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Wall Street falls amid Israel-Iran conflict

Wall Street falls amid Israel-Iran conflict

The Advertiser17 hours ago

Wall Street's main indexes have fallen after Israel's deadly strike on Iranian nuclear facilities inflamed tensions in the oil-rich Middle East and battered risk sentiment across global markets.
Israel has warned that the widescale strikes were the start of a prolonged operation to prevent Iran from building an atomic weapon.
Iran has promised a harsh response.
Oil prices surged nearly 7.0 per cent on fears the conflict could disrupt crude supply from the Middle East.
US energy stocks rose in tandem, with Exxon up 1.7 per cent.
Airline stocks dropped as fuel costs could surge if supply bottlenecks materialise.
Delta Air Lines was down 3.7 per cent, United Airlines dropped 4.4 per cent and American Airlines declined 4.7 per cent.
Defence stocks climbed, with Lockheed Martin, RTX Corporation, Northrop Grumman gaining between 2.2 per cent and 3.2 per cent.
"We have major domestic policy uncertainty and now on top of that, you have geopolitical unrest, which not only is impacting oil markets but the broader risk premium," said Eric Teal, chief investment officer at Comerica Wealth Management.
US President Donald Trump urged Iran to make a deal, saying "the next already planned attacks" will be "even more brutal".
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said he would speak to Trump later in the day.
In early trading on Friday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 659.45 points, or 1.52 per cent, to 42,313.10, the S&P 500 lost 60.38 points, or 1.00 per cent, to 5,984.88 and the Nasdaq Composite lost 227.71 points, or 1.16 per cent, to 19,435.01.
Ten of the 11 major S&P 500 sub-sectors fell, with only energy stocks gaining 1.2 per cent.
Financials declined the most, with a 2.1 per cent fall.
Information technology lost 1.3 per cent.
Adobe fell 6.6 per cent despite the Photoshop maker raising its full-year results forecast.
Most megacap and growth stocks declined.
Nvidia was down 2.1 per cent, Apple fell 1.5 per cent and Amazon lost 1.3 per cent.
Visa shares hit an over four-week low and were last down 5.9 per cent.
US-listed shares of gold miners rose tracking a rise in bullion prices.
Newmont gained 2.2 per cent while AngloGold Ashanti rose 2.1 per cent.
The S&P 500 remains 2.6 per cent below its record high reached earlier this year, following stellar monthly gains in May driven by upbeat corporate earnings and a softening in Trump's trade stance.
The tech-heavy Nasdaq is about 3.8 per cent off its record closing high reached in December last year.
A tame consumer price report, softer-than-expected producer price data and largely unchanged initial jobless claims earlier this week helped calm investor jitters around tariff-driven price pressures.
However, Federal Reserve policymakers are widely expected to keep rates unchanged at their meeting next week.
A University of Michigan survey showed consumer sentiment increased to 60.5 for June from the previous month, according to a preliminary estimate.
Declining issues outnumbered advancers by a 3.88-to-1 ratio on the NYSE and by a 4.4-to-1 ratio on the Nasdaq.
The S&P 500 posted 8 new 52-week highs and 2 new lows while the Nasdaq Composite recorded 18 new highs and 70 new lows.
Wall Street's main indexes have fallen after Israel's deadly strike on Iranian nuclear facilities inflamed tensions in the oil-rich Middle East and battered risk sentiment across global markets.
Israel has warned that the widescale strikes were the start of a prolonged operation to prevent Iran from building an atomic weapon.
Iran has promised a harsh response.
Oil prices surged nearly 7.0 per cent on fears the conflict could disrupt crude supply from the Middle East.
US energy stocks rose in tandem, with Exxon up 1.7 per cent.
Airline stocks dropped as fuel costs could surge if supply bottlenecks materialise.
Delta Air Lines was down 3.7 per cent, United Airlines dropped 4.4 per cent and American Airlines declined 4.7 per cent.
Defence stocks climbed, with Lockheed Martin, RTX Corporation, Northrop Grumman gaining between 2.2 per cent and 3.2 per cent.
