ASX

The Western Australian miner has delivered to shareholders in 2024 – despite a falling iron ore price. Repeating this result will be extremely difficult if a Trump administration decides to impose higher tariffs.

In what could be a harbinger for the coming year, the S&P/ASX 200 index has been on a roller coaster ride since the market opened on January 3. What’s making investors extremely jittery are fears incoming President Donald Trump’s policies will fuel inflation.

The challenges of growing overseas competition, cost of living pressures and the threat of further regulatory oversight are being met by Australia’s leading lottery and Keno operator – so far.

A mild warning to the market from this global travel group in October had skittish investors bailing out. Those who held their nerve could enjoy a higher payout and share price if the travel industry picks up in 2025.

The micro fund manager reported a solid performance with increasing funds under management, revenue and active customers. On the sharemarket, investors have been finding some appetite for this stock, but it’s a far cry from the buying frenzy that took it to $2 in 2021.

The biotech giant is poised for a strong performance, building on a solid set of numbers posted in 2024. The wildcard remains a Donald Trump presidency and the potential for disruptive economic policies.

Australia’s largest private healthcare provider is growing turnover, making a profit and rewarding shareholders. It’s still failing to impress a sharemarket that is constantly being reminded of the sector’s poor health.

The Big Australian will have to navigate the inevitable tensions between Beijing and the White House over the next four years. A strong cash flow and rising demand for some its key commodities such as copper and potash will make its task easier.

The first quarter of 2024-25 saw the largest supermarket player grow its sales. This positive result was more than offset by a combination of regulatory and political factors, higher operating costs and growing competition from Amazon.

Investment in technology, strengthening infrastructure, expanding product offerings and acquisitions are underpinning this financial services company’s strong earnings performance – and investors are lapping it up.

It’s an enviable record no other listed company can match. For more than 120 years, through major conflicts and economic upheaval, this diversified investment house has always kept shareholders top of mind, not missing a beat on the dividend front since listing in 1903.

Higher interest payments and inflation are taking their toll on the banks, with ANZ no different to two of its peers with a lower profit number. That didn’t stop Australia’s fourth biggest mortgage lender increasing the 2024 dividend to shareholders.