LSEG to Modernize ASX 24 Derivatives Platform in Major Tech Overhaul
Technology Sarah Chen

LSEG to Modernize ASX 24 Derivatives Platform in Major Tech Overhaul

London Stock Exchange Group has secured a deal to provide a new high-performance trading platform for ASX 24, Australia's primary derivatives market. The upgrade aims to address recent outages and modernize aging infrastructure, with completion expected by 2028.

ASX
HSBC Asia Co-CEO Offloads $5.5 Million in Shares Amid Banking Sector Volatility
Markets Daniel Marsh

HSBC Asia Co-CEO Offloads $5.5 Million in Shares Amid Banking Sector Volatility

HSBC Holdings Plc's Asia and Middle East co-CEO, Surendra Rosha, divested 308,400 shares worth approximately HK$43.17 million. The transaction occurred during a period of significant volatility for European banking stocks.

HSBC BCS
Rio Tinto and Western Australia Launch $1.1B Desalination Venture
Commodities Rebecca Torres

Rio Tinto and Western Australia Launch $1.1B Desalination Venture

Rio Tinto and the Western Australian government have established a 50:50 joint venture to construct a A$1.1 billion seawater desalination plant near Dampier. The expanded facility will provide 8 gigalitres of water annually to local towns and mining operations.

RIO BHP GLD
Barclays' £500M MFS Link Sparks Private Credit Scrutiny
Markets Daniel Marsh

Barclays' £500M MFS Link Sparks Private Credit Scrutiny

Barclays PLC holds approximately £500 million in loans tied to the failed UK mortgage lender Market Financial Solutions, one of the largest exposures in the administration. Investors are assessing risks as the collapse highlights opacity in private credit markets.

BCS HSBC SAN APO
Evolution Mining Declares 20-Cent Interim Dividend, Sets DRP Timeline
Earnings James Calloway

Evolution Mining Declares 20-Cent Interim Dividend, Sets DRP Timeline

Evolution Mining will distribute a 20-cent interim dividend on April 2 to shareholders of record March 4. The Dividend Reinvestment Plan carries no discount, with pricing determined between March 5 and 11.

GLD
Pro Medicus Shares Surge 4.6% Amid Interim Revenue Growth
Earnings James Calloway

Pro Medicus Shares Surge 4.6% Amid Interim Revenue Growth

Pro Medicus shares gained 4.6% on Thursday, closing at A$121.49, despite remaining down 53% over the past year. Interim results showed strong revenue growth and a significant fair value gain from a 4D Medical investment.

CSL
Xero Data Reveals U.S. Small Business Sales Slowdown, Canadian Contraction
Economy Daniel Marsh

Xero Data Reveals U.S. Small Business Sales Slowdown, Canadian Contraction

Xero's latest data shows U.S. small business sales growth decelerated sharply to 0.9% year-over-year in the December quarter, with Canadian sales contracting 4.1%. The company cited tariff impacts and policy uncertainty.

INTU
Shell Secures New Kazakhstan Exploration Rights Amid Ongoing Arbitration
Commodities Rebecca Torres

Shell Secures New Kazakhstan Exploration Rights Amid Ongoing Arbitration

Shell has entered into an agreement with Kazakhstan's energy ministry for exploration rights to the Zhanaturmys oil and gas block, valid until 2032. The move comes as the company remains engaged in international arbitration concerning other Kazakh ventures and proceeds with its share repurchase program.

SHEL XLE CVX XOM
Malaysia Clarifies Lynas License Terms Amid US Mineral Pacts
Commodities Rebecca Torres

Malaysia Clarifies Lynas License Terms Amid US Mineral Pacts

Malaysia's trade ministry stated that recent US trade and critical minerals agreements do not alter the technical conditions imposed on Lynas Rare Earths' Malaysian operations. The ministry confirmed Lynas's 10-year operating license renewal, granted on March 3, 2026, remains subject to strict waste management deadlines.

GLD
Coles Under Pressure to Sever Palantir Data Deal Amid Privacy Concerns
Technology Sarah Chen

Coles Under Pressure to Sever Palantir Data Deal Amid Privacy Concerns

Coles faces a public campaign demanding it terminate its relationship with U.S. data analytics firm Palantir. The retailer maintains the technology is used solely for business planning, not surveillance.

XLK
Telstra Urges Government to Slash $7.3B Spectrum Fee, Warns of Price Hikes
Regulation James Calloway

Telstra Urges Government to Slash $7.3B Spectrum Fee, Warns of Price Hikes

Telstra is pressuring the Australian government to reduce a proposed $7.34 billion spectrum licence renewal fee, arguing it exceeds fair value by $4.1 billion and could lead to higher mobile prices or lower investment.

South32 pivots to base metals as Mozal smelter closure looms
Commodities Rebecca Torres

South32 pivots to base metals as Mozal smelter closure looms

South32 Ltd is accelerating its transition toward base metals production, with CEO Graham Kerr projecting 90% of output will soon come from these operations. The shift coincides with the impending closure of its Mozal aluminum smelter in Mozambique.

GLD