Latest Australian Economy News

WA1 Resources has secured Major Project Status for its Luni Niobium Project, marking it as a critical national asset with government-backed facilitation for three years.

The Takeovers Panel has declared unacceptable circumstances in the Mayne Pharma acquisition, ordering Cosette Pharmaceuticals to comply with conditions preventing closure of the Salisbury manufacturing site. This ruling highlights concerns over market transparency and the integrity of the takeover process.

Whitefield Industrials reported a 4% decline in net profit for the half-year to September 2025 but maintained a strong fully franked dividend and delivered portfolio returns above its benchmark.

Cobalt Blue Holdings is pivoting its Broken Hill Technology Centre to process battery black mass, aiming to secure a sustainable domestic feedstock for its Kwinana Cobalt Refinery and unlock near-term revenue opportunities.

Desane Group Holdings Limited reports a solid FY25 with $5.4 million EBIT and $104.8 million in assets, buoyed by strong industrial and logistics property performance amid shifting workforce trends.

Westpac reported a resilient full-year 2025 performance with modest profit decline, robust loan and deposit growth, and ongoing strategic initiatives aimed at simplifying operations and enhancing customer experience.

Westpac Banking Corporation reported a solid $6.9 billion statutory net profit for 2025, maintaining strong capital and credit quality while increasing dividends. The bank’s ongoing transformation and disciplined growth underpin its outlook amid evolving economic conditions.

The Treasurer has expressed preliminary concerns that Cosette Pharmaceuticals’ proposed acquisition of Mayne Pharma could harm Australia’s economy, citing plans to close a key Adelaide manufacturing site. Mayne Pharma disputes these claims and urges a resolution before the scheme deadline.

Whitefield Industrials reports a $10.5 million net profit for H1 2026, with a strong 17.1% annualised return over three years, maintaining its track record of benchmark outperformance and announcing a 10.5 cent fully franked dividend.

Ardea Resources has extended its Major Project Status for the Kalgoorlie Nickel Project, reinforcing its strategic role in Australia's critical minerals sector and ensuring continued government support.

Bank of Queensland reported a robust FY25 with 12% growth in cash earnings and significant progress in its digital banking and branch conversion initiatives. The bank’s focus on productivity and specialist business lending underpins its optimistic outlook despite ongoing economic uncertainties.

Salter Brothers Emerging Companies Limited posted a 25.5% decline in profit after tax for FY25 but marked a milestone with its inaugural dividend payment. The fund remains confident in its small-cap investment strategy amid easing interest rates and geopolitical volatility.