February 11, 2026

The Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) reported an 8.3 per cent increase in net profit, reaching $263.6 million for the half-year ending December 31. However, this positive result was overshadowed by a significant 20 per cent surge in expenses. The ASX had previously warned of substantial expense growth, initially projecting a 14 to 19 per cent […]

Global markets are keenly awaiting the latest U.S. employment report, following weaker-than-expected retail sales figures that have stirred concerns about consumer spending. December’s flat retail data has led to increased speculation about potential Federal Reserve rate cuts, with futures pricing now indicating a nearly 50% chance of a cut as early as April. This contrasts

Bill Ackman’s Pershing Square Capital Management has acquired a significant stake in Meta Platforms, the owner of Facebook. According to an investor presentation, the position, initiated in late November, represents approximately 10 per cent of the investment manager’s capital as of the end of the year. Pershing Square believes that Meta’s investments in artificial intelligence

Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ) has reported a significant increase in profits for the latest quarter, driven by cost-cutting initiatives. The bank announced a cash profit of $1.94 billion for the three months ending December. This represents a 17 per cent increase compared to the average of the two previous quarters, after removing

Private equity software specialists Thoma Bravo and Vista Equity Partners are working to reassure fund investors about the health of their portfolios. This follows anxiety over potential artificial intelligence disruptions, which triggered a broad equity sell-off last week. Thoma Bravo executives have been addressing queries and engaging in conversations with investors to discuss the potential

A late-day announcement by CSL, one of Australia’s largest listed companies, regarding its chief executive’s resignation, triggered unexpected market volatility. The release, intended for post-market dissemination, was timed for a 5 pm conference call, but mistakenly coincided with an active trading period. CSL is a global biotechnology giant that researches, develops, manufactures, and markets a

The United States Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has issued a warning regarding the nation’s fiscal trajectory, increasing its deficit estimates for the next decade by $AU2 trillion. This revision is partly attributed to President Donald Trump’s 2025 tax law and immigration policies. The CBO’s report highlights the growing concerns over long-term fiscal sustainability. The Congressional

Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has announced a half-year profit of $505 million, a decrease from the $778 million reported in the prior corresponding period. IAG is a multinational insurance company that provides a range of general insurance products, including home, motor, and business insurance, across Australia and New Zealand. The company operates several brands, including

Morningstar analyst Shane Ponraj believes the recent sell-off of CSL shares was an overreaction. Despite plasma earnings falling short of expectations, Ponraj highlights positive signs, including a 5 per cent growth in immunoglobulin sales and a 120 basis point increase in gross margin in the second half of fiscal 2025. He anticipates continued improvement in

TD Securities has issued a commodities note expressing concern over the outlook for copper. The Canadian investment bank highlights an impending ‘copper crunch,’ suggesting that total copper inventories, encompassing both exchange-listed and unobservable stockpiles, have reached critically low levels. TD Securities is a financial services firm that provides a wide range of investment, advisory, and