"We have major domestic policy uncertainty and now on top of that, you have geopolitical unrest, which not only is impacting oil markets but the broader risk premium," said Eric Teal, chief investment officer at Comerica Wealth Management.
US President Donald Trump urged Iran to make a deal, saying "the next already planned attacks" will be "even more brutal".
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said he would speak to Trump later in the day.
In early trading on Friday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 659.45 points, or 1.52 per cent, to 42,313.10, the S&P 500 lost 60.38 points, or 1.00 per cent, to 5,984.88 and the Nasdaq Composite lost 227.71 points, or 1.16 per cent, to 19,435.01.
Ten of the 11 major S&P 500 sub-sectors fell, with only energy stocks gaining 1.2 per cent.
Financials declined the most, with a 2.1 per cent fall.
Information technology lost 1.3 per cent.
Adobe fell 6.6 per cent despite the Photoshop maker raising its full-year results forecast.
Most megacap and growth stocks declined.
Nvidia was down 2.1 per cent, Apple fell 1.5 per cent and Amazon lost 1.3 per cent.
Visa shares hit an over four-week low and were last down 5.9 per cent.
US-listed shares of gold miners rose tracking a rise in bullion prices.
Newmont gained 2.2 per cent while AngloGold Ashanti rose 2.1 per cent.
The S&P 500 remains 2.6 per cent below its record high reached earlier this year, following stellar monthly gains in May driven by upbeat corporate earnings and a softening in Trump's trade stance.
The tech-heavy Nasdaq is about 3.8 per cent off its record closing high reached in December last year.
A tame consumer price report, softer-than-expected producer price data and largely unchanged initial jobless claims earlier this week helped calm investor jitters around tariff-driven price pressures.
However, Federal Reserve policymakers are widely expected to keep rates unchanged at their meeting next week.
A University of Michigan survey showed consumer sentiment increased to 60.5 for June from the previous month, according to a preliminary estimate.
Declining issues outnumbered advancers by a 3.88-to-1 ratio on the NYSE and by a 4.4-to-1 ratio on the Nasdaq.
The S&P 500 posted 8 new 52-week highs and 2 new lows while the Nasdaq Composite recorded 18 new highs and 70 new lows.
Wall Street's main indexes have fallen after Israel's deadly strike on Iranian nuclear facilities inflamed tensions in the oil-rich Middle East and battered risk sentiment across global markets.
Israel has warned that the widescale strikes were the start of a prolonged operation to prevent Iran from building an atomic weapon.
Iran has promised a harsh response.
Oil prices surged nearly 7.0 per cent on fears the conflict could disrupt crude supply from the Middle East.
US energy stocks rose in tandem, with Exxon up 1.7 per cent.
Airline stocks dropped as fuel costs could surge if supply bottlenecks materialise.
Delta Air Lines was down 3.7 per cent, United Airlines dropped 4.4 per cent and American Airlines declined 4.7 per cent.
Defence stocks climbed, with Lockheed Martin, RTX Corporation, Northrop Grumman gaining between 2.2 per cent and 3.2 per cent.
"We have major domestic policy uncertainty and now on top of that, you have geopolitical unrest, which not only is impacting oil markets but the broader risk premium," said Eric Teal, chief investment officer at Comerica Wealth Management.
US President Donald Trump urged Iran to make a deal, saying "the next already planned attacks" will be "even more brutal".
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said he would speak to Trump later in the day.
In early trading on Friday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 659.45 points, or 1.52 per cent, to 42,313.10, the S&P 500 lost 60.38 points, or 1.00 per cent, to 5,984.88 and the Nasdaq Composite lost 227.71 points, or 1.16 per cent, to 19,435.01.
Ten of the 11 major S&P 500 sub-sectors fell, with only energy stocks gaining 1.2 per cent.
Financials declined the most, with a 2.1 per cent fall.
Information technology lost 1.3 per cent.
Adobe fell 6.6 per cent despite the Photoshop maker raising its full-year results forecast.
Most megacap and growth stocks declined.
Nvidia was down 2.1 per cent, Apple fell 1.5 per cent and Amazon lost 1.3 per cent.
Visa shares hit an over four-week low and were last down 5.9 per cent.
