FINWIRES · TerminalLIVE
FINWIRES

ASX Preview: Australian Shares to Rise Amid Middle East Tensions; Rio Tinto Group Reports Lower Q2 Copper Production

By

Australian shares are poised to rise on Wednesday after oil prices climbed to a one-month high as renewed US-Iran tensions and concerns over disruptions to crude flows through the Strait of Hormuz lifted energy stocks, while investors weighed the inflation risks from higher fuel costs.

Overnight, the S&P 500, the Nasdaq Composite, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.4%, 0.9%, and 0.02%, respectively.

In the macroeconomy, investors are eyeing the consumer inflation expectations report on Thursday.

In corporate news, Rio Tinto Group (ASX:RIO) reported a 7% year-over-year decline in the second-quarter consolidated copper production to 213,000 tonnes, while global iron ore production fell 1% to 87.1 million tonnes.

Evolution Mining (ASX:EVN) reported group production of 179,655 ounces of gold for the June quarter.

Australia's benchmark index closed flat at 8,808.50 on Tuesday.

Related Articles

Asia

Beijing Digital Telecom Suspends Executive Director After Detention

Beijing Digital Telecom (HKG:6188) suspended Executive Director Liu Donghai after learning he had been detained and placed under formal investigation by China's Doumen District Supervisory Commission over suspected legal violations, according to a Monday filing with the Hong Kong bourse.The company said it was informed of the matter by controlling shareholder Zhuhai Huafa Group, which received the notice from the supervisory commission on July 11.Beijing Digital Telecom said it is not aware of the details of the investigation and does not expect the incident to have a material adverse impact on the group's business and operations.

HKG:6188
Asia

Market Chatter: CTBC Bank Opens NT$100 Million Asset Management Branch

CTBC Financial (TPE:2891) unit CTBC Bank opened its Asia Bay Branch in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, after investing NT$100 million in the flagship outlet, CNA reported Monday.The new branch will support Taiwan's drive to develop an Asian asset management center. The branch is the lender's 159th nationwide and 17th in Kaohsiung, offering retail banking, wealth management and private banking services under one roof, accoridng to Taiwan's national news agency.Chairman Chen Chia-wen said CTBC held more than a 25% market share in both clients and assets in the Kaohsiung asset management zone as of end-May. He added the bank intends to further expand the branch, which is its first location situated off a main street and one of only two branches offering Saturday consultation services, according to the report.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

TPE:2891
Asia

Sandfire Resources Possesses More Attractive Development Opportunities Besides Montana Project, Jefferies Says

Sandfire Resources' (ASX:SFR) more attractive development opportunities besides the Black Butte project in Montana, as well as its modest scale, increase the likelihood of divestment, Jefferies said in a Monday note.The company modeled around 25,000 tonnes per annum of copper over a 12-year life-of-mine and a net present value of AU$91 million for Black Butte. The Lowry reserve increase of 4.7 million tonnes adds around four-years to the Black Butte life-of-mine.Jefferies reduced its capital expenditure forecast in-line with Sandfire's expectations to $475 million. Development of the Lowry deposit remains contingent on regulatory approvals with the company guiding to a six-year process commencing coincident with Johnny Lee deposit access decline development.Sandfire seems to hold an internal preference for the Kalkaroo project, with its increased scale and expedited development timeline, Jefferies noted.The investment firm retained its buy rating on Sandfire Resources with a price target of AU$24.Sandfire Resources' shares slipped 1% in recent Tuesday trade.

ASX:SFR