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International

Australia's Total Loan Commitments for Dwellings Falls in March Quarter

The number of total loan commitments for dwellings in Australia fell 6.2% to 139,794 between the March and December 2025 quarters, data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed on Wednesday.New home loans declined 6.9% to 82,453, with their total value falling 4.3% to AU$61.42 billion, while first home buyer loans decreased 4.3% to 30,241, and fell 6.7% in value to AU$17.91 billion."Falls were recorded across all borrower types this quarter, following strong growth throughout 2025 and cash rate rises in February and March," said Mish Tan, the bureau's head of finance statistics.Meanwhile, lending to investors fell 5.3% to 57,342. The total value of investment loans approved decreased 3% to AU$41.54 billion.Compared with the year-earlier period, the number of total loans approved rose 8.6% in the March quarter. New home loans increased 2.5%, and investor loans jumped nearly 19%.

ASX 200
Asia

ASX Preview: Australian Shares Set to Fall After US Inflation Data; Commonwealth Bank of Australia Reports Higher Fiscal Q3 Cash Net Profit After Tax

Australian shares are poised to fall on Wednesday as hotter-than-expected US inflation data dampened hopes for US Federal Reserve rate cuts, lifting bond yields and the US dollar while weighing on non-interest-bearing assets like gold and other commodities.Overnight, the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite fell 0.2% and 0.7% respectively, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.1%.In the macroeconomy, Australia's wage price index and lending indicators reports are due at 11:30 am Sydney time.In corporate news, Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX:CBA) reported a cash net profit after tax of around AU$2.7 billion for the fiscal third quarter, up 4% from a year earlier.Aristocrat Leisure (ASX:ALL) reported Wednesday fiscal first-half adjusted earnings of AU$1.29 per share on revenue of AU$3.03 billion, compared with earnings of AU$1.163 per share on the same revenue a year earlier.Australia's benchmark index fell 0.4% or 31.1 points to close at 8,670.70 on Tuesday.

ASX 200ASX:ALLASX:CBA
International

Australian Budget Seen to Improve Long-Term Fiscal Position, Says ANZ Research

The Australian budget for fiscal 2026 to 2027 comprises of significant policy changes, including capital gains taxation, negative gearing and the taxation of trusts, all of which are expected to improve the fiscal position in the long term, ANZ Research said Tuesday.The firm said the underlying cash deficit is projected to be 1% of the gross domestic product (GDP) in the near term, reflecting a modest improvement on estimates from the mid-year economic and fiscal outlook in December 2025.ANZ does not expect any direct impact on near-term growth or inflation forecasts from lower-than-expected net new spending in the 2026 to 2027 period.The headline cash deficit is expected to be 2.1% of GDP in 2026 to 2027 amid a neutral fiscal impulse, and fiscal position is set to return to balance in 2034 to 2035 as per the budget papers."Overall, we see nothing in the budget to dissuade us from our view that the RBA is likely to keep the cash rate at 4.35% through 2026 and 2027," analysts at ANZ said.However, higher prices and costs as reflected in the business survey data, coupled with weaker forward orders present a risk that policymakers may have to make difficult trade-offs in the coming months, it added.

ASX 200
Asia

Speculative-Grade Corporate Defaults Could Worsen Amid Middle East Impact, S&P Says

Speculative-grade corporate defaults in Asia-Pacific could rise over the next year amid the impact of the Middle Eastern conflict, S&P Global Ratings said in a recent release.The region's trailing 12-month speculative-grade corporate default rate could soar to 2.25% by March next year from 0.7% in December 2025.The rise in defaults will keep energy prices above pre-war figures for a significant period, S&P analyst Nick Kraemer said.S&P's forecast for the default rate ranges from zero under its optimistic scenario to 5% under a pessimistic case.The optimistic scenario considers S&P's base case for the conflict and little to zero direct impact from the stoppage of energy and materials flows.Meanwhile, the pessimistic scenario entails lingering disruption to energy and shipping flows and stronger credit stress, S&P said.

