Market News

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released economic data today. Here’s some of the key figures. Growth Australia’s economy grew by 0.3% in the September quarter 2024, marking the slowest annual growth rate since late 2020. This compares to a 0.8% growth rate in September 2023. Year-on-year, gross domestic product (GDP) rose 0.8%, continuing a pattern […]

Alterity Therapeutics (ASX:ATH) has announced the completion of the Phase 2 clinical trial in multiple system atrophy (MSA) for its lead drug candidate, ATH434. No results were released, but Alterity plans to release topline results in late January or early February 2025. “We are very excited to announce that the last participant in our Phase 2 study

COSOL (ASX:COS) has announced the acquisition of Toustone Pty Ltd, an Australian data analytics firm, for up to $22.4m. The acquisition aligns with COSOL’s strategy to expand its asset management solutions and enhance data analytics capabilities, particularly in sectors such as transport, agriculture and infrastructure. COSOL helps organisations in industries such as natural resources, infrastructure

Bravura Solutions (ASX:BVS) has upgraded its financial guidance for FY25, reflecting strong performance and the successful execution of its strategic transformation over the past 18 months. The company also announced plans to recommence dividend payments, signalling a return to profitability and robust cash generation. The upgraded guidance includes: Cash EBITDA of $33m to $36m, up

China has announced an export ban to the United States on critical minerals gallium, germanium, and antimony, all of which hold significant military and technological applications. This move marks the latest escalation in trade tensions between the two global superpowers following Washington’s crackdown on China’s semiconductor industry. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce cited national security

The S&P 500 edged higher on Tuesday, securing another record close. The broad market index gained 0.05 per cent, finishing at 6,049.88. The Nasdaq Composite rose 0.40 per cent, closing at 19,480.91, after reaching a new intraday high earlier in the session. Both the S&P 500 and the tech-heavy Nasdaq ended at record levels. The

Zip Co (ASX:ZIP) announced yesterday the departure of its Co-Founder, Larry Diamond, from his role as a director and US Chairman. The decision, effective from 3 December 2024, marks a significant transition for the company as Diamond shifts focus to establishing a Family Office and Foundation aimed at advancing his philanthropic efforts. In a statement,

South Korean markets faced a turbulent day after President Yoon Suk Yeol unexpectedly declared martial law. The dramatic move, a first in more than four decades, led to widespread concern over political instability, prompting a sharp sell-off in South Korean assets. The iShares MSCI South Korea ETF dropped as much as 8.7% to US$52.67, marking

BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, has agreed to acquire HPS Investment Partners for US$12bn in an all-stock deal, accelerating its expansion into private credit markets. The acquisition, announced Tuesday, highlights CEO Larry Fink’s strategy to diversify the firm’s offerings beyond traditional equities and bonds. HPS, a New York-based private credit manager overseeing US$148bn in

Hazer Group (ASX:HZR) has been awarded $6.2m in conditional funding from the Western Australian Government’s “Lower Carbon Grants Program – Gorgon Fund”. The program was established in 2024, and is backed by the Gorgon Joint Venture, a consortium including Chevron, ExxonMobil and Shell. Hazer Group specialises in the production of clean hydrogen and high-quality graphite. The