outside the Mukuyu area, testing new play types found in the CB23 seismic. Invictus updated its rig contract and started mobilizing key well services, with site work and community protocols underway. The well is expected to give more data on the eastern part of the permit and could lift resource numbers. “Musuma-1 has the potential to significantly add to our resource base and sits well alongside Mukuyu,” Managing Director Scott Macmillan said.

Invictus Energy Locks in Exalo Rig for Nov…

Emyria (ASX:EMD) quarterly revenue rises as Empax clinics add new sites

August 6, 2026, 9:19 PM EDT. Emyria (ASX:EMD) posted June quarter revenue of about $1.53 million, with group revenue projected at $4.3 million for FY26, up 210% on FY25. The clinical services company added Empax clinics in more Australian states, including new locations in Victoria and New South Wales, as it pushes out a national network. Operations use a capital-light, hospital-integrated model, with Perth’s site as a reference for higher utilization. The group also started its Empax Global Partnership Program, aiming to let overseas drug sponsors tap into clinic infrastructure for a dual revenue stream. Executive Chairman Greg Hutchinson said the business is shifting to national rollout and bigger scale, with more recruitment and training after new TGA rules.

Emyria expands Empax clinic network in mil…

American Tungsten & Antimony Moves on Del Sol, White Spar Acquisitions for US Supply Chain

August 6, 2026, 9:18 PM EDT. American Tungsten & Antimony (ASX:AT4) is picking up the Del Sol antimony refinery in Nevada and the White Spar mine in Arizona, pushing ahead with its plan for a US-based tungsten and antimony operation. The Del Sol refinery, permitted now for 18,500 tons a year, is targeting 100,000 tons after upgrades and plans to add tungsten processing. That would make it the only US site producing both metals. CEO Casper Adson said the deals are aimed at cutting foreign tungsten dependency and bringing military-grade antimony output inside US borders. Restart and expansion work is already in progress. The company wants phased recommissioning by September 2026, with engineering firms brought on for the upgrades and new product lines.

American Tungsten & Antimony moves on US r…

Europe, U.S. Pressured as Social Spending Squeezes Budgets

August 6, 2026, 9:17 PM EDT. Europe and the U.S. are running into fiscal problems as older populations, flat economic growth and higher rates put pressure on social welfare systems. Les Echos reports France’s postwar social safety net can’t keep up with the realities of today’s economy, and says political elites are leaning on asset extraction rather than actual reforms. In the U.S., budget deficits and trade gaps are still rising even with officials talking up fiscal prudence. The result is more stress on social spending and budgets across big developed economies.

Running Out of Money

TikTok, Alibaba seek nod for China-backed data centres in Australia as security debate heats up

August 6, 2026, 9:01 PM EDT. TikTok and Alibaba want approval for Chinese-owned data centres in Australia, putting pressure on Treasurer Jim Chalmers and intensifying a $150 billion infrastructure boom. Both are working with the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) on plans to enter the country’s growing data centre scene, important for cloud and hosting. TikTok, owned by Bytedance, is pushing for local expansion after earlier clearance delays tied to security worries. Alibaba kicked off talks on energy supply for its hubs, looking at gas sites in different states. A green light would open the door for big foreign investment in sensitive sites, prompting debate about security. Ex-defence officials warn about China’s intelligence laws and the risks they see. Government now faces pressure to balance economic interests and fears around strategic sites, as Chinese foreign investment cools.

Tech giants to test government on Chinese …

ASX Futures Edge Down After Wall St Drops Before US Jobs Report

August 6, 2026, 9:00 PM EDT. ASX 200 futures slipped 12 points, down 0.1%, with the Australian market set for a lower open. The move came as Wall Street fell while investors looked to the upcoming US jobs report. Traders stayed cautious ahead of the release, watching for any signal on central bank moves and market direction. Shares eased off recent record highs as traders reacted to shifts offshore.

The Morning catch-Up: ASX set to ease from…

Lycopodium wins A$93m EPCM job for Artemis Gold at Blackwater Mine

August 6, 2026, 8:45 PM EDT. Lycopodium Ltd (ASX: LYL) landed a A$93 million Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management (EPCM) contract on Artemis Gold’s Blackwater Mine expansion in British Columbia. The Phase 2 project will boost throughput by 13 million tonnes a year to a total 21 Mtpa. Early works have started and major construction is now underway. Lycopodium handled Phase 1A and did the front end engineering design. The new job adds to Lycopodium’s presence in North American mining. Shares have jumped 66% over the last year, beating the ASX All Ordinaries Index’s 4% climb.

Lycopodium awarded $93m contract for Canad…

Austral Resources gets $15m QIC deal for Rocklands expansion, eyes higher output

August 6, 2026, 8:30 PM EDT. Austral Resources Australia signed a $15 million royalty financing agreement with the QIC Queensland Critical Minerals Fund to back Stage 2 expansion work and alternative power studies at its Rocklands copper plant. The money goes to a scoping study for raising throughput from 3.0Mtpa up to between 4.5Mtpa and 6.0Mtpa. The deal leaves Austral’s equity intact while letting the company size up growth and weigh third-party toll options. Chair David Newling said the funding was a major step and helps Rocklands stand out as a copper hub for north-west Queensland. The royalty starts at 0.80% on gross revenue and drops to 0.30% at higher output, with payments tied to copper production and backed by the project’s tenements. Engineering and procurement is ongoing, with restart plans on track.

Austral Resources Australia Receives QIC R…

Atlassian holds up as investors rethink AI play

August 6, 2026, 8:15 PM EDT. Atlassian surprised some in the market today, shaking off bearish views from parts of the finance crowd even as AI keeps rewriting the tech sector. The Australian-American firm, once seen by some as a warning sign, put up solid numbers and showed it’s still got some resilience. The move has some investors rethinking how older tech names can adapt in these shifting times.

Aussie giant proves entire world wrong

Small-cap Resources Advance Drilling, Secure Funding as ASX Small Ords Rise

August 6, 2026, 8:14 PM EDT. The S&P/ASX Small Ordinaries Index added 31.80 points, up 0.91% to close at 3,514.10. Several small-cap resource names stepped up drilling and picked up new funding for development work. Investors are watching as more juniors chase resource projects and tap investment across the sector. The moves could set the stage for future growth in small caps.

Small Cap Watch: Resources companies advan…

Endeavour Group Takes A$372m Writedown, Confirms Winery Sales Plan

August 6, 2026, 8:05 PM EDT. Endeavour Group ASX:EDV booked a A$372 million non-cash writedown on impairments and streamlining as weak consumer demand and softer retail numbers hit. CEO Jayne Hrdlicka said the company will sell off most of its wineries, pushing a shift to higher-value businesses. Net income for the half dropped to A$247 million from A$298 million a year ago, and the interim dividend was cut to A$0.108 per share. Investors are left weighing the impact of store upgrades, digital efforts, and cost savings against weaker retail sales and higher wage bills. Hotel and gaming regulatory changes add more uncertainty. New estimates see 2029 earnings at A$452.5 million, and models put fair value about 4% lower from here, keeping sentiment on the cautious side as Endeavour resets.

How Investors May Respond To Endeavour Gro…

ASX Energy Firms Move From Raising Cash to Launching Projects in September Quarter

August 6, 2026, 8:04 PM EDT. ASX-listed energy companies are now switching from capital raises to project work for the September quarter. Frontier Energy closed funding for the Waroona Renewable Energy Project. Delorean Corporation pushed its renewable gas plant past 80% completion, eyeing gas injection in 2026. ADX Energy grew Austrian output by 35% after testing new gas zones, with backing from a $3.58 million placement. Omega Oil & Gas launched a big drilling campaign, sitting on $102 million in cash and no debt. This quarter will test if the group hits milestones on builds, drilling, output, and orders, as firmer energy prices and government grants support the sector.

ASX Resources Quarterly Wrap: Energy plays…

AuKing Mining (ASX: AKN) files for quotation of 34.7m new shares on ASX

August 6, 2026, 8:01 PM EDT. AuKing Mining Ltd (ASX: AKN) has lodged an application to quote 34,684,710 fully paid ordinary shares on the Australian Securities Exchange. The company is adding to its equity base. AuKing wants to boost liquidity and give shareholders more access to the stock. Traders are watching what listing these shares could mean for volumes and price.

AuKing Mining seeks ASX quotation for 34.7…

Charter Hall Retail REIT (ASX: CQR) lifts FY26 earnings and increases distribution

August 6, 2026, 7:58 PM EDT. Charter Hall Retail REIT (ASX: CQR) said FY26 operating earnings climbed 4% to $153.4 million, or 26.4 cents per unit. Distributions rose 3.3% to 25.5 cents. Portfolio occupancy hit 99.1%, while net tangible assets jumped 8.4% to $5.03 a unit. The trust pointed to a new strategy, aiming for an even split between convenience retail shopping centres and net lease assets. Recent buys included Gympie Central and Whitsunday Plaza. CEO Ben Ellis put value creation at $317 million, driven by assets tied to inflation. Looking to FY27, Charter Hall flagged a 3.5% lift in earnings and distributions, citing solid tenant demand and disciplined capital management. CQR shares are up 2.8% year-to-date.

Charter Hall Retail REIT lifts FY26 profit…

Philips Backs Imricor's iMR Compatibility; Imricor (ASX: IMR) Shares Lifted

August 6, 2026, 7:55 PM EDT. Imricor Medical Systems (ASX: IMR) shares traded higher after Philips (NYSE: PHG) said Imricor’s iMR capital equipment and consumables now work with five Philips MR systems running software version R12.1.1 or above. That clears the way for Philips MR sites, including the German Heart Center of Charité in Berlin, to roll out Imricor devices-a key sales moment for Imricor. The two companies also plan joint education at the next European Society of Cardiology Congress to push MR-guided cardiac procedures. CEO Steve Wedan called it an important step for growing Imricor’s footprint at Philips locations. The update could help speed up use of Imricor’s NorthStar Mapping System in more regions. Imricor has beaten the S&P/ASX 200 by 33% in the last year, signaling solid investor demand.

