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South Korean markets faced a turbulent day after President Yoon Suk Yeol unexpectedly declared martial law. The dramatic move, a first in more than four decades, led to widespread concern over political instability, prompting a sharp sell-off in South Korean assets. The iShares MSCI South Korea ETF dropped as much as 8.7% to US$52.67, marking […]

BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, has agreed to acquire HPS Investment Partners for US$12bn in an all-stock deal, accelerating its expansion into private credit markets. The acquisition, announced Tuesday, highlights CEO Larry Fink’s strategy to diversify the firm’s offerings beyond traditional equities and bonds. HPS, a New York-based private credit manager overseeing US$148bn in

Hazer Group (ASX:HZR) has been awarded $6.2m in conditional funding from the Western Australian Government’s “Lower Carbon Grants Program – Gorgon Fund”. The program was established in 2024, and is backed by the Gorgon Joint Venture, a consortium including Chevron, ExxonMobil and Shell. Hazer Group specialises in the production of clean hydrogen and high-quality graphite. The

Woolworths Group (ASX:WOW) has reported significant disruptions to its supply chain as industrial action at four distribution centres—three in Victoria and one in New South Wales—continues into a 12th day. The strikes, initiated by the United Workers Union (UWU), stem from unresolved enterprise agreement negotiations, with the UWU demanding pay increases exceeding 25% over three

INOVIQ (ASX:IIQ) has announced a breakthrough in detecting ovarian cancer. The results are a step forward toward earlier detection of the disease, and early intervention is known to dramatically improve survival rates. There are no current recommended screening methods for asymptomatic women. The global market for ovarian cancer diagnostics was valued at $1.7bn in 2023,

Richard Brennan, Strategy Ambassador for East Coast Capital Management (ECCM), speaks to Chris Gosselin, CEO of Australian Fund Monitors. East Coast Capital Management’s Systematic Trend Fund delivered a 6.2% return in September and 24% over the past 12 months, outperforming peers despite Q3 challenges such as market volatility. Key to its success were high commodity

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier is bracing for a no-confidence vote that could topple his government just months after its formation. The crisis was triggered by Barnier’s decision to use the French Constitution to push through a contentious 2025 budget. Article 49.3 Article 49.3 of the French Constitution allows the government to pass legislation without

US tech stocks rallied, with Apple hitting a new all-time high, but other sectors experienced more muted performances. The S&P 500 gained 0.24 per cent, closing at 6,047.15, while the Nasdaq Composite rose 0.97 per cent, finishing at 19,403.95. Both indexes reached fresh all-time intraday highs and ended at new records. Meanwhile, the Dow Jones

Intel Corporation (NASDAQ: INTC) announced on Monday the retirement of its CEO, Pat Gelsinger, after a career spanning more than four decades with the company. Gelsinger, who returned to Intel in 2021 to lead an ambitious turnaround effort, officially stepped down on 1 December 2024. The company has named Chief Financial Officer David Zinsner and