NAB Just Posted $7.1 Billion Profit — But Here's Why Investors Should Be Worried
National Australia Bank reported FY25 cash earnings of $7.091 billion (down 0.2%) and statutory profit of $6.759 billion (down 2.9%), missing analyst expectations. Credit impairment charges rose 14.4% while shares trade at 2.1x book value—a 38% premium to 10-year average and highest valuation in over a decade.
AUKUS Just Got Real: Australia Made 11 Major Announcements in 3 Days — Here's What's Actually Happening
Indo Pacific 2025 in Sydney saw major AUKUS progress: PMB Defence supplying batteries for Australian and UK submarines, 11 Australian companies qualified for US supply chains, combat system team formed, and $159 billion maritime investment confirmed. But critics warn current defense spending isn't enough.
World's Strictest Social Media Law: 9 Platforms Must Block Everyone Under 16 or Pay $33M
Australia expanded its world-first under-16 social media ban to include Reddit and Kick, effective December 10. Nine platforms—Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, Snapchat, Threads, Reddit, and Kick—face AU$49.5M fines for non-compliance. WhatsApp and gaming platforms are exempt.
CommBank Just Got Shamed for Refusing $270 Million Refund to Poorest Customers — While Celebrating $10 Billion Profit
Commonwealth Bank won its fourth CHOICE Shonky Award for refusing to refund $270 million in illegal fees charged to 2.2 million low-income customers on Centrelink payments between 2019-2024. ANZ refunded $47.9M; CommBank paid just $25M to Indigenous customers and refused the rest.
Australia Just Built the World's First Quantum Diamond Factory — Here's Why It Matters
Australia opened the world's first commercial quantum diamond foundry in Melbourne with $31 million in government funding. Quantum Brilliance's facility produces lab-grown diamonds for room-temperature quantum computers, creating new opportunities for specialized manufacturing and technology insurance.
Australia Just Helped China's Nuclear Program — And Nobody Noticed Until Now
Australia supplies 74% of the world's zirconium reserves, critical for nuclear fuel rods and hypersonic missiles. Chinese firms now control major Australian mines despite AUKUS security partnership. Investigation reveals 300% increase in China's zirconium exports to Russia since Ukraine war began.
Australian Parenting App, Tinybeans, Snaps Up US Rival for $4M, Instantly Doubling Subscriber Base
Australian photo-sharing app Tinybeans (ASX: TNY) acquired US rival Qeepsake for $4.1 million in an all-stock deal, nearly doubling its subscriber base to 90,000. The acquisition costs just $67 per subscriber — far below organic acquisition costs — and boosts revenue 85%.
Australian Home Prices Just Hit Their Fastest Growth in Over Two Years — And It's Not Slowing Down
Australian home prices surged 1.1% in October 2025, the fastest monthly gain in over two years, adding $10,000 to median dwelling values. CoreLogic data shows Perth led with 1.9% growth while every capital city recorded gains. Annual growth hit 6.1% as rate cuts fuel property boom.
Israeli Travel Company Just Bought a Sydney Business for $10 Million — And It's Not Done Yet
Israel-based Talma Travel Solutions acquired Sydney's Bay Travel Group for $10 million, marking its entry into Australia. The deal continues Talma's aggressive global expansion strategy with plans for more Asia-Pacific acquisitions in 2026.
Indian Auto Giant Mahindra Officially Closed Its $175 Million Australian Aircraft Business — Here's Why
Mahindra's Australian aircraft subsidiary MAAPL has been officially liquidated, ending a 15-year venture that began with a $175 million acquisition in 2009. The company received AUD 3.025 million in the liquidation process, marking the complete exit from aircraft manufacturing Down Under.
Charter Hall Retail REIT Snaps Up Four Bunnings Stores for A$151 m to Bolster Net-lease Portfolio
Charter Hall Retail REIT (ASX: CQR) has purchased four standalone Bunnings outlets across New South Wales and Queensland for A$151 million, expanding its net-lease hardware exposure and lifting its FY26 earnings guidance.
Australia Tables Historic Environmental Reform Legislation Promising Economic Boost and Conservation Balance
Australia's government introduces comprehensive environmental reform legislation promising A$6.9 billion annual economic benefits through faster project approvals while establishing a new National Environmental Protection Agency. The landmark bill faces political challenges requiring crossbench support.
Nvidia Becomes First Company to Reach $5 Trillion Valuation as AI Chip Demand Surges
Chip-maker Nvidia has become the first company in history to surpass a $5 trillion market value, driven by soaring artificial-intelligence chip demand, strategic partnerships and a strong keynote at its GTC event — but experts warn of a possible tech bubble.
Retail Safety Crisis: Wesfarmers Reveals Spike in Threats and Assaults on Employees
Wesfarmers discloses that its retail staff faced more than 13,500 threats and about 1,000 assaults in the past year, prompting plans for enhanced safety measures across its stores.
Melbourne Event Trifecta to Spark $110 Million Business Windfall
Melbourne's upcoming event trio—Oasis, Melbourne Cup Carnival and Metallica—could generate around A$110 million in economic activity, offering a major boost to local hospitality, accommodation and retail sectors.
Sweden's EQT Launches A$5.25 Billion Bid for AUB Group in Broking Sector Shake-Up
Sweden's EQT proposes A$45 per share cash bid for Australia's AUB Group, valuing the insurance broker at A$5.25 billion amid global consolidation in the broking industry.
WiseTech Global Offices Raided by Police, Regulators Over Chairman Richard White's Share Trading
WiseTech Global headquarters raided by Australian Federal Police and ASIC investigating chairman Richard White's alleged share trading violations. Stock plunges 17% as investigation unfolds.
