BUSINESS

MercadoLibre shares rose in Frankfurt after a weak September, while investors continue to assess the Latin American e-commerce giant's rapid growth, margin pressure, debt and competition.

Shares in China's CXMT eased after a strong rally as investors weighed a reported $5.2 billion expansion, new G5 DRAM production and geopolitical risks.

Data#3 shares surged nearly 14% after the IT services provider forecast first-half pre-tax profit above A$46.9 million, exceeding analysts' estimates despite a broad ASX sell-off.

Australian businesses seeking SOC 2, ISO 27001 or related security certification can consider five consultancies highlighted for audit expertise, client continuity, technical testing and compliance support.

South Korea's KOSPI rose 1.95% as Micron's stronger-than-expected results boosted semiconductor shares, helping Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix recover despite pressure from global bond yields.

Liontown shares fell 15% after the company approved a A$389 million Kathleen Valley expansion, with investors weighing higher near-term spending, execution risks and weaker lithium prices.

Australian small business groups warn that banning card payment surcharges could force independent retailers to absorb processing fees, potentially increasing prices and squeezing already narrow profit margins.

Australian shares fell nearly 2% to a four-month low as rising bond yields, elevated oil prices and a late Wall Street sell-off weighed on investor sentiment.

Gen Digital shares rose nearly 7% after a steep sell-off linked to reports of a preliminary GoDaddy takeover approach, as the company reassured investors about its strategy and outlook.

ImmunityBio shares rose more than 11% as investors weighed accelerating Anktiva sales, international expansion, regulatory milestones and the FDA's planned January 2027 decision on broader use.

Elon Musk predicted Delta CEO Ed Bastian would lose his job after the airline chose Amazon Leo over Starlink for in-flight Wi-Fi, a claim with no evidence offered.

US stocks opened higher after cooler-than-expected inflation and stronger private payrolls reduced expectations of an October Federal Reserve rate hike, while oil prices and Treasury yields remained volatile.

Charter Hall shares rose 6.4% as falling bond yields and dovish RBA signals sparked a broad rebound in Australian property stocks, despite persistent sector risks.

A review of five Sydney conveyancing firms identifies practices praised by clients for communication, contract checks, competitive fees, urgent reviews and support through complex transactions.

US-based private equity firm Merchant Wealth Partners has committed A$385 million to acquire a strategic stake in Ironbark Financial Group and support expansion of its A$97 billion platform.

The ASX 200 climbed nearly 1% as property, technology, defence and gold stocks rallied, despite inflation rising to 4% and the RBA lifting rates to 4.6%.

Tag Markets says its brokerage is designed for traders with different levels of experience and preferences, offering education, independent trading, CopyX copy trading and varied account structures.

McDonald's shares edged higher after reaching a new 52-week low, as investor concerns over value, slowing traffic, rising yields and costly strategic plans weigh on the stock.

The Reserve Bank of Australia has lifted its cash rate to 4.60%, increasing mortgage costs, reducing borrowing capacity and creating mixed consequences for renters and savers.

Carnival reported record third-quarter revenue and profit, exceeded Wall Street expectations and raised its 2026 outlook despite higher fuel costs, sending cruise stocks sharply higher.

Iovance Biotherapeutics shares rose more than 20% after the company raised its 2026 revenue forecast, citing accelerating demand for its melanoma therapy Amtagvi.

SM Entertainment shares rose 1.82% to 83,800 won, recovering modestly after a sharp annual decline as investors considered recent earnings, strategic partnerships and upcoming results.

US coffee drinkers can claim free drinks, discounts and other perks on National Coffee Day, with offers from major chains often restricted to members, apps or participating locations.

HYBE shares fell 1.98% to 158,700 won, remaining near a one-year low despite strong second-quarter results and BTS's return, as investors questioned margins and K-pop growth.

Perenti shares rose 8.8% after the mining services company announced more than A$200 million in drilling and underground mining contracts across three regions.

South Korean shares declined for a second session as foreign investors sold heavily, US Treasury yields and oil prices rose, and technology stocks faced renewed pressure.

Megaport shares climbed 9.4% after the company announced A$978.6 million in new AI infrastructure contracts and upgraded its FY27 revenue and EBITDA margin guidance.

Codan shares reached a record high after the company raised its profit outlook, citing exceptionally strong communications demand from conflict regions and continued growth in gold detectors.

Chris Hemsworth has reportedly closed Wild State, the production company he founded in 2022, although neither the actor nor the company has confirmed the shutdown.