Santos shares climbed to their highest level in four years as stronger oil prices, rising production, and improving cash flow boosted investor sentiment toward the Australian energy company. The stock has surged 33% since the beginning of 2026, significantly outperforming the broader ASX market. Santos recently reported stronger quarterly production, higher sales revenue, and stable free cash flow while also announcing first oil production from its Pikka development project in Alaska. Analysts remain largely bullish on the company, with most maintaining buy ratings and expecting further upside as global oil markets remain volatile and energy prices elevated.
BUSINESS
Australia’s Block Earner Secures ASIC Credit Licence in Major Boost for Crypto Lending
Block Earner has secured an Australian Credit Licence from ASIC, becoming the first digital asset platform in Australia allowed to directly provide regulated crypto-backed credit products under its own licence. The Sydney-based fintech says the approval creates a regulated pathway for Australians to use cryptocurrency holdings as collateral for lending products, including home loans. The company already claims more than $500 million in mortgage demand through its waitlist service. The licence approval follows Block Earner’s major court victory against ASIC last year and comes as Australia prepares broader reforms for the country’s growing digital asset and cryptocurrency sector.
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Samsung strike threat returns as AI chip demand climbs
Samsung resumed talks with its labour union as officials sought to prevent a planned strike that could affect semiconductor production during rising global demand for artificial intelligence chips. The dispute over bonuses and profit-sharing comes as memory chip suppliers remain central to AI server expansion and technology supply chains worldwide.
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Akamai’s $2.6B raise lands as AI infrastructure spending surges
Akamai Technologies plans to raise $2.6 billion through convertible senior notes as AI-driven cloud infrastructure spending continues rising across the technology sector. The company’s financing move follows strong quarterly cloud revenue growth and comes amid broader industry investment in data centers, cybersecurity systems, and computing capacity expansion.
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US clears $4.2B helicopter sale, upgrades for Seoul
South Korea’s planned Seahawk helicopter purchase is drawing wider attention as Indo-Pacific governments expand naval surveillance and anti-submarine programs. The proposed $4.2 billion package includes 24 MH-60R helicopters, Apache upgrades, radar systems and logistics support, reflecting continued growth in regional maritime defense spending and military aviation procurement.
Business
Morgan Stanley plans exit from Chicago parking meter deal with Stonepeak
Stonepeak is buying the parking meter concession in Chicago from a group of investors led by Morgan Stanley. The system had approximately $160.9 million in revenue in 2024 and is one of the most watched long-term public asset leases linked to private financing of urban infrastructure and investor-driven urban revenue systems.
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$100M valuation in sight as Nvidia circles AI startup Simplismart
Nvidia is in advanced talks to lead a $20 million funding round in AI infrastructure startup Simplismart, according to reports. The deal could value the company near $100 million. Simplismart builds tools for deploying and managing AI models efficiently across enterprise environments and cloud systems.
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A failed deal, mine fire and now a $3.88B Coal Sale
Anglo American has agreed to sell its Australian steelmaking coal assets to Dhilmar for up to $3.88 billion. The Queensland Bowen Basin mines supply metallurgical coal to Asian steelmakers. The transaction supports Anglo’s restructuring strategy focused on copper operations, debt reduction and reducing exposure to non-core mining businesses.
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Australia’s Brambles Announces Big US$400 Million Buy-Back
Australia’s Brambles has announced a major US$400 million share buy-back program, highlighting confidence in its financial strength and long-term growth outlook. The pallet pooling giant also reported strong earnings performance driven by improved pricing, efficiency gains and stable global demand. Investors are closely watching how the buy-back could support shareholder returns and boost market sentiment. The move comes as Brambles continues expanding operational improvements across key international markets while maintaining disciplined capital management and steady cash flow generation.