♟️ Monday 19 October 2026 Mon, 19 Oct 2026

Barkly Rare Earths has added 13 significant rare earth intercepts from 16 holes at its Northern Territory project, extending confirmed mineralisation across 23km. The results strengthen the case for a larger resource, although the next test is whether pending assays translate that continuity into a materially bigger estimate.

McPherson’s chief executive and managing director Brett Charlton will step down after more than three years at the helm, with the board beginning an immediate search for his successor. Charlton will remain in the role during a six-month notice period, subject to arrangements agreed with the board.

Monadelphous Group Limited (ASX:MND) enters FY27 with record FY26 revenue of $2.98 billion, a 52.1% profit increase and more than $680 million of new contracts secured since year-end. The engineering services group is also carrying a disputed claim worth about $200 million and a sizeable exposure to fossil-fuel markets.

Bendigo Bank’s unaudited 1Q27 cash earnings rose 18.5% against the prior half-year quarterly average, but statutory profit fell as net interest margin narrowed and non-cash property revaluations weighed. Deposits grew while lending contracted, with the bank continuing its costly non-financial risk remediation program.

TAL Daiichi Life Australia has tabled a conditional $11.80-per-share proposal to acquire the 79.5% of Challenger it does not already own. The approach arrives as Challenger reports a 52% jump in first-quarter sales, but remains non-binding and subject to due diligence, regulatory approval and a board recommendation.

Pacific Edge has secured new US payer access and a Veterans Administration purchasing agreement while proposed Medicare price increases could materially lift revenue per test. The recovery remains unfinished, however, with US commercial volumes down 13% and final Medicare coverage still pending.