BUSINESS

Japan's Nikkei 225 rose 0.85% as technology shares followed Wall Street higher and exports jumped 16.7%, though higher imports widened the country's trade deficit.

Telix Pharmaceuticals shares fell 6.6% to A$14.72, extending a volatile period as investors weigh strong revenue growth against rising costs, valuation concerns and regulatory risks.

NextDC shares plunged 37% after a delayed power upgrade for its Melbourne M3 data centre forced the company to cut fiscal 2027 revenue and earnings guidance.

Zip shares fell 4.5% to A$2.025, extending a steep annual decline despite record fiscal 2026 earnings, strong US growth and plans for a share consolidation.

Reliance Worldwide shares fell more than 4% as investors assessed uncertainty around Brookfield's potential A$4.75-per-share takeover proposal, alongside tariff pressures and weaker market demand facing the plumbing products maker.

GenusPlus shares fell nearly 4% after NextDC cut its fiscal 2027 guidance, triggering a broader sell-off in companies exposed to data centre and power infrastructure projects.

The ASX 200 edged lower after NextDC shares plunged more than 40% over a data-centre power delay, offsetting gains in James Hardie and a positive Wall Street lead.

ASIC is investigating a Sydney-based financial services firm over alleged links to overseas investment operators accused of using its Australian licence to target investors and contribute to reported losses of $138 million.

RBA Deputy Governor Andrew Hauser says Australia's inflation outlook has deteriorated since August, raising market speculation that the central bank could consider a rate increase in November.

Starbucks shares rose nearly 2% towards $100 as investors anticipated the company's fourth-quarter results and assessed progress under CEO Brian Niccol's turnaround strategy.

Telkom Indonesia's US-listed shares rose 8% in early trading despite falling 47% over the past year, as investors await results and assess its restructuring efforts.

Equifax shares rose 7.4% after the credit reporting company reported 10% third-quarter revenue growth, while warning that a weaker US mortgage market could persist through 2026.

Klaviyo shares rose nearly 8% after Salesforce agreed to buy Braze, prompting investors to reassess marketing software stocks despite ongoing concerns about competition and AI disruption.

Hasbro shares rose nearly 9% after Magic: The Gathering generated record quarterly revenue above $600 million, prompting the company to raise its 2026 outlook and increase planned buybacks.

Salesforce has agreed to acquire customer engagement software company Braze for about $5.66 billion in cash, sending Braze shares more than 50% higher in early trading.

SK Hynix shares have plunged more than 50% since June despite record profits, as investors weigh slowing memory price gains, AI spending concerns and Chinese competition ahead of results.

South Korean shares fell sharply, led by Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, as investors questioned AI investment returns, tracked rising US yields and reduced exposure to riskier assets.