US-listed shares of gold miners rose tracking a rise in bullion prices.
Newmont gained 2.2 per cent while AngloGold Ashanti rose 2.1 per cent.
The S&P 500 remains 2.6 per cent below its record high reached earlier this year, following stellar monthly gains in May driven by upbeat corporate earnings and a softening in Trump's trade stance.
The tech-heavy Nasdaq is about 3.8 per cent off its record closing high reached in December last year.
A tame consumer price report, softer-than-expected producer price data and largely unchanged initial jobless claims earlier this week helped calm investor jitters around tariff-driven price pressures.
However, Federal Reserve policymakers are widely expected to keep rates unchanged at their meeting next week.
A University of Michigan survey showed consumer sentiment increased to 60.5 for June from the previous month, according to a preliminary estimate.
Declining issues outnumbered advancers by a 3.88-to-1 ratio on the NYSE and by a 4.4-to-1 ratio on the Nasdaq.
The S&P 500 posted 8 new 52-week highs and 2 new lows while the Nasdaq Composite recorded 18 new highs and 70 new lows.
Wall Street's main indexes have fallen after Israel's deadly strike on Iranian nuclear facilities inflamed tensions in the oil-rich Middle East and battered risk sentiment across global markets.
Israel has warned that the widescale strikes were the start of a prolonged operation to prevent Iran from building an atomic weapon.
Iran has promised a harsh response.
Oil prices surged nearly 7.0 per cent on fears the conflict could disrupt crude supply from the Middle East.
US energy stocks rose in tandem, with Exxon up 1.7 per cent.
Airline stocks dropped as fuel costs could surge if supply bottlenecks materialise.
Delta Air Lines was down 3.7 per cent, United Airlines dropped 4.4 per cent and American Airlines declined 4.7 per cent.
Defence stocks climbed, with Lockheed Martin, RTX Corporation, Northrop Grumman gaining between 2.2 per cent and 3.2 per cent.
"We have major domestic policy uncertainty and now on top of that, you have geopolitical unrest, which not only is impacting oil markets but the broader risk premium," said Eric Teal, chief investment officer at Comerica Wealth Management.
US President Donald Trump urged Iran to make a deal, saying "the next already planned attacks" will be "even more brutal".
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said he would speak to Trump later in the day.
In early trading on Friday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 659.45 points, or 1.52 per cent, to 42,313.10, the S&P 500 lost 60.38 points, or 1.00 per cent, to 5,984.88 and the Nasdaq Composite lost 227.71 points, or 1.16 per cent, to 19,435.01.
Ten of the 11 major S&P 500 sub-sectors fell, with only energy stocks gaining 1.2 per cent.
Financials declined the most, with a 2.1 per cent fall.
Information technology lost 1.3 per cent.
Adobe fell 6.6 per cent despite the Photoshop maker raising its full-year results forecast.
Most megacap and growth stocks declined.
Nvidia was down 2.1 per cent, Apple fell 1.5 per cent and Amazon lost 1.3 per cent.
Visa shares hit an over four-week low and were last down 5.9 per cent.
US-listed shares of gold miners rose tracking a rise in bullion prices.
Newmont gained 2.2 per cent while AngloGold Ashanti rose 2.1 per cent.
The S&P 500 remains 2.6 per cent below its record high reached earlier this year, following stellar monthly gains in May driven by upbeat corporate earnings and a softening in Trump's trade stance.
The tech-heavy Nasdaq is about 3.8 per cent off its record closing high reached in December last year.
A tame consumer price report, softer-than-expected producer price data and largely unchanged initial jobless claims earlier this week helped calm investor jitters around tariff-driven price pressures.
However, Federal Reserve policymakers are widely expected to keep rates unchanged at their meeting next week.
A University of Michigan survey showed consumer sentiment increased to 60.5 for June from the previous month, according to a preliminary estimate.
Declining issues outnumbered advancers by a 3.88-to-1 ratio on the NYSE and by a 4.4-to-1 ratio on the Nasdaq.
The S&P 500 posted 8 new 52-week highs and 2 new lows while the Nasdaq Composite recorded 18 new highs and 70 new lows.

