December 2023

Just a week ago, gold futures were soaring at $2,150 per ounce. However, by Monday’s close, they had plummeted to under $2,000, with further declines anticipated ahead of crucial inflation data and the Federal Reserve’s statement and rate decision on Thursday. Both inflation and the Fed’s decisions, along with the so-called dot plot indicating rate […]

Judging by the earnings downgrade issued by Costa Group (ASX:CGC) yesterday, its US suitor, Paine Schwartz, might have been considering another cut to its offer price, in addition to the one inflicted in September. That’s when Paine Schwartz Partners and its partners cut 20 cents a share from its takeover price, reducing it to $3.20

Woodside Energy (ASX:WDS) and Santos (ASX:STO) have officially confirmed media reports that both companies are engaged in preliminary discussions regarding a possible merger. While it’s important to note that these discussions are in their early stages and may not necessarily lead to a merger, the potential combination of these energy giants, with a combined market

The Australian sharemarket saw minimal gains as metals and oil stocks fluctuated throughout the day, with the S&P/ASX 200 closing just 4.1 points higher at 7199. Mining stocks, particularly gold miners, suffered a 0.6% decline due to a drop in the price of gold, influenced by strong US jobs data. Conversely, energy stocks rose by

Grand Gulf Energy (ASX:GGE) has announced that the Jesse-1A well unexpectedly flowed significant helium to the surface during initial re-entry operations. Managing Director Dane Lance commented, “In the event of a successful flow-test Grand Gulf has the potential to quickly move to production, potentially within 6 months, requiring minimal capex given the existing gathering infrastructure

Even hard-nosed billionaires can yield to minority shareholders in takeover situations, as seen last Monday. Melbourne billionaire Ralph Geminder has been compelled to raise his bid for Pact Packaging (ASX:PGH), a company under his control. The board of the Melbourne-based packaging company has now recommended that shareholders accept the billionaire’s new proposal, after previously advising

According to US media reports, Arkhouse Management and Brigade Capital have recently submitted a proposal to acquire the chain for $21 per share, compared to Friday’s closing price of $17.39. This represents a more than 2% increase for the day and a 1.8% increase for the week, valuing Macy’s at $4.77 billion. The Wall Street

Australia’s stock market saw an increase in midday trading driven by several merger and acquisition deals and a rise in energy sector stocks. Sigma Healthcare announced a significant merger with Chemist Warehouse, creating an $8.8 billion retail powerhouse. Additionally, Kin Group increased its buyout bid for Pact Group, leading to a 23% surge in Pact

Dr Shane Oliver, Head of Investment Strategy & Chief Economist at AMP, discusses developments in investment markets over the past week, economic activity trackers, major global economic events and Australian economic events. Investment markets and key developments over the past week Share markets were mixed over the last week with US shares up 0.2% for

Private-owned Chemist Warehouse is set to become an ASX 200 top company through its backward takeover of Sigma Healthcare (ASX:SIG), creating a company valued at an estimated $8.8 billion. Sigma announced on Monday that it plans to raise $400 million as part of the merger, bringing together its wholesale and franchise pharmacy business with Chemist