Mahathir Bayena

Data-centre developers are pursuing at least 56 GW of on-site natural gas generation across 46 projects as artificial intelligence infrastructure expands faster than electricity grids can accommodate new demand.

Accent Group (ASX:AX1) has unanimously rejected an unsolicited $316 million on-market takeover offer from Frasers Group.

National Business Corporate Pension Fund plans to allocate about ¥213 million (US$1.36 million), or roughly 1% of its ¥21.3 billion (US$136 million) portfolio.

Aspermont (ASX:ASP) has delayed its positive operating cash flow target to the second half of fiscal year 2027.

• Accenture reported $18.7 billion in quarterly revenue, yet its stock fell 13.3% to $143.50.
• The firm recorded $19.3 billion in new bookings and expanded operating margins to 17%.
• Consulting firms face mounting investor pressure to convert enterprise artificial intelligence demand into immediate profitability.

• Gina Rinehart's Hancock Prospecting has acquired a $1.31 billion stake in SpaceX following its initial public offering.
• SpaceX completed its first official day of public trading with a total market valuation of US$2.1 trillion.
• The deal links Australian natural resource exporters directly to the infrastructure requirements of orbital data networks.

MicroStrategy founder Michael Saylor said the company’s Bitcoin-focused strategy has helped push its Bitcoin and cash reserves about $48 billion above its total debt.

• Russia has added USD Coin (CRYPTO:USDC) to its approved cryptocurrency framework, expanding the pool of digital assets available under its evolving regulatory regime. 
• The decision places USDC alongside established digital assets and highlights growing competition among large-cap cryptocurrencies and stablecoins seeking regulated market access. 
• Regulatory oversight, investment limits and concerns over potential asset freezes remain key risks for crypto adoption in Russia.

Goldman Sachs lowered its year-end gold price target to US$4,900 per ounce from US$5,400, citing expectations that the US Federal Reserve will not cut interest rates during 2026.

Global energy markets shifted as Brent Crude Oil prices rallied back above $80 per barrel following the sudden postponement of high-level diplomatic negotiations between the United States and Iran.