Latest Middle East News

National Australia Bank is adjusting its credit provisioning and capital policies in response to market volatility from the Middle East conflict, with significant impacts on its 1H26 earnings and balance sheet.

Electro Optic Systems (ASX: EOS) wraps up a three-year turnaround, reporting a $459 million order backlog despite a 27% revenue drop. The company expands its counter-drone and space control portfolio with the acquisition of the UK-based Interceptor business and a pending deal for MARSS, a European command-and-control software provider.

Memphasys Limited has marked a milestone quarter with revenue surpassing A$100,000, driven by repeat orders and multi-year contracts, signalling its transition to a commercially focused biotech business.

Paladin Energy has lifted its uranium production guidance for FY2026 at the Langer Heinrich Mine, citing strong ramp-up progress and improved processing metrics. The company also trimmed capital expenditure forecasts while maintaining sales and cost outlooks amid geopolitical uncertainties.

Alcoa Corporation reported a sharp rise in first quarter 2026 net income to $425 million, driven by higher aluminium prices and a completed smelter restart, even as alumina production and shipments declined due to seasonal and external disruptions.

New Zealand King Salmon (NZX: NZK) has sharply upgraded its FY26 earnings guidance, citing better-than-expected summer fish growth and lower mortality. The company now expects pro-forma EBITDA between $19 million and $27 million, up from $9 million to $15 million previously.

ECP Emerging Growth Limited’s portfolio plunged 19.4% in the March quarter, dragging its net tangible asset value down by nearly 30%, as growth stocks stumbled amid geopolitical tensions and rising rates. The fund added furniture retailer Koala Company and sees value in its resilient holdings despite the rough patch.

AIC Mines reported a strong March quarter with Eloise copper production exceeding guidance at lower costs amid steady progress on its processing plant expansion and Jericho underground development.

Australian Ethical’s funds under management slid 3.7% to $13.57 billion in Q3 2026 amid market volatility, but the firm bolstered growth with a new $125 million private markets fund backed by the Clean Energy Finance Corporation and solid middle market client wins.

DGL Group reported a 5.8% revenue decline to $225.2 million in H1 FY26, weighed down by audit qualifications, ERP rollout delays, and one-off impairments. Despite these headwinds, the company cut net debt by $16.4 million and advanced strategic site consolidations and new facility investments.

Fletcher Building posted a mixed quarterly volume update for Q3 FY26, with gains in light building products and distribution offset by weakness in heavy materials. The recent Middle East conflict adds new supply chain and cost pressures, complicating the outlook.

Henderson Far East Income Limited posted a robust 23.3% net asset value total return for the half-year ending February 2026, supported by strong Asian tech and financial sector gains. The trust declared a 6.25p interim dividend and raised £39.1 million through new share issuance, securing a spot in the FTSE 250.