Stock Market Today: Live Updates 08.07.2026

RC365 Holding PLC gets £2.25m funding, $2m interest-free credit line

July 9, 2026, 3:58 AM EDT. RC365 Holding PLC said it raised £2.25 million with a broker placing for £750,000 and a $2 million standby credit facility. The credit line, from an entity controlled by CEO and main shareholder Chi Kit Law, carries no interest or fees, is unsecured and lasts for 24 months. RC365 said the money gives it more flexibility for platform work, to grow revenue, and for other company needs. CEO Chi Kit Law said he backs RC365’s strategy and pointed to the launch of its RC3.0 platform.

REG – RC365 Holding PLC – Placing & $2m Cr…

FDC Consolidated Holdings jumps 12% on ASX debut, eyes 14% revenue lift

July 9, 2026, 3:53 AM EDT. FDC Consolidated Holdings opened 12% above its $3 offer on the ASX, becoming the biggest float this year. The $1 billion construction firm is guiding for 14% revenue growth, helped by rising data centre projects even as the building sector stays tough. Investors took note of a 6.5% dividend yield, more than double Commonwealth Bank’s. Early trade saw shares up 17%, ending the session 37 cents above the offer. IPO supply remains limited, helping drive demand.

Builder FDC Consolidated Holdings rockets …

Alien Metals Hits High-Grade Silver at Elizabeth Hill, Shares Little Changed

July 9, 2026, 3:48 AM EDT. Alien Metals said West Coast Silver, its JV partner, hit a high-grade silver zone in drilling at Elizabeth Hill, Western Australia. Results included 3 meters at 524 g/t silver from 183 meters depth, with a section of 1.5 meters at 1,039 g/t. The company cited both historic and new data showing a 50-meter mineralised trend below the old mine. Drilling also returned 2.73% nickel, 0.93% copper, and 0.7g/t palladium over 0.45 meters. Alien said new assays from 32 more holes suggest the near-surface silver resource could be larger than April’s debut estimate. The stock was flat Thursday despite the assays. More results are due in July and August as work goes on.

Alien Metals announces new high-grade silv…

Bango sees 31% jump in recurring revenue in first half, EBITDA beats

July 9, 2026, 3:43 AM EDT. Bango posted a 31% rise in annual recurring revenue to $20.4 million for the first half, while cash EBITDA climbed to $3.7 million from $2.3 million last year. Total revenue came in at $25.9 million, up 3% and in line with guidance. Subscription revenue grew 13% to $12.3 million with six new customers. Payments revenue dropped 5% as Bango reworked older channels for better margins. The firm expects adjusted EBITDA to increase 34% to at least $9 million thanks to efficiency moves. CEO Paul Larbey called out solid growth and steady demand, pointing to new subscription deals and work to lift payment profits, even with a tough macro backdrop.

Bango on track for full-year targets after…

ASX slips 0.26% as miners weigh; FDC jumps after $400M IPO

July 9, 2026, 3:39 AM EDT. The ASX edged down 0.26% on Thursday as miners lost ground with gold prices down more than 1%. Oil jumped, tracking rising tensions between Iran and the US. Still, consumer staples, telcos, and utilities traded higher. FDC Consolidated opened at a premium, up 13% on its $400 million IPO in the biggest new listing this year. Tetragon Energy shares soared 25%. Among gold producers, Northern Star shed 2%, Catalyst Metals dropped nearly 5% after it locked in gold sales at fixed prices, and Pantoro fell 10% on weak output. The materials index fell for a fourth straight day, down 8% for the month. Ongoing violence in the Strait of Hormuz and fresh US sanctions on Iran swung commodity prices and hit resources stocks.

Closing Bell: ASX sinks as miners fall for…

Computacenter Sees H1 Pretax Profit Set to Double on AI Demand

July 9, 2026, 3:35 AM EDT. Computacenter says first-half adjusted profit before tax will nearly double to about £163 million as AI demand lifts business. North America had strong volumes with hyperscale customers, which pushed up Technology Sourcing and Professional Services. The UK booked solid growth tied to AI projects. Germany posted good product sales even though services were softer. The order book as of June 30 topped the £7.1 billion level set at the end of 2023. The company says it’s keeping momentum and sees healthy order intake. Computacenter calls itself the clear UK market leader as AI spending picks up.

Computacenter set to double first-half pro…

Bulletin Resources Answers ASX on Late Director Trading Filing

July 9, 2026, 3:30 AM EDT.Bulletin Resources Limited (ASX: BNR) replied to the Australian Securities Exchange after the ASX flagged its late Appendix 3Y filing on director trades. The company said it acted quickly after being questioned, explaining the reason for the delay. Appendix 3Y filings let investors see insider trades. Bulletin Resources said it remains committed to meeting disclosure rules going forward.

Bulletin Resources addresses ASX concerns …

ASX 200 slips again; Fletcher Building jumps on earnings outlook

July 9, 2026, 3:25 AM EDT. The S&P/ASX 200 Index dropped 0.26% to finish at 8,762.5 on Thursday, its fourth straight session in the red. Materials stocks lagged, pulling the sector index down 1.48%, while gold shares lost 1.24% and REITs fell 1.1%. Financials were also slightly lower, off 0.15%. In contrast, energy names climbed 1.67%. Utilities gained 1.28% and tech stocks put on 0.92%. Consumer staples, communications, and healthcare were a little firmer. Fletcher Building Ltd topped the ASX 200 leaderboard, adding 7.55% to $2.99 after it updated earnings guidance. Megaport Ltd rose 5.56% and New Hope Corporation Ltd advanced 5.45%.

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Imugene Seeks ASX Nod to Quote More Ordinary Shares

July 9, 2026, 3:14 AM EDT.Imugene Limited has filed an Appendix 2A with the Australian Securities Exchange ASX requesting approval for the quotation of additional ordinary fully paid shares. The company wants to boost its share capital with this move. Imugene is looking to shore up its equity base, which could affect market cap and share liquidity. Investors may want to watch for updates on approval.

Imugene Seeks ASX Quotation for Additional…

ITM Power lands £46.5m UK grant for Chronos electrolyser build-out

July 9, 2026, 3:09 AM EDT. ITM Power said it got a £46.5 million grant from the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to help fund its new Chronos electrolyser line in Sheffield. The news comes just after the company raised £40 million in equity from Great British Energy, backing plans to reach 1 GW per year manufacturing. ITM has spent two years on Chronos, aiming for lower costs and better efficiency in green hydrogen. The line will use current infrastructure to cut risks as ITM moves to more automated, scalable production and advanced testing. CEO Dennis Schulz called the funding key to ITM’s push as a UK hydrogen project partner, putting Sheffield in a new light as the site shifts from steel to hydrogen.

ITM Power secures £46.5m government grant …

UK Housing Slump Eases; Surveyors Still See Fragile Mood

July 9, 2026, 3:03 AM EDT. The UK housing market isn’t falling as fast, but surveyors and estate agents say sentiment is still fragile. Easing downward pressure hasn’t erased buyer caution, with worries over inflation and economic uncertainty holding back confidence. The market stays subdued. Surveyors say any recovery will depend on inflation and how stable the broader economy gets.

UK housing market downturn eases but senti…

Godolphin jumps on rare earths IPO, West Coast Silver hits fresh zone

July 9, 2026, 2:58 AM EDT. Godolphin Resources (ASX:GRL) popped 17.6% after it said it would spin out its $12.5 million Narraburra rare earths project through a $12 million IPO for Matrix, pitching the new listing as a non-Chinese supply option for critical metals like yttrium. West Coast Silver (ASX:WCE) climbed 11.1%, after reporting a high-grade silver zone at Elizabeth Hill, where recent assays hit 1,039g/t silver. That result could add to its 2.8Moz resource, with the company pointing to ongoing supply shortfalls due to industrial use. Finder Energy (ASX:FDR) also gained after Timor-Leste approved development of the Kuda Tasi and Jahal oil fields, projects expected to reach up to 40,000 barrels of oil a day. Resource names traded sharply as focus stayed on energy and strategic minerals.

Resources Top 5: Godolphin pops as REE spi…

ASX 200 Dividend Yields Rise in FY26, Utilities Lead Sectors

July 9, 2026, 2:53 AM EDT. The S&P/ASX 200 Index returned 7% in FY26, with the average dividend yield climbing to 4.23% from 3.84% last year. Gains in resources on stronger commodity prices lifted yields. Materials led for capital growth at 47.48% and paid a 4.63% yield. Energy names paid 5.14% on average, helped by New Hope Corporation (4.78%). Utilities yielded the most at 5.98%, with APA Group at 5.84%. Some experts say looming capital gains tax changes may steer buyers toward higher-yielding sectors.

Which ASX 200 sectors paid the highest div…

ASX Retail Stocks SIG, JBH, FLT, HVN, UNI Drop Bullish Calls on Middle East Turmoil

July 9, 2026, 2:47 AM EDT.Australian Securities Exchange ASX retail stocks like SIG, JBH, FLT, HVN and UNI gave up early gains as new US-Iran tensions rattled markets. Hopes for a retail recovery on lower interest rates and stronger consumer spending faded as the Middle East flare-up deepened. Analysts’ outlook for calmer trading quickly shifted, with rising geopolitical risk putting pressure on sentiment. Retail sector moves today show how global conflict can shake confidence and unsettle market direction fast.

Middle East conflict: Bullish ASX retail c…

Investors rethink portfolios ahead of 2027 tax changes

July 9, 2026, 2:42 AM EDT.Major tax changes for investors are set for July 2027, bringing new rules for shares, property, and super, with negative gearing and CGT overhauls on the table. Advisers say the new financial year is a good time to set goals that aren’t just about tax, and to make sure wealth plans match real needs. Advisers recommend checking investment structures, shifting portfolio mix, and sorting cash flow so investors aren’t forced to sell in tough markets. The opposition says it will wind back parts of these tax changes if it wins office, leaving investors waiting until after the 2028 federal election for clarity. Share investors should weigh time frames, put some income focus alongside growth, and keep portfolios spread across core index funds and select active managers. Experts say chasing returns after tax and thinking long-term are key right now.

Shares, property and super moves to protec…

IHG Buys Back 40,000 Shares for Cancellation

July 9, 2026, 2:38 AM EDT. InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has bought back 40,000 ordinary shares on July 8, 2026, using Goldman Sachs International as broker. The average price came in at $163.44 a share. The buyback falls under a shareholder-approved program. IHG plans to cancel the repurchased shares, taking total shares in issue down to 148.74 million, not counting the 5.43 million now in treasury.

IHG repurchases 40,000 shares, plans to ca…

Brokers Lift Ratings on Seven ASX Shares as Market Slides

July 9, 2026, 2:33 AM EDT. Brokers upgraded seven ASX stocks this week – Santos, Woodside Energy, IGO, Netwealth Group, HomeCo Daily Needs REIT, Waypoint REIT, and Sandfire Resources. Morgan Stanley moved Santos to buy with a $7.67 target and shifted Woodside to hold at $28, showing caution. IGO is now a hold, with the price target nudged up. Ord Minnett put a buy call on Netwealth Group and sees 10% upside. Morgans backed HomeCo and Waypoint REITs with buy labels, expecting small gains. Sandfire Resources, up 61% in the past year, was cut to hold by Morgan Stanley with a possible 4% pullback ahead. The ASX 200 slipped 0.5% Thursday, as investors weighed up the broker changes.

7 ASX shares catching broker upgrades this…

ASX AI Plays Packed as Investors Pile Into Smaller Names

July 9, 2026, 2:29 AM EDT.Australian stock market investors are turning to smaller artificial intelligence AI related equities, with few big tech AI names listed locally. Unlike in the U.S., where firms like Nvidia, Broadcom, Microsoft, and Amazon hold much of the AI market, Australia’s tech sector makes up about 2% of the sharemarket and brings in just 0.5% of index earnings. That has fund managers loading up on niche ‘picks-and-shovels’ companies. They’ve posted strong gains, but the rush now leaves these trades crowded as demand bunches up. It shows the limits local investors face versus Wall Street, and could mean less room for future AI gains in Australia.

ASX stock picks: Australian sharemarket’s …

Rolls-Royce (LSE: RR) Shares Would Hit £141 With SpaceX's P/S Multiple

July 9, 2026, 2:25 AM EDT. If Rolls-Royce (LSE: RR) traded at the same price-to-sales ratio as SpaceX-52 times, against its own 5.2x-the shares would hit £141. Based on projected 2026 revenue of £22.7bn, that would put Rolls-Royce’s implied value near £1.18 trillion, compared to its current £118 billion. SpaceX’s valuation rides on bets in space, satellite broadband, and AI, while Rolls-Royce mainly does aircraft engines, defence, and power. CEO Tufan Erginbilgiç has kept the focus on turning Rolls-Royce around to get more competitive. The gap in value points to differences in markets, growth bets, and what investors expect from both groups.

How the Rolls-Royce share price would hit …

UK Dividend Stocks Draw Investor Attention in July 2026 as FTSE 100 Drops

July 9, 2026, 2:21 AM EDT.UK dividend stocks are back in focus as fresh weakness in the FTSE 100, triggered by poor Chinese trade data, rattles commodity shares. Leading the list, Telecom Plus (TEP) pays a 6.14% yield, while Pollen Street Group (POLN) offers 6.82%. Alfa Financial Software (ALFA) yields 6.2%. Its payout moves around, but earnings coverage remains solid. Smiths News (SNWS) offers a standout 12.3% yield. The firm has seen swings in its payouts but is backed by contracts pointing to more growth ahead. These names could appeal to income-focused investors looking for some shelter during sharp market moves, with solid dividend marks and earnings backing the payouts.

Top UK Dividend Stocks To Consider In July…

Qantas, Airbus put $6M into Wildfire Energy for waste-to-jet-fuel project

July 9, 2026, 2:10 AM EDT.Wildfire Energy landed more than $6 million in new investment from Qantas and Airbus, backing tech that turns general household waste into sustainable aviation fuel. The money-some from Climate Tech Partners and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency-will go to build Wildfire’s first commercial plant. Wildfire claims its system doesn’t need pre-sorted or cleaned trash and is going after aviation, where decarbonizing is a big challenge. Australia imports 90% of its jet fuel, and pressure is rising to shift that. SAF still makes up less than 1% of global jet fuel and costs about three times as much. Wildfire is betting its tech can help close that gap.

Brisbane start-up secures Qantas, Airbus b…

Wesfarmers (ASX: WES) trades close to record; analysts debate outlook

July 9, 2026, 2:05 AM EDT. Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) is trading at A$90.48, just below its all-time high of about A$95. The stock is up 12% in the last month and 11% in 2026, ahead of the S&P/ASX 200. The move higher is tied to steady Australian consumer spending and less concern over higher rates, with Bunnings and Kmart still drawing shoppers looking for value. Wesfarmers is also growing in the Philippines and widening its product lineup, plus it has exposure to lithium mining. Bunnings and Kmart have delivered close to 70% return on capital, with the company’s return on equity at 32.7%. These numbers have kept the stock trading at a premium. Now, the focus is on broker calls over whether WES can keep up the run or is too expensive.

Wesfarmers shares are closing in on record…

Telstra Outage Cuts Emergency Calls; Senator Faces Questions on Death Claim

July 9, 2026, 1:54 AM EDT. Telstra’s nationwide outage on Wednesday left an 89-year-old woman with dementia frightened after a fall, her family said, as communication blackouts stalled medical help. Michelle Johnson, the woman’s daughter, blamed network troubles for the delays. South Australia Police and state officials said they found no evidence of deaths tied to the blackout after Senator Kerrynne Liddle linked a fatality to emergency call issues. Acting Premier Kyam Maher criticized Liddle for not reporting the story sooner. The outage again exposed gaps in emergency response when networks fail.

Elderly woman left 'frightened', senator '…

Diageo Drops 60% Since 2021 Peak, Dividend Cuts Test Holders

July 9, 2026, 1:49 AM EDT.Diageo Plc shares are down 60.9% from their late 2021 high, ranking among the worst on the FTSE 100 over both the past year and past five. The drinks group saw shares sink to 1,350p in March 2026 before edging up to 1,584.6p. That leaves holders nursing a 43.5% paper loss from early 2024. Some investors are hanging on for the 4% dividend yield, even though the new CEO has started to cut payouts. Getting back to breakeven would take a 77% rally. Some market watchers say UK stocks priced at deep discounts might still hold value, but the wider backdrop-US tariffs, geopolitical risk-keeps the outlook shaky.

Diageo shares have been a disaster. Why do…

Yooralla to pay $2M in back wages over staff underpayment issue

July 9, 2026, 1:43 AM EDT. Yooralla will pay $2.05 million in back pay to 1,389 employees after it admitted underpaying staff due to a clerical mistake. The Fair Work Ombudsman said underpayments took place from March 2018 to March 2024, with an average of $1,470 owed per person. Most affected were casual disability support workers. Yooralla found the error after a question from an employee and self-reported to regulators, according to authorities. The regulator said employers need to stay on top of minimum pay rules and payroll systems. The watchdog is putting more attention on the disability support sector.

Disability support provider agrees to $2 m…

US1 Critical Minerals (ASX: USC) up 12.5% in a day, has doubled in a year on US minerals push

July 9, 2026, 1:38 AM EDT. Shares in US1 Critical Minerals (ASX: USC) jumped 12.5% to 1.8 cents on the session, putting the micro-cap explorer up roughly 133% for the year. The company runs critical mineral projects-rare earths, lithium, cobalt, nickel-mostly in the US, where policy support is strong. Traders pointed to possible fresh drill news, tenure, or strategy moves for the day’s action, with US1’s market cap at about $18.25 million. US1’s projects are tied to electric vehicles, renewables, and defense supply chains as the US pushes to lock in domestic supply. Investors can check ASX releases for what’s behind the jump.

