Trans-Tasman Pacific push: Australia and New Zealand pledged stronger support for Pacific Island supply chains and rising fuel costs, while deepening defence, trade and security cooperation under a renewed leaders’ partnership. Markets: The ASX 200 slipped 0.7% as miners and banks weighed, with Westpac down 1.2% and BHP down 2.5% amid softer commodity sentiment and cautious global risk. Housing affordability: Auction clearance rates fell to 51.1% across capitals, the lowest in five years, as budget changes and conflict-linked pressures push investors back—though renters are unlikely to see relief. Energy and prices: India’s LPG remains among the world’s cheapest despite global shocks, while BYD argues EVs can help blunt fuel-price volatility tied to Middle East disruptions. Tech and data centres: Asiaphos moved to buy a majority stake in a WA data-centre operator, and Singapore’s Wi‑Fi 7 adoption hit 25%—a sign of how fast connectivity upgrades are spreading. Policy and politics: Newspoll shows One Nation surging to 31% as Albanese leans into “the economy” message, while Victoria’s “Ditch the witch” billboard row adds heat to the political discourse. Trade and compliance: Meta again hit Australia’s proposed news bargaining tax, calling it a trade pact breach.