Recent News and Insights

Weebit Nano has paused trading while it completes a capital raise of up to A$105 million at A$4.05 per share. For ASX investors, the focus now is on dilution, the use of funds, and how the stock reacts when trading resumes on Monday.

ASX defence stocks are climbing as geopolitical tensions push military and security spending higher. This piece looks at what is really driving the rally, where Australia fits in, and whether investors are buying into a solid long-term trend or just chasing momentum.

Australia’s inflation eased to 3.7%, giving the ASX a lift and improving market sentiment. Even so, inflation remains above the RBA’s target, so investors still need to prepare for more rate pressure.

BHP and Rio Tinto rebounded strongly overnight after market sentiment improved, but the rally is being driven by more than short-term relief. The bigger story is the growing role of copper in reshaping the long-term outlook for major ASX miners.

Oil prices dropped sharply after Trump's comments about possible progress with Iran, causing ASX energy stocks to pull back. Investors are now watching whether this is a short-term correction or the start of a bigger shift in the energy market.

The RBA lifted its cash rate to 4.10%, while the Fed kept rates steady but signalled inflation remains sticky. Together, those decisions have raised the risk of a prolonged high-rate environment for investors.

The sell-off followed a more hawkish signal from the US Federal Reserve, which pushed the US dollar higher and weighed on gold prices. Rising oil prices and inflation concerns linked to the Iran conflict added more pressure.

Challenger cut its offer for Pepper Money from A$2.60 to A$2.25 per share, creating fresh uncertainty around whether a deal will happen at all. That pushed PPM shares lower, even as its latest FY2025 numbers remained strong.

For income investors, fully franked bank dividends still offer a strong advantage over cash in many cases. The key issue now is whether higher rates keep boosting margins or start putting more pressure on borrowers and bank profits.