Shares of Nickel Industries (ASX:NIC) surged by 2% and reached A$0.765, marking its highest rate since October 2.

The nickel producer announced that it’s reached a positive final investment decision for the Excelsior Nickel Cobalt high pressure acid leach (HPAL) Project, which is scheduled for construction in Indonesia.

The company also disclosed its involvement in a five-year, $400 million financing deal with PT Bank Negara Indonesia, which will help fund the upcoming project.

Despite these recent gains, Nickel Industries' stock has fallen by 22.7% year-to-date as of its most recent closure.

Nickel Industries is a producer of nickel and engaged in various investment projects.

Shares of Australian firm Black Rock Mining (ASX:BKT) saw a marked rise of 14.1% to reach A$0.097, marking a record peak since September 4.

The improvements in the graphite mining company’s shares followed advancements in the due diligence process from several possible lenders for a debt process.

Directly associated with funds for the Mahenge graphite project, the debt process came under planning.

It’s worth noting that debt providers on the short-list are now undergoing the process of providing term sheets to their credit committees internally.

Furthermore, approvals from the board of multiple lenders are anticipated to be notified to Black Rock Mining during the fourth quarter of 2023.

Stock of the company has plunged by 37% in this year up to the last closure.

Black Rock Mining (ASX:BKT) is an Australian company that focuses on graphite mining, specifically the development of its Mahenge graphite project.

Besra Gold (ASX:BEZ) experiences a significant 29.6% increase in their shares, presently trading at A$0.175.

This uptick marks their best performance since July 13, contingent on the preservation of current gains.

The reason behind this rapid rise stems from the $10 million payment they received from Quantum Metal Recovery as per a $300 million gold purchase contract.

Subsequent to this remarkable rise, the stock has reached its highest level since September 20.

A remarkable 3.6 million shares traded hands, marking a significant increase compared to the 30-day average volume of 1.6 million shares.

Year-to-date, the stock has appreciated as much as 159.6% until the last closing period.

Besra Gold is a Malaysian gold mining company listed on the ASX.

Shares of Australia’s SRG Global (ASX:SRG) rose as much as 4.8% to A$0.660, marking their highest level since October 3.

The diversified industrial services firm revealed it has secured a valuable road and bridge construction contract in New South Wales, valued at A$90 million ($57.90 million).

The contract is with Transport for New South Wales, which is a government organisation.

However, despite this boost, the company’s stock is down by 8.7% this year, as of the last close.

SRG Global is a diversified industrial services firm engaging in construction and engineering services.

Analysts at UBS recently adjusted the price target for Australia’s Wesfarmers (ASX:WES), lowering its projected value from A$57 to A$56.50.

Despite this alteration, the financial institution continues to maintain a ‘buy’ rating for Wesfarmers.

UBS reported that trading for Wesfarmers' Kmart brand exhibited moderation during the initial seven weeks of 1H24, contrasting the previous half, 2H23.

Currently, Wesfarmers' shares, belonging to the country’s top listed conglomerate, witnessed a slight increase of 0.4% at A$52.36.

Among fifteen analysts, seven rate Wesfarmers' stock as ‘buy’ or higher, while five recommend a ‘hold’ and three advice a ‘sell’ or lower.

The median price target, according to LSEG data, stands at A$50.84.

In terms of annual performance, Wesfarmers’ stock has risen 13.6% this year, considering the data up to the last closing.

Wesfarmers (ASX:WES) is Australia’s largest listed conglomerate, with diverse operations covering retail, mining, and more.

Shares of Australia’s Bank of Queensland saw a notable drop of 4%, sinking to A$5.550.

This adverse trend potentially signals its worst trading day since May 31, pending the day’s final result.

The bank prepared itself for increased risk, taking into account the projected inflation for FY24, considerably driven by the amplified cost of living and persistent high-interest rates.

It added that they envision revenue and margin strains to continue into FY24, impacted by restrained credit expansion and competitive pressures.

The bank’s annual profit was stated at A$124 million, a significant dip of 70% in comparison to the preceding year’s profit.

As of the previous close, the bank’s shares saw a decline of 16.2% this year.

The Bank of Queensland is a leading financial services provider based in Australia, primarily handling retail banking.

Shares in Australia’s Qantas Airways (ASX:QAN) have experienced a 1.7% increase, reaching a value of A$4.99 during the early trading period.

The company has announced that its Chairman Richard Goyder is expected to step down prior to the Qantas Airways' Annual General Meeting in late 2024.

This departure has been received amidst an increasing demand from a section of disgruntled shareholders for Goyder’s resignation.

This is noteworthy given that the stock value had previously declined by 18.5% this year, as per the last closing.

Qantas Airways is a major airline based in Australia.

Economists at Citi remain optimistic about the strategy of Australian property manager BWP Trust (ASX:BWP) to keep reinvesting in assets that provide higher returns.

Earlier this week, BWP announced its decision to divest from property in Wollongong, Australia for A$40 million.

Citi approximates the sale at a capitalization rate of about 5.4%, matching the rate that BWP had disclosed during June ‘23 results.

The gains from this divestiture, along with other acquisitions, are expected to support the company in meeting the costs of additional acquisitions, numerous improvements, and redevelopment – as per Citi.

Although BWP’s lending practices seem relatively cautious in comparison to its competition, it has managed to maintain stability when compared to its own previous reporting period, the brokerage notes.

BWP’s shares have struggled this year, witnessing a 13% dip, according to numbers available until the last closure of the market.

BWP Trust (ASX:BWP) is a company which manages large-scale commercial properties across Australia.

Bank of Queensland (ASX:BOQ) has announced its full year net income of AUD 124 million.

The company also recorded a total income of AUD 1,742 million for the fiscal year.

The net interest margin stood at 1.7%, while the net interest income was AUD 1,600 million.

The adjusted net income was listed at AUD 450 million for the same period.

Bank of Queensland primarily operates in the Industries Financials and Banking & Investment Services sectors.

Bank of Queensland is a financial institution offering a range of retail banking and insurance products for both personal and business customers.

Bank Of Queensland (ASX: BOQ) has posted their net interest margin for FY23, revealing a figure of 1.69%.

The company has highlighted the increasing risk moving into FY24, mainly due to the rising costs of living, sustained higher interest rates, and the delayed impact of these factors.

Moreover, Bank Of Queensland (ASX: BOQ) foresees continued revenue and margin pressure into FY24, resulting from slower credit growth and heightened competition.

The anticipation is that a mortgage pricing adjustment might be necessary at some point to deliver returns beyond the banks' cost of capital.

As of the end of the fiscal year, the Common Equity Tier 1 Ratio was noted to be 10.91%.

Bank of Queensland is a retail bank in Australia offering comprehensive financial services.