Imricor Medical Systems shares: Philips de…

Tivan Taps ICA for Speewah Project Debt Advisory as Shares Jump 127%

August 6, 2026, 7:52 PM EDT. Tivan Ltd has brought in ICA Natural Resources to help line up debt for its Speewah Fluorite Project in Western Australia. The company already has binding equity deals worth as much as $100 million with Sumitomo Corporation and ETFS Capital. Tivan got a non-binding Letter of Support from Export Finance Australia and is in due diligence with Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility. The Definitive Feasibility Study is set for completion toward the end of 2026 and will steer the final investment call. Tivan shares are up 127% over the past year, leaving the ASX All Ordinaries Index far behind. The ICA appointment is aimed at locking in structured debt, with plans to use government concessional loans on project development and commercialisation.

Tivan appoints advisor for Speewah Fluorit…

Glencore Targets ASX Secondary Listing in 2026, Eyes Superannuation Dollars

August 6, 2026, 7:49 PM EDT. Glencore plans to pursue a secondary listing on the ASX by October 2026 using Chess Depositary Interests (CDIs). The miner is after a piece of Australia’s $4.4 trillion superannuation market, which could hit $12.4 trillion by 2045. London stays Glencore’s main listing, and there’s no new capital raising in the plan. Management said the move should deepen the investor base and give trading more liquidity. Glencore recently reported an 86% jump in adjusted EBITDA to $10.1 billion for the half, driven by copper and trading units. The ASX listing could put the stock in the frame for local indices and passive money. But some income investors might skip it since Glencore CDIs don’t carry franking credits, and big coal exposure may keep certain funds away. There’s also a question mark over how much liquidity the CDIs will really see locally.

Glencore is thinking about listing on the …

Betashares Sees Indian Stocks as Overlooked Global Play Despite Outflows

August 6, 2026, 7:46 PM EDT. Betashares is calling Indian equities a strong global opportunity that’s flying under the radar. This comes even after US$29 billion foreign outflows hit the market in early 2026-outflows linked to faster growth elsewhere in Asia, Rupee weakness, and higher oil prices tied to the Iran conflict. Still, some positive signals are showing up. Forecasts now put Nifty 50 earnings growth at 15.2%, with income tax cuts and a credit rebound from state banks giving support. Moves like scrapping the withholding tax on foreign debt are also trying to draw in offshore money. The Betashares India Quality ETF (ASX: IIND) gives investors broad exposure to Indian firms with steady profits and stability, so Betashares argues investors could pick up gains in a market it says is undervalued.

Why this international market could be a "…

Omega Oil & Gas (ASX: OMS) climbs as Canyon-3 hits 2,570 metres; results expected soon

August 6, 2026, 7:43 PM EDT. Omega Oil & Gas Ltd (ASX: OMS) shares moved higher as the company said Canyon-3 drilling in Queensland is on track. Drilling is now at 2,570 metres, chasing a Permian section near 3,200 metres, with a planned total depth of around 3,900 metres. The appraisal well is testing the potential of a new oil and gas province in the eastern Taroom Trough. CEO Trevor Brown said the multi-well push is gaining momentum to map out how big the resource could be. Omega expects to release results in about two weeks, which will feed into future development plans and could boost the case for domestic energy and fuel supply.

Omega Oil & Gas share price in focus as Ca…

Elevra Lithium (ASX: ELV) gets $16m from Tabba Tabba sale, shifts focus to North America

August 6, 2026, 7:30 PM EDT. Elevra Lithium Ltd (ASX: ELV) has wrapped up the $16 million sale of its Tabba Tabba tenement in Western Australia to Wildcat Resources, taking payment in cash, shares, and a deferred piece. The deal brings in a conditional royalty of A$0.70 per tonne tied to any future Pegmatite Mineral Resource, so Elevra keeps some upside if new discoveries happen. With Tabba Tabba, a non-core asset, off its hands, Elevra plans to put those funds toward growing its lithium business in Québec and the US. Managing Director Lucas Dow said the sale frees up value and is part of Elevra’s North American play. The money is set for use in new production and development, with Elevra aiming to hold onto recent share gains.

Elevra Lithium divests Tabba Tabba interes…

Karoon Energy Says On-Market Buy-Back Still Active on ASX

August 6, 2026, 7:29 PM EDT. Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR) said its on-market share buy-back is still underway, according to a fresh notice to the Australian Securities Exchange ASX. The company is buying back its own shares on the open market to reduce share count and give value back to holders. Karoon said it’s keeping up the program as market conditions shift.

Karoon Energy Updates ASX on Progress of O…

ResMed Q4 revenue up 9% to $1.5bn; dividend raised, shares still down over past year

August 6, 2026, 7:28 PM EDT. ResMed posted a 9% jump in Q4 revenue to a record US$1.5 billion and non-GAAP EPS at US$2.95, up 16%. For the full year, revenue climbed 10% to US$5.7 billion, with non-GAAP EPS gaining 17% at US$11.17. The board bumped the quarterly dividend 10% higher to US$0.66 and targets capital returns over US$1.85 billion by FY27. ResMed is still expanding globally, adding acquisitions and new products, and agreed to sell off its MatrixCare software business. CEO Mick Farrell said there’s momentum with strong demand and digital innovation for better patient outcomes. Even with solid numbers, ResMed shares are down almost 30% from a year ago on the S&P/ASX 200.

ResMed posts strong Q4 earnings, lifts div…

BHP (ASX: BHP) seen treading water as analysts flag slower year ahead

August 6, 2026, 7:27 PM EDT. BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) is up more than 50% in the past year, with shares moving in step with Rio Tinto. But analysts say the rally looks set to cool as commodity prices for iron, copper, and coal move with the cycle. Out of 13 analysts, consensus is ‘hold’ with the average price target set at A$60.27 for the next 12 months, which is about 3% below where BHP trades now. The most bullish estimate tops out at 9% higher, while the most bearish sees a 17% fall. Some analysts think the run may be over as the resource cycle starts to shift, and suggest investors might look elsewhere on the ASX for growth. The mood is cautious across mining stocks as commodity markets remain unpredictable.

How much could the BHP share price rise in…

ASX movers: Cochlear, Lovisa, JB HI-FI, James Hardie, Brazilian Rare Earths, Hammer Metals, Viridis Mining

August 6, 2026, 7:26 PM EDT. The ASX scan today picked out Cochlear, Lovisa, and JB HI-FI among stocks on the move. James Hardie Industries was also in focus, with mining names like Brazilian Rare Earths, Hammer Metals, and Viridis Mining and Minerals rounding out the list. The list cuts across mining and retail, showing where interest is on the Australian Securities Exchange right now.

ChartWatch ASX Scans: Cochlear, Lovisa, JB…

Glencore heads for ASX secondary listing to widen investor base

August 6, 2026, 7:19 PM EDT. Glencore said it will go for a secondary listing on the ASX, looking to reach more investors and boost trading liquidity. The miner will keep its main spot on the London Stock Exchange but wants access to more capital and a broader shareholder base by entering the Australian market. The plan could lift trading volumes as global miners adjust their strategies to bring in regional investors.

Mining Giant Glencore Looks Beyond London …

Woolworths Disney Ooshie Lists at $100 Million on eBay, Bid Validity in Question

August 6, 2026, 7:16 PM EDT. A “Flocked Bullseye” Woolworths Disney Ooshie drew headlines after a reported AU $100 million eBay sale, with the huge price stirring questions over whether the bid was real. The figure went up with an initial price of AU $32,100, far higher than the usual $100 to $69,000 range for similar items. eBay is looking into possible “bot” bids-its rules ban fake or shill bidding. Only 125 of these Ooshies exist, which has fueled buyer competition. Woolworths has leaned into the hype by launching a Swap Day for collectors. The sale has put a spotlight on wild price swings and risk from questionable bids in the collectibles market.

Questions raised after ultra-rare Woolwort…

ASX 200 Futures Hold Flat, S&P 500 and Dow Tick Lower on Oil Gains

August 6, 2026, 7:13 PM EDT. ASX 200 futures stayed flat early while U.S. stocks lost ground. Both the S&P 500 and Dow slipped as oil prices rebounded. The move in crude put equities under some pressure and raised worries about inflation. Traders kept a close eye on energy markets. Market action was cautious ahead of economic data due later this week.

Morning Wrap: ASX 200 futures flat, S&P 50…

Nick Scali (ASX: NCK) NPAT up 22% for FY26; shares lag index

August 6, 2026, 7:10 PM EDT. Nick Scali Limited (ASX: NCK) posted a 22% jump in net profit after tax to $75.7 million for FY26 as revenue rose 4% to $516.7 million. Gross margin improved by 210 basis points to 65.1%, helped by tighter pricing and inventories. NPAT rose 10% across Australia and New Zealand, and the UK division moved back to profit in the second half. The board set a fully franked final dividend at 39 cents a share. Nick Scali sees FY27 with caution but plans more new stores and will keep working on margins. Shares have fallen 10% in the past year, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 index.

Nick Scali shares in focus after 22% NPAT …

WAM Leaders Picks Ampol, Mirvac as Attractive ASX Blue-Chip Plays

August 6, 2026, 6:56 PM EDT. Wilson Asset Management (WAM) is pointing to Ampol Ltd and Mirvac Group as standout picks in its WAM Leaders Ltd portfolio. Ampol’s integrated fuel and energy business is seeing a lift from high refining margins during US-Iran supply tensions. WAM says this is boosting Ampol’s earnings, helping cut debt and fund its EG Group service station deal. On Mirvac, the property group is getting a tailwind from softer inflation and hopes the Reserve Bank of Australia may move on rates soon, which WAM says could help REITs. WAM also notes Mirvac and similar residential players are trading below net tangible assets, and expects valuations to bounce as the housing market and sentiment recover.

2 ASX blue-chip shares experts rate as com…

ASX 200 Seen Little Changed as Wall Street Pulls Back

August 6, 2026, 6:55 PM EDT. The S&P/ASX 200 is likely to start flat after U.S. stocks fell from recent record levels. Caution continues with markets watching new economic numbers and company earnings. Moves in the Japan Nikkei and European shares were mixed overnight, keeping sentiment muted. Traders are set to watch local earnings updates and economic news for cues today.

ASX 200 Live Today

Brambles Ltd (BXB) Shares Drop 10.9% in 2025, Still Draw Buyers to Industrials

August 6, 2026, 6:54 PM EDT. Brambles Ltd ASX:BXB is down 10.9% in 2025, yet some investors are sticking with it and other industrials. Brambles is behind CHEP, which runs the world’s biggest reusable pallet pool, and makes money by charging daily rental fees. Over five years, the ASX Industrials Index delivered a 6% return while the ASX 200 came in at 4.2%. What draws the market to names like BXB are reliable revenue streams built on multi-year contracts and core services, as well as steady dividends, with BXB’s yield at 2.51%. For some, holding on to industrials is just a bet on economic growth tied to government projects and logistics demand.

