Latest Economic Outlook News

Westpac Banking Corporation posted a statutory net profit of AUD 3.414 billion for the half year ended March 2026, marking a 3% increase on the prior corresponding period despite a 5% decline from the previous half. The bank maintained a strong capital position and declared a fully franked interim dividend of 77 cents per share.

Athena Resources is raising $3.5 million through a discounted share placement backed by major investors to fast-track drilling and feasibility at its Narryer magnetite project.

Aldoro Resources has unveiled standout high-grade niobium and strontium intercepts from its Phase II drilling at Kameelburg, Namibia, confirming a large, continuous multi-commodity mineral system and opening a potential standalone niobium domain.

Cavalier Resources has boosted the net present value of its Stage 1 Crawford Gold Project by 50% to A$77.2 million in an updated Pre-Feasibility Study, despite rising costs. The company secured a US$18.7 million gold sale agreement and raised $4 million to fund pre-production activities.

Lunnon Metals has reported strong operational progress at its Lady Herial open pit gold mine, generating positive free cash flow in March 2026 and maintaining schedule to complete mining by August. Higher-than-expected gold prices have offset rising diesel costs, underpinning the project's economic outlook.

Lefroy Exploration (ASX: LEX) is launching a focused 4,000m drilling program at its Mt Martin Gold Project to expand its 439,000-ounce resource, alongside an imminent Mineral Resource Estimate update reflecting stronger gold prices and revised economics.

Buru Energy has enhanced the Rafael Gas Project’s mid-case value by over 45% through new engineering insights, while securing A$5.3 million to advance development. The company delayed appraisal drilling to 2027 to optimise funding and project design, and navigates a leadership change with CEO Thomas Nador stepping down.

Future Metals has unveiled a lower-risk, lower-capital pathway for its Panton PGM Project by leveraging the idle Savannah Plant, delivering upfront savings of around A$74 million and preserving long-term growth potential.

Stellar Resources has pushed its Heemskirk Tin Project closer to development readiness, reporting a 41% increase in the Queen Hill resource and uncovering new high-grade tin mineralisation below the Severn deposit. The company also secured a key tailings facility agreement and maintains a strong cash position amid volatile tin prices.

Sunstone Metals has kicked off its latest drilling campaign at the Bramaderos Gold-Copper Project with substantial mineralised intersections, reinforcing the potential to expand its 3.6 million ounce resource. The company prepares to release a scoping study that will clarify the project's economic outlook.

Westpac Banking Corporation reports steady lending and deposit growth alongside stable margins despite geopolitical headwinds, while transaction costs from its RAMS mortgage portfolio sale weigh on first-half profits.

Vulcan Energy’s Lionheart Project in Rhineland-Palatinate will benefit from a five-year royalty exemption on lithium production, reinforcing Germany’s push for domestic critical material supply and boosting the project’s economic outlook.