US1 Critical Minerals (ASX: USC) Gains 12.…

Australia, India move toward uranium trade deal after years of gridlock

July 9, 2026, 1:33 AM EDT.Australia and India are close to finalizing a uranium supply deal, more than a decade after uranium exports stalled despite their 2014 nuclear pact. India is pushing to grow nuclear capacity from 8 GW to 100 GW by 2047 as it tries to curb coal use and cut air pollution. Australia sits on the world’s biggest uranium reserves, but production has been kept down by bans across most states. Fresh demand from India and rising tech-sector power needs could lift Australia’s uranium industry, which has faced tough rules and a weaker 2024 market. The agreement could shift both countries’ energy plans and uranium trading.

Yellowcake Diplomacy

FDC Consolidated up 15% after ASX listing

July 9, 2026, 1:18 AM EDT.FDC Consolidated opened its ASX trading at 12:30pm and shares jumped 15% to $3.44, above the $3 IPO price. The commercial builder is issuing over 133 million shares, aiming to raise $400 million. FDC reported about $1.5 billion revenue in 2025, and puts its target at $1.9 billion by 2027. Right after listing, Russell Grady moves from managing director to CEO, with Andrew Kearney to take both CFO and COO roles.

FDC Consolidated shares jump 15% after deb…

Jumbo Interactive Lifts FY26 Earnings View on US Dream Giveaway Outperformance

July 9, 2026, 1:17 AM EDT. Jumbo Interactive raised its forecast for FY26 earnings after reporting better-than-expected results from its US Dream Giveaway unit, bought in October 2025. The company now sees underlying EBITDA at $82 million to $85 million, up 20%-24% from FY25. For underlying NPAT before amortisation, guidance is $48 million to $50 million, a 13%-18% lift. US EBITDA guidance for the eight months after the deal was bumped to $5.2 million-$5.5 million, beating the earlier $2.7 million-$3 million range. The UK business outlook was trimmed because of new spending and seasonality, though growth of 20%-25% is still expected. Managed services in Australia remain steady with margins holding, and the Canada business forecast was raised sharply to 35%-45% EBITDA growth after recent contract gains and new products.

Jumbo Interactive Lifts FY26 Earnings Outl…

Pengana’s Du Preez Sees Growth Ahead in Metcash, Credit Corp on ASX

July 9, 2026, 1:04 AM EDT. Pengana Capital Group’s Anton Du Preez is calling out Metcash and Credit Corp for growth potential among ASX names. The firm, which runs A$3.6 billion, saw its fund rise 4% over the past month, though it hasn’t kept up with the broader market over longer stretches. Du Preez points to stock selection within Australian equities as a recent driver and says he sees more room for gains from his picks, even as market volatility hangs on.

ASX stock picks: Pengana’s Anton Du Preez …

Southern Palladium (ASX: SPD) lifts Bengwenyama PGM, chromite recovery in new tests

July 9, 2026, 1:03 AM EDT. Southern Palladium (ASX: SPD) said new metallurgy work shows better PGM and chromite recoveries at its Bengwenyama site in South Africa. Test results gave 85.6% chromite recovery at 42.2% chromium oxide, up from about 30% before. PGM recovery also improved, coming in at 87.6%. The numbers held even with a coarser grind size, which cuts energy and processing needs. Southern Palladium expects the changes will allow for cheaper plant construction and lower running costs, while boosting by-product revenue. Chromite concentrate output could triple to around 1.054 million tonnes a year, up from 350,000 tonnes. Dense medium separation is helping raise both feed grades and the quality of chromite concentrate. The company plans to include these flowsheet changes in its definitive feasibility study due in Q4 2026.

Southern Palladium Metallurgy Lifts Bengwe…

ASX 200 Lithium Shares Rally in FY26 as Prices Jump

July 9, 2026, 1:02 AM EDT. Lithium stocks on the ASX 200 rallied in FY26, lifted by a recovery in lithium prices after a tough run from 2023 to 2025 and strong demand for green energy. Lithium spodumene prices climbed 280%, with carbonate up 160%. Elevra Lithium (ASX: ELV) jumped 327%, paced by solid revenue from its North American project. PLS Group (ASX: PLS) rose 275% on record output and lower costs. Mineral Resources (ASX: MIN) rebounded 188% after governance changes and a big half-year. Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR) gained 197%. Investors came back to lithium, betting on steady demand from EVs and batteries.

Top 5 ASX 200 lithium shares of FY26

ASX 200 Falls for Third Straight Session as Oil Climbs

July 9, 2026, 1:01 AM EDT. The S&P/ASX 200 Index dropped 0.53% to 8,738 on Thursday, putting the benchmark on track for its third loss in a row. Brent crude traded near US$78.80 after new US strikes on Iran, stirring worries across markets. BHP Group (-1.93%) and Rio Tinto (-3.98%) weighed hardest, with National Australia Bank (-1.21%) and ANZ (-1.23%) also down. Gains in Woodside Energy (+1.8%) and CSL (+1.86%) helped cushion losses, but most sectors lagged. Analysts said further support will depend on whether banks and miners rebound, as traders remain wary about inflation, rates and global growth.

Is the ASX 200 heading for a third straigh…

FDC Consolidated Holdings Rallies 17% on First Day Trading on ASX

July 9, 2026, 12:45 AM EDT.FDC Consolidated Holdings Ltd (ASX: FDC) shares surged 16.7% at the open, trading up from its $3 IPO price to $3.50. The builder and fit-out firm raised $400 million in the float, for a pre-trade valuation near $969 million. FDC, in business for 35 years, works across several markets including data centres-an area getting more investment as digital infrastructure grows. The company forecasts revenue going from $1.5 billion in FY25 up to $1.9 billion by FY27, with EBIT expected at about $100.1 million in FY27. Early trade showed strong demand, but future results will depend on how well FDC manages its earnings and keeps its project pipeline full.

This new ASX IPO has jumped 17% on its fir…

Lodestar Minerals (ASX:LSR) sees strong gold grades at Ned’s Creek in new drilling

July 9, 2026, 12:32 AM EDT. Lodestar Minerals (ASX:LSR) said fresh drilling at its Ned’s Creek project in Western Australia’s Mid West has turned up more high-grade gold hits. The company backed its exploration target of 250,000-300,000 ounces of gold (5-7 million tonnes grading 1.0-1.7 grams per tonne) after releasing new assay results. Ned’s Creek sits close to operating gold mines and nearby processing plants, which could help on the commercial front. CEO Coraline Blaud pointed to extensions around the Gidgee Flat area, with new mineralised zones and gold in fresh rock. The drilling campaign was designed to help tighten up the resource ahead of a planned maiden mineral resource estimate in 2026. Assays included a top hit of 16 meters at 3.23g/t gold, which the company said adds to its scale case in a proven gold region.

Lodestar’s high-grade hits confirm gold po…

Dimerix (ASX:DXB) to Let FSGS Patients Stay on DMX-200 After Trial

July 9, 2026, 12:31 AM EDT. Dimerix (ASX:DXB) said patients with focal segmental glomerular sclerosis (FSGS) can get ongoing access to its investigational drug DMX-200 after they finish the ACTION3 Phase III trial and the open-label extension. The post-trial options will go through expanded access or compassionate use, depending on the rules in each country, so people can keep getting treatment where there are no other choices. The ACTION3 trial enrolled 333 adults in 21 countries, above the 286 planned, with final dosing set for March 2028. Early data show DMX-200 cuts proteinuria, a disease marker, and safety reviews so far report no issues. DMX-200 hasn’t been approved yet and is still considered investigational.

Dimerix to provide kidney disease candidat…

WiseTech (WTC) Slides Again as Founder Faces Probe, Most Analysts Stay Positive

July 9, 2026, 12:30 AM EDT. WiseTech Global dipped another 0.2% to $34.58 Thursday, building on Wednesday’s 8% drop. Shares are now off about 50% in 2024 and trading at nearly 70% below this time last year. Pressure is coming from a broader sell-off in tech and news of an Australian Federal Police probe into founder Richard White, tied to alleged visa fraud linked to a former cleaner. WiseTech says the company isn’t part of the investigation. Most brokers-seven out of eight-still rate WTC a buy, with a 12-month price target average of $72.80, more than double today’s price. Analysts point to the company’s competitive strength but warn the name faces volatility and reputational issues for now.

How low could WiseTech shares go?

West Coast Silver (ASX:WCE) says it hits high-grade silver at Elizabeth Hill

July 9, 2026, 12:29 AM EDT. West Coast Silver (ASX:WCE) said it has found new high-grade silver at Elizabeth Hill Deeps. Executive Chair Bruce Garlick said the results could mean more growth ahead as drilling and study work continues. The company said the find may add to its resource and future expansion plans. West Coast told investors to get independent advice before acting. This update comes as work continues at Elizabeth Hill, which the company calls a main asset.

Long Shortz with West Coast Silver: New hi…

BHP Group ASX:BHP Shares Jump 23% in 2024; Margins Hold But Profit Falls

July 9, 2026, 12:19 AM EDT. BHP Group Ltd ASX:BHP shares are up 23.21% so far this year. The mining giant, which focuses on copper, iron ore and coal, last reported revenue at $56.03 billion with a 3-year CAGR move of -0.7%. Gross margin is at 82.3%. Profit fell on a 3-year CAGR basis by -11.3% to $7.9 billion. Net debt sits at $9.47 billion, which puts some focus on leverage as markets shift. BHP is a core piece in many Australian portfolios, showing up often in ASX 200 ETFs and super funds. Investors are watching these metrics and market moves closely around BHP stock.

A quick way to value the BHP share price

Morgan Stanley Cuts Five ASX 200 Stocks, Including CBA, Westpac, to Sell

July 9, 2026, 12:16 AM EDT. Morgan Stanley put sell calls on five ASX 200 names as the new financial year starts. The firm cut Fortescue Ltd, now set for a 5% drop with a target of $17.25. Westpac got cut with a 13% downside to $31.50, and Deterra Royalties faces a potential 10% fall. Commonwealth Bank of Australia is down for a 25% slide to $125, while National Australia Bank could move 11% lower to $34.50. The broker flagged risk even though some of these stocks gained last year. The call comes as investors look to the new year’s outlook.

Dump 'em! Morgan Stanley slaps sell rating…

Renascor targets lower purification costs for HF-free battery graphite

July 9, 2026, 12:13 AM EDT. Renascor Resources (ASX:RNU) expects to spend around US$459 a tonne to purify spherical graphite for lithium-ion battery anodes using its hydrofluoric acid (HF)-free process. The company says a recent study backs the use of sulphuric acid leaching, low-temp caustic baking and water treatment as a viable ex-China option to traditional HF-based methods, cutting environmental impact. Renascor has begun commissioning a demo plant in South Australia with government support. The site will test its production process and produce samples for customers and partners. Managing Director David Christensen said Renascor aims for a fully integrated Australian mine-to-PSG supply, targeting global battery material supply chains and competitiveness.

Renascor study puts low-cost, HF-free batt…

Westpac Banking Corp (WBC) Valuation Metrics in Focus for July

July 9, 2026, 12:09 AM EDT. Westpac Banking Corp (WBC) is getting a close look in July as investors weigh its valuation. The banking sector makes up 30% of the ASX and WBC’s price-earnings ratio sits at 18.8x, just above the sector average of 18x. On a sector-adjusted basis, that puts WBC’s valuation at about A$35.11 per share, compared to its actual level at A$36.15. The dividend discount model, often used for banks given their steady payouts, also supports the PE analysis. Both models give investors tools to judge whether WBC shares are priced for value with stable dividends and sector comparisons in mind. Shareholder returns aren’t guaranteed, even with government backing in place for banks.

Are WBC shares worth considering in July?

WBC Holds Above Peers on NIM, ROE; Investors Eye Culture, Capital Strength

July 9, 2026, 12:07 AM EDT. Westpac Banking Corp (WBC) last traded near $36.11. The bank’s net interest margin came in at 1.93%, ahead of the ASX major bank average of 1.78%. Return on equity hit 9.7%, above the sector’s 9.35%. WBC’s employee culture score sits at 3.4 out of 5, higher than the broader banking sector. The core equity tier 1 (CET1) ratio also remains a focus as investors weigh WBC’s stability against sector pressures.

4 best numbers to value WBC shares

CSL ASX:CSL Down 27% YTD as Health Sector Lags Broader Market

July 9, 2026, 12:05 AM EDT. CSL Ltd ASX:CSL shares are off 26.9% so far in 2025. The biotech posts reliable dividends and generates steady healthcare revenue, but hasn’t escaped the sector’s rough patch. Its plasma, vaccine and renal units remain core. Healthcare has trailed the broader S&P/ASX200 over five years, even as US health spending is expected to grow 7% annually through 2027. Investors looking at ethical and sustainability factors keep backing the sector. CSL’s dividend yield remains a key metric for returns while the stock stays volatile, so valuation is still in focus.

A deep dive into CSL shares

Renascor Resources (ASX: RNU) moves ahead with HF-free graphite purification for Siviour project

July 9, 2026, 12:03 AM EDT. Renascor Resources (ASX: RNU) says it has proven out a hydrofluoric acid-free process for getting graphite to 99.99% carbon for lithium-ion battery anodes at its Siviour project in South Australia. The company is using sulfuric acid leaching, caustic baking and water treatment that allows for reagent recycling. That cuts operating costs to about US$459 a tonne, which Renascor says is both cheaper and safer than HF alternatives. The plan is to match this approach with downstream purified spherical graphite production, backed by an A$5 million federal grant for its demo plant. Managing Director David Christensen said the strategy is meant to get secure, cost-competitive supply to anode customers as it advances talks with potential partners.

Renascor Resources Validates HF-Free Graph…

Victory Metals Sends Heavy Rare Earth Samples to Potential Buyers, Pushes North Stanmore PFS to 2026

July 9, 2026, 12:01 AM EDT. Victory Metals (ASX:VTM) has sent out heavy rare earth concentrate samples from its Perth pilot plant to possible offtake partners in Australia, Japan and the U.S. These groups will run their own tests to check quality and impurities, a key step before supply deals can move ahead. The company is running its pilot plant continuously to show product consistency. The pre-feasibility study for the North Stanmore project in Western Australia has now been extended to August 2026. CEO Brendan Clark said the change follows a reclassification of ore from saprock to saprolite, which could add reserves and improve project numbers. Clark said the update should boost confidence in the size and reliability of the ore base, as demand for heavy rare earths stays high from tech and clean energy firms.

Victory Metals sending heavy rare earth co…

Pantoro Gold (ASX: PNR) Sinks 21% After Miss on FY26 Output, Guides Higher Costs for FY27

July 8, 2026, 11:59 PM EDT. Pantoro Gold Ltd (ASX: PNR) tumbled 20.59% to $1.755 following weaker FY26 gold output at 77,408 ounces, missing guidance as the company struggled with underground mine disruptions-contractor changes, labour shortages, and seismic issues. The FY27 outlook points to 90,000-105,000 ounces but higher all-in sustaining costs at $2,800-$3,400 an ounce held back sentiment. Management sees H2 ramping up once H1 stabilizes. Cash and bullion sit at $223.4 million and Pantoro carries no debt, but shares are down 34% for the month, 64% this year as markets question its delivery. New ore like Green Lantern could help if production picks up.

This ASX gold stock just crashed 20%. Here…

Analysts Cut Ratings on Nine ASX 200 Stocks in a Volatile Week

July 8, 2026, 11:57 PM EDT. Analyst downgrades hit a string of ASX 200 shares this week as the market whipsawed. Rio Tinto (RIO) lost 3.6% after Morgan Stanley moved it to sell, giving a $149 target which points to another 5% drop. Magellan Financial Group (MFG) got bumped down to hold by Morgans following its Barrenjoey Capital Partners deal, though analysts see an 11% upside still possible. Lottery Corporation (TLC) drew a sell from Citi. Transurban (TCL) saw UBS move it to hold. Evolution Mining (EVN) and Worley (WOR) were both cut on earnings worries. Judo Capital Holdings (JDO) also tumbled after a profit warning, with Ord Minnett cutting its call. Even with 12-month gains for some, brokers stayed cautious on the group.

9 ASX 200 shares downgraded by analysts th…

ASX Drops on Weak Mining, Banks; Oil Jumps After Trump Talks Iran

July 8, 2026, 11:41 PM EDT.ASX 200 slipped 0.48% by midday as miners and banks weighed on the market. Worries about materials falling below the 200-day moving average hit sentiment. President Trump told NATO the Iran-US peace deal was ‘over’, sending Brent crude near US$79 a barrel. US dollar strengthened on safe haven and exporter flows. Gold fell 2% to US$4063/oz, pressuring commodities. Santos and Ampol led gains among energy stocks, and Megaport rallied in tech. Fletcher Building lifted its full-year EBIT outlook and shares jumped 4.6%. Viridis Mining and Jumbo Interactive rose even as outlooks stayed mixed. EQ Resources quarterly sales soared 140% as tungsten prices hit records.

Lunch Wrap: ASX slides and oil surges as T…

Broken Hill Mines hits quarterly production record, Pinnacles restart set to add high-grade feed

July 8, 2026, 11:40 PM EDT. Broken Hill Mines (ASX:BHM) logged its best quarter at the Rasp mine in New South Wales, processing 119,320 tonnes of ore, which is up 3.2% from the last quarter. The miner boosted silver output by 21.8% to around 96,000 ounces, zinc was up 7% to 3,330 tonnes, while lead dipped slightly to 2,376 tonnes. June saw the strongest production month-49,700 ounces of silver and 1,380 tonnes of zinc. The company has restarted the Pinnacles mine for the first time since 2021, planning to send higher-grade ore to the 750,000-tpa Rasp plant. Pinnacles holds 6 million tonnes at 132 grams per tonne silver, 3.3% lead and 4.7% zinc, with a new Mineral Resource Estimate coming later this year. Broken Hill says redevelopment at Pinnacles is part of its strategy to boost ore feed and keep the plant running for the long haul.

Broken Hill Mines has record quarter with …

TG Metals (ASX:TG6) Flags More Laterite Gold at Van Uden Heap Leach Project

July 8, 2026, 11:25 PM EDT. TG Metals (ASX:TG6) has found more near-surface laterite gold mineralisation at Van Uden after drilling 213 auger holes. The company says the shallow deposits could be expanded with cheap infill drilling. Metallurgical testwork put gold recovery from the laterite at over 90%, backing potential low-cost heap leach mining and quick cashflow. The existing laterite resource is 1.053Mt at 0.52 g/t gold for about 17,700 ounces, with high-grade hits like 3m at 1.01 g/t. TG Metals says the find could stretch mine life and output, and would add to the broader resource of 7.9Mt at 1.1 g/t. Next up is aircore drilling as the company aims for near-term output and more tons.