BXB share price: why investors like indust…

Google Brings Larry Page Back to Lead AI as DeepMind CEO Steps Aside

August 6, 2026, 6:40 PM EDT. Google has put co-founder Larry Page in charge of artificial intelligence, moving control away from DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis. Alphabet now puts more direct oversight with its founders, as the company pushes to speed up development of new AI tools. The shift marks a break from DeepMind’s research-heavy base in London, moving toward launching products faster. Silicon Valley sources say it comes as tech players rush to grab market share in AI.

Google shifts AI power back to Brin as Dee…

Devolver Digital Eyes AIM Delisting, Plans to Go Private

August 6, 2026, 6:39 PM EDT. Devolver Digital is looking to leave the London Stock Exchange’s AIM as it moves to take the company private after five years. The publisher wants to return up to $5 million to qualifying holders and expects to quit AIM by September 16 if shareholders agree. Devolver’s board pointed to a mismatch between public market rules-like semi-annual reporting and pressure for steady growth-and its own indie publishing model, also noting the market’s volatility and shifting project timelines. The board flagged a “valuation disconnect” because the share price hasn’t kept up with business gains for six straight periods. Devolver said a private setup will let it focus on the long game instead of public market demands.

Devolver Digital proposes going private fr…

Morgans Recommends Aeris, Light & Wonder, Pinnacle on ASX

August 6, 2026, 6:24 PM EDT. Morgans put out buy ratings on Aeris Resources (ASX: AIS), Light & Wonder (ASX: LNW), and Pinnacle Investment Management (ASX: PNI) as it weighed up the latest numbers. Morgans still likes Aeris, even as capex rises for FY27, and lifted the target to A$0.55 on copper project progress. Light & Wonder beat Q2 forecasts with strong land-based gaming, prompting Morgans to bump the target to A$174. Pinnacle missed parts of the FY26 profit outlook but kept momentum in its business and offshore growth; Morgans kept its buy, trimming the target to A$23.41. The broker pointed to strategic investments and growth prospects as biggest reasons for its calls.

Morgans names 3 ASX shares to buy now

Plato Income Maximiser (ASX: PL8) Delivers 4.55% Monthly Yield on ASX

August 6, 2026, 6:23 PM EDT. Plato Income Maximiser Ltd (ASX: PL8) is paying a 4.55% trailing dividend yield monthly, something rarely seen on the ASX. The LIC runs a portfolio holding big names like Commonwealth Bank, Macquarie Group and Telstra, churning out income and using gains to support dividends. While broad S&P/ASX 200 gains have pressed yields lower across many stocks, Plato has kept up monthly payouts with full franking credits, adding up to 6.6 cents per share a year. The payout isn’t guaranteed, but with this track record and portfolio mix, Plato looks like an option for investors after steady, high-yield income in this market.

4.55% yield: I'd buy this monthly ASX divi…

James Hardie Q1 Sales Jump 64%, Lifts Full-Year 2027 Outlook

August 6, 2026, 6:22 PM EDT. James Hardie Industries said first-quarter FY27 net sales climbed 64% to US$1.475 billion. Adjusted EBITDA rose 79% to US$422 million, net income climbed 67%, and free cash flow more than doubled to US$254 million. Gains came from Siding & Trim and the AZEK purchase. CEO Aaron Erter cited execution and raised the FY27 outlook, with pro forma net sales seen up 5.9% to 9% and adjusted EBITDA up 7.4% to 13.7%. Free cash flow is expected over US$500 million, and the company aims to bring net leverage under 2.0x by Q2 FY28. No interim dividend was announced.

James Hardie lifts outlook as Q1 sales jum…

Westpac Banking Corp (WBC) valuation lines up with sector in August

August 6, 2026, 6:10 PM EDT. Westpac Banking Corp (WBC) is getting close attention from ASX investors this August as they weigh up its shares. WBC trades on a price-earnings ratio of 20.1x, almost matching the Australian bank sector’s 20x average. That suggests WBC sits about fair versus its big bank peers. At a sector PE of 20x, WBC’s earnings per share ($1.92) points to a target of $37.84, a bit under the current share price of $38.53. Some investors are looking at Dividend Discount Models too, which stick with the sector’s steady payout history. Still, shareholder returns can shift depending on where the market and the economy go.

Are WBC shares worth considering in August…

Glen James Talks First-Home Buying Tactics as Australians Face Price Pressures

August 6, 2026, 6:09 PM EDT. Glen James shares practical advice for new buyers on the Australian Finance Podcast as the property market stays tough. James points out the old 20% deposit rule doesn’t always apply, and suggests other options, like the First Home Super Saver Scheme and lower-deposit choices. He urges buyers to set a clear goal, know their timeline, and use every tool on offer. They also discuss the emotional part of buying, early talks with mortgage brokers, and when expert help is needed. The guide is set up for buyers who feel priced out or under pressure to find their footing and keep moving ahead in a hard market.

How to buy your first property in Australi…

Downer EDI, Cochlear Ltd among ASX stocks in focus for 2025

August 6, 2026, 6:08 PM EDT. Downer EDI Ltd (ASX:DOW) shares are down 0.6% so far in 2025 and carry a 2.14% dividend yield, under their 5-year average yield of 3.74%. The group’s main business covers Transport, Utilities, and Facilities across Australia and New Zealand. Cochlear Ltd ASX:COH shares have gained 42% off their 52-week low, with a price-sales ratio of 3.69x, lower than their 5-year average of 9.18x. Cochlear makes hearing implants and is seen as a growth stock. Investors may want to look at more than just dividend yield or price-sales ratio when weighing these names.

DOW and Cochlear Ltd: 2 ASX shares to dig …

RBA Seen Keeping Rates at 4.35%, Economists Say

August 6, 2026, 6:07 PM EDT. The Reserve Bank of Australia is expected to hold its cash rate at 4.35% on Tuesday and likely through 2026, according to a poll of 37 economists. The RBA has hiked rates by 75 basis points since February to fight inflation, which is still running at an annual 4.0%, above target. Core inflation, now at 3.6%, was softer than expected, pointing to less price heat. Bank of America’s Nick Stenner and others say the current policy gives the bank room to pause. About 75% in the poll see no move by year-end, though some warn that stubborn inflation could stick around with strong commodity prices and no fuel excise cuts. Most top Australian bank analysts see policy as tight enough, but AMP’s My Bui still sees a chance for a rate rise late in 2024.

Live: Poll of economists expect RBA to lea…

Heathrow Fire Shuts Runway, Flight Schedules Hit at UK Hub

August 6, 2026, 5:56 PM EDT. A fire at Heathrow Airport forced a runway to shut, triggering heavy flight delays and cancellations. Passengers saw plans upended, with some, like GB News’s Alex Armstrong, missing events in Essex. The closure hit operations hard as officials scrambled to handle the fallout and keep people safe. Heathrow is a key point for UK flights, and today’s disruption exposed operational risks airlines face.

Heathrow fire: UK's busiest airport hit by…

ASX to Open Lower After Wall Street Slip; SpaceX Gains on Lockup Expiry

August 6, 2026, 5:55 PM EDT. Wall Street slid with the S&P 500 off 0.2% and the Dow down 0.9% as investors weighed mixed results and higher oil prices. The Australian Securities Exchange ASX looks set for a softer open after hitting a record close. Atlassian soared 26.1% postmarket on stronger full-year revenue, thanks to cloud demand. SpaceX rallied 6.1% after 911 million shares became free to trade as a lockup expired, though the stock still trades under the $135 debut price. S&P 500 earnings are running strong so far, with 85% of companies out and the fastest growth pace since 2021. Oil prices are climbing, adding pressure across markets.

ASX set to edge up, Wall Street dips as oi…

Beach Energy (ASX: BPT) FY26: EBITDA Beats, Profit Misses; Declares Flat Dividend

August 6, 2026, 5:54 PM EDT. Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) reported FY26 EBITDA of $1.04 billion, beating forecasts, but underlying NPAT came in light at $355 million, below Bell Potter’s $380 million call. Reported NPAT dropped to $281 million, hit by exploration costs and unused infrastructure charges. The company kept its fully franked dividend at 2 cents a share, in line with expectations. Beach finished the year with $213 million cash, $600 million in drawn debt, so net debt landed at $387 million with gearing at 10.6%. It said it has $770 million of undrawn debt on hand, taking total liquidity to $983 million. For FY27, guidance is for a 10% lift in production to 19.5-23 million boe, and capex of $600-700 million points to ongoing investment after the latest profit miss.

Is this ASX 200 energy stock a buy after i…

At $5.26, Treasury Wine Estates ASX:TWE Called a Potential Turnaround Bet

August 6, 2026, 5:53 PM EDT. Treasury Wine Estates (ASX: TWE) is in the middle of a business overhaul, pushing to lift earnings and cut costs. The company owns Penfolds and other big Australian names. Management is focused on inventory in China and the U.S., where Penfolds saw a 40% jump in China depletions and U.S. sales grew 9.1% in Q3. Treasury Wine is targeting $100 million in yearly savings from FY27 under its TWE Ascent program. Shares are around $5.26, putting the P/E at 16.9 for FY26, 13.8 in FY27, and 13.2 in FY28. No dividends are planned through FY28, so the shares hinge on a capital growth story. Inventory and market demand swings remain a risk.

Are Treasury Wine shares a cheap turnaroun…

Broker Buy Calls for Five ASX 200 Stocks This Week

August 6, 2026, 5:52 PM EDT. Five ASX 200 stocks have picked up broker buy ratings this week. UBS held its buy on Capstone Copper Corp (CSC) after what it called solid quarterly numbers, keeping its price target at $17.50 for a 15% lift. Morgans repeated its bullish view on Credit Corp Group Ltd (CCP) after record FY 2026 results, targeting $18.25, which signals more than 35% upside. Macquarie kept outperform on Netwealth Group Ltd (NWL) before results, sticking with its $32.60 target, or 31% higher. Bell Potter raised its target on Neuren Pharmaceuticals Ltd (NEU) to $25.50 after strong sales, up 18%. The broker also kept a positive call on Light & Wonder Inc (LNW), though it cut the target to $183.00, still pointing to 55% upside in 12 months.

