Category Archives: News

Telstra Posts 31% Profit Gain, Commits $1B to Share Repurchases

Telstra Group, Australia’s largest telecommunications company, has posted a strong set of results for its fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, reporting a 31% increase in annual profit driven by robust growth in its mobile division.

The company also announced a $1 billion share buyback (approximately US$654 million), signaling management’s confidence in its earnings trajectory and balance sheet strength.

The telecom giant’s net profit rose to $2.34 billion, up from $1.79 billion the year before. This result matched market expectations, with analysts polled by Visible Alpha forecasting precisely the same figure. Telstra credited the growth primarily to continued momentum in mobile services, including 5G expansion, improved customer retention, and higher average revenue per user (ARPU).

In a competitive Australian telecom market, mobile has become Telstra’s primary growth engine, helping offset challenges in other business segments such as fixed-line services.

In addition to the buyback announcement, Telstra declared a final dividend of 9.5 Australian cents per share, slightly higher than last year’s 9 cents. This dividend increase, while modest, reflects the company’s consistent shareholder return policy. Continue reading Telstra Posts 31% Profit Gain, Commits $1B to Share Repurchases

10 Costly Retirement Planning Myths and Mistakes — and How to Avoid Them

Retirement is often imagined as a period of comfort and security — a time to travel, spend more time with family, and enjoy the fruits of decades of work. Yet, the reality for many retirees is more complicated.

Small misunderstandings and common assumptions, if left unchecked, can lead to major financial shortfalls. Some people underestimate how much they’ll spend, others put too much faith in Social Security, and many are caught off guard by healthcare bills or the impact of inflation.

The good news is that each of these traps can be avoided with some clear-eyed planning. Continue reading 10 Costly Retirement Planning Myths and Mistakes — and How to Avoid Them

Brazil Announces $5.6 Billion Credit Program to Support Exporters Hit by U.S. Tariffs

razilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced Tuesday that his government will provide 30 billion reais ($5.55 billion) in credit to help domestic exporters navigate newly increased tariffs from the United States.

Speaking in an interview with local outlet BandNews, Lula said the funding is an initial measure to assist companies facing higher U.S. import duties. The broader relief package, set to be formally unveiled Wednesday in Brasília, will also include government purchase programs aimed at bolstering affected industries.

According to the president’s office, the plan will be presented at an event scheduled for 11:30 a.m. local time (1430 GMT). The announcement follows earlier reports from Reuters that the government was considering reallocating around 30 billion reais from a fund managed by the state development bank BNDES to support businesses impacted by the tariff hikes.

Earlier this month, Washington raised tariffs on a wide range of Brazilian goods from 10% to 50%. Certain products, including orange juice and aircraft, were exempted from the increase. Continue reading Brazil Announces $5.6 Billion Credit Program to Support Exporters Hit by U.S. Tariffs

StubHub Revives $1 Billion IPO Plans with Updated Filing

StubHub, the online ticket resale giant, is once again preparing to go public after a months-long pause in its initial public offering (IPO) process. The company, which first filed a public S-1 registration with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in late March 2025, put its plans on hold in April amid heightened market uncertainty caused by new U.S. tariffs under the Trump administration.

On Monday, StubHub filed an updated S-1, this time including its financial results for the first quarter of 2025 — a move widely seen as a sign that the IPO is back on track. Industry observers say the revised filing suggests that the company could make its market debut as early as next month. Continue reading StubHub Revives $1 Billion IPO Plans with Updated Filing

U.S. Tariff Revenues Hit Record $27.7 Billion in July Amid Ongoing Trade Disputes

The U.S. government collected a record $27.7 billion in customs duties in July, fueled by President Donald Trump’s continued use of tariffs to reshape the nation’s trade policy. Treasury Department data released Tuesday shows this marks the highest monthly total on record, surpassing June’s $26.6 billion and May’s $22.2 billion.

The figure represents a sharp increase from roughly $8 billion in July 2024 and pushes total tariff revenue for the fiscal year — which ends September 30 — to approximately $135.7 billion. The surge underscores how tariff collections during Trump’s second term have far exceeded levels seen in his first term and in recent U.S. history. Continue reading U.S. Tariff Revenues Hit Record $27.7 Billion in July Amid Ongoing Trade Disputes

Global EV Sales Growth Slows to 21% in July as China’s Market Cools

Global electric vehicle (EV) sales rose 21% year-over-year in July, marking the slowest growth rate since January and down from 25% in June, according to market research firm Rho Motion. The slowdown was largely driven by weaker plug-in hybrid sales in China, the world’s largest auto market and home to more than half of all global EV sales.

China’s overall car market lost momentum in July, with BYD—the world’s largest EV manufacturer—posting its third consecutive monthly decline in registrations. The drop coincided with a temporary pause in certain 2025 government subsidies for EV and plug-in hybrid purchases. Continue reading Global EV Sales Growth Slows to 21% in July as China’s Market Cools

Circle Shares Dip After Announcing 10 Million Share Sale Following Massive Post-IPO Rally

Circle Internet Group (CRCL) shares fell nearly 5% in after-hours trading Tuesday following news that the company plans to sell 10 million shares, just months after its stock surged 425% since going public.

The stablecoin issuer disclosed in an SEC filing that it will offer 2 million shares of Class A common stock directly, while existing shareholders will sell an additional 8 million shares.

Earlier in the day, Circle shares closed up 1.27% at $163.21, buoyed by stronger-than-expected second-quarter results. The company reported $658 million in total revenue, surpassing analyst estimates of $647 million. Continue reading Circle Shares Dip After Announcing 10 Million Share Sale Following Massive Post-IPO Rally

Understanding Platinum’s Role in Industry and Investment

Platinum is often overshadowed by gold and silver in the world of precious metals, yet it is one of the rarest and most versatile elements on Earth.

Its scarcity, unique physical properties, and vital role in industrial applications have made it a sought-after material for both investors and manufacturers.

Over the years, platinum has moved in and out of the spotlight, at times commanding higher prices than gold, and at other times trading at a discount.

Understanding its history, market trends, and industrial importance helps explain why platinum remains a distinctive part of the global commodities landscape. Continue reading Understanding Platinum’s Role in Industry and Investment

The Story of Diamonds — From Royal Treasures to Investment Assets

Diamonds have captured human imagination for centuries. Known for their brilliance, rarity, and symbolic connection to love and status, they are one of the most recognized and coveted gemstones in the world.

Yet, beyond their role in engagement rings and luxury jewelry, diamonds are also part of a complex global market that includes investment demand, industrial applications, and evolving technology such as lab-grown stones.

Understanding the history of diamonds, how their markets developed, and the forces shaping supply and demand today can shed light on why they remain such a distinctive — and sometimes controversial — asset. Continue reading The Story of Diamonds — From Royal Treasures to Investment Assets

“Man in the Prompt” Browser Attack: What You Need to Know

A new kind of cyberattack has been discovered called “Man in the Prompt.” It sounds like a thriller title, but it’s a real threat.

What’s happening?
A company called LayerX found that browser extensions (those little tools you install in Chrome, Firefox, etc.) can secretly access what you type into AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and others.

Continue reading “Man in the Prompt” Browser Attack: What You Need to Know