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How to save money on a car
How to save money on a car

Herald Sun

time39 minutes ago

  • Herald Sun

How to save money on a car

Don't miss out on the headlines from On the Road. Followed categories will be added to My News. Buying and running a car is one of the household's biggest expenses. Here are some tips and tricks to reduce the cost of car life, from buying smarter to reducing fuel and service costs. Buy smarter, not flasher Tempted by that Mercedes, Lexus or Porsche? Of course you are. But can you really afford one? Prestige cars are pricier to purchase or lease, making monthly repayments far higher. Obvious stuff, but think depreciation, too. A $100,000 car shedding half its value over five years stings a lot more than a $30,000 one dropping by 50 per cent. Premium brand servicing and spare parts are typically higher than mainstream brands (sometimes by a lot), as is insuring one. HOT TIP: Buy a humbler brand such as Kia or Hyundai and pick the top grade model. Its features and cabin luxury can rival prestige marques. MORE: Best EOFY car deals Go for a top grade model with the more humble brands. Wait for new car deals before buying If a car model's not meeting sales expectations, factory-backed deals follow – think drive-away offers, cashback, cheap finance or free servicing. Dealerships and sales staff usually have monthly, quarterly or annual sales targets, so car shopping at the ends of those periods and haggling hard can reap rewards. End of financial Year deals are typically abundant. Prove you've got the means and are willing to buy, then stand firm with your offer. Dealers want to sell. And skip paint protection and window tinting. To save dollars, organise this yourself if you deem it necessary. HOT TIP: Visit for a list of current new car offers and deals. Save thousands on ex-demo vehicles Slow-selling brand new cars are often dressed up as dealer ex-demos, yet have only delivery kilometres on the clock. Ex-demos that have driven a few thousand km are still practically new cars. Search and look under the New/Used tag, then choose 'Demo & Near New' under the 'Condition' tag. MORE: Trump declares war on 'world's worst car feature' Youi can save plenty with ex-demo models. 2024 Skoda Fabia Select. Photo: Thomas Wielecki For example, a 2024 model year Skoda Fabia Select showing just 1500km is at a Queensland dealer for $26,990 drive-away, next to a list price of $32,390. HOT TIP: Ex-demo vehicles don't have full new car warranties. The warranty started when the dealer first road registered it. Try selling privately, not through a trade-in or car wholesaler Trade-ins or using an 'instant buy' wholesaler is quick and convenient, but you won't get near market value for your car. Selling privately may feel confronting, but clean your car properly, photograph it well, do a quick phone video, get a roadworthy and price it realistically and you'll likely get more genuine buyers than tyre kickers. Check out Carsales, Gumtree and Marketplace to gauge asking prices for cars similar to yours, and price yours realistically on one or all of the above. HOT TIP: There are numerous online advice articles about safely selling your car privately. MORE: BYD favourite named Car of the Year Try selling privately. You don't have to service through a main dealer Brands such as Mitsubishi and Nissan offer a 10 year warranty, but only if logbook services are done at authorised dealers. While that makes servicing within the dealer network a good idea, it's often cheaper to service using an independent workshop. Your car's warranty remains intact as long as the workshop's licensed and use correct parts and fluids demanded by the manufacturer. Capped price services at dealers can be excellent value, especially brands such as Toyota and Honda. HOT TIP: Try using a marque specialist when servicing your car. They'll be true brand experts and can diagnose common problems immediately. 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Concerns over US AUKUS review dismissed by deputy PM
Concerns over US AUKUS review dismissed by deputy PM

