BUSINESS

Australian households will see reduced electricity costs from July 1 as regulators cut default market offer prices, providing relief amid global energy market volatility due to Middle East tensions.

Australian shares fell as the S&P/ASX 200 index closed at 8,665.1, down 0.31%, amid geopolitical tensions, rising oil prices, and higher global bond yields, affecting various sectors differently.

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds face $2.1 million in contractor liens on their eco-friendly Lewisboro estate, highlighting the complexities of celebrity construction projects.

Metronet experienced scattered outages on Memorial Day, affecting customers in the Midwest. The disruptions, linked to maintenance and technical issues, highlighted the challenges of maintaining reliable internet service.

The NYSE and Nasdaq are closed for Memorial Day 2026, aligning with federal holidays. This pause offers market participants a break amid rising Treasury yields and volatile equities.

Treasury yields have surged to levels not seen in nearly two decades, raising borrowing costs for American consumers and impacting mortgages and auto loans amid inflation and fiscal concerns.

Target and Publix will be open on Memorial Day 2026, providing convenient access to groceries and holiday essentials. Shoppers are advised to check local store hours for any variations.

Japan's Nikkei 225 index surged over 2.8% to a record high, driven by optimism over U.S.-Iran negotiations and strong tech earnings, reflecting improved global risk sentiment.

Walmart and Costco will operate on Memorial Day 2026, maintaining regular hours. Shoppers are advised to check specific store details online.

Commonwealth Bank shares fell 0.65% on May 22, 2026, amid mixed trading in the banking sector and ongoing economic uncertainty, with analysts maintaining a positive outlook on the stock.

Intel's Q1 2026 results show a 7% revenue increase, driven by AI and data center growth, amid ongoing restructuring and market volatility.

The S&P/ASX 200 index rose by 0.54% on May 25, 2026, driven by strong performances in mining and financial stocks, amid mixed global cues and positive domestic corporate updates.

Navitas Semiconductor's shares rose nearly 20% due to investor interest in AI data center solutions, with Q1 2026 revenue up 18% and strategic focus on high-power markets.

Australia is addressing fuel supply challenges due to Middle East disruptions, securing shipments from Asia and implementing measures to mitigate potential shortages and economic impacts.

Boeing and Airbus show contrasting performances in 2026, with Boeing facing recovery challenges and Airbus benefiting from a strong order backlog and production ramp. Analysts provide mixed ratings for both companies.

NetApp's shares rose 12.44% after reporting strong Q4 2026 results, driven by AI-optimised storage solutions and cloud growth, with revenue up 8% year-over-year.

Redwire Corporation's stock rose 13.94% after reporting strong Q1 2026 financial results, driven by growth in space infrastructure and national security contracts, alongside new partnerships and analyst endorsements.

Firefly Aerospace's shares rose 15.49% following strong Q1 2026 financial results and key contract wins, highlighting growth in spacecraft solutions and defense sectors.

Lionsgate Studios' shares rose 15.8% after reporting strong Q4 2026 earnings, driven by successful films and robust library revenue, exceeding analyst expectations and boosting investor confidence.

Oracle's 2026 growth is driven by AI and cloud innovations, with strategic partnerships boosting its market position. Analysts predict up to 45% upside potential amid strong financial performance.

Cristiano Ronaldo earned a record $300 million in 2025-26, topping Forbes' highest-paid athletes list. His earnings reflect Saudi Arabia's significant investment in football, boosting athlete salaries.

Microsoft's fiscal Q3 2026 results show an 18% revenue increase, driven by AI and cloud growth, despite stock volatility and regulatory challenges.

President Trump opposes Iranian tolls in the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping route, amid heightened U.S.-Iran tensions. Congressional leaders delay a vote on limiting presidential military action.

HP Inc. shares rose 15.25% ahead of its Q2 2026 earnings report, driven by investor optimism in AI-enabled PCs and strong Personal Systems revenue.

Tesla's Q1 2026 results show a 16% revenue increase, strong vehicle production, and FSD expansion in Texas. Analysts maintain a Hold rating with a mixed stock performance outlook.

Alphabet and Microsoft report strong Q1 2026 results, driven by AI and cloud growth. Both companies see significant revenue increases and strategic advancements in AI infrastructure.

Lionsgate Studios' shares rose 15.80% after reporting Q4 2026 earnings that exceeded expectations, driven by strong film performance and library sales, with revenue reaching $906.5 million.

Intel and IBM showed contrasting financial performances in 2026, with Intel focusing on AI and foundry business, while IBM excelled in software and quantum computing. Analysts offer varied ratings.

AXT Inc. shares rose 16.37% due to strong demand for indium phosphide products in AI applications, with improved financial results and positive analyst actions boosting investor confidence.