Commonwealth Bank

Cash earnings for the three months ended 30 June 2026 rose 2 per cent to $1.83 billion, with statutory net profit coming in just below at $1.81 billion. The gap between those two figures is thin, which tells you there were no large one-off items distorting the result either way.

CBA's investor loan applications are down 28 per cent since the May budget, Westpac's overall applications are down about 20 per cent, ANZ tips Sydney prices to fall as much as 14.5 per cent and NAB has cut its national forecast to minus 5.

Commonwealth Bank closed its 2026 year with a $10.9 billion profit, but the sharper number is investor home loan applications: down 28 per cent since the May budget, with total applications down 15 per cent.

The Reserve Bank of Australia left the cash rate unchanged at 4.35% at its 16 June 2026 meeting, following three increases already delivered in 2026. The decision was unanimous, a deliberate pause rather than a pivot.

WNBA players unanimously approved a seven-year collective bargaining agreement that increases the salary cap nearly five-fold, from $1.5 million in 2025 to $7 million in 2026. Top salaries will exceed $1 million for the first time.

ASX 200 futures point to a 65-point (0.75%) lower open Monday. Brent crude hit $112, gold surged to $4,524. AMP announced a $150M buyback.

Australian dividend stocks remain attractive for income investors, with several ASX-listed companies offering yields above 5% with sustainable payout ratios.

Senior analyst Madison Cartwright breaks down how trade rules, alliances, and sanctions influence cross-border market interactions.