BUSINESS

US stocks opened higher after cooler-than-expected inflation and stronger private payrolls reduced expectations of an October Federal Reserve rate hike, while oil prices and Treasury yields remained volatile.

Charter Hall shares rose 6.4% as falling bond yields and dovish RBA signals sparked a broad rebound in Australian property stocks, despite persistent sector risks.

A review of five Sydney conveyancing firms identifies practices praised by clients for communication, contract checks, competitive fees, urgent reviews and support through complex transactions.

US-based private equity firm Merchant Wealth Partners has committed A$385 million to acquire a strategic stake in Ironbark Financial Group and support expansion of its A$97 billion platform.

The ASX 200 climbed nearly 1% as property, technology, defence and gold stocks rallied, despite inflation rising to 4% and the RBA lifting rates to 4.6%.

Tag Markets says its brokerage is designed for traders with different levels of experience and preferences, offering education, independent trading, CopyX copy trading and varied account structures.

McDonald's shares edged higher after reaching a new 52-week low, as investor concerns over value, slowing traffic, rising yields and costly strategic plans weigh on the stock.

The Reserve Bank of Australia has lifted its cash rate to 4.60%, increasing mortgage costs, reducing borrowing capacity and creating mixed consequences for renters and savers.

Carnival reported record third-quarter revenue and profit, exceeded Wall Street expectations and raised its 2026 outlook despite higher fuel costs, sending cruise stocks sharply higher.

Iovance Biotherapeutics shares rose more than 20% after the company raised its 2026 revenue forecast, citing accelerating demand for its melanoma therapy Amtagvi.

SM Entertainment shares rose 1.82% to 83,800 won, recovering modestly after a sharp annual decline as investors considered recent earnings, strategic partnerships and upcoming results.

US coffee drinkers can claim free drinks, discounts and other perks on National Coffee Day, with offers from major chains often restricted to members, apps or participating locations.

HYBE shares fell 1.98% to 158,700 won, remaining near a one-year low despite strong second-quarter results and BTS's return, as investors questioned margins and K-pop growth.

Perenti shares rose 8.8% after the mining services company announced more than A$200 million in drilling and underground mining contracts across three regions.

South Korean shares declined for a second session as foreign investors sold heavily, US Treasury yields and oil prices rose, and technology stocks faced renewed pressure.

Megaport shares climbed 9.4% after the company announced A$978.6 million in new AI infrastructure contracts and upgraded its FY27 revenue and EBITDA margin guidance.

Codan shares reached a record high after the company raised its profit outlook, citing exceptionally strong communications demand from conflict regions and continued growth in gold detectors.

Chris Hemsworth has reportedly closed Wild State, the production company he founded in 2022, although neither the actor nor the company has confirmed the shutdown.

Australian shares closed higher after technology stocks led gains, offsetting the RBA's fourth rate increase of the year and lifting the cash rate to 4.60%.

Samsung and five affiliates will invest $1 billion in Helix Digital Infrastructure, a KKR-backed platform developing AI data centres, power infrastructure, fibre networks and energy storage.

A comparison of five Sydney migration consultancies highlights their areas of expertise, client feedback and suitability for applicants pursuing skilled, family, student or employer-sponsored visas.

Anthropic's IPO prospectus warns that advanced AI models could cause catastrophic harm, while revealing rapid revenue growth, heavy losses and hundreds of billions in infrastructure commitments.

Nvidia's board approved a record US$150 billion increase to its share buyback programme, as the AI boom boosts the chipmaker's cash flow and investor returns.

Amazon Australia has launched its seven-day Prime Big Deal Days sale, using expanded fulfilment infrastructure to capture early holiday spending and strengthen Prime subscriber loyalty.

MongoDB shares fell nearly 20% after CEO CJ Desai left immediately to join Meta. Former chief executive Dev Ittycheria was appointed interim CEO as the company reaffirmed its guidance.

Intel shares fell 5.6% on Monday after a sharp rally, as selling across AI-linked chip stocks, profit-taking, higher oil prices and rising bond yields pressured the sector.

Oil prices climbed after Donald Trump rejected Iran's conditional seven-day proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, fuelling concerns about prolonged supply disruptions and higher fuel costs.

Nvidia shares rose as the chipmaker announced a record $150 billion increase to its buyback authorisation and launched an open platform aimed at improving AI agent safety.

GameStop shares rose as investors weighed insider buying and Ryan Cohen's continued pursuit of eBay, despite the target's rejection and broader market weakness.