Southern Brief
Markets
ASX 200 8,946.90 -0.09% S&P 500 7,126.06 +1.20% Gold A$6,807.48 +1.48% Oil (WTI) A$115.22 -9.41% NASDAQ 24,468.48 +1.52% AUD/USD 0.7168 +0.10% ASX 200 8,946.90 -0.09% S&P 500 7,126.06 +1.20% Gold A$6,807.48 +1.48% Oil (WTI) A$115.22 -9.41% NASDAQ 24,468.48 +1.52% AUD/USD 0.7168 +0.10%
Markets

Oil’s Rally Is Not a Simple Win for EV Battery Stocks

April 19, 2026 Southern Brief

Higher oil prices can help the EV narrative, but they do not automatically translate into stronger battery stocks. For ASX investors, lithium and battery-material names remain far more exposed to pricing cycles, margins and rates than to crude alone.

Business

Australia Locks in A$20 Billion Japanese Frigate Deal

April 18, 2026 Southern Brief

Australia has signed a A$20 billion deal for Japanese stealth frigates, deepening defence ties with Tokyo and adding another major long-term commitment to the federal spending pipeline. The focus now shifts to delivery, local industry participation and whether