Christmas has come early for the bank’s shareholders with the decision to slightly increase the 2024 dividend – despite a single-digit decline in the net profit and cash earnings.
Beating the market benchmark is never easy, with 72 per cent of Australian actively managed global equity general funds trailing the S&P World Index in the six months to June 30, 2024. Domestic equity funds performed slightly better, albeit against a significantly lower bar set by the S&P/ASX 200 Index.
ASX breaks seven day winning streak
ASX breaks seven day winning streak, AUD starting to bite, tech under pressure
The ASX200 (ASX:XJO) couldn’t take it’s winning run beyond seven days once again, falling 0.7% on the back of weakness in the technology sector, down 2.1%.
The weakness was twofold, with Facebook (NASDAQ:FB) facing US legal action seeking to have the company’s Instagram and WhatsApp businesses broken up.
Closer to home, tech darling Appen (ASX:APX) which leverages artificial intelligence to deliver process and business improvements fell 12.4% after delivering a weaker than expected trading update.
Management flagged a c30% fall in earnings from $125 – $130 million to $106 – 109 million as Californian lockdowns crimped a fourth quarter recovery.
The property sector remains one of the hottest on the ASX at the moment, with the likes of APN, 360 Capital and Charter Hall all raising additional funds for opportunistic acquisitions this week.
SCA Property Group (ASX:SCP) which owns suburban shopping centres was the first to increase the valuation of their properties, adding $125 million despite cutting its distribution by 24%; shares finished 1.2% higher.
Asaleo Care (ASX:AHY) under offer, Link (ASX:LNK) opens the books, iron ore over USD$150
The incredible iron ore rally continued overnight hitting a seven and a half year high above US$150 as Chinese stockpiles continue to reduce.
Whilst positive for the likes of BHP (ASX:BHP) and Fortescue Metals (ASX:FMG), it may be distorting the Australian economy.
The huge demand for iron ore combined with the stronger Chinese currency has seen the AUD near $0.75 cents this week, placing huge pressure on our other key exports.
Management of Link Administration (ASX:LNK) rebuffed the latest takeover offer after flagging a weaker than expected second half performance yesterday, noting that it is unfunded, non-binding and unsolicited.
That said, they have agreed to allow due diligence, commencing what may be a long process ahead; it’s looking fully valued.
Asaleo Care (ASX:AHY) was the latest small cap to receive an unsolicited offer, spiking close to 22% after major shareholder Essity bid $1.26 for the company.
Airbnb doubles, late rally leads to positive lead, Facebook (NASDAQ:FB) under pressure
US markets staged a late rally offering a positive lead for the ASX with the Nasdaq finishing 0.5% higher and the S&P500 just 0.1%.
It was news of a stop gap stimulus measure targeting state based support that spurred the market higher, overcoming the highest unemployment claims in three months.
Traders are now worried that without stimulus before Christmas ‘JobKeeper‘ like payments will cease as of the 1st of January.
Airbnb finally listed, despite being hard hit by the pandemic, increasing 112% on its first day of trading.
The European Central Bank increased its bond buying program or QE as it seeks to overcome the second wave but Facebook is now under incredible pressure to break up it’s business.
The US Federal Trade Commission along with several states have filed an antitrust lawsuit against the company, suggesting it has abused its monopoly powers in the pursuit and purchase of Instagram and WhatsApp among other platforms.
This has been a long time coming, but always a concern given Facebook’s growing importance for online advertising spend.