5 ASX 200 broker buy ratings

Australian Housing Falls Faster as Labor's Tax Changes and Rate Hikes Hit Market

August 6, 2026, 5:39 PM EDT. Australian housing markets in Sydney and Melbourne are seeing bigger price falls, hit by three rate hikes this year and new property tax concessions from Labor’s budget. Cotality real estate data shows prices dropped in 97% of Sydney suburbs over the last three months, with 46% down across the past year. The downturn is now reaching smaller capitals that had avoided sharper declines. Pressure is building in the housing market as policy changes and higher rates take hold.

How Labor’s budget property tax changes ar…

Bell Potter Sticks to Sell Call on REA Group (ASX: REA) Even After Profit Jump

August 6, 2026, 5:37 PM EDT. REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA) posted a 14% lift in core net profit to $682.1 million, revenue up 7%, and a 25% higher final dividend. Operating costs were flat. But full-year net profit still fell 19%. Shares jumped more than 3%, extending a 30% rebound off the 12-month low. Bell Potter kept its sell rating, pointing to risks from lower listing numbers and earnings below management’s guidance. Broker nudged the price target up to A$147, with the stock closing above A$172, putting a 14% downside in view. Investors are told to watch for more lending and listing figures before calls on where the stock goes next.

Why this broker thinks REA Group shares ar…

WiseTech Global Shares Down 66% in 12 Months, Turning $10,000 Into $3,334

August 6, 2026, 5:32 PM EDT. WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) shares have dropped 66% in the last year while the S&P/ASX 200 Index went up more than 4%. That move would cut a $10,000 investment to about $3,334. WiseTech, working with over 22,000 logistics firms and now owner of e2open, has come under the microscope for governance, margin pressure, and worries about AI rivals. Nine analysts have price targets with an average that suggests a 51% jump, but the stock is still far below where it was last year. Revenue and profit improvement are still seen by analysts as needed if WiseTech wants to win back investors as volatility continues.

$10,000 invested in WiseTech shares 12 mon…

Qantas Faces New Rivals in Australia’s Domestic Airline Market

August 6, 2026, 5:30 PM EDT. Three new carriers are moving into the Australian domestic market, pushing up competition for Qantas Airways Ltd., which has held the top spot since its 1995 listing. It’s the biggest challenge to Qantas’s grip on the local market in years and could shift how the sector looks.

New Airlines Target Qantas’s Grip on Lucra…

Thrive Tribe (ASX:1TT) signs exclusive NATO defence workforce software deal

August 6, 2026, 5:28 PM EDT. Thrive Tribe Technologies (ASX:1TT) has secured a three-year exclusive distribution agreement with Effective Acceleration Ventures to market its AI-driven workforce software to NATO defence and government users. EAV is expected to generate at least US$5 million in turnover the first year, and US$15 million in the second, or lose exclusivity. Thrive Tribe’s WooBoard and REFFIND have been adapted from recognition tools to support engagement, training, wellbeing and post-deployment for the military. The company’s move comes after a recent strategic reset, with June-quarter customer receipts at A$229,000. The deal doesn’t signal any backing from NATO but sets up a clear path into defence channels.

Thrive Tribe opens defence workforce chann…

Transurban ASX:TCL trades steady, remains solid dividend pick for August

August 6, 2026, 5:26 PM EDT. Transurban Group is holding near $14.59 a share. The toll road operator offers an estimated 4.7% dividend yield for FY26, making it a steady target for passive income investors. The company manages 22 roads in Australia and the U.S., with steady traffic growth and new projects like the West Gate Tunnel in Melbourne coming online. Income gets a lift from more vehicles, higher tolls, and new lanes. Transurban signed new agreements with the New South Wales Government to limit regulation risk, offering some investor protection. The company has 88.6% of debt hedged at 4.6% average cost and keeps a strong balance sheet. There are regulatory and funding risks, but the dividend could appeal to income-focused portfolios.

Are Transurban shares a top passive income…

$10,000 in Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) Shares Delivers 62% Return for the Year

August 6, 2026, 5:24 PM EDT. Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) jumped from $112.36 to $176.30 across the last year. A $10,000 stake would be worth about $15,691 now-a 57% capital gain. With two fully franked dividends of $524 added in, the total return goes above 62% before tax and brokerage. Growth was helped by a 3% lift in copper equivalent output and 30% more from Oyu Tolgoi, as well as higher prices. There’s also an interim dividend of close to $3.03 a share coming in September. Rio Tinto kept its lead in iron ore and copper, paying out for shareholders over the year.

$10,000 invested in Rio Tinto shares 12 mo…

ASX Dividend Stocks: COL and TLS Seen as Steady Picks for Retirement Income

August 6, 2026, 5:22 PM EDT. Australians heading into retirement want steady income for the years ahead. Coles Group (ASX: COL) pays a 3% dividend yield and has bumped its dividend each year since 2018, offering full franking credits that work well for retirees. The supermarket chain remains financially strong, with steady investment in supply chain automation. Telstra Group (ASX: TLS) delivers a 4.02% trailing dividend yield, plus a solid record of stable payouts and full franking credits. Its mobile network sits at the top in the sector and is a lifeline for many, notably outside the cities. The stock is seen as defensive when markets get rough. Both names are pointed to for retirees chasing reliable, tax-efficient dividends and less portfolio volatility.

2 Australian income stocks perfect for ret…

ASX Futures Steady; Investors Watch US Payrolls, AI Moves

August 6, 2026, 5:20 PM EDT. S&P ASX 200 futures traded flat before the local open, pointing to a quiet start for the ASX. US stocks ended lower for a second session as traders held off ahead of the US jobs data. Brent crude jumped 5% on rising US-Iran tensions. Atlassian rose 27% after reporting stronger cloud revenue, which eased some nerves around AI stocks. Alphabet announced a $25 billion bond sale, signaling investors remain confident even with questions around its AI spending. China’s DeepSeek is seeking $8 billion to build data centers. Investors are picking through the AI sector more cautiously, watching for actual demand. Moves have been choppy: SpaceX shares fell 14% despite good earnings, Nvidia saw financing worries, SK Hynix slid 9% even after solid results. Traders appear less willing to give AI names the benefit of the doubt.

Rise and Shine: Everything you need to kno…

Skytraders Flies US Patient Out of Antarctica in Rare Midwinter Rescue

August 6, 2026, 5:08 PM EDT. Skytraders flew a U.S. expeditioner out of Antarctica in an extraordinary midwinter aero-medical evacuation. The Airbus A319, Snowbird 1, landed at McMurdo Station in extreme conditions as cold as -43°C, then took the patient to Christchurch, New Zealand. The mission faced tough weather and icy runways at Wilkins Aerodrome. Australia is a key player in specialist Antarctic aviation. Details on the patient remain private. The mission took years of training and close coordination with crews, weather teams, and medics in the middle of the harsh Antarctic winter.

Australian team pulls off 'extraordinary' …

ASX Tungsten Stocks Move Higher as Supply Tightens, Q2 Results Strong

August 6, 2026, 5:07 PM EDT. Five ASX-listed tungsten producers posted solid gains in the June quarter as tungsten prices rose and supply stayed tight. Tungsten Mining (ASX:TGN) upgraded its Watershed project resource and reported a positive economic review, targeting an eight-year mine run and first output in early 2027. The company also started a large drilling push at Mt Mulgine, aiming for longer-term work by 2029. Stelar Metals ASX:SLB picked up the Hill of Leaders project and reported high assays above 1% WO3. Perpetual and Red Mountain moved forward with their own tungsten portfolios. Demand is rising across defense, tech and industry with supply under pressure from international constraints.

ASX Resources Quarterly Wrap: Five tungste…

Markets Miss Fed's Near-Term Hike Risk as Odds Jump to 61%

August 6, 2026, 5:06 PM EDT. Odds for a September US rate hike moved up to 61.4%, from 50.6% a month ago. Investors may still be lagging the Fed’s timeline. Neel Kashkari’s July dissent showed more hawkish voices inside the Federal Reserve as inflation stays stubborn and oil trades past $100. Higher energy prices feed through to shipping, production, even core inflation. That’s tough for bond-heavy and growth stock strategies. Rapid shifts in expectations could spur a stronger dollar and gains for financials, but leveraged names may take a hit. Markets worldwide are likely to feel the Fed’s tone.

Investors are underpricing how close the F…

GreenTech Metals (ASX:GRE) starts 8300m copper drilling in West Pilbara

August 6, 2026, 5:05 PM EDT. GreenTech Metals (ASX:GRE) has kicked off an 8300-metre drilling push at two copper prospects in Western Australia’s West Pilbara. CEO James Rattenbury told Fraser Palamara these sites have major untapped potential. The program is aimed at boosting copper exploration efforts, with copper used in electric vehicles and renewables. The views above are opinions, not financial advice. Investors should seek their own advice before making any calls.

Long Shortz with GreenTech Metals: Copper …

Albion Resources (ASX:ALB) launches first drill program at Gidgee gold project

August 6, 2026, 5:04 PM EDT. Albion Resources (ASX:ALB) has signed off on its first drilling at the Gidgee gold project in Western Australia. CEO Peter Goh pointed to strong geology and past high-grade gold hits, with drilling set to target areas including Gum Creek. Albion is looking for resource growth across the whole project. The company is ramping up exploration at Gidgee, which sits in a well-known mineral belt.

Long Shortz with Albion Resources: Targeti…

Landmark Group slammed for trying to end Sydney affordable housing deal early

August 6, 2026, 4:52 PM EDT. Landmark Group drew criticism after moving to cut its affordable housing deal two years early at a Sydney project. The developer wanted to drop affordable units from The Madison, citing updated state planning rules. A state housing regulator called the move short on transparency, and council staff said it risked deepening Sydney’s housing shortage and pushing out residents. Carly Gersling, who rents a unit, said she’s worried about higher rents or eviction. Landmark’s original deal set 50% of apartments aside for affordable housing for 10 years, in return for approval to build more densely on the site.

Carly 'panicked' when developer tried to e…

ASX Resources: Energy Stocks Push Ahead With Project Work

August 6, 2026, 4:51 PM EDT. Energy names on the ASX are shifting gears, moving from raising money to pushing into on-the-ground execution. Frontier Energy closed equity and debt for its Waroona Renewable Energy Project. Delorean Corporation said its renewable gas plant is over 80% built and is chasing funding for more projects. ADX Energy lifted production in Austria by 35% with workovers and added new gas reserves after a $3.58 million raise. Omega Oil & Gas kicked off a big drilling campaign with $102 million cash and zero debt on the books. This September quarter will show if all this translates into hard progress like new builds, better drilling results, more production, or signed customer deals sector-wide.

