Friend,

There are three things you might want to know this week but I'm keeping it snappy for you so you don't have to do what we have - read all the rest!

1. The RBA interest rate yesterday is nothing compared to their "bombshell" on productivity. 

2. The ASX has slowed pre-open disclosures

3. Treasury started (7 August) consultation on retirement incomes. Here we go...

The RBA interest rate dropped yesterday, but the real news was what the AFR calls a "bombshell" on productivity. John Kehoe has written a good commentary piece on this so if you only read one article make it his.

"...the RBA is conceding that people will enjoy a slower improvement in living standards than their forebears." and "Economic growth per person and real income gains will be lower than what past generations enjoyed."

The ASX slowing pre-open disclosures will make this reporting season more interesting. The blurb below is a precis of a scathing News Limited piece in The Australian thanks to Margin Call editor Nick Evans.

Finally, Treasury consultation on retirement incomes via papers on principles and a product framework is both an opportunity and a risk. The opportunity if you're a super fund or fund manager is to help shape the system to benefit your members or clients, The risk is to be given something unworkable later. 

On our radar

Policy and regulatory developments that may shape your risk or return

Cut and dried: RBA trims to 3.6%
The RBA cut the cash rate by 25bp to 3.6% in a unanimous decision — the third cut this year. The move follows a softer June-quarter CPI and a lift in unemployment to 4.3%, after July’s surprise hold; Governor Michele Bullock will speaks this afternoon for colour on the path ahead.

ASX slows pre-open disclosures
From early August, the exchange began posting company announcements “at or about 8:20am” and spooling them over roughly an hour instead of publishing as soon as reviews start at 7am. The shift compresses results-season mornings and increases overlap between filings and briefings; NZX dual-listed issuers retain priority while others may see later release times.

ASIC cloud hangs over the bourse
ASX said it expects an extra $25–$35 million of FY26 operating costs tied to ASIC’s compliance assessment and inquiry. It’s another marker of scrutiny on market plumbing and disclosure processes ahead of ASX’s FY25 results tomorrow.

Retirement rethink: two super papers drop
Treasury opened consultation (7 August) on principles and a product framework for the retirement phase of superannuation. The papers push funds toward clearer retirement income solutions and disclosures; submissions run through mid-September.

This week's market movers

Big plays, bold bets, and (occasional) unconfirmed speculation

Star re-rolls the dice on Queen’s Wharf
Star Entertainment restarted efforts to sell a 50% stake in Brisbane’s A$3.6 billion Queen’s Wharf after talks with its Hong Kong partners fell over earlier in the month; a trading halt accompanied the move, with a A$41 million payment due to partners by 5 September flagged in reporting.

Iress 2.0: trims to grow, PE at the door

Fresh from a portfolio clean-up, Iress says it’s reset as a growth business and is pushing into the “unadvised” with digital/AI guidance and new data products (including FundsFlow). This week, it confirmed early talks with Blackstone and Thoma Bravo after a previously withdrawn $10.50 bid, keeping the company in play. Reporting also pointed to a board holding out for a higher price and deputy CEO Harry Mitchell’s exit.

Liontown refuels: cash in, confidence up
Liontown raised ~A$316 million at 73c (SPP to follow), including a A$50 million cornerstone from the National Reconstruction Fund, to keep its Kathleen Valley build moving through weak lithium prices; with settlement expected yesterday. Shares jumped on Monday after a major Chinese lithium mine paused on licensing issues, tightening near-term supply and lifting sentiment across the battery chain.

Alice is a Junior Associate at BlueChip and is in her final year at the University of New South Wales, completing a Bachelor of Actuarial Studies and Science. Known for her warm, collaborative approach, she brings insights, razor sharp critical thinking and enthusiasm to every project. Outside work and study, Alice loves discovering new restaurants across Sydney. Fun fact: Alice is fluent in Mandarin providing a global perspective and understanding.

Best,

Carden | she/her (here’s why that matters @work) 

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