BUSINESS

Japan's Nikkei 225 rose about 1.4% after a sharp sell-off, supported by gains in US markets, lower Treasury yields and recovering technology and semiconductor stocks.

Minerals 260 shares climbed 7.3% as gold prices rallied, with investors weighing progress at the Bullabulling project and the company's plans to begin production by 2028.

An ASX study says 11.5 million Australian adults now invest outside superannuation and property, with ETFs and digital platforms helping expand participation since 2020.

Woolworths shares climbed 4.27% to a five-year high as investors sought defensive stocks during global market volatility, despite concerns that the rally may be overextended.

Intel shares fell about 4 per cent after an explosion at its Kiryat Gat plant in Israel injured three people, while inflation concerns pressured semiconductor stocks.

Bank of America brought in 1,000 contractors to address software vulnerabilities exposed by advanced AI models, as the bank reported hundreds of millions of dollars in related costs.

AMD shares fell more than 5% as hotter-than-expected September inflation and concerns about AI cloud providers' debt raised doubts about the pace of infrastructure spending.

Brisbane SMEs are increasingly seeking accounting firms that can help manage ATO data-matching, payroll and contractor reporting, record-keeping and broader compliance demands.

Nvidia shares fell for a second day as a global sell-off in AI and semiconductor stocks intensified, despite record profits and strong forecasts from chipmaker TSMC.

Melbourne SMEs are facing increased ATO data-matching and tighter payroll and contractor requirements, prompting businesses to seek accounting firms offering proactive compliance advice and stronger record-keeping systems.

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank shares climbed nearly 4% after softer Australian employment data reduced expectations of further interest rate rises and lifted sentiment towards regional lenders.

a2 Milk shares rose 3.65% to A$6.82 as investors turned to defensive consumer stocks, despite no significant company news from the infant formula producer.

About 319 million SpaceX shares held by eligible insiders are due to become available on 26 October, potentially increasing selling pressure as technology stocks face broader market weakness.

Samsung Electronics shares plunged 9.5% and South Korea's Kospi fell 7.57% as fears over Chinese chip competition, higher US rates and the sustainability of AI investment intensified.

Sydney small and medium-sized businesses are facing increased ATO scrutiny, tighter payroll and contractor rules, and broader reporting expectations, driving demand for proactive accounting and compliance support.

BDO Australia says it completed a May realignment involving limited back-office redundancies while adding partners and senior leaders across international trade, infrastructure and accounting advisory.

Hims & Hers has launched Hers in Australia, replacing Eucalyptus venture Juniper and expanding access to locally supervised telehealth services for women, including menopause and weight management care.

Australia's hospitality industry discards 1.2 million tonnes of food annually, costing the sector $6.4 billion and prompting calls for better tracking, portion control and organic waste recovery.

South Korea's KOSPI fell 7.8% to about 5,539, led by Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, as higher US inflation and AI investment concerns fuelled a global technology sell-off.

Contact Energy shares gained nearly 5% after the New Zealand electricity and gas retailer reported sharply higher September sales, following strong full-year earnings and renewable growth.

WiseTech Global shares rose nearly 5% after ASIC cleared founder Richard White and two employees following an almost yearlong insider trading investigation, easing regulatory uncertainty around the logistics software company.

Bank of Queensland shares rose more than 5% after the lender reported stronger second-half cash earnings, wider margins, a steady final dividend and an 88% rise in statutory profit.

Australian shares recovered from an early sell-off after weaker employment data reduced expectations of further Reserve Bank rate rises, while technology stocks fell on global concerns.

SK Hynix shares fell again as investors assessed the threat from China's CXMT, whose new memory design could increase supply and pressure prices if manufactured at scale.

Hut 8 shares fell about 10% amid broader weakness in bitcoin and AI infrastructure stocks, extending recent volatility ahead of the company's third-quarter earnings release.

Applied Optoelectronics shares fell 8.8% as investors continued selling AI-linked optical stocks, despite strong revenue growth and expectations for sustained demand for data centre equipment.

Liquidia shares jumped after the drugmaker agreed to pay United Therapeutics $380.7 million, ending six lawsuits and securing continued sales of Yutrepia for PAH.

Bending Spoons shares jumped after Berkshire Hathaway agreed to invest another $330 million, lifting its stake to 4% as the Italian technology company pursues acquisitions.

US stocks traded unevenly after September inflation exceeded forecasts, lifting Treasury yields. Bank of America shares fell sharply after a $1.2 billion regulatory penalty, while technology stocks declined.