Markets

JACKSON HEWETT: As Labor, banks and borrowers clamour for long-awaited rate relief, one economist is warning that the current data points to a different course of action.

Property giant Lendlease has limped back to the black as it tries to focus on its Australian development and investment operations after a series of costly foreign forays.

The stock lost as much as 18 per cent after higher funding costs and increased expenses sent interim earnings 23.2 per cent lower to $282.3 million.

Westpac has reported a fall in net profit as new chief executive Anthony Miller warns cost of living pressures and high interest rates remain challenging for the bank’s customers.

JACKSON HEWETT: Donald Trump’s back trampling over free trade. And this time he’s throwing out the rulebook.

Medtech company Cochlear says sales of services related to its hearing implant have declined as fewer patients, particularly in the US, upgrade their devices due to cost-of-living pressures.

The cost of simplifying AMP’s wealth management and banking businesses has slashed profits — and a payout to shareholders.

Chemist Warehouse franchisees have catapulted into millionaire status after cashing in hundreds of millions of dollars in shares as the pharmacy juggernaut made its long-awaited ASX debut.

The owner of brands including NRMA and CGU says net profit surged 91 per cent to $778 million in the first half, with its pre-tax insurance earnings racing 56 per cent higher.

Origin Energy boss Frank Calabria says the national energy grid rules need to be rewritten to keep power reliable as more renewable projects come online.

BHP has tapped former NAB chief executive Ross McEwan to be its new chair as Ken MacKenzie steps down from the role after eight years.

Brisbane-based insurer Suncorp is rewarding shareholders after posting a $1.1 billion half-year profit, thanks to a relatively quiet start to the disaster season and the sale of its banking business.

A lending measure disclosed along with the bank’s $5.14 billion interim profit on Wednesday suggests the number of stressed home loans in WA has significantly improved over the past year.