ASX 200Hang SengNikkei 225Shanghai Composite^SZSE
Asia

Australian Shares Drop; Life360 Posts Lower Q1 Earnings, Higher Revenue

Australian shares declined on Tuesday as investors await the May 2026 Federal government budget in Australia, which is expected to change the taxation policy around investments.The S&P/ASX 200 Index fell 0.36%, or 31.10 points, to close at 8,670.70, setting a new 20-day low.Brent crude oil futures rose to around $105 per barrel as the US President Donald Trump said the ceasefire with Iran was "on life support." President Trump is set to visit China this week.On the domestic front, the ANZ-Roy Morgan Australian consumer confidence fell 3.1 points to 64.1 in the week of May 4 to May 10, ANZ reported. The four-week moving average edged down 0.1 points to 65.9 points.Australian consumer confidence fell to near historic lows after the Reserve Bank of Australia raised the cash rate to 4.35%, with broad-based declines led by a sharp drop in household finances despite a slight easing in inflation expectations on lower petrol prices, according to ANZ economist Sophia Angala.Business confidence in Australia rose 5 points to negative 24 in April, driven by partial recoveries in retail, construction, and recreation and personal services, although trend confidence remained strongly negative across all industries and regions, National Australia Bank said.In company news, Life360 (ASX:360) reported first-quarter earnings of $0.03 per share, down from $0.05 a year earlier. Revenue for the three months ended March 31 was $143.1 million, compared with $103.6 million a year earlier. Its shares fell 11% on market close.Santos (ASX:STO) made a final investment decision to proceed with the Agogo production facility tie-in project in Papua New Guinea after the approval by the PNG LNG joint venture to deliver gas from the facility to the PNG LNG gas pipeline. First gas is expected to be produced in the second quarter of 2028.Lastly, DroneShield (ASX:DRO) received a notice from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) asking the company to cooperate with an investigation into market disclosures it made in November 2025. The company said it will lend its full cooperation to the regulator. Its shares fell 10% on market close.

ASX 200ASX:360ASX:DROASX:STO
International

Business Confidence in Australia Rises in April Despite Persistent Weakness, NAB Says

Business confidence in Australia rose 5 points to negative 24 in April, driven by partial recoveries in retail, construction, and recreation and personal services, although trend confidence remained strongly negative across all industries and regions, National Australia Bank (ASX:NAB) said in a Tuesday report.Business conditions fell by 3 points to 3 index points, marking a fourth straight monthly decline and remaining well below the long-run average, while employment declined, profitability remained flat, and trading conditions weakened.The April survey shows that the energy price shock is creating challenges for businesses, with rising cost pressures and a weakening outlook for future demand, said Gareth Spence, NAB head of Australian economics.Conditions declined across most industries, with slight improvements in manufacturing and retail, while by state, they rose by 12 points in Victoria but fell in all other regions.Capacity utilization fell to around 83%, its lowest level since July 2025, but still above its long-run average, while forward orders dropped by 4 points in April and capital expenditures fell by 8 points.Purchase costs rose to 4.5% on a quarterly equivalent basis, while labor costs edged up to 1.7%, product prices increased to 1.8%, and retail prices increased 3.2% to reach a multi-year high.

ASX 200ASX:NAB
Asia

ASX Midday Sector Update: Materials Stocks Advance, Information Technology Falls

Materials stocks advanced over 2% to lead gainers in midday trading on Tuesday amid a broadly lower market ahead of the release of Australia's federal budget, and as tensions persisted between the US and Iran.Shares of BHP Group (ASX:BHP) rose nearly 3% after copper prices hit an all-time peak on the London Metal Exchange.On the flip side, information technology stocks shed 4% to lead decliners.WiseTech Global (ASX:WTC) and Xero (ASX:XRO) both fell past 5%.

ASX 200ASX:BHPASX:WTCASX:XRO
International

Australian Consumer Confidence Falls on Weak Household Finances

The ANZ-Roy Morgan Australian consumer confidence fell 3.1 points to 64.1 in the week of May 4 to May 10, ANZ reported Tuesday.The four-week moving average edged down 0.1 points to 65.9 points.Australian consumer confidence fell to near historic lows after the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) raised the cash rate to 4.35%, with broad-based declines led by a sharp drop in household finances despite a slight easing in inflation expectations on lower petrol prices, according to ANZ economist Sophia Angala.Household spending data for March indicates that higher fuel prices had not yet reduced consumer spending, but record-low consumer confidence suggests weaker demand ahead, reinforcing expectations that the RBA will keep the cash rate steady at 4.35% in the near term, Angala added.Weekly inflation expectations fell to 6.4% from 6.7%, while the current financial condition indicator for 12 months fell 4.1 points to 58.3. The future financial conditions for the next 12 months decreased to 74 points from 76.8.Short-term economic confidence for the next year fell 1 point to 55.9, while medium-term economic confidence for the next five years decreased to 71.8 points from 76.4.The "time to buy a major household item" subcategory fell 3.4 points to 60.3.

