BUSINESS

The Nasdaq Composite rose 0.29% as tech stocks gained strength following a US-Iran ceasefire, easing geopolitical tensions and stabilising energy markets, with AI and digital services leading the charge.

Apple's iPhone 18 Pro will feature a variable aperture camera, marking a significant advancement in mobile photography by improving depth of field and low-light performance.

The Dow Jones reached a record high as the US-Iran peace agreement eased geopolitical tensions, boosting investor confidence and supporting economic optimism.

SpaceX's IPO has propelled it past Amazon and Microsoft in market value, positioning it as the fifth most valuable public company. The company's growth is driven by its reusable rockets and Starlink service.

Intel partners with NVIDIA to develop Serpent Lake SoCs, integrating RTX graphics for enhanced AI and computing performance, targeting a 2028 release to reshape the AI PC market.

Apple is unifying email domains for its privacy features, Sign in with Apple and Hide My Email, under private.icloud.com, simplifying privacy protections and maintaining seamless functionality for users.

The Commodore Callback 8020 flip phone combines retro charm with modern features, offering a unique alternative to traditional smartphones with its foldable design, physical keyboard, and 5G connectivity.

The Reserve Bank of Australia has kept its cash rate at 4.35%, citing persistent inflation and global uncertainties, while assessing previous rate hikes' effects and monitoring Middle East developments.

SpaceX shares soared 11% in premarket trading following its record-breaking IPO, driven by strong investor demand and ambitious growth plans in space exploration and AI.

Sunrise Energy Metals' shares rose 14.14% as investor interest in its Syerston scandium project grows, driven by strategic partnerships and demand for critical minerals in aerospace and clean energy sectors.

Apple's iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to launch in September 2027, featuring AI advancements, improved durability, and enhanced camera systems, maintaining its position as a premium smartphone leader.

Westpac shares rose 0.91% as investor confidence in Australian banks remains strong, supported by stable economic conditions and strategic initiatives like digital transformation and prudent lending practices.

The ASX 200 index closed slightly lower as investors took profits amid mixed global signals, reflecting cautious sentiment despite recent gains and positive geopolitical developments.

Fox Corporation is set to acquire Roku for $22 billion, aiming to strengthen its position in the streaming industry by combining content and distribution capabilities.

Bitcoin surged over $2,400 to $66,363 following the US-Iran peace agreement, easing geopolitical tensions and boosting investor confidence in risk assets, including cryptocurrencies.

Microsoft Copilot experienced significant outages, affecting thousands of users across web, desktop, and mobile platforms. The disruption impacted productivity, with users expressing frustration and seeking alternatives.

Gold prices soared to a record high amid the US-Iran ceasefire, driven by inflation concerns, central bank demand, and geopolitical risks, highlighting gold's enduring appeal as a safe-haven asset.

The VIX, Wall Street's fear index, fell sharply as the US-Iran peace agreement eased geopolitical tensions, boosting investor confidence and reducing market volatility.

The Russell 2000 index rose 0.79% following a US-Iran peace agreement, boosting small-cap stocks amid easing geopolitical tensions and improved investor confidence in domestic economic growth.

The Nasdaq Composite surged over 600 points as the US-Iran peace agreement eased geopolitical tensions, boosting technology and growth stocks. The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz further supported market gains.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged over 600 points, reaching a record high, following a U.S.-Iran peace agreement that eased geopolitical tensions and boosted investor confidence in global markets.

In 2026, investors face a choice between Tesla's established EV leadership and SpaceX's explosive space growth. Both offer unique opportunities and risks under Elon Musk's visionary leadership.

In 2026, Texas surpasses California with 57 Fortune 500 companies, driven by business-friendly policies and economic diversification, marking a shift in U.S. corporate geography.

BHP Group Ltd shares rose 3.58% due to strong copper prices and commodity optimism, reflecting investor confidence in its diversified portfolio and strategic positioning for the energy transition.

SpaceX leads the commercial space sector with frequent launches and reusability, while Blue Origin progresses with New Glenn. Both companies drive innovation, benefiting NASA and commercial customers.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia shares rose 1.43% amid stabilizing economic signals and market optimism. The bank's strong capital position and strategic initiatives support its resilience in a challenging environment.

SpaceX and Google have signed a $30 billion AI infrastructure deal, enhancing Google's Gemini Enterprise platform and diversifying SpaceX's revenue as it prepares for a public offering.

The ASX 200 index surged 1.98% on Friday, driven by optimism over a potential U.S.-Iran peace agreement, boosting investor confidence and stabilising energy markets.

Roku's shares surged over 20% following reports of potential sale talks with a major U.S. media company, highlighting its strategic value in the evolving streaming landscape.