Van Uden drilling serves up heap leach ups…

Locksley Resources and Rice University raise antimony recovery rates at Mojave project

July 8, 2026, 11:24 PM EDT. Locksley Resources (ASX:LKY) says it’s made a breakthrough in antimony recovery with Rice University, reaching up to 93% Sb after upgrades and optimization on ore grading 9-12% antimony. The company didn’t use standard flotation methods. Concentrates tested at 91-96% Sb. The group also pulled out phase pure antimony oxide for higher-value products, moving toward stronger US supply security for critical minerals. Work on pilot-scale processing at the Mojave site in California is ongoing. Electrodeposition produced pure metallic antimony. The use of DeepSolv technology could lead to an integrated US antimony processing route.

Locksley antimony recovery breakthrough ad…

Gold Coast Tops Nation for House Rents, Wide Gaps Across Suburbs

July 8, 2026, 11:13 PM EDT. The median house rent on the Gold Coast has jumped to $950 a week-the highest in Australia-with units at $850, based on Domain and REA Group numbers. Still, rents range widely. A house in Broadbeach Waters can fetch up to $1,500 a week, but tenants can find houses for $743 in Pimpama. The area is seeing low vacancy rates, high demand, and stronger population growth. Domain’s Nicola Powell said the market favors landlords and remains tough for renters. The run-up in rents started before tax rule changes, and tight supply is giving landlords the upper hand across all corners of the Gold Coast.

Gold Coast most expensive rental market bu…

Optiscan Imaging ASX:OIL rolls out InSpecta veterinary device in U.S.

July 8, 2026, 11:12 PM EDT. Optiscan Imaging ASX:OIL CEO Dr. Camille Farah said the company has launched its InSpecta imaging device for veterinarians in the U.S. The debut gives Optiscan a bigger foothold in the U.S. veterinary market as it lines up more FDA submissions for products aimed at human medicine. Optiscan is pushing into both animal and human imaging as part of its growth plan.

Long Shortz with Optiscan: InSpecta launch…

3 ASX 200 names flagged for 50%-100% gains in FY27

July 8, 2026, 11:11 PM EDT. The S&P/ASX 200 index fell 0.7% to 8,726.2 on Thursday. Analysts pointed to three ASX 200 stocks with big upside for FY27. Mesoblast Ltd (ASX: MSB) rose 18% in FY26 and could more than double if key clinical data lands, though risks remain. Judo Capital Holdings Ltd (ASX: JDO), down 40% after slashing profit guidance, is tipped to rebound 55% on expected strong earnings. Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) gained 5.5%, with analysts upbeat on its turnaround and US push, seeing a target price that points to 50% upside. These are high-risk stocks, but the new financial year could bring catalysts for moves.

3 ASX 200 shares with 50% to 100% upside i…

Astral Resources (ASX:AAR) hits high grades in Theia infill drilling

July 8, 2026, 11:10 PM EDT. Astral Resources (ASX:AAR) reported high-grade gold results from the first 47 RC infill holes at its Theia gold deposit, which is part of the Mandilla project near Kalgoorlie. Intervals included 4m at 16.4 g/t gold and 10m at 5.13 g/t, with the company saying these results boost confidence in Theia’s geological continuity and support resource conversion to measured. This is part of early mine development work planned out to 2026. Managing Director Marc Ducler said the mineralisation supports Mandilla’s open pit plans across five stages, and Theia is expected to make up about 75% of Mandilla’s 1.48Moz resource. Drilling is ongoing in a three-phase program to tighten spacing and test models as Astral looks to strengthen the pre-feasibility production case.

Astral’s Theia gold confidence keeps getti…

ASX Midday: Energy Up on US-Iran News, Staples Trail

July 8, 2026, 11:09 PM EDT.Energy stocks on the ASX jumped almost 2% by midday Thursday as Woodside Energy Group rose 1%, catching a lift from higher oil prices after new US strikes on Iran. That move put oil supply back in focus and sent energy names higher. The consumer staples sector lagged, with investors showing caution. Australian stocks split on the news as commodities and specific sectors reacted. Traders kept an eye on Middle East headlines with market volatility in play.

ASX Midday Sector Update: Energy Stocks Ad…

Steadfast keeps exclusivity after $5.3 billion US bid reasserted

July 8, 2026, 10:55 PM EDT. Steadfast pushed out its exclusivity period as a US group restated its $5.3 billion offer. The extension gives the consortium more time for due diligence and deal talks. Steadfast stays a major takeover target in the Australian insurance market with the group’s bid still on the table.

Australia’s Steadfast exclusivity period e…

Cobre Ltd (ASX: CBE) sinks over 10% after $90m raise, still up 640% in a year

July 8, 2026, 10:54 PM EDT. Cobre Ltd (ASX: CBE) dropped 10.61% to 29.5 cents after announcing a $90 million capital raise in two tranches at a 9.1% discount. Even after the fall, shares are up 195% this year and 640% over 12 months. The money, backed by big holders like Tribeca Investment Partners, will go to expand the Sierra Atacama Copper Project in Chile, cut debt, upgrade the plant and fund drilling. Traders cited dilution worries after the company said it would issue 300 million new shares. The second part of the placement needs the green light from shareholders, with a vote expected late August or early September.

This ASX stock is tumbling 10% after huge …

Skin Elements clinches NZ distribution deal for ECO-Nurture crop spray

July 8, 2026, 10:53 PM EDT. Skin Elements (ASX: SKN) signed an exclusive deal with Farmlands Co-operative Society in New Zealand to distribute its ECO-Nurture bio-stimulant, focusing on the kiwi fruit segment. Farmlands is starting with a 4,000-litre order worth around $495,000, hoping to tackle PSA, a bacteria that has hit orchards since 2010. ECO-Nurture is a plant-based option to cut chemical use and boost plant health. The target is New Zealand’s $4.15 billion kiwifruit industry. Company trials over four seasons with more than 100 orchards turned up positive results. A wider rollout is planned for more crops and markets after regulatory clearance. Farmlands’ 80+ stores are expected to push sales growth in the sector.

Skin Elements Signs Deal to Market ECO-Nur…

NAB Share Price: PE Ratio and Dividend Yield Guide Valuation

July 8, 2026, 10:41 PM EDT. National Australia Bank Ltd (NAB) shares are priced by analysts looking at the price-to-earnings (PE) ratio and the dividend discount model (DDM). NAB trades at $38.86 right now, with FY24 EPS at $2.26, which puts its PE at 17.2x. That’s just under the sector average of 18x. On a sector-average PE, the price would be $41.13. Investors look to Australian banks like NAB and Westpac Banking Corp for consistent dividend payouts and franking credits that offer tax perks. The DDM adds in forecast dividends, making NAB show up as a strong option for income-focused portfolios. But analysts say to use PE ratios for sector comparison, and warn not to rely only on PE for investment calls.

Value the NAB share price using its divide…

Rio Tinto ASX:RIO Up 7% in 2025, Scentre Group ASX:SCG Lags 52-Week High

July 8, 2026, 10:40 PM EDT. Rio Tinto Ltd ASX:RIO shares have climbed 7% so far in 2025, with the miner backed by its scale as the world’s second-largest mining company. Rio’s business covers aluminium, copper, diamonds, energy, minerals and iron ore, which is key for steel. The group reported a 23.9% debt/equity ratio, averaged a 6.8% dividend yield over five years, and posted a 20.3% ROE in 2024. Scentre Group ASX:SCG, which runs 42 Westfield-branded shopping centres with over A$34 billion in assets, trades 9.6% below its 52-week high. SCG’s debt/equity is at 87.3%, with a 4.8% average dividend yield since 2019 and a 1% ROE in 2023. The numbers point to RIO as the stronger large-cap play, while SCG’s picture is less clear for investors.

RIO shares: your next blue chip investment…

Chariot Resources Moves Forward on Nigerian Lithium After Licence Progress

July 8, 2026, 10:39 PM EDT.Chariot Resources is moving ahead with its plan to take a 66.67% stake in lithium projects in Nigeria, after getting transfers for three exploration licences and renewing a fourth. The country’s Ministry of Solid Minerals has also accepted its applications to switch three small-scale mining leases to full mining leases. That could allow mining once there is further sign-off. Chariot upped its convertible loan to US$879,195 to cover regulatory costs and says it will fund up to US$925,000. The deal will go through after more approvals and funding, with Chariot to pay US$1.5 million and issue 42 million shares. The projects hold pegmatites grading as much as 6.59% Li2O, plus past ore exports.

Chariot Resources speeds towards completin…

Odyssey Gold plans low-cost restart at Tuckanarra gold project

July 8, 2026, 10:38 PM EDT. Odyssey Gold has mapped out a stage 1 scoping study for a low-capex restart at its Tuckanarra Gold Project in Western Australia’s Murchison region. The company says the 29-month schedule would see 79,000 ounces recovered from the Cable open pit, with upfront capital pegged near $7 million and pre-tax operating costs at about $3,400 per ounce. Net pre-tax cashflow is estimated at $180 million, assuming a $6,000 per ounce gold price. Odyssey has already started a stage 1 feasibility, including drilling, testwork and approvals, as it looks to progress project delivery later on. The site’s location near plants like Kirkalocka is expected to help haulage. Odyssey is planning an updated mineral resource estimate in 2026 to guide its next steps.

Odyssey Gold study maps low-capex path to …

West Coast Silver hits high-grade silver at Elizabeth Hill project

July 8, 2026, 10:37 PM EDT. West Coast Silver (ASX:WCE) has found a new high-grade silver zone at its Elizabeth Hill project. Diamond drilling hit 3 metres at 524 g/t silver from 183 metres, with one interval of 1.5 metres grading 1,039 g/t. The zone sits below and south of the old Elizabeth Hill mine and steps out past the April 2026 maiden resource estimate. RC drilling cut near-surface silver north and west of the resource area, leaving the system open north and deeper. Drilling also picked up nickel, copper and palladium. Executive chairman Bruce Garlick said the results could add more silver ounces and tonnes in the next update.

West Coast grows Elizabeth Hill scale with…

Impact Minerals pushes ahead with Phase 2 drilling at Commonwealth-Silica Hill project

July 8, 2026, 10:24 PM EDT.Impact Minerals (ASX: IPT) has started Phase 2 diamond drilling at the Commonwealth-Silica Hill gold-silver site in New South Wales, moving in a rig with JV partner Kuniko (ASX: KNI). The campaign will drill 1,340 metres, testing for extensions of high-grade zones found in Phase 1 that included strong gold and silver hits. Impact is free-carried on its 30% share through to a mining decision, while Kuniko can earn up to 70% by funding exploration. Drilling is testing the Silica Hill area, about 100 meters beyond the current resource and still open. Results feed into a new resource estimate, targeted for late 2026. The team is also running a wider review to identify new prospects along the 4km conductive trend next to the project.

Impact Minerals Set for Phase 2 Drilling a…

ASX Penny Stocks in Focus for July 2026: Coast Entertainment, Global Lithium, Kaiser Reef

July 8, 2026, 10:23 PM EDT.ASX penny stocks are catching attention as markets face global uncertainty and geopolitical risks. Coast Entertainment Holdings is out front, with its Theme Parks business bringing in A$110.82 million revenue and narrowing losses, though the stock still trades 70.7% under its estimated value. Global Lithium Resources hasn’t posted revenue but landed A$7.32 million in funding-keeping its cash runway over three years, even as losses grow. Kaiser Reef Limited continues to push on gold exploration and mining. These names can swing, so watch for ongoing risks around profits and management depth.

ASX Penny Stocks To Watch In July 2026

Tetragon Energy (ASX:TET) starts trade after $4m IPO, pushes ahead with Philippines gas plans

July 8, 2026, 10:22 PM EDT.Tetragon Energy Ltd (ASX:TET) started trading on the ASX after raising $4 million in its IPO. The company moved quickly to roll out its accelerated gas exploration program in the Philippines, looking to tap energy prospects in the region. Tetragon is targeting more growth in Southeast Asia’s gas market and planning for more resource development and possible output gains.

Tetragon Energy begins ASX life with accel…

Predictive Discovery Topped Output; Shares Linger 40% Below Fair Value

July 8, 2026, 10:11 PM EDT. Predictive Discovery ASX:PDI posted a solid quarter, putting out 64,026 ounces of gold at a 90.5% recovery rate from Kiniero and Nampala, ahead of planned numbers. Still, shares dropped nearly 28% in the last three months, tracking a weaker market, even though the stock is up 6x over five years. PDI traded at A$0.685, well under the A$1.15 fair value estimate, pointing to a roughly 40% undervaluation. But there are worries about cost jumps as PDI moves from oxide to tougher ore and possible delays at Bankan. Investors are paying up versus peers, betting on growth but also taking on execution risk.

Predictive Discovery (ASX:PDI) Beats Quart…

Synertec wins Amplitude Energy FEED work for Orbost plant solar-battery project

July 8, 2026, 10:10 PM EDT. Synertec Corporation (ASX: SOP) has landed a FEED contract from Amplitude Energy (ASX: AEL) for a solar and battery upgrade at the Orbost gas plant in Victoria’s Gippsland Basin. Plans call for around 2MW of solar and 5MWh of storage, with advanced controls and predictive tech. The project’s indicative value is $4.5 million to $5.5 million. It could boost power reliability and cut emissions if it goes ahead. Synertec is looking at both capital sale and build-own-operate-maintain models depending on Amplitude’s final decision.

Synertec Selected by Amplitude Energy for …

Xpedra Resources (ASX:XPD) hits 94m at 2g/t gold at Springfield

July 8, 2026, 10:09 PM EDT. Xpedra Resources (ASX:XPD) reported a new drill result at its Springfield project, with 94 metres at 2.0g/t gold, including a higher-grade 13m at 10.21g/t Au. The mineralisation stretches 400m and is still open at depth and along trend. Xpedra said these results support Springfield as a large intrusive-hosted gold system and boost its development prospects. Managing Director Scott Funston said the high-grade sections point to growth potential. The company has follow-up drilling underway to test for more high-grade material deeper in the 1.7km zone.

Xpedra strikes 94m at 2g/t gold as Springf…

Mont Royal to Run Till Sampling in Chateaufort at Northern Lights, Québec

July 8, 2026, 10:08 PM EDT. Mont Royal Resources (ASX:MRZ) is set to launch a helicopter-based till sampling program in the northern Chateaufort area at its Northern Lights project in Québec. The work kicks off in mid-July and should run about six days. The focus is on checking gold potential along trend from Benz Mining’s Eastmain gold project, which has over a million ounces. Crews plan to run two lines of sampling, spaced 1.5km to 2km apart, using glacial till to hunt for gold grains. The company expects initial data in August, with full assays coming in the September quarter. Mont Royal holds a 75% stake in the 536km² tenement, which is also considered prospective for lithium and nickel. This program targets a part of the project that hasn’t seen much testing and could feed into future exploration plans.

Mont Royal to assess gold potential of Cha…

Godolphin Plans Matrix Critical Minerals IPO Spin-Off, Eyes $12m Raise

July 8, 2026, 10:07 PM EDT. Godolphin Resources is looking to spin off its Narraburra rare earths project into Matrix Critical Minerals, with an IPO targeting $8m to $12m at 20 cents per share. The Narraburra asset holds an implied value of $12.5 million. Godolphin would get 62.5 million shares, while plans call for an in-specie distribution of 50 million shares to shareholders, or one Matrix share for every 17 Godolphin shares held. The IPO is set for an ASX debut in H2 2026. Matrix will focus on sourcing non-Chinese rare earths like yttrium and heavy rare earths used in tech. MD Jeneta Owens said the move gives shareholders more value, with funds to go to exploration and development at Narraburra.

Godolphin readies to enter the matrix with…

QBE Insurance (ASX: QBE) jumps to highest since 2009, up 35% from lows – analysts split

July 8, 2026, 10:06 PM EDT.QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE) traded up to $25.49, a level not seen since 2009. Shares climbed 35% since December, gaining 29% so far this year. That move tracks stronger insurance earnings, with gross written premiums up 11% and $36.1 billion managed in funds. QBE kept its FY26 growth targets, even as it changed its Australia Pacific CEO. Analyst views are mixed: about half say buy, though average targets point to 4-8% downside after recent gains. Some bullish calls see another 9% higher. Market Partners says business simplification over the past 5-10 years is helping the turnaround case.

QBE shares rebound 35% to fresh multi-year…

Fletcher Building (ASX:FBU) rallies 7% after earnings guidance boost

July 8, 2026, 9:50 PM EDT. Fletcher Building shares surged 7% to $2.97 on Thursday, strongest on the S&P/ASX 200, after the company raised its full-year EBIT outlook 6.4% to $400-$403 million. Fletcher pointed to higher quarterly volumes and customers buying early before price hikes. The stock is up 31% since hitting a 20-year low in April and has gained 13% this month. Still, analysts are split. Their average target is $2.82, a bit below the current price. The company reports its final FY26 results in mid-August, which will test how long these gains hold.

Why are Fletcher Building shares flying 7%…

American Tungsten & Antimony (ASX:AT4) names Casper Adson as CEO, targets US defense minerals supply

July 8, 2026, 9:37 PM EDT. American Tungsten & Antimony (ASX:AT4) picked Casper Adson as CEO, starting July 13. The move aims to set up AT4 as a US supplier of defence-grade tungsten and antimony. Adson brings more than 20 years working with critical minerals. He’s tasked with moving AT4’s Tier-1 assets into the US defense metals market and qualifying products for government programs, including the Defense Production Act. AT4 just produced its first antimony ingots from a large US deposit, and has a Metso Ausmelt smelter design in the works, targeting completion in two years. Former CEO Andre Booyzen shifts to executive director for government relations and marketing, focusing on US defense and government connections.