ASX 200
Asia

ASX Preview: Australian Shares Set to Rise as Oil Surges on Middle East Tensions; Life360 Posts Lower Q1 Earnings, Higher Revenue

Australian shares are poised to rise on Tuesday as oil prices surged above $104 a barrel amid escalating Middle East tensions, after US President Donald Trump warned that a fragile Iran ceasefire was "on life support" following stalled negotiations and continued disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.Overnight, the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average each rose 0.2%, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 0.1%.In the macroeconomy, the ANZ-Roy Morgan Australian consumer confidence fell 3.1 points to 64.1 in the week of May 4 to May 10, ANZ reported Tuesday.Investors are eyeing the release of Westpac consumer confidence and NAB business confidence reports.In corporate news, Life360 (ASX:360) reported Tuesday first-quarter earnings of $0.03 per share on revenue of $143.1 million, compared with earnings of $0.05 on revenue of $103.6 million a year earlier.Insurance Australia Group (ASX:IAG) is targeting gross written premiums of over AU$25 billion, a more than 15% return on equity, and high single-digit earnings per share growth per year by 2030.Australia's benchmark index fell 0.5% or 42.6 points to close at 8,701.80 on Monday.

ASX 200ASX:360ASX:IAG
International

Australian Wages Rises 0.8% in Three Months to April, Commonwealth Bank Says

Commonwealth Bank of Australia's Wage Insights series showed wages increased 0.8% in the three months to April, with annual growth remaining steady at 3.1%, the bank said in a Monday report.The series is based on de-identified salary data from around 400,000 Commonwealth Bank accounts.The CommBank Labor Insights series shows employment growth remains stable, with an estimated 23,000 jobs added in April, the same as March.The lender's economist, Harry Ottley, said the effects of rising interest rates or the Middle East conflict were yet to flow through to its wages growth data and that wages growth typically lags labor market and economic conditions."The trend unemployment rate has held at 4.3% since July 2025," Ottley added.South Australia recorded the fastest pace of wage growth at 3.7%, responding to outperformance in the broader economy, with the unemployment rate the lowest in the country and economic growth the strongest. Western Australia maintained its equal highest wages growth ranking in April, with wages growth of 3.7%, decreasing slightly from March.Wage growth in the Northern Territory, New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland came in at 3.5%, 3.2%, 3%, and 3.3%, respectively. Tasmania reported the slowest wage growth at 2.8%.

ASX 200
Asia Markets

Australian Shares Retreat; CSL Cuts Fiscal Year 2026 Outlook, Flags $5 Billion of Additional Impairments

Australian shares retreated on Monday amid reports that the process to reach a peace agreement between Iran and the US had stalled over the weekend.The S&P/ASX 200 Index fell 0.49%, or 42.60 points, to close at 8,701.80.Brent crude oil futures rose over 4% to trade around $105 per barrel after the US rejected Iran's response to a US proposal to end the conflict and reopen shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.On the domestic front, the total number of dwellings approved in Australia fell around 11% to 17,300 in March, seasonally adjusted, from 19,339 in the previous month, according to final figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.In company news, CSL (ASX:CSL) lowered its guidance for fiscal 2026 and expects to recognize about $5 billion of additional non-cash, pre-tax impairments across fiscal 2026 and 2027 beyond those the company disclosed earlier this year.The biotechnology company now expects fiscal 2026 revenue of around $15.2 billion and net profit after tax adjusted to exclude amortization of around $3.1 billion, both on a constant-currency basis. Its shares closed down 15%, earlier hitting their lowest since December 2016.Dyno Nobel (ASX:DNL) reported fiscal first-half earnings of AU$0.089 per share, excluding individually material items, up from AU$0.046 a year earlier. Revenue from ordinary activities for the six months ended March 31 was AU$1.9 billion, compared with AU$2.25 billion a year earlier. It shares rose 7% on close after earlier hitting their highest since January 2023.Lastly, Inghams Group (ASX:ING) reaffirmed its fiscal 2026 guidance for underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization of AU$180 million to AU$200 million. Its shares jumped 7% on market close.

ASX 200ASX:CSLASX:DNLASX:ING
Asia

ASX Most Active Stocks

Here are the five most actively traded big-cap stocks on the Australian Securities Exchange on Monday.Energy Resources of Australia (ASX:ERA): 28.5 million sharesCore Lithium (ASX:CXO): 19.2 million sharesArafura Rare Earths (ASX:ARU): 10.9 million sharesEQ Resources (ASX:EQR): 9.4 million sharesPredictive Discovery (ASX:PDI): 4.6 million shares

ASX 200ASX:ARUASX:CXOASX:EQRASX:ERAASX:PDI
Asia

ASX Preview: Australian Shares Set to Fall as Trump Rejects Iran Peace Bid; Dyno Nobel Posts Higher Fiscal H1 Adjusted Earnings, Lower Revenue

