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The Federal Reserve has cut its target interest rate by 25 basis points, bringing the federal funds rate to a range of 4.25% to 4.5%. The move marks the Fed’s third consecutive rate cut since September, reducing rates by a total of 100 basis points over the period. Fed Chair Jerome Powell described the decision […]

Dr Shane Oliver, Head of Investment Strategy & Chief Economist at AMP, discusses the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook. Key points: The Federal Government’s Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) confirms a return to budget deficit this year and has revised up its deficit projections sharply reflecting increased spending in existing programs, less corporate tax

The US government has approved a $755m loan for Novonix (ASX:NVX) to build a large-scale synthetic graphite facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee, aimed at reducing reliance on China’s battery supply chain. The Department of Energy’s conditional loan will support the construction of what is set to be the first large-scale synthetic graphite factory in North America.

Dotz Nano (ASX:DTZ) has secured the first commercial order for the company’s DotzShield tagging solution from a major US-based provider of oilfield technology services. The deal is valued at approximately $340,000. DotzShield allows for real-time detection and dosage management of corrosion inhibitors used in the oil and gas industry. Traditionally, detecting and quantifying corrosion inhibitors

Vulcan Energy (ASX:VUL) has signed a conditional debt commitment letter for €879m (about A$1.45bn) to fund Phase One of its Lionheart Project. The agreement is backed by Export Finance Australia (EFA) and a syndicate of seven commercial banks. Lionheart is a major lithium and renewable energy initiative located in the Upper Rhine Valley Brine Field,

Mineral Resources (ASX:MIN) has finalised the sale of 100% of its interest in Exploration Permits 368 and 426 to Hancock Prospecting for an initial payment of $780m. In addition to the sale, Mineral Resources and Hancock Prospecting have agreed to form two 50/50 joint ventures over Mineral Resources’ remaining exploration permits in the Perth and

Omni Bridgeway (ASX:OBL) has signed a framework agreement with Ares Management (NYSE:ARES) to establish a “continuation fund” (essentially a repackaging of older funds), referred to as “Fund 9”. This new fund is valued at around $600m. As part of the deal, Ares will acquire a 70% stake in Fund 9 for an upfront cash payment

Clarity Pharmaceuticals (ASX:CU6) has expanded its cancer treatment pipeline with the development of a novel radiopharmaceutical called “SAR-bisFAP”. This new product is designed for both diagnosis and treatment, and has possible “pan-cancer opportunity”. What’s in a name? Radiopharmaceuticals combine two components: a radioactive isotope and a targeting molecule. The targeting molecule directs the isotope to

Insignia Financial (ASX:IFL) has rejected a non-binding, indicative takeover proposal from Bain Capital, saying that the offer did not reflect the company’s fundamental value. The proposal, announced on 13 December 2024, sought to acquire 100% of Insignia’s shares via a scheme of arrangement. Insignia’s board, after consulting with financial advisers Citigroup and Gresham Advisory Partners,

Titomic (ASX:TTT) has secured a $1.1m sale of its custom Kinetic Fusion Cold Spray System to the University of North Texas (UNT) to support advanced manufacturing research and industry collaboration. “Cold spray” involves metal or other materials being sprayed at high velocity onto a surface to create a coating or build a solid structure. The