AT4 recruits critical minerals processing …

Northern Star Drops 3% as Investors Eye Board Shuffle, Takeover Talk

July 8, 2026, 9:36 PM EDT.Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) shares slipped 3% to $19.70 after the company named former Perseus Mining CEO Jeff Quartermaine to the board, responding to pressure from Elliott Management for a strategic review and new directors. Elliott has more than $1 billion invested and wants changes. Suresh Vadnagra has been named CEO to replace Stuart Tonkin in October, with Ryan Gurner as interim boss. The chair will switch to Michael Ashforth in November. The company has seen takeover interest, including an approach from Gold Fields, but bids so far have disappointed. Gold production guidance for FY26 is unchanged at 1.543 million ounces, which has helped ease some concern, but investors remain nervous with all the board movement and ongoing takeover speculation.

Takeover talk and a boardroom shake-up: Wh…

Broken Hill Mines (ASX: BHM) books record quarter on Rasp, Pinnacles moves

July 8, 2026, 9:35 PM EDT. Broken Hill Mines (ASX: BHM) logged its best quarter since taking over the Rasp plant and bringing the Pinnacles mine back online. Processed tonnes reached 119,320, up 3.2% on last quarter. Silver output jumped 21.8% to 95,787 tonnes, zinc rose 7% to 3,330 tonnes. Operations at Pinnacles had been idle since 2021 and restarting them is meant to boost Rasp plant use. The company is working on expanding the high-grade Edwards pit and wants to update the Pinnacles MRE before year-end. BHM says it’s pushing for multiple ore feeds and plans to go after higher grade underground ore at Pinnacles to lift throughput.

Broken Hill Mines Records Best Quarterly S…

Red Mountain Mining (ASX:RMX) sets July start for first RC drilling at Oaky Creek antimony-gold project

July 8, 2026, 9:34 PM EDT.Red Mountain Mining (ASX:RMX) has mapped out a new 400m geophysical target at its fully owned Oaky Creek South antimony-gold project in New South Wales. IP work, both 2D and 3D, revealed high chargeability zones pointing to possible sulfide minerals in quartz-carbonate-stibnite veins. The board signed off on up to 32 RC drill holes, set to kick off the week of July 20 and aiming for depths down to 300m. Drilling will focus on four of five main antimony-gold zones. The company expects assays back by quarter’s end. The first drill program comes after rock chip samples returned up to 39.3% antimony and 1.09ppm gold, supporting Armidale’s growth case.

Red Mountain Mining builds momentum for Oa…

Adavale Resources (ASX:ADD) takes more ground at Parkes, grabs gold-copper licences

July 8, 2026, 9:33 PM EDT. Adavale Resources (ASX:ADD) picked up exploration licence EL9918 and completed the transfer of EL9178 from Alkane Resources (ASX:ALK), adding ground to its Parkes gold-copper project in NSW. These licences push out the Ashes prospect and the London-Victoria Gold Corridor, giving Adavale near-term drill targets. Surface sampling on EL9918 returned up to 9.2 g/t gold, 4.5 g/t silver and 660 ppm copper, supporting high-grade mineralisation. The company now controls more of the regional belt, moving it closer to both near-mine and district-scale work. Parkes sits in the Macquarie Arc, part of the Lachlan Fold Belt, where Northparkes and Cadia are located. With this ground, Adavale can plan broader surveys and exploration across boundaries, aiming to move faster on drilling and resource checks.

Parkes expansion adds near-term drill pipe…

ASX morning: Freehill and Prominence jump, Astral assays, ADX lift, movers in small caps

July 8, 2026, 9:22 PM EDT.Small cap stocks on the ASX saw big swings, as Freehill Mining and Prominence Energy shares doubled, while Tlou Energy and Helios Energy lost as much as 33%. Astral Resources put out high-grade gold assays from its Mandilla project, with ADX Energy reporting a 35% production increase at its Vienna Basin oil fields. Anson Resources continued work at Green River lithium, while Broken Hill Mines set a record for quarterly production at Rasp. American Tungsten & Antimony named a new CEO for its US critical minerals push. Chariot Resources progressed its Nigeria lithium move, and Dimerix’s DMX-200 became available post-trial. The updates show plenty of action among mining and energy small caps on the ASX.

Morning Feed: What’s cooking on the ASX?

Australian Investors Brace for Capital Gains Tax Shift in 2026-27

July 8, 2026, 9:19 PM EDT. Investors in Australia are looking at the end of the 50% capital gains tax discount as the 2026-27 financial year begins, with the cutoff date set for June 30, 2027. The tax move has stirred unease across the market. Many see the proposed reforms as a wealth tax, raising questions about how investment strategies and economic innovation could change. There’s been talk of capital heading offshore or switching into lower-yield assets, but some analysts warn against knee-jerk selling, noting investment outcomes depend on skill more than tax tactics. The government says the plan is to spread wealth and boost public funding, while critics claim it could hit entrepreneurship and sensible investing.

Before you change your investment strategy…

Trump, Sanders Push Bigger Federal Role as ‘Communist’ Rhetoric Returns

July 8, 2026, 9:16 PM EDT. Donald Trump brought back Cold War talk of a ‘communist menace’ in the U.S., but analysts say today’s leftist groups don’t line up with old-school communism. The Trump administration has been moving to buy up more stakes in private companies and has floated investing in key artificial intelligence players-a sign it wants more hands-on economic control. Senator Bernie Sanders has his own plan: a $7 trillion AI sovereign wealth fund that would put AI development under public oversight. Both are calling for more federal presence in the market, as the country deals with rising debt, slow growth, and voter anxiety over how much power government should have.

Red Menace

Super Balances at 58: Most Australians Short of Comfortable Retirement Mark

July 8, 2026, 9:01 PM EDT. The average superannuation balance for Australians aged 55-59 is about $319,743 for men and $242,945 for women, data from the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) shows. That’s still well under what ASFA says is enough for a comfortable retirement, with the group recommending around $630,000 for singles and $730,000 for couples by age 67. By 58, people should aim for $456,500 to stay on pace, so most won’t meet the target unless they lift their super savings before retiring. Many are set for a more modest retirement if balances don’t improve.

Average superannuation balance for 58 year…

OzAurum (ASX:OZM) heap leach tests show up to 82% recoveries at Mulgabbie North

July 8, 2026, 8:47 PM EDT. OzAurum Resources (ASX:OZM) said heap leach testwork at its Mulgabbie North gold project in Western Australia returned gold recoveries of up to 82%. The company said this could go to 88% with finer crushing. The results showed quick recovery times and point to the potential for a low-cost, long-life heap leach operation. Cyanide use in the tests averaged 0.21kg/t, which is well below the usual 0.5kg/t, suggesting costs could be lower. Polaris Engineering is close to finishing dry commissioning of key plant modules, which will help Stage 1 development and potential future expansions at the 8km Relief Shear. OzAurum holds a JORC resource at Mulgabbie North of 116.38 million tonnes at 0.7 g/t for 260,000 ounces gold. MD Andrew Pumphrey said the results boost production confidence and help move operational plans forward.

OzAurum tests enhance low-cost heap leach …

ASX Seen Lower as Middle East Turmoil Lifts Oil, Hits Equities

July 8, 2026, 8:45 PM EDT.Australian shares look set to fall Thursday, tracking losses in global equities after fresh Middle East hostilities pushed up oil prices. Investors are on alert as rising geopolitical risk pressures markets around the world. The renewed volatility in global stocks is expected to hit Australian names with exposure to trade and energy.

The Morning Catch-Up: ASX set to slide as …

ASX Seen Lower as Oil Climbs on US-Iran Unrest; DPM Metals Up on Q2 Gold Numbers

July 8, 2026, 8:30 PM EDT. ASX futures point to a weaker start on Thursday, as US strikes on Iran sent oil prices up and rattled investors. The move in energy markets saw crude jump on fresh worries about Middle East supplies. Shares in DPM Metals moved higher after the company said its Q2 gold equivalent output rose, bucking the sour mood. Traders looked past earnings and local data as geopolitical risk drove caution across the ASX.

ASX Preview: Australian Shares to Fall as …

Mont Royal Resources Starts Till Sampling for Gold at Northern Lights Project

July 8, 2026, 8:29 PM EDT. Mont Royal Resources (ASX: MRZ) has started a helicopter-based till sampling program at its Northern Lights project in Québec’s James Bay. Crews are collecting 60 samples at the Chateaufort property, which is next to Benz Mining’s Eastmain project, known for over 1 million ounces of gold. Sampling, managed by IOS Geosciences, is set to wrap up this month. Results from XRF analysis are expected in August, with a full report due by September. Mont Royal can earn up to a 75% stake in Northern Lights. The project sits in a lithium-pegmatite area, with Rio Tinto and PMET Resources nearby. The survey is expected to help the company refine its exploration focus, confirm gold-copper potential, and back its summer field plans and required spending.

Mont Royal Resources to Test for gold at N…

Global Group Sees More Weakness Ahead for Australian Growth

July 8, 2026, 8:17 PM EDT.Australia’s economy is set for more slowing, a top global group said, tipping further slowdown in growth. The forecast puts fresh pressure on the Albanese government as it deals with tough economic conditions. Analysts pointed to questions for fiscal policy and where investor sentiment stands as global uncertainty persists.

Another grim report card for Aussie econom…

UK Moves to Cap Pet Prescription Costs at £21, Shake Up Vet Regulation

July 8, 2026, 8:16 PM EDT. The UK government is set to limit pet medicine prescriptions to £21 and roll out new licensing rules for vets, looking to improve price transparency and shake up a market where a handful of big players dominate. Six major groups now own more than 60% of vet practices, many under private equity, driving up costs and raising competition worries. Planned reforms cover mandatory vet licensing, stricter inspections, and public compliance reports. The Competition and Markets Authority backs the steps as a way to protect consumers. Britons spend north of £6.7 billion a year on vet bills, with some surgery charges in the thousands. Officials say the overhaul updates a sector that hasn’t changed much since the 1960s and is now focused on small animals, not farming.

Pet prescriptions could be capped at £21 u…

ASX Dividend Shares: What It Takes to Make $60,000 a Year

July 8, 2026, 8:15 PM EDT. Building $60,000 in annual passive income with ASX dividend shares means putting in about $1 million to $1.2 million, depending on yields. Telstra (TLS) is steady, with a grossed-up yield near 6.1% when you count franking credits-a $400,000 stake gets close to $23,440 in income. Suncorp (SUN) has dealt with some issues but still shows growth signs, at 5.0% grossed-up yield now and a forecast 8.2% by 2030. A $350,000 holding currently pays $17,500, with room for more. Amcor (AMC) pays out quarterly, trailing at a 5.7% yield, but without franking. Combining picks like these can help set up a stable dividend income, matching up with retirement plans.

How to build $60,000 in annual passive inc…

Steadfast Group Pushes Back Takeover Deal Deadline, Keeps $6.00 Offer on Table

July 8, 2026, 8:14 PM EDT. Steadfast Group Ltd (ASX: SDF) has given Amwins Group and Dragoneer Investment Group another four weeks of exclusivity to negotiate a $6.00 per share cash bid. The approach, still non-binding and only indicative, is structured as a scheme of arrangement for the outstanding shares. The board told investors no firm deal is locked in and urged them not to act yet. Steadfast runs insurance broker networks in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and the US. The shares have dropped 13% this year, trailing the ASX 200. The company said it will update the market if anything material changes as talks continue during the new exclusivity window.

Steadfast Group extends exclusivity on $6.…

How Australians Can Aim for $1 Million in Superannuation

July 8, 2026, 8:02 PM EDT. Hitting $1 million in superannuation is possible for some Australians, but it depends on pay and how they contribute. Experts say three things matter most. Know what the $1 million target really means-it’s more than the usual retirement standard in Australia and could guard against inflation or health costs. Use your income by boosting employer-paid super (12% of wages) and by salary sacrifice or after-tax contributions, staying inside the limits. Third, think about long-term growth: pick investments with the right risk for you, since shares have pushed super balances higher over time, and keep fees down to help build up savings.

3 tips for retiring with $1 million in sup…

ASX Hit by Iran Tensions; Energy, Gold Names Jump as Market Falls

July 8, 2026, 8:01 PM EDT.Washington’s Iran strikes after trouble in the Strait of Hormuz sparked renewed Middle East tension, denting hopes for a calm stretch. The ASX index fell as materials, tech and financials dropped. Still, energy shares led gains with WTI crude climbing 2.66% to US$72.32, Brent up 2.55% at US$76.05 on supply worries. Woodside Energy (ASX: WDS) and Santos (ASX: STO) both moved higher on stronger oil, helped by incoming LNG projects and varied output. Northern Star Resources (ASX: NST), the top Australian gold miner, also rose as investors sought safety in gold boosted by geopolitical nerves and activist interest. Other miners like BHP Group (ASX: BHP) and big banks lost ground as higher oil and risk concerns hit the wider market.

Washington just launched fresh strikes on …

CSL (ASX: CSL) Slides, but Brokers See Upside as Demand Holds

July 8, 2026, 8:00 PM EDT. CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) has run into doubts from investors this year after a weaker stretch, with questions around its growth and execution. Still, core operations in plasma-derived products, vaccines, and specialty treatments hit big healthcare needs, drawing steady support from an ageing global population. Its plasma network-which is complex and hard to build-remains a key asset for the long run. Some on the market are still worried about Vifor and vaccine trends, but CSL’s global reach and regulatory muscle give it a path to steady out. Analysts are treating the current issues as a short-term bump and see a possible entry point as demand and CSL’s competitive edge stay in place.

Is CSL a fallen ASX giant to buy in July?

Finder Energy Wins Key Development Approval for KTJ Offshore Fields

July 8, 2026, 7:59 PM EDT. Finder Energy (ASX: FDR) got field development plan approval for its Kuda Tasi and Jahal (KTJ) oil fields offshore Timor-Leste from the national petroleum regulator. The clearance lets the company move toward a final investment decision expected in the September quarter. First oil is targeted between late 2027 and early 2028. It would be the first offshore oil project under Timor-Leste’s own petroleum framework. The phased plan covers three subsea wells, subsea production gear, and bringing back the Petrojarl I floating production vessel. Finder is working on financing and contract talks now, with debt funding and rig contracts among near-term steps. KTJ could anchor more finds and shared use of local offshore infrastructure later on.

Finder Energy Secures Development Approval…

Wildcat Resources Moves to List 5 Million New Shares on ASX

July 8, 2026, 7:30 PM EDT. Wildcat Resources Ltd (ASX:WC8) said it has lodged an application for the ASX to quote 5 million new ordinary fully paid shares. The company is looking to lift its capital base, with aims to improve liquidity and back growth plans.

Wildcat Resources Seeks Quotation for 5 Mi…

ASX Movers: QBE Insurance, Smartgroup, Solstice Minerals and Others on Radar

July 8, 2026, 7:29 PM EDT.Australian Securities Exchange ASX lists put names like QBE Insurance, Smartgroup and Solstice Minerals in focus. Investors are watching stocks including Aeris Resources, Austal, Galan Lithium and more for shifts. The scan covers key insurance, resource, and tech players. Challenger, Hillgrove Resources, and Lycopodium are also on the list, giving a wide look at names and moves around the ASX right now.

ChartWatch ASX Scans: QBE Insurance, Smart…

Auctus Keeps 18c ADX Energy Target After RISC Backs Italian Gas Numbers

July 8, 2026, 7:28 PM EDT. Auctus Advisors kept its 18c target on ADX Energy (ASX:ADX) after auditor RISC signed off on the company’s Italian gas figures. RISC said ADX’s estimates and methods were reasonable, also pointing to possible upside at the higher end from thicker reservoirs. ADX put total gas resources at 188-1,265 Bcf, with a P50-Pmean range of 484-619 Bcf. The review backs ADX’s work as it brings prospects closer to drilling, including GOLD, set for late 2026. ADX is running Austrian production too, showing 2.7 million cubic feet per day at HOCH-1. Auctus’s call includes value from output, shallow gas sites, and the Italian permits if farm-outs go as planned.

Auctus retains 18c ADX target after indepe…

Fletcher Building (ASX: FBU) Lifts FY26 EBIT Guidance, Sees Strong Q4, Cautions on Outlook

July 8, 2026, 7:27 PM EDT. Fletcher Building (ASX: FBU) bumped FY26 EBIT guidance up 6.4% to $400-$403 million after strong volume growth late in the year. Strip out about $52 million in property sales and EBIT comes in at $348-$351 million, up 3.6% on earlier numbers. Key volume gains in Light Building Materials and solid demand for Iplex in both New Zealand and Australia helped drive numbers, with PlaceMakers Frame & Truss volumes up 5.4% on the quarter. Residential division profit fell. Management said some buyers pulled orders forward ahead of planned price increases, which should wash out in early FY27. Fletcher still sees some risk from input cost swings and macro pressures going forward. IFRS 18 accounting kicks in from FY27. Shares gained 1% in 12 months, missing the S&P/ASX 200’s return.

Fletcher Building lifts FY26 profit guidan…

ASX Miners: How China’s June CPI, PPI Numbers Hit BHP, Rio Tinto, Fortescue

July 8, 2026, 7:26 PM EDT. China’s June CPI and PPI came out from the National Bureau of Statistics, and these numbers matter for ASX-listed miners BHP, Rio Tinto, and Fortescue. May CPI was steady at 1.2%. PPI jumped 3.9% year-on-year, pushed higher by commodities and energy, with Middle East tensions in the background. BHP’s results stay tied to copper demand and the latest strike headlines. For Rio Tinto, strong PPI gives some revenue cover even as its share price slipped. Fortescue, more exposed to China’s iron ore cycle, is still dealing with blacklist talk and a rough June for its stock. Where June PPI lands could set the direction for these shares in the short run as global supply questions keep pressure on the sector.