The Advertiser

timean hour ago

  • The Advertiser

Concerns over US AUKUS review dismissed by deputy PM

Doubts over Australia's submarine deal with the US have been hosed down by the deputy prime minister. Richard Marles again doused concerns about the future of the three-nation pact also involving the United Kingdom, as the Trump administration reviews AUKUS. The Pentagon is considering whether the agreement aligns with Donald Trump's "America First" agenda. Mr Marles on Saturday drew a parallel to Australia's own defence reviews that occur with changes in government, suggesting similar evaluations are a normal part of alliances. His comments follow the arrival of the USS America in Sydney on a goodwill visit on Saturday. "When we came to government, we did a review of our defence posture ... AUKUS was a key part of that, just as the British did when the new British Labor government came into power in July last year," Mr Marles told reporters in Geelong. "It is a very natural thing for an incoming government to engage in a review of this kind. It is actually exactly what we did. That's what the Trump administration are doing, we welcome it and we'll engage with it." Opposition Defence spokesman Angus Taylor, who was on the USS America as it made its way though the Sydney Heads, also stressed the critical nature of the US alliance. However he additionally emphasised the importance of adequate funding to support the objectives of the AUKUS. "We call on the government to make sure they engage with the United States to ensure AUKUS is successful into the future," Mr Taylor said. The AUKUS pact is aimed at countering China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific. A key component of the pact is the provision for Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines, a capability deemed essential by the government for bolstering national security. Under the $368 billion submarine program, Australia is set to acquire at least three nuclear-powered Virginia-class subs from the US in the early 2030s before a new fleet is built for delivery from the 2040s. Australia has already demonstrated its commitment to the AUKUS partnership, paying almost $800 million to the US in February - the first of a number of payments - to help boost its submarine production. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese left Australia on Friday for the G7 summit in Canada but it is unclear if he will be able to secure a meeting with President Trump while there. Mr Albanese previously rebuffed calls from the US for Australia to lift its defence spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP. Doubts over Australia's submarine deal with the US have been hosed down by the deputy prime minister. Richard Marles again doused concerns about the future of the three-nation pact also involving the United Kingdom, as the Trump administration reviews AUKUS. The Pentagon is considering whether the agreement aligns with Donald Trump's "America First" agenda. Mr Marles on Saturday drew a parallel to Australia's own defence reviews that occur with changes in government, suggesting similar evaluations are a normal part of alliances. His comments follow the arrival of the USS America in Sydney on a goodwill visit on Saturday. "When we came to government, we did a review of our defence posture ... AUKUS was a key part of that, just as the British did when the new British Labor government came into power in July last year," Mr Marles told reporters in Geelong. "It is a very natural thing for an incoming government to engage in a review of this kind. It is actually exactly what we did. That's what the Trump administration are doing, we welcome it and we'll engage with it." Opposition Defence spokesman Angus Taylor, who was on the USS America as it made its way though the Sydney Heads, also stressed the critical nature of the US alliance. However he additionally emphasised the importance of adequate funding to support the objectives of the AUKUS. "We call on the government to make sure they engage with the United States to ensure AUKUS is successful into the future," Mr Taylor said. The AUKUS pact is aimed at countering China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific. A key component of the pact is the provision for Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines, a capability deemed essential by the government for bolstering national security. Under the $368 billion submarine program, Australia is set to acquire at least three nuclear-powered Virginia-class subs from the US in the early 2030s before a new fleet is built for delivery from the 2040s. Australia has already demonstrated its commitment to the AUKUS partnership, paying almost $800 million to the US in February - the first of a number of payments - to help boost its submarine production. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese left Australia on Friday for the G7 summit in Canada but it is unclear if he will be able to secure a meeting with President Trump while there. Mr Albanese previously rebuffed calls from the US for Australia to lift its defence spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP. Doubts over Australia's submarine deal with the US have been hosed down by the deputy prime minister. Richard Marles again doused concerns about the future of the three-nation pact also involving the United Kingdom, as the Trump administration reviews AUKUS. The Pentagon is considering whether the agreement aligns with Donald Trump's "America First" agenda. Mr Marles on Saturday drew a parallel to Australia's own defence reviews that occur with changes in government, suggesting similar evaluations are a normal part of alliances. His comments follow the arrival of the USS America in Sydney on a goodwill visit on Saturday. "When we came to government, we did