Australian shares are poised to fall on Monday after US President Donald Trump rejected Iran's peace proposal for ending the conflict, triggering a rise in oil prices and renewed fears over disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and escalating Middle East tensions.On May 8, the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite rose 0.8% and 1.7%, respectively, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average remained flat.In the macroeconomy, Australia's building approvals report is due at 11:30 am Sydney time.In corporate news, Dyno Nobel (ASX:DNL) reported Monday fiscal first-half adjusted earnings of AU$0.089 per share on revenue of AU$1.9 billion, compared with adjusted earnings of AU$0.046 on revenue of AU$2.25 billion a year earlier.oOh!media (ASX:OML) received an unsolicited, non-binding takeover offer from I Squared Capital to acquire the company for AU$1.45 per share in cash via a scheme of arrangement.Australia's benchmark index fell 1.5% or 133.7 points to close at 8,744.40 on May 8.

ASX 200ASX:DNLASX:OML
International

Westpac Expects Slower Normalization to Strait of Hormuz Shipping Flows

Shipping flows through the Strait of Hormuz are now expected to reach around 10% to 15% of pre-conflict levels through June, with a return to normal flows unlikely to materialize until mid-2027, Westpac said in a market outlook report published May 8.That compares with a previous forecast published in March for flows to hit around 20% of pre-conflict levels in May and June before recovering to normal by the close of this year."Our assumption of a more sustained period of disruption to shipping through the Strait means it will take longer for smaller Gulf producers, including Kuwait, that have faced some production 'shut ins' due to storage capacity constraints, to return to normal," the bank said.Due to continued uncertainty over a resolution to the conflict, global monetary and fiscal arms are incorporating higher inflation, lower growth, and weaker labor markets into baseline forecasts. Central banks are navigating the crisis with extreme caution and finding it increasingly difficult to balance inflation and growth risks, according to the report.Westpac said it continues to expect two additional rate hikes from the Australian central bank this year, but with a slightly later timing in August and September.The bank also expects a rate hike in New Zealand in September as higher fuel prices will result in a sharp lift to consumer price index inflation over the coming months.

ASX 200^NZ50
Asia

Australian Shares End Lower; Macquarie Group Posts Higher Fiscal Year 2026 Earnings, Revenue

Australian shares ended lower on Friday as oil prices rose amid clashes between US and Iranian forces.The S&P/ASX 200 Index fell 1.51%, or 133.70 points, to close at 8,744.40.Brent crude oil futures rose over 1% to trade around $101 per barrel. US President Donald Trump said that the ceasefire between Iran and the US was still in effect despite the clashes, while Iran said the situation had returned to normal, according to a Reuters report.In company news, Macquarie Group (ASX:MQG) reported Friday fiscal year earnings of AU$12.669 per share, up from AU$9.755 a year earlier. Revenue from ordinary activities for the 12 months ended March 31 was AU$19.48 billion, compared with AU$17.21 billion a year earlier. Its shares fell 1% on market close.News Corp (ASX:NWS) reported fiscal third-quarter adjusted earnings of $0.21 per share, up from $0.17 a year earlier. Revenue for the quarter ended March 31 was $2.19 billion, up from $2.01 billion a year ago. Its shares closed down 8%, earlier reaching a two-year low point. Its shares closed up 3%.Lastly, QBE Insurance Group (ASX:QBE) reported first-quarter gross written premiums of $9.2 billion, up 11% from $8.3 billion a year earlier. The company maintained its full-year guidance for gross written premium growth in the mid-single digits and a combined operating ratio of nearly 93%. Its shares fell 1% on market close.

ASX 200ASX:MQGASX:NWSASX:QBE
Asia

ASX Midday Sector Update: Financials Stocks Lead Broad Market Declines

All sectors on the Australian Securities Exchange were in the red in midday trading on Friday, with financial stocks falling past 2% to lead decliners, as oil prices climbed after reports of clashes between the US and Iran in and around the Strait of Hormuz.Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX:CBA) and Westpac Banking (ASX:WBC) both shed more than 2%, while National Australia Bank (ASX:NAB) was nearly 3% lower. Shares of Macquarie Group (ASX:MQG) were down more than 2% after earlier hitting a record high following its fiscal year 2026 results.

