Today: 17 April 2026
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ASX:ANN 8 January 2026

Australia stock market today: ASX 200 closes higher as tech rebounds; BlueScope pushes back on $13.2b bid

Australia stock market today: ASX 200 closes higher as tech rebounds; BlueScope pushes back on $13.2b bid

The S&P/ASX 200 closed up 0.29% at 8,720.8, led by gains in tech and healthcare, while miners fell. BlueScope rejected a A$13.2 billion takeover bid from SGH and Steel Dynamics. Ansell shares dropped 6.2% as CEO Neil Salmon announced his retirement, with Nathalie Ahlström set to take over in February. The Australian dollar slipped to about 67 U.S. cents.

Stock Market Today

  • Albemarle Shares Surge 16.3% on Lithium Price Rally and Earnings Outlook
    April 17, 2026, 5:22 AM EDT. Albemarle (ALB) shares jumped 16.3% to close at $215.62, boosted by strong lithium prices fueled by global demand and supply constraints. Lithium, a key component for electric vehicles and energy storage, has seen a recovery since 2025 lows due to supply cuts in China and increased consumption worldwide. The specialty chemicals firm is poised to report quarterly earnings of $1.00 per share, up 655.6% year-over-year, with revenues expected at $1.29 billion, a 19.7% rise. Analysts raised earnings estimates by 2.7% in the past month, signaling further potential upside. Despite the recent surge, ALB holds a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), suggesting cautious optimism. Industry peer Stepan Co. (SCL) posted a modest 1.2% gain but faces challenges with a 61.9% drop in expected earnings and a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell).

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Gold Price Today Near $4,784 as Weaker Dollar Keeps Bullion on Track for Fourth Weekly Gain

Gold Price Today Near $4,784 as Weaker Dollar Keeps Bullion on Track for Fourth Weekly Gain

17 April 2026
Gold hovered near $4,784 an ounce Friday, set for a fourth weekly gain despite easing 0.1% by 0815 GMT. A 10-day Lebanon-Israel ceasefire and possible U.S.-Iran talks kept investors watching for diplomatic progress. Indian gold imports stalled as banks await new government authorization, leaving over 5 tons stuck at customs. Spot silver rose 0.7% to $78.97, platinum held steady, and palladium slipped 0.1%.
UK Stock Market Today: FTSE 100 Slips as Oil Cushions London Shares, Workspace Tumbles

UK Stock Market Today: FTSE 100 Slips as Oil Cushions London Shares, Workspace Tumbles

17 April 2026
London’s FTSE 100 fell 0.18% to 10,570.49 on Friday, trailing gains in Paris and Frankfurt as investors grew cautious ahead of Iran conflict talks. Workspace shares plunged 14% after warning of lower 2027 profits. Tesco, easyJet, and Dunelm flagged pressure from the conflict and consumer pullback. Brent crude hovered near $98, supporting oil stocks but keeping broader sentiment fragile.
US Stock Market Before Open Today: S&P 500 Futures Hold Near Records as Oil Falls and Netflix Slumps

US Stock Market Before Open Today: S&P 500 Futures Hold Near Records as Oil Falls and Netflix Slumps

17 April 2026
U.S. stock futures were steady early Friday, with the S&P 500 near record highs as oil fell below $100 on hopes for renewed U.S.-Iran talks. Netflix shares dropped after weak guidance and news that chairman Reed Hastings will not seek re-election. The Nasdaq closed at a record for a 12th straight session Thursday. Treasury yields held near 4.32% as markets bet the Federal Reserve will stay on hold this year.
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