Markets

It has been decades since the industry relished foreign-policy entanglements.

Shares in Rio Tinto hit an all-time high on Monday as a big bet on lithium made by Simon Trott’s predecessor looks to be paying off.

Raw materials and energy stocks are supporting the local bourse, but most other sectors are in the red as the shaky start to the new year continues.

THE NEW YORK TIMES: In recent months, a tumble in some of the more speculative AI companies has also knocked down some of the market’s leaders.

Amid worries Australia’s economy faces a slowdown in 2026, some of the market’s best stock pickers insist there may still be names to profit from.

Origin Energy-backed Kraken Technologies has been valued at nearly $13 billion after an equity raise that paves the way for the British software platform to be spun-off in mid-2026.

From one repair job at Virgin Australia to Endeavour Group, Jayne Hrdlicka has a big job ahead when she takes over as managing director at the drinks empire behind Dan Murphy’s and BWS this week.

Illegal tobacco is crippling the Federal Budget, while Jim Chalmers’ claims about good economic management are hazy as economists warn of rate hikes.

Steve McCann, the man brought in to rescue Star Entertainment Group almost 18 months ago, has revealed his immediate exit from the embattled casino operator.

The approval of Hanwha’s doubled stake in Austal is subject to “strict conditions”, including limits on access to sensitive intellectual property held by Austal and “stringent criteria” on any board nominee.

Myer boss Olivia Wirth will wait and see how the rest of the Christmas trading period pans out but says it’s been ‘so far so good’ after the department store chain recorded its best Black Friday ever.

Elon Musk has confirmed that SpaceX will start trading on Wall Street in 2026 amid speculation that the spacecraft company’s valuation could surpass all other members of the trillion-dollar tech club.

Financial markets are pricing in two rate hikes in 2026 that would increase monthly mortgage repayments more than $200.

Bapcor shares have been hammered after the Autobarn owner issued its second profit downgrade in less than two months following ‘weaker trading performance in October and November’.

Families with mortgage relief on their Christmas wish-list will almost certainly be left disappointed on Tuesday with Reserve Bank boss Michele Bullock to signal whether a dreaded hike looms in the new year.