ASX 200ASX:CBAASX:MQGASX:NABASX:WBC
Asia

ASX Preview: Australian Shares Set to Fall on Ceasefire Uncertainty; Macquarie Group Posts Higher Fiscal 2026 Earnings, Revenue

Australian shares are poised to fall on Friday as renewed uncertainty over a fragile Gulf ceasefire and sharp swings in oil prices tied to US-Iran negotiations weigh on global market sentiment and energy-related risk appetite.Overnight, the S&P 500, the Nasdaq Composite, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.4%, 0.1%, and 0.6%, respectively.In the macroeconomy, investors are eyeing the Westpac consumer confidence and NAB business confidence reports next week.In corporate news, Macquarie Group (ASX:MQG) reported Friday fiscal 2026 earnings of AU$12.669 per share on revenue of AU$19.48 billion, compared with earnings of AU$9.755 on revenue of AU$17.21 billion a year earlier.Block (ASX:XYZ) reported Friday first quarter adjusted earnings of $0.85 per share on revenue of $6.06 billion, compared with adjusted earnings of $0.56 on revenue of $5.77 billion a year earlier.Australia's benchmark index rose around 1% or 84.5 points to close at 8,878.10 on Thursday.

ASX 200ASX:MQGASX:XYZ
Asia

Australian Shares Rise; Tabcorp Says Austrac Launches Enforcement Investigation Over Money Laundering Concerns

Australian shares rose on Thursday amid reports that an agreement was close on a one-page memorandum to formally end the conflict in the Middle East.The S&P/ASX 200 Index rose 0.96%, or 84.50 points, to close at 8,878.10.Iran said it was reviewing the peace proposal put forth by the US, Reuters reported.Brent crude oil futures were trading around $102 per barrel. Iron ore futures rose over $111 after several months, while gold traded for about $4,700 per ounce.On the domestic front, Australia's goods balance recorded a seasonally adjusted deficit of AU$1.84 billion in March, down from a surplus of AU$5.03 billion in February, marking the first deficit since December 2017, according to data published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.The value of new payment platform transactions in Australia rose nearly 26% to AU$241.2 billion in March, compared with AU$186.6 billion reported in the same period last year, according to the Reserve Bank of Australia.Australian card activity showed an emerging slowdown in discretionary spending, with the Westpac-DataX Card Tracker Index rising 2.1 points over the two weeks to April 25, reversing an earlier decline.In company news, Tabcorp Holdings (ASX:TAH) said Austrac launched an enforcement investigation after raising "serious" concerns about the company's ability to manage its money laundering and terrorism financing risks.The company said the investigation will initially focus on evaluating its compliance with its obligations under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) Act. Its shares retreated 22% at market close.Light & Wonder (ASX:LNW) reported first-quarter adjusted earnings of $1.45 per share, up from $1.35 a year earlier. Revenue for the three months ended March 31 was $790 million, compared with $774 million a year earlier. Its shares closed down 8%, earlier reaching a two-year low point.Lastly, Orica (ASX:ORI) reported fiscal first-half adjusted earnings of AU$0.60 per share, compared with AU$0.533 a year earlier. Sales revenue for the six months ended March 31 was AU$3.88 billion, compared with AU$3.94 billion a year earlier. Its shares rose 5% on market close.

ASX 200ASX:LNWASX:ORIASX:TAH
International

Correction: Value of Australian New Payments Platform Transactions Rises 26% in March, RBA Data Shows

(Corrects to reflect the reference month in the headline, added percentage rise)The value of new payment platform transactions in Australia rose nearly 26% to AU$241.2 billion in March, compared with AU$186.6 billion reported in the same period last year, according to new retail payment figures from the Reserve Bank released Thursday.Total card purchases on Australian-issued cards were up 11.6% to AU$100.8 billion from AU$91 billion in March 2025, with credit and charge cards accounting for AU$40.9 billion and debit cards for AU$59.9 billion.Meanwhile, the number of new payment platform transactions was up 11.2% to 167.1 million from 151.9 million last year.The number of total card purchases on Australian-issued cards rose 6.6% to 1.41 billion from 1.34 billion in the year prior.

ASX 200
International

Value of Australian New Payments Platform Transactions Rises in January, RBA Data Shows

The value of new payment platform transactions in Australia rose nearly 26% to AU$241.2 billion in March, compared with AU$186.6 billion reported in the same period last year, according to new retail payment figures from the Reserve Bank released Thursday.Total card purchases on Australian-issued cards were up 11.6% to AU$100.8 billion from AU$91 billion in March 2025, with credit and charge cards accounting for AU$40.9 billion and debit cards for AU$59.9 billion.Meanwhile, the number of new payment platform transactions was up 11.2% to 167.1 million from 151.9 million last year.The number of total card purchases on Australian-issued cards rose 6.6% to 1.41 billion from 1.34 billion in the year prior.

ASX 200

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