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China has announced an export ban to the United States on critical minerals gallium, germanium, and antimony, all of which hold significant military and technological applications. This move marks the latest escalation in trade tensions between the two global superpowers following Washington’s crackdown on China’s semiconductor industry. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce cited national security […]

COSOL (ASX:COS) has announced the acquisition of Toustone Pty Ltd, an Australian data analytics firm, for up to $22.4m. The acquisition aligns with COSOL’s strategy to expand its asset management solutions and enhance data analytics capabilities, particularly in sectors such as transport, agriculture and infrastructure. COSOL helps organisations in industries such as natural resources, infrastructure

The S&P 500 edged higher on Tuesday, securing another record close. The broad market index gained 0.05 per cent, finishing at 6,049.88. The Nasdaq Composite rose 0.40 per cent, closing at 19,480.91, after reaching a new intraday high earlier in the session. Both the S&P 500 and the tech-heavy Nasdaq ended at record levels. The

Zip Co (ASX:ZIP) announced yesterday the departure of its Co-Founder, Larry Diamond, from his role as a director and US Chairman. The decision, effective from 3 December 2024, marks a significant transition for the company as Diamond shifts focus to establishing a Family Office and Foundation aimed at advancing his philanthropic efforts. In a statement,

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,