China's CPI and PPI data drops today. Here…

WiseTech Global (WTC) shares drop 49.5% this year as sector lags broader market

July 8, 2026, 7:13 PM EDT. WiseTech Global Ltd ASX:WTC shares have fallen 49.5% since the start of 2025, even though revenues are up. WiseTech runs CargoWise, a cloud logistics platform used by big freight forwarders worldwide. The S&P/ASX200 Information Technology Index, where WTC sits, has returned -3.51% over five years. That trails the 3.68% gain for the larger ASX 200. Tech names like WTC often get attention for their high gross margins at 84%, operating margins at 37.3%, and steady SaaS revenue. WiseTech’s price-to-sales ratio now sits below its five-year average, which some see as a possible buy sign. Still, investors are told to check different valuation tools before making a call.

WTC share price: why investors like inform…

WAM Microcap flags Stealth Group and SharonAI for growth bets

July 8, 2026, 7:12 PM EDT. WAM Microcap Ltd (ASX: WMI) is backing two small Australian stocks for growth. Stealth Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: SGI), a hardware and industrial wholesaler, kept its record FY26 profit forecast and still aims for $500 million in sales by FY28. SharonAI Holdings Inc (NASDAQ: SHAZ), which runs AI infrastructure and wants to join the ASX in FY27, signed a six-year deal with Nvidia to take its AI data centre capacity to 132MW. SharonAI’s shares have surged 182.2% since its NASDAQ debut this February. WAM sees both names set up to beat the market as earnings climb, contracts come in, and AI demand stays strong.

2 small Australian shares with big potenti…

Caspin Resources (ASX:CPN) hits record tin grade at Kelpie in Bygoo project

July 8, 2026, 7:11 PM EDT. Caspin Resources (ASX:CPN) said it hit its best-ever tin grade at the Kelpie extension in the Bygoo tin project, New South Wales. Managing Director Greg Miles pointed out a key drill hole with 20 meters at 2.11% tin from 107 meters, calling it a new company record. The result in the Errol’s Zone could mean more resource upside, with more assays still to come. The step puts Caspin’s tin growth story in focus as the market waits for new numbers on the resource and the project.

Long Shortz with Caspin Resources: Record …

ASX 200 Set to Slip as Oil Jumps on US-Iran Ceasefire News

July 8, 2026, 6:59 PM EDT. The ASX 200 is seen falling after former President Donald Trump said the US-Iran ceasefire is off. Oil prices jumped on the news. Investors are watching how renewed geopolitical tensions could weigh on the index and drive moves in energy names.

ASX 200 Live Today

ASX 200 to Open Lower, S&P 500 Drops After Trump Says Iran Deal Is Over, Commodities Tumble

July 8, 2026, 6:58 PM EDT. The ASX 200 looks set to decline, tracking losses on the S&P 500 after U.S. President Donald Trump said the Iran nuclear deal is ‘over.’ The announcement is stoking geopolitical worries and hitting global markets. Commodity prices slumped, with investors nervous. The Iran nuclear deal, known as the JCPOA, had limited Iran’s nuclear program for sanctions relief. Trump’s comments have shaken risk appetite, weighing on equities and commodities. Market mood stays cautious as uncertainty climbs.

Morning Wrap: ASX 200 to fall, S&P 500 low…

Evolution Mining Drops as Gold Dips on U.S. Rate Jitters

July 8, 2026, 6:57 PM EDT. Shares in Evolution Mining lost 4.19% to A$11.44 as spot gold slipped 0.9% to US$4,067.39 an ounce, hit by worries about higher U.S. rates cutting gold’s appeal. The S&P/ASX 200 eased 0.21% with weakness across the sector. Evolution runs six mines in Australia and Canada and put out guidance for FY26 gold output of 710,000-780,000 ounces at all-in sustaining costs of A$1,640-A$1,760 an ounce. Its June quarter report is due July 15. The company had a strong March cash flow and no short-term debt, but investors are wary with broader market pressure ahead of results.

Evolution Mining Shares Drop as Gold Stall…

Brambles ASX:BXB edges higher as U.S. pallet repair weighs on growth outlook

July 8, 2026, 6:56 PM EDT. Brambles shares added 0.8% to A$19.36 with investors watching the company’s push to fix U.S. pallet repair delays that have hurt earnings. The CHEP owner dropped its FY26 sales growth view to 2%-3% and cut underlying profit growth guidance to 3%-5%. It pointed to an expected US$60 million hit from U.S. repair problems. CEO Graham Chipchase said restoring service levels quickly is the focus. Legal challenges are ongoing after an earlier class-action loss. Brambles still posted free cash flow of US$481.7 million for the half, raised its interim dividend by 21%, and kept its US$400 million buyback in place. Investors are looking to the Aug. 20 full-year results for signs on cost controls and whether U.S. repairs are back on track.

Brambles Shares Up, U.S. Pallet Outlook St…

2 ASX Stocks Yielding Over 7.5% in Dividends

July 8, 2026, 6:42 PM EDT. Future Generation Australia Ltd (ASX: FGX) and WAM Microcap Ltd (ASX: WMI) on the Australian Securities Exchange both offer dividend yields above 7.5%. Future Generation Australia, an LIC working with 16 fund managers, puts its grossed-up yield at about 8% for FY26. WAM Microcap targets undervalued microcaps and is set for a 10.5% grossed-up yield in FY26, with its dividends growing since FY18. Both companies pay franking credits, which can cut tax on dividends. These stocks are yielding well above current cash rates, which may suit investors looking for income from Australian equities.

2 ASX shares with dividend yields above 7.…

WiseTech Shares Drop 7.3% as Richard White Changes Role

July 8, 2026, 6:41 PM EDT. WiseTech Global fell 7.3% on July 8, pulling back after Richard White left the executive chair job. White is still on the board as executive director and chief innovation officer. Raelene Murphy is now independent chair, with the board trying to keep independence while keeping White in product leadership. Investors are watching governance and White’s ongoing role, but also short selling, media attention and questions about his personal life, which White denies. The stock is down almost 70% in a year. WiseTech kept its 2026 revenue goal at $1.39-1.44 billion, with EBITDA still at $550-585 million.

WiseTech’s Founder Shock Still Hangs Over …

South32 Drops After Alcoa Aluminium Sale, Sector Weakens

July 8, 2026, 6:40 PM EDT. South32 Ltd fell 1.25% to A$3.95 before Sydney opened Thursday. The stock pulled back after gains linked to its aluminium deal with Alcoa, where South32 is selling most aluminium assets for as much as US$5.6 billion. CEO Matthew Daley is steering the company toward base metals such as copper, zinc and lead. Selling hit both South32 and the broader ASX 200 mining sector as commodity prices slipped. Alcoa’s bid, a mix of cash and stock, covers big plants in Australia, South Africa and Brazil, but not Mozambique. Some in the market are looking to growth from South32’s copper JV in Chile. Moody’s put the company’s credit rating under review, warning the deal could shrink scale and reduce operational diversity.

South32 Shares Pause After Alcoa Boost

QBE Hits 52-Week High as Australia Pacific CEO Retires

July 8, 2026, 6:39 PM EDT. QBE Insurance Group ended at a 52-week peak of A$25.49, up 1.64% after CEO Sue Houghton said she will retire from the Australia Pacific division. The move came even as the ASX 200 slipped 0.21%. QBE outperformed Insurance Australia Group and Suncorp. The stock has been helped by a 7% first-quarter gain in gross written premiums and investment income around $305 million. CEO Andrew Horton called Houghton’s time key to building a “simpler, stronger business.” Investors are watching for half-year results on Aug. 14, with premium growth and claims trends still seen as risk points.

QBE Shares Hit 52-Week High as Insurer Fac…

Telstra 4G Outage Stops NSW Regional Trains, Sydney Lines Unaffected

July 8, 2026, 6:26 PM EDT. A Telstra 4G outage knocked out mobile and payments and forced some NSW regional trains to stop on Thursday. The Australian Rail Track Corporation’s (ARTC) 4G-based National Train Communications System went down, halting the Southern Highlands and Hunter services. Sydney metro trains stayed online as they use a separate network. Network experts said flaws in the system design meant a single glitch could break essential services and called for better backup. Telstra pointed to failed nodes handling time syncs. The Federal Communications Minister slammed the telco over reliability and critical network trust.

Why a telco outage has stopped some trains…

Sizewell B nuclear plant wins 20-year extension, to run until 2055

July 8, 2026, 6:25 PM EDT. The UK has cleared a 20-year life extension for the Sizewell B nuclear station in Suffolk, so it now stays open until 2055. The plant, owned by France’s EDF, had been scheduled to close in less than ten years. Sizewell B supplies about 3% of Britain’s electricity and provides power to 2.5 million homes. The government wants more nuclear to meet rising low-carbon demand from EVs, heating, and AI datacentres. EDF will get £70.50 per megawatt-hour from 2035, with Centrica backing the plant with new investment. Other UK nuclear sites have also been granted extensions, while the bigger Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C projects are pushing ahead.

Sizewell B nuclear power plant granted a 2…

Northern Star Resources Drops as Gold Slips and Investors Focus on CEO Shift

July 8, 2026, 6:24 PM EDT. Northern Star Resources slid 1.69% to A$20.31 in step with a pullback in Australian gold miners as gold sank 0.9% to $4,067.39 an ounce. Higher oil prices have stoked inflation worries, which boosted bets on more rate hikes, denting demand for gold. Shares also faced pressure ahead of the July 29 quarterly report and with activist Elliott Investment Management still agitating for strategic and board changes. Suresh Vadnagra will become CEO on Oct. 5, charged with finding new growth. Evolution Mining and Newmont both traded down, as the group took another hit.

Northern Star Resources Shares Slide as Go…

Australian Foundation Investment Co (ASX: AFI) dividend yield puts it close to Age Pension income

July 8, 2026, 6:23 PM EDT. Australian Foundation Investment Co Ltd (ASX: AFI) is paying a high dividend, with income numbers that line up with the Australian Age Pension. The LIC holds a mix of top ASX stocks like BHP, Commonwealth Bank, and Macquarie Group, aiming for steady income and some capital growth over time. AFI just posted its final dividend at 14.5 cents and tacked on a 2.5 cent special dividend, making for a grossed-up yield of 6.5% for FY26 with franking credits. The annual management fee sits at just 0.16%. Steady payouts and strong profit reserves keep AFI on the radar for investors looking for reliable income, especially as conditions stay uncertain.

117,736 shares of this high-yield ASX divi…

Zip Co Ltd (ZIP) lags on price-to-sales, Macquarie Group Ltd (MQG) dividend yield below average

July 8, 2026, 6:11 PM EDT. Year-to-date, Zip Co Ltd (ZIP) shares have fallen 7.5% and now trade at a price-to-sales ratio of 4.45x, which is under the five-year average of 5.81x as the firm boosts revenue. ZIP, a buy-now-pay-later fintech, is tracked for sales growth. Macquarie Group Ltd (MQG) sits about 34.6% above its 52-week low, but the trailing dividend yield stands at 2.54%, lower than its own five-year average of 3.16%. Investors lean on price-to-sales ratios for ZIP and dividend yield for MQG in their valuation checks. Brokers also advise using metrics like Discounted Cash Flow and Dividend Discount Models for a clearer read.

An easy way to value ZIP and MQG shares

Liontown Shares Drop on Lithium Slide, Kathleen Valley Worries

July 8, 2026, 6:10 PM EDT. Liontown Ltd shares were down 4.25% at A$1.465 on Wednesday as falling lithium prices and renewed questions around the Kathleen Valley project weighed. There’s been no fresh news from the miner, but broader resource stocks in Australia also traded lower. Liontown has lost about 29% over the month but is still up almost 95% since last year. The company posted record quarterly net cash flow of A$33 million and kept its FY2026 guidance unchanged. Kathleen Valley, which is Australia’s first underground lithium mine, produces spodumene concentrate for battery makers. Some market watchers remain focused on realised price swings due to uncertainty around pricing periods from the March quarter.

Liontown Drops Again With Lithium Prices P…

Bell Potter Sees 175% Upside for Ioneer (ASX: INR) on Rhyolite Ridge Momentum

July 8, 2026, 6:09 PM EDT. Ioneer Ltd (ASX: INR) shares have gained 45% in the past year, and Bell Potter thinks there could be another 175% upside. The broker points to the Rhyolite Ridge project, which is fully permitted and has a US$996 million loan commitment from the US Department of Energy. Ioneer recently signed MOUs with Korea Overseas Infrastructure & Urban Development Corporation and Hyundai Engineering, supporting the project’s development. Bell Potter keeps its speculative buy rating and sets a 40 cent target, calling the project strategic as a US lithium hydroxide and boric acid source, both listed as critical minerals by the US Geological Survey. The broker sees strategic deals and a final investment decision in the back half of 2026 as key triggers. Lithium prices improving and a tight supply outlook help the story, though project risks remain.

Why this red hot ASX lithium share could r…

Aristocrat Leisure ASX:ALL $2.5B Share Buyback Stands Out as ASX 200 Sinks

July 8, 2026, 6:08 PM EDT. Aristocrat Leisure ASX:ALL is pushing ahead with an on-market buyback of up to A$2.5 billion, even as the S&P/ASX 200 index slipped 0.21%. Shares ended the session almost flat at A$62.09 on high volume, holding up as the broader market fell. The buyback, set to run through May 2027, has already seen about 25.78 million shares repurchased for around A$1.45 billion. Aristocrat says cutting the float should help earnings per share, with half-year NPAT excluding amortisation up 16.3% in constant currency. Still, some investors stay wary of competition and risks around gaming demand and regulation. The challenge remains for Aristocrat to keep the share price steady as the ASX stays stuck in a risk-off sentiment.

Aristocrat Leisure Stock: The $2.5 Billion…

PLS Group Drops as CATL Moves to Restart Lithium Mine, Raising Supply Worries

July 8, 2026, 5:56 PM EDT. PLS Group Ltd. shares dropped 3.29% to A$4.70 after news that China’s CATL received permission to restart the Jianxiawo lithium mine. The move could add 46,000 metric tons to the market, about 3% of forecast 2025 global lithium carbonate supply. Lithium prices jumped. Other Australian lithium names, including Core Lithium and Liontown, also traded lower. PLS said March-quarter revenue rose 52% to A$567 million as production stayed strong, but investors worried added supply will hit prices and margins. The company is due to report June-quarter activities July 30, with the market looking for updates on output, costs and supply-demand shifts.

PLS drops as lithium rally stoked by China…

Semiconductor ETFs Bounce as Traders Weigh AI, Memory Demand in $2 Trillion Market

July 8, 2026, 5:55 PM EDT. VanEck’s Semiconductor ETF (SMH) climbed 2% to $593 after falling below its 50-day moving average Tuesday. Chip stocks moved higher, but analysts noted lingering worries about artificial intelligence AI demand and memory chip pricing. VanEck’s Fabless Semiconductor ETF (SMHX) jumped over 52% in 2026, excluding Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSMC), showing differing chip industry exposure. Invesco’s PSI ETF tracked a similar move, doubling since December. These ETF swings reflect traders picking between designers, foundries, and tool suppliers, with Samsung’s profit miss adding pressure. Broader markets trailed as chips remain a tough bet tied to the AI story.

The Chip ETF Rebound Is Hiding A $2 Trilli…

ASX Seen Weaker as Oil Jumps on US-Iran Escalation

July 8, 2026, 5:54 PM EDT. The ASX 200 futures dropped 0.6% to 8,706 points before the open, tracking a 1.1% slide on the Dow Jones, after Wall Street’s mixed session. Oil prices surged 7.3% to $79.40 a barrel as President Trump ended the Iran ceasefire and ordered new strikes, shaking market sentiment. Telstra’s network outage stretched into another day, with fresh problems hitting emergency calls and making local investors more cautious. The Australian dollar slipped a touch to 69.26 US cents. Iron ore and Bitcoin both edged up. Traders kept a close eye on geopolitical risks and ongoing infrastructure issues for top Australian names.

Live: ASX set to open lower as price of oi…

Five ASX Dividend Plays for Steady Retirement Cash

July 8, 2026, 5:53 PM EDT. Retirees chasing stable income on the ASX often look to strong dividend names and broad ETFs. BHP Group stands out for its cheap mining costs and steady cash flow. Commonwealth Bank of Australia, the country’s biggest lender, pays fully franked dividends and posts regular profits. Transurban Group brings in reliable payments from toll roads tied to inflation and traffic growth. Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF spreads risk across leading dividend payers. All five picks target stable, growing yields while aiming to keep capital intact across market swings.

I'd buy these 5 ASX dividend investments f…

ASX set for lower open as S&P/ASX 200 futures dip, US markets mixed

July 8, 2026, 5:52 PM EDT.S&P/ASX 200 futures fell 0.48% to 8,704 before Thursday, pointing to a weaker open for local shares. US stocks ended mixed overnight, with the S&P 500 down 0.28% at 7,482.71, the Dow Jones dropping 1.09%, while the Nasdaq inched up 0.20%. Commodities fell, with lower precious metals and copper prices dragging on miners. Energy stocks gained as oil jumped more than 6%. On the corporate front, Hammer Metals got an offer and Western Ridge Resources reported more high-grade samples. Peregrine Gold and Cavalier Resources were halted ahead of updates. Markets remain volatile, with investors eyeing these moves.

Rise and Shine: Everything you need to kno…

Stellar Resources (ASX:SRZ) Moves Closer to Prefeasibility With Tasmanian Tin Project

July 8, 2026, 5:40 PM EDT. Stellar Resources (ASX:SRZ) is moving its Western Tasmania tin project closer to prefeasibility. The resource has been upgraded and still has exploration upside, making it the highest-graded undeveloped tin asset in the country. Managing director Simon Taylor talked about expanding the project, tin exposure on the ASX, and a key investment from Australia’s biggest producer in an interview with Stockhead’s Explorers Podcast. The show focuses on Stellar’s position in the tin market with demand expected to rise. Investors should get independent financial advice before acting.

Explorers Podcast: Stellar ascends towards…

Evion Group (ASX:EVG) picks up Carp fluorspar project, eyes critical minerals

July 8, 2026, 5:38 PM EDT. Evion Group (ASX:EVG) has picked up the high-grade Carp fluorspar project, adding it to its existing Maniry graphite operations in Madagascar. Managing Director David Round pointed to upside in the fluorspar market and said the asset fits with rising demand for critical minerals, particularly in the US. Fluorspar goes mainly into aluminium and chemical production. The company named a former US ambassador to help build its strategy. Evion said it is planning exploration and mentioned interest from uranium players. EVG is looking to expand in critical minerals as pressure on supply chains ramps up.