ASX Resources Quarterly Wrap: Energy plays…

Pilbara infrastructure gives mining juniors a leg up

August 6, 2026, 4:50 PM EDT. Pilbara region’s built-out infrastructure in Western Australia is letting smaller miners like West Coast Silver and Black Canyon push ahead outside of iron ore. Sealed roads, rail, power and ports cut costs and timelines for bulk plays, including Black Canyon’s Wandanya manganese and iron ore project. The Port Hedland Utah Point terminal has 28 million tonnes a year of capacity and remains under-used. Better transport links, like the 380km sealed road to Woodie Woodie, help juniors stay lean on capital and operate efficiently. The Pilbara Energy Transition Plan could bring more renewables into the mix, with lower emissions and power bills. Black Canyon’s latest assays report solid manganese and iron grades, backing up mineral continuity and tightening up its resource work.

Pilbara’s extensive infrastructure helps m…

Trump Supply Chain Order Puts Spotlight on US, Allied Critical Mineral Firms

August 6, 2026, 4:49 PM EDT. The U.S. set a January 1, 2027 cutoff for cutting “unreliable foreign powers” from key supply chains, with the Department of War now tightening checks on suppliers. The order favors domestic and allied sourcing for defense, especially critical minerals and rare earths needed for military gear, electronics, and chips. Companies including Nova Minerals, Locksley Resources, Iris Metals, American Tungsten & Antimony, G50 Corp, and Dateline Resources-mainly out of Australia and the U.S.-could gain from supplying qualified materials. Analysts still see a risk the U.S. falls short on the deadline without new investment and faster output, especially to cut Chinese reliance. The order marks a strategic turn back to supply chain sovereignty as national security and big power tensions rise.

Who stands to gain from Trump’s strategic …

ASX Juniors Push Into Africa as Resource Investments Pick Up

August 6, 2026, 4:48 PM EDT. Africa’s mineral wealth-including iron ore, rare earths, niobium and graphite-keeps drawing investment from ASX-listed junior miners. The continent’s mining jurisdictions remain attractive for Western and Japanese buyers, even with geopolitical risks. In Q2 2026, Aura Energy (ASX:AEE) moved its Tiris uranium project in Mauritania forward, talking with potential investors and targeting a final investment call by the end of the year. In Sweden, changes to uranium mining rules have also given its Häggån project a boost. Black Rock Mining (ASX:BKT) locked in infrastructure access for its Mahenge graphite project as it works toward construction, still waiting on funding. These moves show how ASX juniors are increasing their bets on Africa’s growing critical minerals sector with global demand high for minerals used in tech and clean energy.

ASX Resources Quarterly Wrap: Africa’s min…

AI stocks to watch on the ASX: NXT, GMG, MP1

August 6, 2026, 4:33 PM EDT. Artificial intelligence AI continues to draw investor interest on the ASX. NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT) has 667 megawatts contracted and a 544-megawatt forward order book, handling key data centre infrastructure for AI. Goodman Group (ASX: GMG) controls 6.4 gigawatts across 16 cities, giving it useful land and power access for new data centres as AI infrastructure demand rises. Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1) adds more AI exposure through cloud and data centre connectivity, plus its ownership of Latitude.sh for dedicated AI computing. These stocks help build the core digital and physical backbone for Australia’s AI sector.

How to invest in artificial intelligence o…

Old School European Reds See Techniques Make a Comeback

August 6, 2026, 4:32 PM EDT. European winemakers are digging back into old tricks to boost red wine quality and show off local style. Tuscany’s seeing a 700-year-old grape-drying method popping up again, with producers saying it brings more texture and depth to bottles. In Portugal, José Lobo de Vasconcelos sticks with foot-crushing grapes beside olive trees, even with rules making it harder. These hands-on styles push back against high-tech steps like modern temperature controls, leaning on heritage and biodiversity. The Australian Wine Club is pitching a case packed with these reds, some rated 98 points and now at $23.99 per bottle, a 45% drop.

European reds that reveal old-world secret…

Brambles (BXB) down 10.9% in 2025; a2 Milk (A2M) trades near lows as investors watch key numbers

August 6, 2026, 4:17 PM EDT. Brambles Ltd ASX:BXB shares are off 10.9% since the start of 2025, but some investors still see blue-chip value with FY24 return on equity at 25.6%, debt-to-equity at 81.8%, and a 2.7% average dividend yield. Brambles runs the CHEP reusable pallet business for global logistics. On the other side, a2 Milk Company ASX:A2M is 30.2% under its 52-week high. It sells dairy with the A2 protein, which some people prefer for digestion. Annual revenue for A2M is up 11.6% on a three-year view to $1.67 billion in FY24, with net profit at $168 million, almost double. Traders may look at these figures for BXB’s steadiness or A2M’s growth.

BXB shares: your next blue chip investment…

RBC Picks Qantas, Virgin Australia as Fuel Worries Weigh; Auckland Airport Cut

August 6, 2026, 4:16 PM EDT. RBC Capital Markets kept buy calls on Qantas Airways and Virgin Australia Holdings even as fuel prices stay high after the conflict in the Middle East. Qantas is rated outperform with a $11.75 target; analysts point to solid bookings, hedging, and managed capacity helping the bottom line. Virgin Australia is a buy, with RBC looking for margin gains from a company overhaul and a $3.50 target as cost cuts help. But RBC cut Auckland International Airport to underperform, citing soft outlook and weaker passenger numbers as airlines lift fares and trim capacity. Target set at NZ$8.25, below where the stock trades now. Auckland is listed on both ASX and NZX.

2 ASX travel stocks to buy and one to sell

3 ASX Stocks Seen Trading Up to 49.7% Below Fair Value as Index Hits High

August 6, 2026, 4:03 PM EDT. The S&P/ASX 200 touched a 52-week high, but some ASX stocks still trade below what some estimates say they’re worth. Lovisa Holdings (ASX:LOV) is at A$26.90, which is almost 50% off its fair value estimate of A$53.46. Revenue is rising, but there are questions about how long its dividends hold up. Magellan Financial Group (ASX:MFG) trades 40.3% under fair value, sitting at A$10.43 while the estimate stands at A$17.46. The group’s seen revenue growth forecasts and new executives recently. For investors watching discounted names as the broader market climbs, these picks may stand out.

3 ASX Stocks That May Be Undervalued By Up…

Diageo LSE:DGE Drops 44.9% in Five Years, But Valuation Model Sees Upside

August 6, 2026, 4:02 PM EDT. Diageo LSE:DGE shares have fallen 44.9% in the past five years, but valuation models suggest the stock is cheap. A Discounted Cash Flow run puts fair value at £31.51, around 45% higher than today’s price, factoring in cost cuts from restructuring and new investment. Shares are trading at 21.5 times earnings, above the drinks sector average of 18.1 but well below a peer group average of 42.6. There is still risk here, notably from planned layoffs at Scottish distilleries, which could weigh on sentiment. Diageo gets 4 of 6 on valuation checks-buyers see a chance if management delivers on plans.

Diageo (LSE:DGE) Stock Looks Cheap On Fair…

ASX 200 seen opening flat Friday; oil stocks in focus after crude spike

August 6, 2026, 4:01 PM EDT. The ASX 200 ended Thursday up 0.45% at 9,271.6, but Friday’s start looks flat with U.S. futures weaker. WTI crude jumped 3.9% to $78.12, Brent up 4.9% at $83.32, putting attention on energy names like Santos and Woodside. Bell Potter kept a ‘hold’ on Beach Energy following a mixed FY 2026 update, pointing to steady output and decent free cash flow. Gold slipped 0.2% to $1,295.8/oz, which could weigh on Evolution Mining and Newmont. Results from James Hardie, Nick Scali and ResMed are due, with ResMed expected to report $5.65 billion revenue and EPS of $11.12 for FY 2026.

5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

Google Puts DeepMind's Hassabis in New AI Role as Rivalry Heats Up

August 6, 2026, 3:32 PM EDT. Google has put DeepMind co-founder Demis Hassabis into a new position as the company sharpens its focus on artificial intelligence. The move lands as competition in AI tech heats up. Google points to Hassabis’ AI chops and DeepMind’s work as a way to keep its edge. Big tech firms are shifting their teams as the AI race evolves.

Google seeks a sharper focus in AI after H…

Tesco (LSE: TSCO) share price: Is 477p possible by 2027?

August 6, 2026, 3:31 PM EDT. Tesco (LSE: TSCO) shares have doubled in five years, up 104% to 477p as the retailer keeps a 28.2% share of the UK grocery market and CEO Ken Murphy runs the show. Earnings have risen despite higher energy bills and wage inflation, with steady cashflow backing dividends and share buybacks. Analysts see market strength, slowing inflation, and cash generation as reasons the stock could break higher heading into August 2027. Still, Aldi, Lidl and other rivals are squeezing margins, and costs remain an issue. Some investors remain wary after the run-up, and any wider market shocks-tariffs, conflicts-could also weigh on the shares.

By August 2027, the Tesco share price coul…

ASX 200 at All-Time High with BHP, Macquarie Gains

August 6, 2026, 3:30 PM EDT. The ASX 200 closed at a record 9,271.60, up 0.9% for the day and 4% for the month. A mix of non-AI stocks dominated the push. Hopes for a deal with Iran helped ease geopolitics and took yields down. Copper prices kept strong, sending BHP up 62% in FY26 forecasts. Macquarie Group posted a 30% jump in net profit, pushing the stock to a new high. Still, brokers are cautious-BHP and Macquarie both sit on hold ratings and conservative targets. Investors are watching the Reserve Bank meeting on August 11 as the cash rate stays at 4.35%.

Why is the ASX 200 at record highs?

How Much Super You Need for a $6,200 Monthly Passive Income

August 6, 2026, 3:14 PM EDT. If you want $6,200 a month in passive income from super, that’s $74,400 a year in total. How much super is needed depends on your dividend yield. At 3% yield, you’d need about $2.46 million. A 4% yield drops that to $1.85 million. At 5% it’s $1.48 million, 6% is $1.23 million, and at 8% you’d need $925,000. Buying higher-yield stocks means you need less capital, but risk jumps. Most advisers say mix your portfolio across different yields and sectors to help keep income steady and manage risk. Putting in money monthly builds compound growth over time. A 5% average portfolio yield works out to needing about $1.5 million in super for that $6,200 per month flow.

