Capital Brief

The fund also still managed to maintain its final dividend at 6.5 cents per share fully franked and a special dividend of 3 cents per share that will both be paid on 21 August. This puts total dividends for the year at 14 cents per share, up from 11 cents in the previous year. The context: Assistant AFIC portfolio manager Stuart Low told Capital Brief that despite the underperformance, he remains pleased with the fund’s “longer term performance since inception” 27-years ago.

The news: The US House of Representatives has introduced a bipartisan bill directing US Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) to establish a USD20 million ($28 million) pilot program utilising 4D lung imaging software to screen for and identify respiratory diseases among veterans.

When Professor Steven Prawer had just about finished giving evidence at the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, Virginia Bell had a couple of questions. Actually, they weren’t so much questions as a vehicle for the royal commissioner and former High Court judge to make a point. “Am I right that in the early years of this century you were involved in quantum computing and nanotechnology at the university?” Bell asked.

Briefing Smelter Shutdown Make us a preferred source Make us a preferred source on Google 12:05pm on 16 July 2026 The news: GFG Alliance’s Liberty Bell Bay manganese smelter will be closed after its administrators at EY Parthenon said an ongoing sales process collapsed.

The news: Champion Iron has appointed Steve Boucratie as its chief legal and strategy officer, alongside naming Michael Marcotte as chief financial officer, with both appointments taking effect immediately. The context: Boucratie previously served as senior vice president of general counsel and corporate security for Champion Iron, having been with the company since 2019 and bringing over 15 years in senior management experience in the mining sector.

Make us a preferred source Make us a preferred source on Google 10:17am on 16 July 2026 The news: Navigator Global Investments (NGI) ownership adjusted assets under management (AUM) lifted 6% to USD33.6 billion ($49 billion) in the June quarter as the fund told the exchange that “ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, interest rate volatility and changing market conditions” is creating opportunities for its alternative investment strategies.

The news: TechnologyOne has announced a significant expansion to its executive leadership team, creating four new senior roles across its core industry divisions. The context: The structural changes introduce two newly created roles — executive vice president of regulated industries and executive vice president of government. The enterprise tech company said the realignment reflects its core strategy to advance AI adoption during its next phase of growth.

The news: Wealth manager AMP has increased its first-half guidance, boosted by a strong contribution from partnerships in China and favourable investment impacts. The numbers: AMP now expects first-half underlying net profit after tax to be between $170 million and $180 million. Underlying NPAT in the prior corresponding period was $131 million. The company said a stronger contribution from its China partnerships has led to a 24% increase half over half, to around $56 million.

The news: Netwealth has recorded a 20% year-on-year increase in its total funds under administration (FUA) to $135.7 billion, driven by sustained positive inflow momentum across its products, services and markets segments. The numbers: Fourth-quarter custodial inflows rose 11% year-on-year to $8.4 billion, while managed account funds under management (FUM) experienced a 30% annual surge to $30.5 billion. Net inflows for the platform reached $3.2 billon during the three-month period.

Briefing Production Power Make us a preferred source Make us a preferred source on Google 9:30am on 16 July 2026 The news: Mining giant BHP reported record production for the 2026 financial year, with copper and iron ore output meeting guidance. The numbers: BHP produced 1.95 million tonnes of copper, down 3% year over year, but within its guidance range of 1.9 million to 2 million tonnes. The company has guided for 1.65 million to 1.8 million tonnes in FY27.