Explorers Podcast: Evion Group lands Carp …

Bell Potter Tips Minerals 260 (ASX: MI6) to Double, Sees BHP Upside as Capped

July 8, 2026, 5:36 PM EDT. Bell Potter says BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) doesn’t offer much room to run so it’s eyeing Minerals 260 Ltd (ASX: MI6) instead. The broker sees MI6 more than doubling in a year, citing the Bullabulling Gold Project’s 6.2Moz resource in WA and a solid pre-feasibility and first ore reserve. The mine plan runs 19 years, aiming for 150,000 ounces gold a year at A$2,520 an ounce all-in sustaining costs. Bell Potter puts project NPV at US$2.3 billion with an IRR of 43% and sets MI6 price target at A$1.40 a share, or 120% up from current levels. With A$250 million in cash, MI6 can push toward final investment decision, making it a spec buy against BHP’s milder prospects.

BHP shares may not double in 12 months but…

Telstra Flags New Network Problem After Outage; IMF Trims Australia 2025-26 Growth Outlook

July 8, 2026, 5:21 PM EDT. Telstra reported a secondary network issue came up after the national mobile outage that hit emergency calls, including Triple Zero. Customers are being told to wait for other network options. CEO Michael Ackland said there was a jump in Triple Zero call attempts, likely from people testing lines during the outage. The IMF left Australia’s growth forecast steady at 2% for this financial year, but cut its 2025-26 prediction to 1.9% on global risks linked to possible Middle East conflicts. IMF mentioned strong resilience against shocks and AI-driven investment supporting Asian tech exporters. ABC executives are also getting ready to face bias claims ahead of the antisemitism royal commission.

Australia news live: Telstra warns of ‘sec…

CSL Up as Sanofi Responds to EU Probe, August Test Looms After Difficult Year

July 8, 2026, 5:09 PM EDT. CSL shares ticked up 0.27% to A$124.30, ahead of the S&P/ASX 200. Sanofi told the European Union it would stop making negative remarks about CSL Seqirus’s Fluad vaccine after antitrust concerns. The company promised not to compare Fluad’s efficacy to its own shot, Efluelda, with the EU giving an August 21 deadline for comments. Even with an 8.33% weekly rise, CSL is still down more than 54% from a July 2025 high. Investors are watching for CSL’s August 18 results after the company pulled back on revenue and profit targets and flagged a $5 billion impairment. Interim CEO Gordon Naylor warned any growth would take more time amid tough plasma and vaccine conditions. The upcoming update will show if CSL’s turnaround is sticking.

CSL stock eyes new test as Sanofi enters p…

4DMedical (ASX: 4DX) Falls 7% After Hitting Record Highs as AI Imaging Pushes Expansion

July 8, 2026, 5:08 PM EDT. Shares of 4DMedical (ASX: 4DX) dropped 7% to $4.10 after a steep run-up, as some investors took profits with the stock coming off record levels. The company, which makes AI-powered lung imaging, is still up more than 1,500% over the past year. 4DMedical is now valued at $2.6 billion, marking a move away from its startup phase as it grows its international footprint. It recently acquired Austria’s Contextflow to build out in Europe and get into lung cancer screening in Germany, where new reimbursement routes are opening. In the U.S., 4DMedical has a big partnership with SimonMed targeting a $3 billion market for its technology. The focus now turns to follow-through on revenue, commercial gains, and getting new acquisitions integrated.

This red-hot ASX healthcare share hit a sp…

Adairs (ASX: ADH) slips after FY26 update, Bell Potter keeps hold call

July 8, 2026, 5:07 PM EDT. Adairs Ltd (ASX: ADH) shares slipped 1.3% after its FY26 trading update. Year-to-date, the stock is down 18% as higher rates and inflation weigh on the sector. The company is guiding for group sales of $640-$641.5 million, up 3.7% on FY25, but sees underlying EBIT dipping 1.3%. Bell Potter said the result is a touch below expectations, hit by continued weakness at Focus on Furniture, though the main Adairs brand is up on growth and better margins. The broker lifted its FY26 profit forecast by 16% but lowered FY27 and FY28. Bell Potter upped its target to $1.45 and kept a hold rating, saying shares look close to fair value and warning about tough competition ahead.

Are Adairs shares a buy, hold or sell afte…

Goodman Drops as AI Data Centre Bets Raise Worries

July 8, 2026, 5:06 PM EDT. Goodman shares fell 1.6% to A$30.19, lagging the S&P/ASX 200 which slipped 0.21%. Investors questioned the company’s big push into AI data centres. About 73% of Goodman’s A$14.5 billion development pipeline is tied to data centres, with a target buildout of A$18 billion. Goodman is still guiding for 9% operating earnings per security growth for FY26, but investor jitters linger over energy supply constraints. Occupancy holds at 95.7% and net property income rose 4.1%. Traders stayed cautious, even as the broader real estate index was steady. NEXTDC dropped 1.0% while Dexus rose 2.2% among Goodman’s peers. The company’s market cap sits around A$61.7 billion, showing how much it matters for AI infrastructure in Australia.

Goodman Shares Fall as AI Data-Centre Push…

ASX ETF trading jumps 26% as more Australians join market

July 8, 2026, 5:05 PM EDT. Trading in ASX-listed ETFs jumped 26% in the last financial year, ahead of the overall sharemarket’s 22% rise. About two million Australians are using ETFs for cheap, diversified access to the ASX. ETF listings have hit 456-double what they were-and total funds under management are now above $350 billion. More thematic ETFs targeting sectors like AI and robotics have entered the market, but the quick expansion is raising some concerns about risk in new themes. Investors have more to pick from but need to watch how new funds respond to market shifts.

ASX ETFs are booming. Should you join in?

Sydney rents surge to new records as vacancy stays tight

July 8, 2026, 4:56 PM EDT. Sydney rents kept climbing in mid-2026, Domain Rent Report data showed, with houses reaching a median AU$850 per week, up 6.3% in three months and 7.6% in a year. Unit rents also broke records at AU$780 a week, gaining 4% for the quarter and 6.8% over 12 months. Vacancy is stuck at just 1.1%, well under the 3% mark seen as balanced, keeping pressure on affordability. May’s federal budget brought plans for tax changes to help homebuyers, but renters haven’t seen much, as Commonwealth Rent Assistance stayed flat. Federal Housing Minister Clare O’Neil talked up new policy moves to boost supply and tenant rights, aiming for longer-term relief and more support for buyers.

‘Grossly unaffordable’: Sydney rents hit r…

ASX Rare Earth Miners Rush Output as Yttrium Prices Spike on China Curbs

July 8, 2026, 4:55 PM EDT.Yttrium prices have jumped in North America, climbing from around US$6.50/kg to more than US$1,500/kg by May 2026, after China put export restrictions in place in April 2025. The mineral, key for defence, aerospace and electronics, is now in short supply, with the US almost entirely dependent on Chinese imports. Jet engine makers and other manufacturers are exposed, and US-China leadership meetings have mentioned the problem. Japan’s electronics industry also flagged rare earth shortfalls under China’s controls. ASX-listed firms are moving quickly to build new supply lines and ramp up yttrium output as the market strains from shortages and geopolitical risk.

Getting Ytty With It: Why yttrium is becom…

$5,000 in super: where to chase passive income

July 8, 2026, 4:54 PM EDT. Putting $5,000 into superannuation can give passive income thanks to low tax rates in both accumulation and retirement phases. Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX:CIP) shows a 5.6% distribution yield, with upside as industrial property demand keeps up and the unit price still trades at a discount. MFF Capital Investments Ltd (ASX:MFF) also comes up, known for steady, growing dividends from its international stock portfolio. Both can offer tax benefits and steady income, which appeals to superannuants looking for reliable returns even as markets shift.

How to invest $5,000 for passive income in…

Select Harvests (ASX: SHV) Lags as Consumer Staples Rally, Bell Potter Sticks With Buy

July 8, 2026, 4:53 PM EDT. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index is up 13% in 2026, far ahead of the S&P/ASX 200’s 0.66%. Select Harvests (ASX: SHV) is down 20% for the year, even as global almond prices climbed 11% and company output guidance holds steady at 28,000-31,000 tonnes. Bell Potter says current market weakness doesn’t reflect SHV’s stronger outlook. With higher almond prices and favorable FX hedges, Bell Potter sees chance for earnings upside, keeps buy rating and $5.30 target-35% above current levels. Drivers: better pricing, lower costs, improved water leases. Bell Potter says a rebound looks possible for Select Harvests.

Why this could be the best buy in the cons…

ANZ Climbs While ASX 200 Drops as Oil Jumps on Middle East Tensions

July 8, 2026, 4:52 PM EDT. ANZ stock gained 1.21% to A$35.87 on July 8, 2026, while the S&P/ASX 200 slid 0.21% to 8,785.10. Oil prices jumped 5% after fresh Middle East tensions, but Australia’s big banks including Westpac, Commonwealth Bank, and NAB stayed up. Investors are watching oil shock and rates for inflation fallout. The Reserve Bank of Australia kept its key rate at 4.35%, sticking to its cautious stance. ANZ’s performance is tied to CEO Nuno Matos’s turnaround push, with a third of the Suncorp deal done. The next focus for the market is ANZ’s Q3 update on August 13.

ANZ Holds Up as ASX Drops; Bigger Test Ahe…

Santos Jumps 5.8% on Oil Spike; Energy Leads ASX Gains

July 8, 2026, 4:51 PM EDT. Santos Limited shares jumped 5.78% to A$7.50 after oil prices climbed on fresh U.S.-Iran worries hitting Strait of Hormuz shipments. The S&P/ASX 200 index slipped 0.21% but energy names outperformed, with Woodside Energy up 3.22% and Ampol gaining 1.37%. Santos has started up the Pikka Phase 1 oil project and locked in a domestic gas supply deal for 200 petajoules from 2030 over ten years. The company sticks to a planned 25-30% increase in production by 2027 and expects output between 101-111 million barrels of oil equivalent in 2026. Shares are still under their May high but have climbed 27% since January lows. The next quarterly update is due July 16.

Santos jumps 5.8% as ASX slides

Fortescue ASX:FMG Up as Iron Ore Delivery Fears Hit Sector

July 8, 2026, 4:50 PM EDT. Fortescue shares rose 0.11% to A$18.40 on July 8, holding up even as BHP and Rio Tinto led a drop in miners. China Mineral Resources Group told some steel mills to pause mid-July deliveries of lower-grade iron ore, the type that makes up 45% of Fortescue’s exports. That could hurt sales and cash flow. Fortescue just marked 200 million tonnes in annual iron ore shipments but faces a class action on workplace issues and more losses at its UK tech arm. Tensions at Port Hedland and possible BHP strikes cloud the outlook. Traders are focused on China negotiations to gauge how long Fortescue can shrug off the wider sector pressure.

Fortescue (ASX:FMG) avoids mining sector d…

ASX Stocks for $10,000 in Annual Passive Income

July 8, 2026, 4:35 PM EDT. If you’re after passive income, ASX shares with a range of dividend yields could help get you to $10,000 each year. The portfolio you need will shift with yield: expect to put in about $333,000 for a 3% yield, $250,000 for 4%, or $125,000 for 8%. Lower-yield names like Wesfarmers (ASX: WES), Coles (ASX: COL), and Commonwealth Bank (ASX: CBA) pay around 2-3%. For 3-4% it’s Telstra (ASX: TLS) and BHP (ASX: BHP). Top yields come from National Australia Bank (ASX: NAB), Harvey Norman (ASX: HVN), and Charter Hall Social Infrastructure REIT (ASX: CQE) at 5-6%. Amcor (ASX: AMC) and Bank of Queensland (ASX: BOQ) are near 7%. Higher yields drop your investment needed but raise the risk.

These ASX shares could generate $10,000 pe…

Healthcare sector leads ASX in June rebound, but FY26 ends deep in the red

July 8, 2026, 4:34 PM EDT. The S&P/ASX Healthcare index jumped 13.31% in June, ending a run of gains that made it the ASX’s top sector for the month. Morgans analyst Iain Wilkie said investors are returning to undervalued, solid healthcare stocks, pointing to Island’s Ebola antiviral push as one sign of renewed momentum. Even after the strong June and eight up weeks, the sector closed fiscal 2026 off 37%. Heavyweights CSL (down 49%) and Cochlear (down 60%) dragged the index. Wilkie mentioned US tariffs, higher rates, AI trades and geopolitical risks hitting the group. Neuren Pharmaceuticals rose 26% and Ansell added 6%. CSL’s profit cuts and executive exits hurt sentiment across healthcare.

We’ve Got a Pulse: The quiet revival of th…

Wesfarmers ASX:WES edges up as ASX 200 slips, Bunnings takeover in the spotlight

July 8, 2026, 4:21 PM EDT. Wesfarmers Ltd ASX:WES picked up 0.47% to A$90.18 Wednesday, with shares higher even as the S&P/ASX 200 index dropped 0.21%. The move comes as investors track Bunnings’ takeover of Blackwoods and Workwear Group, expecting bigger sales and savings from clashing the businesses together. CFO Anthony Gianotti called out strong market positions. Bunnings boss Mike Schneider said customers would see more choice and improved inventory. Shares have run up 25% since mid-May, showing some investors staying bullish. But worries over valuation linger after Goldman Sachs downgraded to sell last week, saying the stock looks expensive. Consumer staples and energy stocks led gains across the sector. Wesfarmers remains exposed to retail, chemicals, and energy, while a soft housing market still hangs over the growth outlook.

Wesfarmers (ASX:WES) up while ASX fell; Bu…

DOW and COH: 2026 Investment Prospects Compared

July 8, 2026, 4:20 PM EDT.Downer EDI Ltd (ASX:DOW) shares are down about 2.5% since the start of 2025. The company focuses on infrastructure services across Australia and New Zealand, with more than half its revenue from transport. For FY24, DOW reported a debt/equity ratio of 81.1%, a five-year average dividend yield of 3.7%, and a return on equity (ROE) at 3.6%, which is below the 10% level seen in many blue chips. Cochlear Ltd ASX:COH, a global name in hearing implants, is still trading 60.9% under its 52-week high. COH delivered three-year annual revenue growth at 14.3% to reach $2.24 billion in FY24, with ROE around 19.9%. Profits grew from $324 million to $357 million. Comparing both, investors may have to decide between DOW’s mature stability and COH’s growth for 2026.

Are DOW shares or COH shares better value …

Bell Potter Lifts Cogstate (ASX: CGS) Target, Sees 37% Upside

July 8, 2026, 4:19 PM EDT. Bell Potter has raised its price target on Cogstate Ltd (ASX: CGS) to $3.70, tipping a possible 37% jump from where shares trade now. The brain health trial specialist has run up 17% so far this year, outpacing the S&P/ASX 200 Health Care Index’s near 20% slide. Cogstate put up a record US$89 million in FY26 contract sales, with revenue backlog increasing 32% to US$118.5 million. The broker moved FY27 revenue estimates higher by 11% and sees EBITDA margins climbing to the mid-30% range as contracts build. Bell Potter kept its buy, citing Cogstate’s stronger growth and profit versus other CROs.

Top broker tips 37% upside for this exciti…

Westpac Steady as ASX 200 Falls on Rates and Oil Moves

July 8, 2026, 4:07 PM EDT. Westpac Banking Corporation gained 0.33% to A$36.25, even as the S&P/ASX 200 slipped 0.21% to 8,785.10 on July 9, 2026. Bank stocks caught some investor support with fresh U.S.-Iran tension and pressure on miners, telecoms and tech names. Commonwealth Bank, National Australia Bank, and ANZ all posted bigger gains. The Reserve Bank of Australia kept rates at 4.35%. Assistant Governor Sarah Hunter warned more hikes are possible thanks to oil shocks. Westpac’s net interest margin fell to 1.89% amid fierce lending competition and rising credit costs. First-half profit came in at A$3.5 billion. Loan impairments inched up to A$443 million, tied to risks in energy. CEO Anthony Miller said the group remains resilient but faces tough mortgage competition and continued market uncertainty.

Westpac Holds Up in ASX Drop With Rate Unc…

Macquarie Edges Down From 52-Week High on Oil, Rate Worries

July 8, 2026, 4:06 PM EDT. Macquarie Group slipped 0.5% to A$252.04, trading just shy of its 52-week peak at A$254.31 as investors weighed rising oil prices and inflation. The bank, which holds a market cap near A$96.69 billion, is still up 24.8% in 2026, lifted by strong earnings from asset management, commodities trading and advisory work. Commodity swings have helped parts of the business, but rate hike fears remain. For FY26, net profit rose 30% to A$4.85 billion, thanks in part to a 49% jump from its Commodities and Global Markets unit. M&A picked up in Australia with activity up 43% in H1 2026, giving Macquarie Capital a boost. But with Brent crude close to $76, worries about inflation and rates haven’t gone away.

Macquarie Shares Slip Near 52-Week High as…

Woodside Up 3.22% as Oil Jumps on US-Iran Worries

July 8, 2026, 4:05 PM EDT. Woodside Energy climbed 3.22% to A$28.87 after Brent crude jumped 6.6% to $79.07 a barrel on fresh U.S.-Iran tensions near the Strait of Hormuz. The main S&P/ASX 200 slid 0.21%, with energy names in favor. Woodside, which runs oil and LNG operations, saw gains from higher prices but still trades below its 52-week top. The company’s Scarborough Energy Project is almost done and should ship first LNG in Q4 2026. CEO Liz Westcott said lagged contract pricing means higher spot LNG prices will show up in earnings later. Woodside has hedged major oil-equivalent volumes for 2026 and 2027 at $74-$77 a barrel.

