Latest Financial Services News

JPMorgan Emerging Markets Research Enhanced Index Equity Fund nearly trebled its net assets in 2026 after attracting $48.5 million of applications and recording a $4.6 million profit. The growth came with a sharp increase in exposure to one underlying emerging markets ETF.

JPMorgan Global Research Enhanced Index Equity Trust (ASX:JRH) reported a sharp rise in FY2026 operating profit, driven primarily by investment revaluation gains as net assets expanded to almost A$2 billion. Distributions also surged, although the result remains exposed to global equity markets, foreign exchange and derivatives.

JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF grew net assets to $167.99 million while operating profit plunged to $740,000 as fair-value losses widened. The fund is also preparing to switch its underlying ETF from NYSE Arca to the London Stock Exchange without changing its investment objective or stated total fees and costs.

The Federal Court has given the Takeovers Panel until 30 September 2026 to decide whether to declare unacceptable circumstances in relation to DGR Global. The extension keeps the proceedings alive, but does not indicate how the Panel will rule.

L1 Gold Fund has completed its retail entitlement offer, taking its latest equity raising to approximately A$375.4 million. L1 Group has also subscribed for A$42 million through the remaining shortfall offer, while the final allocation remains open.

Loftus Peak Global Disruption Fund delivered benchmark-beating returns across both its unhedged and hedged classes in the year to 30 June 2026, while net assets rose to $936.7 million. The annual report also records higher distributions and a clean audit opinion.

Australian United Investment Company’s profit surged after its merger with Diversified United Investment, but the headline result was dominated by a one-off acquisition gain. Underlying profit rose 19.9%, while AUI expanded its portfolio to about A$3.1 billion and declared fully franked dividends totalling 28 cents per share.

Vaughan Nelson Global Equity SMID Fund delivered a sharp rise in operating profit and more than quadrupled its net assets in FY2026, helped by $31.8 million in investment gains and strong investor applications. The result also leaves the ASX-listed Class B units with greater exposure to global equity and currency movements.

Barramundi’s portfolio surged in August, delivering a 6.7% adjusted NAV return against a 1.9% benchmark gain. The recovery leaves the NZX-listed investment company trading at a 13.2% discount to its underlying portfolio value.

Kingfish’s adjusted NAV rose 1.2% in August, broadly matching the NZX benchmark as Vista, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare and Delegat delivered the strongest portfolio gains. The fund still trades at a 7.5% discount to NAV, while its one-year shareholder return remains negative.

WAM Alternative Assets reported a 9.1% investment portfolio return for FY2026 and maintained a 6.0 cents per share dividend, partially franked at 60%. The alternative-assets vehicle also highlighted 24 exits since Wilson Asset Management took over, completed at a weighted average 28.3% premium to net tangible assets.

Kapstream Investment Trust will begin a 12-month on-market buy-back of its fully paid ordinary units, but has not disclosed a target quantity or dollar commitment. The responsible entity can pause or end the programme without notice.