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SKS Technologies (ASX:SKS) expects an unaudited before-tax profit of $39.3 million, up 15.6% from prior guidance.

Hammer Metals (ASX:HMX) received a binding acquisition proposal from Austral Resources (ASX:AR1) worth $80.7 million.

Telecommunications provider Pentanet (ASX:5GG) reported unaudited group revenue of $24.4 million for the 2026 financial year.

Westpac (ASX:WBC) finalised the sale of its $15.4 billion RAMS mortgage portfolio to a multi-firm consortium.

West Texas Intermediate prices dropped after the United States paused military action against Iran.

New Zealand headquartered Vista Group (ASX:VGL) reported a 12% increase in half-year total revenue to NZ$86.3 million.

Retailer Briscoe Group (ASX:BGP) generated NZ$193.4 million in second-quarter sales, delivering a third consecutive quarter of growth.

The Australian government has ended the temporary fuel excise discount, confirming wholesale fuel prices will increase by 16 cents per litre.

Data provider Cotality reported that national auction volumes in Australia fell 19.2% year-on-year to 1,273 listings.

• HSBC Holdings (NYSE:HSBC) agreed to divest its $36 billion Australian home and personal loan portfolio to Blackstone Inc. (NYSE:BX) as part of a broader strategy to simplify operations.
• The transaction carries an immaterial loss of under $100 million for HSBC, while major domestic competitors continue managing multi-billion-dollar residential lending portfolios.
• Traditional banks are scaling back complex consumer portfolios to optimise capital reserves, leaving specialised non-bank institutions to expand market share through third-party servicing arrangements.

• The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported a 7.2% rise in total dwelling approvals to 18,328 in June, driven by a 17.8% jump in multi-unit approvals.
• Annual residential approvals reached 205,249 dwellings for the 2025-26 financial year, reflecting a 9.2% increase compared to the previous period.
• Sector analysts observe that while apartment pipelines expand, non-residential construction values dropped 24.7% to $8.26 billion, creating mixed pressures for large developers.

• The US administration imposed a 12.5% tariff on Australian exports following forced labour allegations across global supply chains.
• Energy markets spiked simultaneously as Brent crude hit US$91 per barrel, driving Australian capital city unleaded petrol prices up to $2.25 per litre.
• Australian federal leaders confirmed temporary fuel tax relief will expire on Aug. 2 while challenging export levies through diplomatic channels.

• Genesis Minerals entered a binding agreement to acquire Vault Minerals, creating a combined entity valued at $12.6 billion.
• The transaction values Vault at approximately $5.6 billion, with the merged group projecting annual output of 600,000 to 700,000 ounces and $2.0 billion in post-tax synergies.
• Mid-tier producers are pursuing regional operational integration to lower processing costs and achieve scale amid shifting macroeconomic conditions.

Nex Metals (ASX:NME) formed a joint venture with Wangkatja Tjungula Aboriginal to pursue a Western Australian gold-copper exploration licence.

4DMedical (ASX:4DX) reported operating revenue of $278 million as of June 30.

Brett Blundy acquired local lingerie and apparel brands, including Bras N Things and Bonds, for $700 million.

Clime Investment Management (ASX:CIW) concluded its strategic transformation and issued a final dividend guidance of $0.005 per share.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX:CBA) will move 1.5 million customers into no-fee bank accounts following a determination by ASIC.

FlexiRoam (ASX:FRX) posted its first full-year positive operating cash flow of $2.7 million for FY26.

DPM Metals (ASX:DPM) reported net earnings of $230 million for the second quarter of 2026.

Ariana Resources (ASX:AA2) sold its 9.9% interest in the Kiziltepe Sector to Proccea Construction Co. for US$3.3 million.

The Australian Government Takeovers Panel declined proceedings on Frasers Group's application concerning Accent Group (ASX:AX1).

Adisyn (ASX:AI1) secured a second United States patent allowance covering graphene-coated surfaces for semiconductor applications.

Ora Banda Mining (ASX:OBM) expanded the Little Gem prospect strike length to 2.6km with multiple parallel sapphire lodes.