Woodside Shares Jump After Oil Shock Spark…

ASX 200 set to open lower as futures dip, Wall Street slides; MI6, energy and uranium shares in focus

July 8, 2026, 4:04 PM EDT. The S&P/ASX 200 Index lost 0.2% to close at 8,785.1 on Wednesday. Futures now point to another 0.55% drop at the open, as Dow Jones fell 1.1% overnight. Minerals 260 (ASX: MI6) is drawing a fresh speculative buy call with a 120% upside flagged and $250 million on hand. Oil names like Woodside and Santos may push higher after US-Iran tensions sent oil up 4.4-5.2%. Uranium shares, among them Boss Energy, are waiting on Canberra’s next steps on a nuclear agreement with India. Meanwhile gold is softer, with futures off 1.5%, putting pressure on Newmont, Northern Star and other miners as inflation and rate hikes stay in focus.

5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursd…

ASX Penny Stocks Over A$40M Market Cap: GTN, Legacy Iron Ore Stand Out

July 8, 2026, 3:35 PM EDT.Australian penny stocks trading on the ASX above a A$40 million market cap are getting attention, but come with risk. GTN Limited (A$45.76M market cap) runs global advertising platforms. The company is still unprofitable with falling earnings and management seen as inexperienced. Legacy Iron Ore Limited (A$58.57M market cap) reports revenue growth and positive cash flow, but still posts losses. The share price is volatile and the board is new. Both names show what can go right or wrong for investors while markets face global pressure and big swings. Losses, changes in management and price instability add risk. Investors have to balance growth hopes with those risks when looking at speculative penny stocks.

3 Promising ASX Penny Stocks With At Least…

3 ASX Stocks Trade Up to 39.4% Below Value as Volatility Hits

July 8, 2026, 3:34 PM EDT. With ASX 200 futures down and geopolitical risks in focus, some investors are hunting for discounts among Australian stocks. Magellan Financial Group (ASX:MFG) now trades 39.4% under estimated cash flow value, and consensus sees 24.2% revenue growth ahead. Supply Network (ASX:SNL) is priced at a 25.7% discount, with the market projecting 14.2% earnings growth. Cash flow models point to sizeable discounts here. Changes among execs at both Magellan and Supply Network could shift strategy or risk. For investors dealing with swings, these discounts stand out.

3 ASX Stocks That Could Be Trading At Disc…

Telstra Drops Nearly 3% After Outage Shakes Confidence Pre-ASX Open

July 8, 2026, 3:33 PM EDT. Telstra Group Ltd shares slid 2.96% to A$4.92 after a software bug knocked out mobile network nodes nationwide, hitting emergency calls, wireless payments and trains. CFO Michael Ackland said it wasn’t a cyberattack and apologized to customers. Telstra trailed behind the S&P/ASX 200’s 0.21% drop. Morgan Stanley and Jarden both cut ratings, putting more pressure on Telstra as investors question its defensive pitch in the face of new rivals like SpaceX’s Starlink. The incident puts a spotlight on system weaknesses at big Australian telecoms including Optus and TPG Telecom.

Telstra Slips, Traders Watch Next ASX Open

National Australia Bank (ASX: NAB) seen as buy in June on yield and valuation

July 8, 2026, 3:18 PM EDT. National Australia Bank (ASX: NAB) is trading close to $39.59, off its 52-week high of $49.45. The stock goes for about 16 times estimated FY26 earnings. Dividends are forecast to yield near 4.3%. NAB stands out in business banking as competition in retail mortgages heats up and the macro picture stays uncertain. Risks from the economy and credit cycle are still there, but NAB’s business banking gives it an edge. At these levels, with yield and valuation in mind, NAB is seen as a buy for this month for those looking at ASX banks.

Are NAB shares a buy, hold, or sell this m…

ASX Dividend Stocks: Five Picks for July

July 8, 2026, 3:17 PM EDT. Investors looking for income plays may want to look at ASX dividend stocks this July. APA Group (APA) holds energy pipelines and grid assets and is often seen as a defensive pick. Charter Hall Long WALE REIT (CLW) pays property income from long leases, mainly to government and corporate tenants. Harvey Norman Holdings (HVN) combines its retail business with real estate, backing its dividends with property. Transurban Group (TCL) operates toll roads in Australia and North America and stands to gain from urban traffic. These stocks bring some yield variety as the market stays volatile.

5 top ASX dividend shares to buy in July

Qube ASX:QUB Suspended as Rubik Scheme Completes, Special Dividend Announced

July 8, 2026, 3:05 PM EDT. Trading in Qube Holdings ASX:QUB was suspended July 8 after the Rubik scheme became legally effective, putting shares into a settlement phase for the takeover. Qube set a fully franked special dividend of A$0.3465 a share, to be paid July 23. Implementation is due August 14. The last trade in QUB was at A$5.120, with the price acting like a cash claim ahead of S&P/ASX index changes set for July 9. The S&P/ASX 200 closed 0.21% lower at 8,785.10. Investors shifted from watching freight metrics to focusing on dividend and payment timing. Qube’s control value was marked between A$4.93 and A$5.41, and Grant Samuel called the A$5.20 offer fair. The 0.5% implied spread reflects timing and tax factors.

Qube Holdings (ASX:QUB) shares suspended o…

BHP Slides as Port Hedland Strike Threat Looms, Copper Contract Announced

July 8, 2026, 3:04 PM EDT. BHP Group slid 2.31% to A$57.51 with a possible strike at Port Hedland weighing on shares, even as iron ore gained 1.43% on supply worries. The move undercut the ASX 200, which eased 0.21%. About 160 to 200 port staff could hit the picket line on July 16, putting as much as $80 million a day in iron ore exports at risk. Earlier wage deals at BHP mines locked in a 16% pay rise over four years, but talks in the port area remain unsettled, fueling concerns over prolonged hits to output. Elsewhere, BHP signed a A$200 million supply deal to keep its Olympic Dam copper project moving forward in South Australia. But softer copper prices pressured the stock further.

BHP faces Port Hedland strike threat as co…

Diageo Shares Down Heavily; Valuation Metrics Hint at Undervaluation

July 8, 2026, 3:03 PM EDT. Diageo shares are off 50.3% in five years, raising questions whether the slide matches the company’s real value or just market sentiment. The stock now trades at a P/E of 18.6x-higher than the beverage sector’s 16.9x average, but under the 23.2x fair P/E based on margins, scale, and risk. That could point to the shares being undervalued for their earnings, even after dropping another 18.2% over the last year, underperforming peers. Investors are split: some point to Diageo’s focus on premium brands and growth in its categories, but others cite worries about pressured volumes and regulation. The company gets a 6 out of 6 score on value screens, which could look more appealing if market and consumer trends settle.

Has Diageo (LSE:DGE) Fallen Far Enough To …

CBA edges higher, beats ASX 200 as rate outlook weighs on market

July 8, 2026, 3:02 PM EDT. Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) gained 0.89% to A$168.18 on July 8 while the S&P/ASX 200 slipped 0.21%. CBA trades at 27 times earnings and yields just under 3%, making it the priciest and lowest-yielding of the big four banks. Bank stocks rallied, and both ANZ and National Australia Bank climbed more than CBA. With the Reserve Bank of Australia’s cash rate steady at 4.35% and inflation still 4.0%, the environment for CBA stays mixed. Margins could get a lift from higher rates, but loan growth could slow and impairments tick up, which has already started to show in CBA’s latest numbers. Investors are cautious amid global tensions and signals of tighter policy.

Commonwealth Bank stock rises as ASX falls…

FTSE 100 down 1.7% as Brent oil jump raises UK rate hike talk

July 8, 2026, 2:48 PM EDT. FTSE 100 slid 1.7% to 10,489.04, with broad selling offsetting moves in BP and Shell as crude rallied. Brent crude hit $79.07 a barrel for a 6.6% surge as Iran-related tensions drove prices up, adding pressure on inflation and putting Bank of England rate hikes back in focus. The FTSE 250 dropped 1.5%, its sharpest slide since mid-March, as banks, consumer stocks, and builders struggled with higher fuel bills and softening demand. Two-year UK and German yields rose 10 bps on rising rate bets. Some analysts said oil’s strength is clouding the outlook for London shares ahead of July earnings.

FTSE 100 drops as oil surge stokes rate fe…

Meaco Cirro Sold Out in UK as Heatwave Boosts Air Conditioner Sales

July 8, 2026, 2:47 PM EDT. UK retailers including John Lewis are out of Meaco’s Cirro 12,000 BTU cooling-only air conditioner, with new stock not expected until April 2027. The unit sold fast as a heatwave drove temperatures to 36°C, sending shoppers looking for cooling options. Prices have stayed high, around £540, but Currys and AO World report shortages, so customers are chasing other brands. Meaco founder Chris Michael said orders are up 40% from 2025. Consumption tests show Meaco’s Cirro pulls 2.95 kWh for cooling-much higher than some rivals such as ProBreeze at 0.64 kWh-raising efficiency questions as demand for cooling climbs. UK demand for air conditioning is changing as stocks run tight in hot weather.

Meaco Cirro sells out in UK as heatwave sp…

Tullow Oil Jumps 10.6% as Brent Climbs on US-Iran Tensions

July 8, 2026, 2:15 PM EDT. Tullow Oil plc LON:TLW surged 10.58% after Brent crude gained 6.75% to $79.16 a barrel, fuelled by rising U.S.-Iran tensions near the Strait of Hormuz. The jump beat moves in Harbour Energy and EnQuest. Traders are watching Tullow’s debt, with $1.162 billion notes still outstanding after June payment, and betting on its exposure to the oil price. CEO Ian Perks said strong free cash flow tied to $70 to $100 a barrel oil looks on track, with January-May output toward the upper end of guidance. While Brent above $79 backs cash flow, much of the buying appears speculative ahead of possible December cargoes and ongoing debt talks.

Tullow Oil (LON:TLW) rallies after Brent j…

EDX Medical Jumps 3% After Astron Health Deal, but Shares Still Off Placing Price

July 8, 2026, 2:14 PM EDT. EDX Medical Group shares gained 3.03% to 8.50p after it secured a service agreement with Astron Health for UK molecular profiling in cancer diagnostics. The company holds a £35.02 million valuation and is forecasting FY2026 revenue of about £1.2 million, putting it on an early-stage diagnostics multiple. The rise comes even as the broader London market trades lower, but financial details on the deal were not released, pointing to a boost in market profile and distribution over near-term earnings. Shares remain well below the 14p level set in February’s private placing, showing ongoing concerns about valuation and dilution.

EDX Medical jumps after Astron agreement p…

BP up 3.5% as oil jumps on U.S.-Iran strain

July 8, 2026, 2:00 PM EDT. BP shares climbed 3.5% in London, while the FTSE 100 dropped 1.7%. Brent crude oil added 8% to $80.09 a barrel amid rising U.S.-Iran tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, raising supply worries. Still, BP is 19% down from its March high. Investors are watching the Q2 update due July 14, which could show if volatile oil prices help fix cash flow, debt, or payouts. BP’s trading unit has pushed profits higher before during similar shocks.

BP shares rise as oil shock tests debt-fir…

Barclays shares slip after BoE softens leverage rules, sector lags

July 8, 2026, 1:59 PM EDT. Barclays PLC slipped 3.68% to around 498p, trailing the FTSE 100’s 1.66% loss. Shares now sit about 10% off the 52-week high after losing 6.1% in just two sessions. The Bank of England cut leverage-ratio requirements by 0.2 percentage points. That gave some relief, but didn’t match Barclays’ push for a wider gilt exemption. The narrower change offers only small short-term balance-sheet relief, so investors stayed cautious with half-year numbers due July 28. Traders are watching net interest income, credit costs and buyback room. Power names Lloyds, NatWest, HSBC and Standard Chartered also dropped as selling hit bank stocks across the board.

Barclays share price falls as BoE capital …

FTSE 100 Sinks 1.7% as Trump Ditches Iran Deal, Oil Jumps

July 8, 2026, 1:43 PM EDT. The FTSE 100 slid 1.7% to 10,489.04, its worst drop since May 15, after President Trump said the U.S. is walking away from the Iran nuclear deal. Brent crude gained more than 5.6%, giving a lift to BP and Shell, but that wasn’t enough to offset a broader selloff-more than 80% of FTSE stocks finished lower. Market players pointed to worries over inflation, higher bond yields, and renewed tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. The FTSE 250 posted a 1.5% fall. Sterling was little changed against the dollar and euro. Analysts called the move a big risk for world growth and sentiment, saying the Middle East peace process looks shaky.

FTSE 100 slips after Trump ends Iran deal,…

Tiger Alpha Plc: Spreadex LT cuts stake below 10%

July 8, 2026, 1:13 PM EDT. Spreadex LT told Tiger Alpha Plc it lowered its voting rights as of July 7, 2026, now holding 9.36% of the company, down from 10.24%. That’s 6.67% direct and 2.68% through CFDs and spread bets. The UK firm reported the change under shareholding rules. No details on a shift in control or proxy voting.

REG – Tiger Alpha Plc

FTSE 100 drops 1.7% as Trump says Iran ceasefire is 'over', oil soars

July 8, 2026, 1:12 PM EDT. The FTSE 100 slipped 1.7% to 10,489.04 on Wednesday after President Trump said the Iran ceasefire was “over” in the wake of Iranian strikes on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude shot up to $80 a barrel, pushing oil prices higher. BP and Shell traded up with the jump in crude, but travel names like IAG and Wizz Air lost ground, hit by worries over fuel and travel risks. Other European and U.S. indexes also fell. UK jobs numbers showed some steadiness, and the IMF said UK inflation could ease faster than thought, but markets stayed nervous on the Middle East headlines.

Stocks down and oil up as Donald Trump dec…

Wolfram Resources (LON:WFR) holds at 1.75p as cash dwindles, market liquidity stays weak

July 8, 2026, 1:11 PM EDT. Wolfram Resources PLC (LON:WFR) ended the day unchanged at 1.75p. Very little traded, showing how little appetite there is, and deal risk still dominates over any kind of buying. Bid-offer sits at a wide 28.6%, so it’s hard for anyone to move size. Latest interims show the loss for the half-year narrowed to £51,773, but cash is down to just £10,367-barely enough for a month. Net liabilities hit £116,082 and equity slips below zero, supported only by a £100,000 loan from the parent. Cost reductions are in place but the balance sheet is still thin. Skepticism over whether WFR can keep operating lingers, even as strategic-metals names get attention.

Wolfram Resources PLC (LON:WFR) stock anal…

Tianwen-2 Hits Navigation Milestone at Asteroid, Minimal Reaction in China Stocks

July 8, 2026, 12:58 PM EDT. China’s Tianwen-2 probe sent back sharp shots of asteroid 2016 HO3 (Kamoʻoalewa) from 20 km out, trimming its navigation error from hundreds of kilometers to just about one. The mission is about solving tough engineering-autonomous flight, sampling, bringing stuff back-not making money or chasing asteroid mining right now. After the update, mainland stocks took a small dip, with the Shanghai Composite off 0.49% and CSI 300 down 0.77%. The probe has logged 400 days and a billion km, with a sample return set for late 2027. Space experts said what matters is the test of reusable deep-space ops, calling it a leap past PR stunts.

China snaps Tianwen-2 asteroid image, test…

Rolls-Royce Slides 3.34% as Oil Jumps Before July Results

July 8, 2026, 12:57 PM EDT. Rolls-Royce shares slipped 3.34% to 1,399.40p, lagging the FTSE 100’s 1.66% loss as crude moved higher on Middle East tension. Trading stayed quiet with light volumes, suggesting more profit-taking than forced selling. Rolls-Royce had just bought back 3.6 million shares at stronger levels. Investors are looking to the July 30 half-year update, with the stock valued at about 37 times projected 2026 EPS. Higher oil unsettles airlines with fuel costs, but the company’s engine servicing helps cushion the impact. Berenberg recently moved to buy, citing rising flying hours, though other analysts are cautious on valuation while oil stays volatile.

Rolls-Royce (LON:RR.) drops after oil shoc…

Anglo American Falls 6.3% as Copper Merger Premium Weighs

July 8, 2026, 12:56 PM EDT. Anglo American plc shares sank 6.34% to 3,381p, trailing the FTSE 100’s 1.66% drop on July 8, 2026. The stock has lost more than 10% since Friday, now trading about 20% off its 52-week high. Copper prices fell 2.57%, adding to selling pressure on Anglo and other names tied to the planned Anglo-Teck Resources copper merger. The deal would combine their copper businesses, expecting annual output of 1.2 million tonnes and $800 million in savings by the fourth year. While shareholders and some regulators have cleared it, more approvals remain, making timing a concern. Traders see the latest weakness as markets repricing copper risk, not reacting to any new earnings release.

Anglo American share sell-off puts copper …

Cindrigo Holdings (LON:CINH) stays weak as shares trade well below 12p, liquidity remains thin

July 8, 2026, 12:55 PM EDT.Cindrigo Holdings (LON:CINH) traded between 4.75p and 5.50p on July 8, 2026, with about 21,000 shares moving. The bid-offer spread stretched from 4.00p to 5.50p, pointing to limited liquidity and foggy pricing. Shares are still 54%-60% under the 12p mark from October 2025 when Cindrigo joined the Main Market and raised fresh cash. There’s been no recent news since early June, so investors are left guessing about the company’s funding gap and valuation. Trading signals are mixed and the microcap remains under pressure.

Cindrigo Holdings share price analysis: th…

Galantas Gold (GAL) to Admit Shares After Warrant Exercise on AIM

July 8, 2026, 12:41 PM EDT. Galantas Gold Corporation (TSX-V: GAL, AIM: GAL) said holders have exercised warrants for 1,013,133 ordinary shares at C$0.08 and C$0.12 each. The extra shares are expected to start trading on AIM around July 14, 2026. With this move, Galantas’ issued share capital will stand at 830,751,823 shares. The new stock will have equal rights with existing shares. Galantas has projects in Canada and Chile, focusing on gold and copper. The firm said it is sticking to its plan to build value with disciplined project work and capital spending.

REG – Galantas Gold Corp

Tata Steel posts Q1 FY2027 output, delivery numbers

July 8, 2026, 12:40 PM EDT. Tata Steel Limited put out provisional production and delivery figures for Q1 FY2027, meeting Indian securities disclosure rules. The company filed the numbers with the London Stock Exchange, as required by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015. The release shows early operational results for the year.