How much do I need in my superannuation to…

Glencore eyes ASX listing to tap into Australia’s $3.1T pension market

August 6, 2026, 1:39 PM EDT. Glencore wants to list on the ASX, looking to open the door to Australia’s US$3.1 trillion pension pool. The company is targeting a spot in the S&P/ASX 200 inside a year and says the plan doesn’t involve raising new capital. Glencore is going after more local pension money and trying to strengthen its links with institutional investors in Australia.

Glencore Eyes US$3.1T Pension Funds with A…

Devolver Digital plans London delisting after shares tank 96%

August 6, 2026, 1:23 PM EDT. Devolver Digital said it will pull its DEVO shares from London’s AIM after the indie game publisher saw its stock tumble 96% from the 2021 IPO high. Devolver was valued at about £694 million at its peak but trades today around £35 million. The board pinned the move on tough conditions in gaming and said the group aims to go private. Investors will vote on the plan. Trading is expected to end September 15, 2026. A tender at 16p a share-more than double recent prices-will launch in August, but anyone not taking the offer will be left with private equity and lower liquidity.

Devolver Digital to Leave London Stock Mar…

Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) sinks 24% in a month, £20k holding now at £15,200

August 6, 2026, 12:21 PM EDT. Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) is down 24% in the past month, slashing a £20,000 stake to £15,200 and leaving a paper loss of £4,800. The company posted 23% automotive revenue growth year-on-year in Q2, but its operating margin fell hard from 4.1% to 1.4% as costs climbed and the sector faces more competition and fewer subsidies. The results fuel debate over how to value Tesla and what comes next for its business model. Over five years, shares are up 38%, and since the 2010 IPO they’ve gained 24,981%. The current slide shows the risks. Tesla pays no dividend; losses stay on paper without a sale. Buyers need to balance Tesla’s long-range upside against today’s volatility.

Here’s what £20k put into Tesla stock just…

Aviva Dividend Yield May Hit 12% in 2031 If Growth Holds

August 6, 2026, 12:20 PM EDT. Aviva (LSE: AV) pays a 6% dividend yield, among the strongest in the FTSE 100. If the insurer keeps up its five-year average dividend growth of 13.35% and dividends are reinvested, yield could climb to 12.12% by 2031. With a less bullish 6.57% growth average, yield lands closer to 9.24% in a decade. These dividend growth forecasts depend on compounding, but shocks like the pandemic remain a risk. CEO Amanda Blanc’s strategy matters for sustaining returns.

By 2031, the dividends from Aviva shares c…

Devolver Digital to Leave London Stock Exchange, Stock Sinks 60%

August 6, 2026, 11:49 AM EDT. Devolver Digital, which trades on AIM in London, said it will delist its shares by September 16 if investors sign off. The move comes as executives argue the market undervalues the company during a wider gaming slump. Shares crashed 59.38% to 6.5 pence after the news. Devolver said going private would let it cut $1.6 million in yearly costs and focus on business away from market scrutiny. Its market cap has collapsed to $46.63 million from about $950 million at its 2021 IPO.

Devolver Digital announced plans to delist…

Australian Home Prices Set to Fall as Rates Rise and Tax Shifts Hit Market

August 6, 2026, 11:48 AM EDT. Australia’s housing market is on track for one of its sharpest slumps in decades, with AMP economist Shane Oliver seeing average capital city prices dropping 7.8% by April 2024. The slide comes after a series of interest rate hikes from the Reserve Bank of Australia and tax tweaks for property investors, both weighing on sentiment. NAB economists see even steeper drops in Sydney and Melbourne, tipping close to 10% declines, while smaller capitals might hold up better. Still, pockets of demand are sticking around as low supply props up parts of the market. Some expect prices could steady in early 2027 on lower rates and improved confidence. But the path ahead is murky, with new tax rules changing investment math for many buyers.

Can Australia make housing affordable whil…

SpaceX Drops a Third Since Listing; Valuation Debate Heats Up

August 6, 2026, 11:33 AM EDT. Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) is down about one-third since going public less than two months ago, and the stock’s valuation is in focus. The company holds a $1.4 trillion market cap but is still posting losses. Its first set of results since the listing showed revenue up 92% year-over-year at $7.8 billion and adjusted EBITDA almost tripled at $3.5 billion, pointing to better operations. But capital expenditures jumped to $18.4 billion versus $2.8 billion last year, raising alarms over cash burn. Growth numbers are strong, but the spending is heavy. Investors are weighing SpaceX’s fast ramp against big costs.

A third cheaper than when it listed, is Sp…

Time Out sets 2028 for first UK food market at Piccadilly Circus

August 6, 2026, 11:17 AM EDT. Time Out Group is set to open its first UK food market in summer 2028, picking 10 Piccadilly overlooking Piccadilly Circus for the location. The company is shifting away from its media-only past with the move. Plans call for 15 restaurants, bars, and food businesses, plus live entertainment and cultural events. There are already 13 Time Out Markets worldwide and more coming, including in Delhi and Riyadh. Previous attempts to open in London stalled over Covid-19 and planning issues. CEO Chris Ohlund called the Piccadilly venue a “global flagship” and key step for Time Out’s next chapter. The switch follows Time Out ending its print magazine in 2022 and focusing on digital and new food market projects.

Time Out set to open first UK food market …

Apollo to buy EasyJet in $7.7B deal after Castlelake steps aside

August 6, 2026, 11:03 AM EDT. Apollo Global Management is set to acquire EasyJet for $7.7 billion after Castlelake pulled its rival offer. EasyJet shares moved up 3.1% on the news. Holders will get £7.15 ($9.63) a share, which lines up as a 54% premium over the Feb. 27 close. The deal will take EasyJet private if it closes as planned by the end of Q1 2024. Apollo pointed to EasyJet’s network, landing rights across Europe and customer base. EasyJet CEO Kenton Jarvis said Apollo’s sector experience was a positive for growth and service. Castlelake, which had put forward $7.3 billion, dropped its bid, opening the door for Apollo.

Apollo agrees to buy UK airline EasyJet in…

EasyJet to Be Bought by Apollo in £5.7 Billion Deal as Castlelake Drops Out

August 6, 2026, 11:02 AM EDT. EasyJet has accepted a £5.7 billion buyout from US private equity group Apollo after Castlelake pulled its offer. Apollo is paying £7.15 a share, beating Castlelake’s £6.90 bid. Apollo said it backs EasyJet’s current plans and sees room for growth. The airline flies more than 1,200 routes in 35 European countries and employs over 19,000. CEO Kenton Jarvis said Apollo’s industry experience should help the carrier’s future goals.

EasyJet agrees to £5.7bn takeover by US fi…

UK Clears Paramount's $111B Warner Bros Deal After Getting Key Promises

August 6, 2026, 10:47 AM EDT. Paramount Skydance got the green light for its $111 billion Warner Bros deal in the UK. The Competition and Markets Authority said it found no competition problems. The Department of Culture, Media and Sport got binding promises from Paramount, covering editorial independence for Channel 5 News and keeping Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network separate. The government also wants the group to keep spending on UK drama and kids’ shows. UK officials signed off after Paramount said it won’t merge linear TV with on-demand, which was a sticking point. Paramount also agreed to conditions around film distribution, kids’ programming, and SVOD.

U.K. Approves Paramount-Warner Bros. Merge…

Ocado Jumps 20% in a Month Even After Forecast Cut

August 6, 2026, 9:59 AM EDT. Ocado Group Plc (LSE: OCDO) has jumped 20% in a month, clawing back some losses. The online grocer and FTSE 250 warehouse tech name is still down 44% over 12 months and 88% over five years. Ocado posted a positive free cash flow figure, pulling in £83m. But the company cut guidance after trouble finding customers for its Customer Fulfilment Centres, sending shares down 15% on July 16. The latest rally comes as rate pressures ease and Ocado announced a big robotic warehouse deal with a European retailer for 2028. Growth investors and bargain hunters have lifted the stock, though it still needs to land more contracts to keep momentum.

Up 20% in a month! Now check out the Ocado…

Harbour Energy (LSE:HBR) jumps after buyback plan

August 6, 2026, 9:44 AM EDT. Shares of Harbour Energy PLC (LSE:HBR) climbed 6.55% to 247.8p after the company said it would start a $250 million share buyback. Harbour said the move is meant to return value and manage its capital. Shares gained as investors responded to the new buyback, with the company pointing to shareholder returns despite choppy energy markets.

Harbour Energy shares climbed 6.55% changi…

West Pours Money Into AI as Cheaper Chinese Startups Step Up

August 6, 2026, 9:14 AM EDT. Western companies keep pouring money into artificial intelligence, driving up costs as they chase the next big breakthrough. But Chinese startups are rolling out comparable tech at much lower cost, putting pressure on Western spending habits. That raises questions about whether the West’s breathless AI spending spree is built to last. China’s tech players are showing that speed and results don’t always require the biggest budgets.

The West’s breathless AI spending spree ca…

FTSE 100 Heads for 11,000; ChatGPT Weighs Drivers and Risks for 12,000 by 2027

August 6, 2026, 9:13 AM EDT. The FTSE 100 is nearing 11,000 as falling interest rates and a softer pound bring buyers back to UK stocks after a long US tech run. ChatGPT points to a few things that could get the index to 12,000 by August 2027, like more rotation out of expensive US names, continued rate cuts, and strong profits with higher dividends. But the tool also warns about possible hurdles, from lingering inflation and geopolitical shocks to investors taking profits. Among FTSE 100 names, Halma (HLMA) has pulled back in price but kept up 23 years of record profit growth and a long, steady dividend streak. The market remains hard to call, and investors are staying cautiously optimistic.

I asked ChatGPT if the FTSE 100 could hit …

FTSE 100 pushes toward 11,000, some look at 12,000 by 2027

August 6, 2026, 8:42 AM EDT. The FTSE 100 is closing in on 11,000 as some start talking about the index hitting 12,000 by August 2027. ChatGPT lists cheaper U.K. shares compared to U.S. tech, low rates, solid earnings and a weaker pound helping exporters as tailwinds. It also flags inflation, rising rates, geopolitics and investors locking in gains as risks. FTSE 100 firms get about 75% of sales overseas, so currency moves and global headlines matter. Investors are staying careful given the market’s unpredictability. Halma Plc, which works in safety and environmental tech, comes up as one possible winner if stocks keep gaining.