REG – Tata Steel Limited

Bodycote Under Pressure as Apollo Pulls £1.5 Billion Bid; Takeover Activity Ramps Up in UK

July 8, 2026, 12:26 PM EDT.Bodycote (LSE:BOY) is back in focus after Apollo scrapped its £1.5 billion offer. The heat treatment group works in aerospace, defence, and industry, and has a £1.10 billion market cap. Investors are weighing its mix of higher-value Specialist Technologies revenues against sector swings and recent changes at the company. UK takeover bids are picking up. Bodycote has just finished a share buyback and remains in M&A conversations, keeping it on the market’s radar. Kier Group, the construction outfit, is also in the mix with a £992 million market cap and a record £11 billion order book, as UK infrastructure deals and private equity moves draw interest.

Bodycote Stock Looks Different After The £…

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (NDQ) shows big tech weighting in portfolio

July 8, 2026, 12:25 PM EDT. The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ) manages over $9 billion and tracks the NASDAQ-100 Index, which includes the largest non-financial U.S. stocks. Top holdings are tech heavyweights Nvidia, Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon. Tech names make up 61.4% of NDQ’s basket. The fund has 12.1% in communications stocks. Since launching in 2015, NDQ has put up an average gain of 20.37% per year. Investors get strong exposure to U.S. tech, but sector risk is high.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF: What stocks are…

Technology One ASX:TNE traded just below fair value as SaaS move, UK growth eyed

July 8, 2026, 12:11 PM EDT. Technology One ASX:TNE was recently changing hands around A$30.62, slightly under its estimated fair value of A$31.04, for a 1.3% discount. Investors are watching how the company’s push into cloud-based SaaS and its UK expansion will play out, along with whether its recurring revenue growth holds up. Three- and five-year returns looked strong, but the 1-year track record hasn’t kept pace. The stock’s P/E is 70.6x, way ahead of the Australian software sector average of 19.5x, so the valuation is stretched if those growth bets don’t pay off. Competition, regulation, and pressure on revenue and margins are front of mind. Traders are weighing if the company will deliver in SaaS and the UK, or if risk will catch up to the price.

Technology One (ASX:TNE) Could Be 1% Under…

Victoria PLC up 29% on £300m refinancing, but debt worries stick

July 8, 2026, 12:10 PM EDT. Victoria PLC shares surged 28.97% to 74.80p after the group laid out a refinancing plan to wipe more than £300 million from its senior secured debt and preferred-share liabilities. The change means annual finance and PIK costs drop about £34 million, which helps ease short-term refinancing pressure. Still, net debt sits at £1 billion and net debt to EBITDA is 8.6x, leaving the balance sheet stretched. The deal means meaningful dilution, with new shares to make up around 59% of the previous total. Executive Chair Geoff Wilding called it a significant step forward for the business, saying it brings more financial room as Victoria works on profitability. Market cap now stands at £86.28 million, which the company noted is less than the liabilities trimmed in the deal-signaling the focus is still on debt.

Victoria PLC shares rise after refinancing…

Boku (AIM: BOKU) CEO Neal picks up 106,000 shares at 95p

July 8, 2026, 12:00 PM EDT. Stuart Neal, CEO of Boku Inc (AIM: BOKU), bought 106,000 ordinary shares at 95 pence each on July 8, 2026, the company said. The trade on London’s AIM market takes Neal’s stake to 925,195 shares, or about 0.31% of Boku’s issued share capital. The filing comes under rules for persons with managerial responsibility. Boku runs a payment network that links merchants to over 7 billion consumer accounts through Direct Carrier Billing, Digital Wallets, and real-time Account-to-Account payments.

REG – Boku Inc

WPP (WPP) sets August 6 for 2026 interim results, CEO Rose and CFO Wilson to host call

July 8, 2026, 11:59 AM EDT. WPP plc (LSE/NYSE: WPP) said its 2026 Interim Results covering the six months to June 30 will come out August 6, 2026. CEO Cindy Rose OBE and CFO Joanne Wilson are set to host a conference call for institutional investors and analysts at 9:00 a.m. BST, where they’ll go over the figures and provide an update on the Elevate28 strategy. The call will stream live via webcast on the WPP investor site. Anyone needing details can reach out at [email protected]. The notice is in line with UK Financial Conduct Authority rules and went out through the LSE’s RNS service.

REG – WPP PLC – Notification of 2026 Inter…

FIL Limited Notifies RS Group PLC After Topping 5% Voting Rights

July 8, 2026, 11:58 AM EDT. FIL Limited told RS Group PLC and regulators that its stake moved above the 5% voting rights threshold on July 7, 2026, up from 4.96%. That reporting line triggers obligations under market rules for transparency of big holders in listed firms. FIL’s voting rights are held through controlled undertakings in Bermuda and the UK. The news came in a required TR-1 notice after the holding crossed the mark. RS Group PLC has 471,845 voting rights in total, so FIL’s stake gives it a minority position with some influence.

REG – RS Group PLC

South Australia Lifts Petrol Price Fines; Smaller Fuel Retailers Face Bigger Hit Than Major Listed Names

July 8, 2026, 11:57 AM EDT. South Australia handed out 29 fines worth nearly A$20,000 for fuel-price violations after more than 1,000 inspections, with penalty amounts set to go up to A$5,000 per breach later this month. Tougher rules now mean retailers have to alert the real-time fuel price database within 30 minutes of any price or supply change. The change hits franchise and dealer sites hardest, raising compliance costs, while groups like Ampol ASX:ALD and Viva Energy ASX:VEA saw shares climb on oil and supply beats. The ACCC said retail prices rose only slightly, still below excise adjustments, with inventory and location driving ongoing price moves.

Petrol fine data in South Australia now mo…

Airbus, MTU Shares Drop After Hydrogen Engine JV Announcement

July 8, 2026, 11:56 AM EDT.Airbus SE and MTU Aero Engines said they plan a joint venture to build fully electric hydrogen fuel-cell engines for jets by 2027, pending sign-off from regulators and unions. Airbus would control about 75% of the JV, which is valued at over €1.2 billion. Shares of Airbus slid 2.64% and MTU fell 3.18% after the news, as some investors eye hurdles over execution even as the technology advances. For Airbus, it’s a push into commercial propulsors, an area airframers typically steer clear of, while MTU gets a bigger foothold in future engine work. Certification remains a risk, but tests are ongoing. The stock is still reacting mostly to Airbus’s push to hit 2026 delivery goals, with the company needing to average 86.5 planes a month to stay on course.

Airbus (EPA:AIR), MTU (ETR:MTX) hydrogen e…

Rio Tinto Slides as Iron Ore Premium Squeezed Before July Update

July 8, 2026, 11:55 AM EDT. Rio Tinto shares fell 3.84% to 6,566 pence on July 8, lagging the FTSE 100’s 1.3% drop. The stock is now down around 28% from its 52-week high as prices for copper, iron ore and lithium remain weak. Brent crude is up more than 5%, bringing more cost and rate headwinds for miners like Rio. Traders are requiring higher risk premiums heading into Rio’s Q2 operations update on July 15 and half-year results on July 29. Analysts say more output may not help much if spot prices stay soft and costs stay high. Some technicals show heavier selling, with lighter volumes signaling risk aversion before both updates.

Rio Tinto slips as iron ore premium faces …

HSBC Falls as Investors Worry Over Asia Risks and Buyback Plans

July 8, 2026, 11:54 AM EDT. HSBC Holdings Plc (LON:HSBA) fell 1.5% to 1,431.20p in London on questions over its big Asia exposure, with the shares trailing Standard Chartered and Barclays. The bank’s first-quarter Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio landed at 14.0%, right at the bottom edge of its 14%-14.5% target band. Even with the latest dip, the stock is still trading near the top of its one-year range, sitting about 10% below its peak and 60% above the low. HSBC’s Asian wealth unit, which brought in $34 billion in net new money for Q1, is being hit by shaky market moves and tougher regulation in China. Some analysts warned about the risks around Asia assets and cut emerging market stock calls, putting pressure on HSBC’s trading premium as capital worries linger.

HSBC (LON:HSBA) trades at a premium as Asi…

Rolls-Royce Directors Pick Up More Shares in Monthly Plan

July 8, 2026, 11:40 AM EDT. Rolls-Royce Holdings said top execs bought more shares on 7 July 2026. Non-execs Birgit Behrendt and Wendy Mars took 74 and 123 shares each, sticking to their monthly buy plans. CFO Helen McCabe also bought shares, but the company hasn’t given her full numbers yet. The trades posted at £14.83 per share on the LSE Main Market. Rolls-Royce said the moves fit governance rules and show ongoing board support. The monthly plan is meant to keep directors invested.

REG – Rolls-Royce Holdings

Aberdeen Equity Income Trust Gets Go-Ahead to Sell Shares Above NAV

July 8, 2026, 11:39 AM EDT. Aberdeen Equity Income Trust plc now has clearance to issue shares at a premium to net asset value, according to a directive released on February 17, 2026. The green light lets the trust raise capital above NAV, but any share sale depends on market conditions and isn’t guaranteed. JPMorgan Securities PLC is coordinating for interested parties. The notice is aimed at professional investors, not the public, in line with Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 rules.

REG – Aberdeen Equity Inc – Authority to I…

Telstra ASX:TLS Drops After Network Outage, Analysts Say Defensive Story Holds

July 8, 2026, 11:10 AM EDT. Telstra shares ASX:TLS dropped 9.06% over the past 90 days following the network outage, but the telco’s reputation as a defensive investment is holding up so far. The stock delivered a 3-year total shareholder return of 32.2% and a 5-year return of 61.03%. Analyst targets put Telstra’s value at A$5.28, just above its recent A$4.92 close, with recent attention on 5G Advanced, new fibre builds, and satellite-to-mobile offerings. Those projects have supported revenue and ARPU, helped along by higher mobile data and more connected devices. Downside risks flagged by analysts include pressure from competition on pricing and the need to keep investing, squeezing cash flow. Their advice: balance Telstra’s steady dividends with the risk side in a wider sector portfolio check.

Telstra Group (ASX:TLS) After The Outage W…

CPP Group (AIM:CPP) jumps 24% as vote nears for £5.9m rescue deal

July 8, 2026, 11:09 AM EDT.CPP Group plc’s shares jumped 24.5% to 33p on July 8, still trading around 80% below last year’s 163p peak. Investors pushed the stock higher with a vote looming July 14 on a £5.9 million rescue package with secured convertible notes-almost twice CPP’s current £3 million market cap. The debt comes with 12% interest and a 10% redemption kicker, but converts at 100p, so the risk of heavy dilution for existing holders is still there. Blink, CPP’s subsidiary, posted 69% revenue growth in 2025 with gross margin at 88%, but the parent’s ongoing losses and cash outflow keep pressure high. Shareholders are set to choose whether to keep CPP listed on AIM or take it private, as the board weighs the rescue. Liquidity remains tight and spreads are wide, so caution persists even after the rally.

CPP Group faces liquidity questions as res…

Shell Plc Up After Q2 Update; Investors Eye July Cash Flow

July 8, 2026, 11:08 AM EDT. Shell Plc shares jumped 1.46% to 3,055p, beating the FTSE 100, which fell 1.18%. The stock has added nearly 4.9% in two sessions, lifting the company’s market cap by about £8 billion following a stronger Q2 earnings update. Investors are watching cash flow and working capital closely going into July 30 results, even as the company posted better-than-expected integrated gas production. Paused buybacks and the ARC deal are still on the table for some. Shell shares remain 18.7% below the 52-week high but have bounced from the bottom as energy prices and trading gains help the sector.

Shell Plc: Q2 trading bounce is confirmed,…

Vistry Group Flags H1 Losses, Stock Sinks After Discounts and Finance Boss Exit

July 8, 2026, 10:59 AM EDT. Vistry Group swung to a £30 million pre-tax loss for H1 2024. The UK housebuilder had expected a profit. Vistry moved unsold homes by discounting an average 7.1%, cutting unsold stock below £300 million. Shares fell 8% as the company also said finance chief Tim Lawlor is leaving. CEO Adam Daniels, just three months in, blamed deeper market troubles from geopolitical worries and high mortgage rates hitting buyer demand. Vistry is looking at £25 million in cost savings and sticking with social housing projects, even as funding timelines drag. RBC analyst Anthony Codling said the company’s guidance stays cautious with market recovery still out of reach and pointed to uncertainty over UK housing policy.

Housebuilder Vistry warns of losses amid h…

Rent prices hit new highs in Australian cities as tenants chase scarce listings

July 8, 2026, 10:58 AM EDT.Rents across Australia’s main cities broke new records last quarter, as tight vacancy rates and limited supply kept pressure on tenants and gave the upper hand to landlords. Domain’s June Quarter 2026 Rent Report showed combined capital city house rents climbed $20 in three months. Sydney tenants saw a $50 weekly jump to $850, the most in four years. Brisbane and Darwin rents rose too, with Darwin now the second costliest market. Realestate.com.au reported the national median weekly rent at a record $670, up 6.4% from last year. Agents say demand remains intense, with listings drawing immediate inquiries and more renters doubling up just to manage costs as affordability worsens.

Australians face record high rents as agen…

Australia Electronic Safety Systems Market Still Heavily Import-Dependent as Sectors Like Mining, Oil & Gas Drive Gains

July 8, 2026, 10:57 AM EDT. Australia’s electronic safety systems market remains over 90% reliant on imports, with mining, oil & gas, and industrial automation making up 70-80% of total demand. The sector is growing 5-7% per year through 2035, helped by tighter rules and more Industry 4.0 integration. Integrated safety system sales now take 45-55% of the market. Demand is moving toward networked safety solutions, which are seeing 8-10% yearly growth. Miners are using more SIL-rated systems for autonomous vehicle fleets, with that segment expected to grow 10-12% a year. Prices for standard components are under pressure, but premium system pricing is steady. Suppliers face long lead times and fragmented regulations, leading to tougher certification and compliance bills up 8-12%.

Electronic Safety Systems Market in Austra…

JPMorgan Asset Management Says It Owns 1.25% of Prologis

July 8, 2026, 10:56 AM EDT. JPMorgan Asset Management said it holds 1.25% of Prologis, Inc. as of July 8, 2026, according to a Form 8.3 filing under the Takeover Code. That puts its stake above the 1% threshold for disclosure. The filing lists 11.64 million shares of USD 0.01 common stock and cash-settled derivatives tied to 5030 shares. JPMorgan also disclosed interests in SEGRO plc. The move comes after a reported transfer that added 997 common shares. The disclosure is required under market rules for major holdings.

REG – JPMorgan Asset Mngt Prologis, Inc. –…

Glazer Capital files Form 8.3 revealing 1.74% stake in Schroders plc

July 8, 2026, 10:55 AM EDT. Glazer Capital, LLC filed a Form 8.3 on July 7, 2026, showing it holds a 1.74% stake in Schroders plc with 27,949,745 ordinary shares at 20p each. The position was increased by 1.7 million shares via total return equity swaps at 5.87 GBP per share, according to the UK Takeover Code filing. The disclosure says Glazer Capital has not had prior dealings with Schroders under the Code. Schroders is known as a top asset manager. The filing brings transparency to this sizable holding in the company.

REG – Glazer Capital, LLC Schroders PLC – …

IMF: Global Growth Seen at 3% in 2026, Oil Price Gains Raise Inflation Risks

July 8, 2026, 10:54 AM EDT. The International Monetary Fund now sees global growth at 3.0% for 2026 and inflation at 4.7%, with the inflation figure bumped higher on oil price gains. The forecast assumes the Strait of Hormuz will reopen by mid-July and conditions return to prewar levels by March 2027. Brent crude jumped more than 5% to $78. AI-driven exporters-South Korea and China-get an uplift, but energy importers in the Euro area face more headwinds. The fund flagged elevated inflation risk, and said central banks might not have much room for rate cuts. IMF says investors face shifting demand and an uneven growth pattern. The baseline relies on Middle East stability and ongoing oil price pressure.

IMF eyes AI leaders as oil-inflation weigh…

NATO Kicks Off First Raw Materials Pool, Puts Spotlight on Greenland Miners

July 8, 2026, 10:53 AM EDT. NATO started a defence raw materials pool with 12 member states on board. Big players-the U.S., UK, Germany, and France-didn’t join. Denmark is in, pushing Greenland into focus as U.S. pressure over the island grows since Trump’s control push. The NATO project is about securing defence supply chains, with efforts on bulk buying, storage, logistics. Mine financing is not part of the first moves. Greenland mining companies now face new policy risks beyond just ore grades. The International Energy Agency points out China’s rare earth dominance, with magnet rare earth demand seen up 30% by 2030. Investors are watching as supply chain stability stays central for defence.

Greenland miners seen in spotlight as NATO…

Aura Renewable Acquisitions (LON:ARA) flat after AGM funding setback raises cash-shell fears

July 8, 2026, 10:52 AM EDT. Aura Renewable Acquisitions PLC (LON:ARA) traded unchanged at 2.50p on July 8, keeping its value at £262,500. The shares are acting like a cash shell, with the group showing £335,367 in cash at end-2025, but steady losses could push cash near £258,000 by early July, basically matching the current market cap. At the AGM in June, Aura didn’t get enough votes to waive pre-emption rights, so it can’t issue shares quickly to raise capital. The lack of new deals or incoming capital puts the company at risk, with management warning that more equity is needed for growth. This failed governance move leaves Aura with less room to move as cash goes out and no revenue is coming in.

Aura Renewable Acquisitions (LON:ARA) stoc…

JPMorgan Chase lifts Beazley stake to 6.49%

July 8, 2026, 10:36 AM EDT. JPMorgan Chase & Co lifted its stake in Beazley PLC to about 6.49% as of July 8, 2026, after notifying it crossed a voting rights threshold. Of the total, direct voting rights make up nearly 4.48% and the rest-2.01%-is tied to cash-settled equity swaps set to expire from October 2026 through July 2027. The swaps give JPMorgan economic exposure but no direct shares in the UK insurer. JPMorgan’s previously reported position was 7.55%, so this marks a net cut. Beazley PLC is based in the UK.

REG – Beazley PLC JPMorgan Chase & Co