I asked ChatGPT if the FTSE 100 could hit …

LSEG Markets Unit Lifts Revenue as Investors Eye AI Threat to Subscriptions

August 6, 2026, 8:25 AM EDT. London Stock Exchange Group PLC’s LSE:LSEG markets business is pushing revenue higher, but some investors remain wary about how artificial intelligence AI could hit its data subscription model. The worry is that AI might eat into traditional data sales, though the trading-heavy markets arm has held up. LSEG is leaning on its main infrastructure and new tech in its market business to stay steady as the use of AI grows in financial data. Analysts point to the reliability of transaction fees, which are helping offset any hit to subscription revenue from AI in financial info services.

LSEG's markets arm is doing the heavy lift…

UK MVNOs Seen Grabbing Almost 33% of Mobile Market

August 6, 2026, 8:09 AM EDT. Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) in the UK are set to take close to a third of the mobile market, as growth continues. Analysts say MVNOs keep adding users while host network operators lose ground. The numbers point to shifting tastes among UK mobile users and a big change for the sector.

MVNOs set to take almost a third of UK mob…

Diageo (DGE) jumps 8.7% on FY2026 organic profit beat, restructuring plan

August 6, 2026, 7:52 AM EDT. Diageo Plc shares rose 8.7% after the company reported full-year 2026 results, rebounding after a tough period for investors. Organic adjusted operating profit was up 2% at $5.68 billion, even as net sales fell 3% to $19.64 billion and reported operating profit slid 27.2% on impairment charges. Margins widened by 116 basis points to 28.9%. Underlying earnings per share edged up 0.7%. CEO Sir Dave Lewis outlined a three-year restructuring plan aiming for $1 billion in cost savings and a $1.2 billion cut in net debt, now down to $20.5 billion. Dividends are still reduced, but free cash flow growth and gains in core markets have helped bring investors back to the stock.

Up 8.7% on today’s results! It’s finally g…

FTSE 100 picks up as Diageo jumps on turnaround move

August 6, 2026, 7:06 AM EDT. The FTSE 100 is up 0.3%, with Diageo surging 8% after the drinks group laid out a turnaround strategy led by new CEO Dave Lewis. Investors shrugged off falling sales and bought into the new growth plan, as the company aims to win back market share with health-focused and budget-friendly products. Admiral was up 5.9% on its first-half numbers and upbeat second-half outlook, helped by higher motor insurance prices. Persimmon climbed 3% after reporting strong home completions. The London benchmark showed some resilience, lacking the heavy tech weighting that hurt US and Asian peers hit by AI sector worries today. Oil is still below $80 a barrel as traders watch for signs of progress in the Middle East. Tritax Big Box fell following a discounted £350 million equity issue. Analysts see notable pockets of strength in London stocks, even as caution lingers elsewhere.

FTSE 100 gains as Diageo turnaround plan r…

Wellnex Life (LON:WNX) to sell Pain Away to Rohto for up to A$21.3m on AIM

August 6, 2026, 7:05 AM EDT. Wellnex Life Ltd (LON:WNX) said it will sell its Pain Away brand to Japan’s Rohto Pharmaceutical in a deal worth up to A$21.3 million. Wellnex will get A$19.8 million cash up front, which it plans to use to pay down debt and support operations. The deal needs shareholder approval at a meeting set for 8 September, as the company looks to shift away from its unprofitable units. Pain Away brought in A$13.4 million revenue and A$4.36 million EBITDA for 2024-25. Elsewhere, Sunrise Resources jumped 17.9% after strong assays at its Reese Ridge project in Nevada. Ingenta picked up a 23.9% stake in legalTech firm FirstAida, paying £500,000 in shares. Tekcapital posted pre-tax profit at $144.8 million. Corero Network Security said interim revenue rose 42% with EBITDA now positive. Devolver Digital said it plans to leave AIM, with its shares down 60.9%.

AIM movers: Wellnex Life sells Pain Away b…

UK MVNO Connections Seen Up 51% by 2031 on Fintech Push

August 6, 2026, 6:49 AM EDT. UK mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) are expected to grow connections by 51% from 2026 to 2031, FDM CCS Insight research said. MVNOs, which buy capacity from main carriers, now have about 23% of UK mobile market share if machine-to-machine connections are excluded. That number is expected to climb to over 30% by 2031. Growth is set to be driven by fintechs moving into mobile and boosting options for customers.

UK MVNO connections set to surge as fintec…

Over £83m in Child Trust Fund Cash Unclaimed by Young People in Wales

August 6, 2026, 6:19 AM EDT. More than 750,000 Child Trust Fund accounts worth over £2,200 each on average haven’t been claimed across the UK, with an estimated £83 million left untouched in Wales. The government set up the CTFs for children born from 2002 to 2011, opening the accounts with at least £250 for each child, or £500 for those from low-income homes. Some, like Kae Tapscott, only hear about their funds at 18 after being contacted by social workers or charities like The Share Foundation. Experts say young people should check for free at gov.uk or with official groups and avoid paying others. The scheme was meant to give 18-year-olds financial help as they start adult life.

Thousands missing out on Child Trust Fund …

Maritana Minerals Seeks ASX Listing for 66,667 More Shares

August 6, 2026, 6:18 AM EDT. Maritana Minerals has put in an application to the ASX to quote 66,667 new fully paid ordinary shares. This adds to its share capital on the exchange. Horizon Minerals Ltd announced the move. Maritana says the move is part of its latest market and shareholder activity. If approved, the new listing would boost trading for Maritana shares.

Maritana Minerals Seeks ASX Quotation for …

ASX Marks Record as Middle East Peace Talks, Earnings Push Index Higher

August 6, 2026, 6:02 AM EDT. The ASX set a new record, lifted by hopes for Middle East peace and a solid early run of corporate earnings. Reports of better-than-expected profits from local companies helped drive buying. That pushed the benchmark index to its highest close ever, as risk appetite picked up.

Peace hopes, profits push ASX to new high

Energean (LSE: ENOG) offers high dividend yield, growth plans, analysts bullish

August 6, 2026, 6:01 AM EDT. Energean (LSE: ENOG) offers FTSE investors a forecast 10.7% dividend yield, far above the FTSE 100 average. The Mediterranean energy firm, run by CEO Mathios Rigas, wants to double its size in the next ten years and is moving into West Africa. Analyst estimates show average annual earnings growth of 26.6% through 2028. DCF analysis puts the stock at 65% undervalued, with fair value about three times current price. A £20,000 stake could bring in £38,032 in dividends over ten years and potentially £468,581 in 30 years if compounding holds. Main risks are low gas prices and possible drilling issues.

Here’s the stunning second income investor…

Persimmon Lifts Outlook as UK Housing Policy Fuels Sector Hopes

August 6, 2026, 5:46 AM EDT. Persimmon has lifted its guidance for the year, targeting 12,500 home completions. The UK builder cited higher pre-tax profit for the first half, up 15% to £168 million, after a 13% rise in homes built. Costs are climbing partly because of the Iran conflict, but the FTSE 100 company flagged its cost cuts and better operations. Persimmon is looking for momentum from Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s push on supply and affordability. Builder sentiment picked up this week, with S&P Global tracking recovery bets and stronger demand.

Positive Persimmon looks to tap into ‘Burn…

UK Construction Downturn Slows in July, S&P Global PMI Shows Pickup in Builder Sentiment

August 6, 2026, 5:34 AM EDT. Britain’s construction sector contracted less in July, with the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) pointing to a milder drop. Commercial building and housebuilding both fell at a slower pace. Builders also reported their strongest optimism since before the Iran war, S&P Global said. Confidence is rising even as industry pressures stick around.

Slump for UK builders abates in July, PMI …

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) Shares Gauged by NIM and ROE

August 6, 2026, 5:33 AM EDT. Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares are trading around $179.87. CBA is the biggest bank in Australia and controls the top spot in mortgages and credit cards. Investors often look at net interest margin (NIM) and return on equity (ROE) to judge value. CBA reports a NIM of 1.99%, ahead of the ASX bank average at 1.78%. ROE came in at 13.1%, well above the sector’s 9.35%. Workplace culture ratings from Seek put CBA just above the industry average. All of this is used by investors sizing up CBA’s profit profile and ability to hold ground in a tough sector.

2 tools to value the Commonwealth Bank of …

Harbour Energy Up 6.5% on H1 Beat; Stock Lags Consensus by 22%

August 6, 2026, 5:31 AM EDT. Harbour Energy jumped 6.5% on August 6 after H1 numbers pointed to record output and better oil and gas pricing. The company lifted its 2026 free cash flow target to $1.8 billion, raising it by $400 million. Even with the beat, shares are still trading 22% below the analyst consensus. Brent crude trades at $76 a barrel, under the $80 Harbour forecasts for the year. Analyst price targets are all over the map, from 220p to 425p, showing the difficulty of predicting commodity names. The company also has to deal with a 78% tax rate on its UK earnings, making valuation tougher.

The Harbour Energy share price is 22% belo…

Shopify Jumps 17% on Q2 Beat, Value Questions Linger

August 6, 2026, 5:30 AM EDT. Shopify (NASDAQ:SHOP) jumped 17% after it topped Q2 estimates with 34% revenue growth to $3.58 billion and adjusted EPS of $0.42, ahead of the $0.40 forecast. GMV climbed 32% to $115.6 billion, the fifth straight quarter above 30% growth. The company raised its Q3 revenue outlook to low-30% growth, beating analyst targets. But even after a 150% two-year run, the stock faces tough questions on value with the software sector under pressure. Shopify remains the No.2 US e-commerce player at 14% market share, behind Amazon. Investors weigh the stock’s momentum against what some see as lofty pricing and AI-related pressures still hanging over e-commerce.

1 of my favourite growth stocks just jumpe…

Ord Minnett Keeps Ratings on Orora, ResMed, Virgin Australia

August 6, 2026, 5:29 AM EDT. Ord Minnett has an accumulate on Orora Ltd (ASX: ORA) with a $1.55 target, even with the risk of a big write-down at its Saverglass unit. ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD) stays at buy with a $36.60 target after it sold MatrixCare for US$490 million to back a stock buyback. Virgin Australia Holdings Ltd (ASX: VGN) also holds a buy and $3.90 target as analyst sentiment stays strong. The broker trimmed EPS forecasts for both Orora and ResMed but still sees value and growth ahead. The calls come after recent portfolio changes and shifts in forecast volumes and margins.

Buy, hold, sell: Orora, Virgin Australia, …

ASX 200 Extends Rally, Jumps 6% Since July as Earnings and Deal Hopes Lift Market

August 6, 2026, 5:15 AM EDT. The S&P/ASX 200 has climbed 6% since early July, hitting two fresh records this week. The rally has outpaced big U.S. indices and caught many short sellers and fund managers by surprise after a flat start to the year. Equity strategists say the gains look steady for now, pointing to the start of earnings season and hopes for a possible US-Iran deal reopening key Middle East trade lanes as drivers for better sentiment.

Shares: ASX 200 rebound built to last for …

WPP Jumps 25% as Overhaul Lifts Results

August 6, 2026, 5:00 AM EDT. WPP shares soared 25% after the London-listed ad giant posted stronger results. The jump comes as its push to simplify the business starts to show results. Investors liked the update, taking it as evidence the company’s restructuring is making headway in a tough ad market.

WPP shares jump 25% as overhaul begins to …

TCC Group Looks at London for European Listing

August 6, 2026, 4:59 AM EDT. TCC Group Holdings is weighing a London Stock Exchange listing for its European business, Bloomberg reports. The group is also eyeing Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and Paris, but London is still in the lead. TCC hasn’t made a final call yet, and board sign-off is pending. The European arm brings in around 44% of total revenue. TCC started in 1946 as a cement maker and now works in renewables, energy storage, EV charging and building materials.

TCC reportedly favours London for European…

Tekcapital rallies 30% as Vesari patent boost lifts net assets

August 6, 2026, 4:43 AM EDT. Tekcapital shares jumped 30% after net assets climbed to US$201.7 million, from US$55.1 million, on the back of strong half-year profits. Most of the gain came from a higher appraisal of Vesari, Tekcapital’s portfolio company. Vesari’s patents cover geothermal-powered AI data centres. Tekcapital holds a 51% stake. Vesari works on carbon-free compute tech and is targeting the fast-growing sector. Cardinal IP valued Vesari’s patents at US$293 million as of June 30. Vesari is looking at U.S. listing routes, including a reverse merger or de-SPAC. Tekcapital’s Microsalt business also logged rising revenue and announced new partnership wins.

Tekcapital shares jump as net assets nearl…

Legal & General (LGEN) dividend yield stands at 7.1%, second income angle draws investor focus

August 6, 2026, 4:31 AM EDT. Legal & General (LGEN) shares carry a 7.1% dividend yield, well above the FTSE 100 average of 3.1%. A £20,000 holding in LGEN would throw off £20,595 in dividends over 10 years and £147,244 over 30 years, thanks to dividend compounding. Analysts now see the yield hitting 8% by 2028, as LGEN posts a projected 14.2% average annual earnings growth. Risks remain tied to market swings and regulation, but discounted cash flow puts LGEN shares at £6.63-54% higher than Friday’s £3.05 close-pointing to more upside potential. The case is capital gains plus a rising income stream, keeping LGEN on the radar for FTSE 100 investors looking for second income from dividends.

How much second income am I targeting from…

Silver Trades on Both Industrial and Precious Metal Demand—Here’s What to Know

August 6, 2026, 4:30 AM EDT. Silver sits in a unique spot as both a precious metal and industrial commodity. About 60% of the demand is tied to industrial uses-things like solar panels, electronics, and technologies built for electrification. Supply is tight because nearly 74% is pulled out as a by-product from mining other metals, mostly copper and zinc, so output doesn’t jump fast when prices rise. The Americas, especially Mexico, Peru, and Chile, produce close to half the world’s silver. Bigger demand for solar panels and vehicle electrification keeps the market in a structural shortage. Silver isn’t just ‘cheap gold’; investors looking to get exposure need to factor in its heavy industrial demand.

What drives silver prices and how to get e…

US infrastructure spending stays strong on public and private demand

August 6, 2026, 4:29 AM EDT. US infrastructure spending under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act comes with high obligation rates but the actual payouts are lagging, which points to more spending ahead. That means steadier work for contractors and better cash flow visibility for equipment makers. Private capital tied to AI is also increasing appetite for infrastructure, with a focus on data centers and power. There are still supply constraints in electrical gear like switchgear, which is keeping prices firm and margins up. With both government and private sector money in play, US infrastructure looks set for steady growth and could remain a solid investment foundation no matter how politics shift.

Why US infrastructure could still have roo…

Lloyds, L&G, Persimmon Up as UK Markets Move on August 6, 2026

August 6, 2026, 4:28 AM EDT. Lloyds Banking Group has put up a 194% total return in three years, helped by a 2.8% dividend yield in 2025, with projections for that yield to reach 5.3% by 2028. Legal & General stands out with a 7.1% dividend yield, and analysts see that climbing to 8%, drawing in income investors, though there are still market shock risks. Persimmon shares gained 3.2% after the housebuilder posted a 12.7% jump in home completions and kept dividends at 20p a share, a 5.2% yield. BAE Systems, meanwhile, gave up 8% from March highs, even after landing $6 billion in defense deals, as global tensions eased. Forecasts call for steady profit growth in the run-up to 2028, though analysts warn about margins and operational pressures.

Stock Market Today: Live Updates 06.08.202…

OSB Group sinks 13.9% after cutting profit outlook

August 6, 2026, 4:27 AM EDT. OSB Group PLC shares fell 13.9% to 489.8p, the steepest drop on the FTSE 250. The specialist lender cut its profit forecast and lowered margin guidance, which drove selling from investors. OSB’s move points to pressure on lending margins. The share slide shows traders’ worries about earnings and margins ahead.

OSB shares tumble as lender cuts margin gu…

Lloyds: £10,000 Turned Into £29,500 in Three Years

August 6, 2026, 4:24 AM EDT. Put £10,000 into Lloyds Banking Group three years back and it would be nearly £29,500 today, with £2,228 of that from dividends. That’s a 194% total return and an annualized gain of 65%. The bank paid a 3.33p dividend in 2025 for a 2.8% yield. Forecasts see the yield hitting 5.3% by 2028, ahead of the 3.1% FTSE 100 average. Analysts see profits up 11.4% a year through 2028. But there are risks from tougher competition and weaker credit that could dent margins and drive up defaults. Analysts are lukewarm on near-term targets. Discounted cash flow is the preferred approach for long-term price views.

£10,000 invested in Lloyds shares 3 years …

Legal & General (LSE: LGEN) 7.1% yield stands out for second income seekers

August 6, 2026, 4:22 AM EDT. Legal & General (LSE: LGEN) is paying a 7.1% dividend yield, more than double the FTSE 100’s 3.1% average. Analysts expect that figure to climb to 8% by 2028. A £20,000 stake could throw off £20,595 in dividends over a decade and as much as £147,244 in 30 years if dividends keep compounding. Earnings are set to grow 14.2% a year through 2028, which could support higher payouts and some share price upside. Key risks are market shocks and regulatory swings that might hit cash flow. Legal & General remains a notable choice for income hunters in the UK.

How much second income am I targeting from…

Persimmon up 3% as housebuilder lifts H1 completions, keeps dividend steady

August 6, 2026, 4:20 AM EDT. Persimmon Plc shares added 3.2% after the group said home completions rose 12.7% and underlying operating profit climbed 9.9% in the first half of 2024. The FTSE 100 builder stuck with guidance for around 12,500 completions this year and held its interim payout at 20p a share. Operating margin eased to 12.8%. Management noted the tough backdrop, pointing to high borrowing costs and a slow UK housing market. Still, the private forward order book is at £1.31 billion. The dividend yield sits at 5.2% as mortgage rates stay high and market uncertainty lingers.

Persimmon’s results push its share price 3…

BAE Systems LON:BA. Shares Slip Even as New Defence Contracts Top $6bn

August 6, 2026, 4:18 AM EDT. BAE Systems shares dropped about 8% from their March high, trading below £22. The move comes as markets weigh signs of easing global tensions. Still, BAE has landed several big orders lately, including a $1.96 billion weapons deal with Saudi Arabia, a $3.3 billion F-15K fighter upgrade in South Korea, and a £4.6 billion deal with the UK, Italy, and Japan on the GCAP jet. NATO is looking to hike defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, which could mean about $2.7 trillion more each year going to defence. Analysts expect BAE profits to rise 11.7% a year through 2028. System problems and supply chain setbacks could still hurt earnings or reputation. Investors face these risks with geopolitical tensions still in play.

After massive new deals, is BAE Systems’ s…

CML Microsystems shows signs of turnaround ahead of August AGM

August 6, 2026, 4:16 AM EDT. CML Microsystems (LON:CML), the £50 million chip group, is turning a corner operationally and could be coming into range for buyers. The company wants to compete as a top semiconductor partner with a focus on communications tech. Management will face investors at its AGM August 11 in Boreham, where the board is expected to give more on future plans and growth. Traders are watching possible updates out of the meeting for any hints on CML’s next move in the tech space.

CML Microsystems: operational recovery bec…

Rolls-Royce up 1,587% since January 2023, CEO Erginbilgiç's strategy shows

August 6, 2026, 4:14 AM EDT. Shares of Rolls-Royce Plc have jumped 1,587% since January 2023 as the group posted strong H1 2026 numbers with CEO Tufan Erginbilgiç at the helm. The company’s underlying operating profit rose 46% to £2.534 billion and revenue climbed 25% to £11.279 billion, topping market expectations seen as conservative. Outlook remains cautious but profitability metrics, including operating margin at 22.5% and return on capital at 22%, are higher. Civil aerospace is driving much of the growth, with flying hours now above 2019. There are still risks from jet fuel prices and supply chains. Investors should weigh the gains and ongoing uncertainty before taking a position.

Up 1,587% since January 2023, so why am I …

Harworth shares jump 19% after £583 million takeover offer from Peel Group

August 6, 2026, 4:12 AM EDT. Shares in Harworth Group rose 19% to 170.6p on Thursday as Peel Group made a cash bid that values the land and property firm at around £583 million. Investors bought in on news of Peel’s move, lifting Harworth stock early. Peel aims to grow in the property sector with this offer. Activity heats up in land and property deals.

Harworth surges 19% on £583m Peel takeover…