a review of our defence posture ... AUKUS was a key part of that, just as the British did when the new British Labor government came into power in July last year," Mr Marles told reporters in Geelong. "It is a very natural thing for an incoming government to engage in a review of this kind. It is actually exactly what we did. That's what the Trump administration are doing, we welcome it and we'll engage with it." Opposition Defence spokesman Angus Taylor, who was on the USS America as it made its way though the Sydney Heads, also stressed the critical nature of the US alliance. However he additionally emphasised the importance of adequate funding to support the objectives of the AUKUS. "We call on the government to make sure they engage with the United States to ensure AUKUS is successful into the future," Mr Taylor said. The AUKUS pact is aimed at countering China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific. A key component of the pact is the provision for Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines, a capability deemed essential by the government for bolstering national security. Under the $368 billion submarine program, Australia is set to acquire at least three nuclear-powered Virginia-class subs from the US in the early 2030s before a new fleet is built for delivery from the 2040s. Australia has already demonstrated its commitment to the AUKUS partnership, paying almost $800 million to the US in February - the first of a number of payments - to help boost its submarine production. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese left Australia on Friday for the G7 summit in Canada but it is unclear if he will be able to secure a meeting with President Trump while there. Mr Albanese previously rebuffed calls from the US for Australia to lift its defence spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP. Doubts over Australia's submarine deal with the US have been hosed down by the deputy prime minister. Richard Marles again doused concerns about the future of the three-nation pact also involving the United Kingdom, as the Trump administration reviews AUKUS. The Pentagon is considering whether the agreement aligns with Donald Trump's "America First" agenda. Mr Marles on Saturday drew a parallel to Australia's own defence reviews that occur with changes in government, suggesting similar evaluations are a normal part of alliances. His comments follow the arrival of the USS America in Sydney on a goodwill visit on Saturday. "When we came to government, we did a review of our defence posture ... AUKUS was a key part of that, just as the British did when the new British Labor government came into power in July last year," Mr Marles told reporters in Geelong. "It is a very natural thing for an incoming government to engage in a review of this kind. It is actually exactly what we did. That's what the Trump administration are doing, we welcome it and we'll engage with it." Opposition Defence spokesman Angus Taylor, who was on the USS America as it made its way though the Sydney Heads, also stressed the critical nature of the US alliance. However he additionally emphasised the importance of adequate funding to support the objectives of the AUKUS. "We call on the government to make sure they engage with the United States to ensure AUKUS is successful into the future," Mr Taylor said. The AUKUS pact is aimed at countering China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific. A key component of the pact is the provision for Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines, a capability deemed essential by the government for bolstering national security. Under the $368 billion submarine program, Australia is set to acquire at least three nuclear-powered Virginia-class subs from the US in the early 2030s before a new fleet is built for delivery from the 2040s. Australia has already demonstrated its commitment to the AUKUS partnership, paying almost $800 million to the US in February - the first of a number of payments - to help boost its submarine production. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese left Australia on Friday for the G7 summit in Canada but it is unclear if he will be able to secure a meeting with President Trump while there. Mr Albanese previously rebuffed calls from the US for Australia to lift its defence spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP.

Concerns over US AUKUS review dismissed by deputy PM
Concerns over US AUKUS review dismissed by deputy PM

Perth Now

time2 hours ago

  • Perth Now

Concerns over US AUKUS review dismissed by deputy PM

Doubts over Australia's submarine deal with the US have been hosed down by the deputy prime minister. Richard Marles again doused concerns about the future of the three-nation pact also involving the United Kingdom, as the Trump administration reviews AUKUS. The Pentagon is considering whether the agreement aligns with Donald Trump's "America First" agenda. Mr Marles on Saturday drew a parallel to Australia's own defence reviews that occur with changes in government, suggesting similar evaluations are a normal part of alliances. His comments follow the arrival of the USS America in Sydney on a goodwill visit on Saturday. "When we came to government, we did a review of our defence posture ... AUKUS was a key part of that, just as the British did when the new British Labor government came into power in July last year," Mr Marles told reporters in Geelong. "It is a very natural thing for an incoming government to engage in a review of this kind. It is actually exactly what we did. That's what the Trump administration are doing, we welcome it and we'll engage with it." Opposition Defence spokesman Angus Taylor, who was on the USS America as it made its way though the Sydney Heads, also stressed the critical nature of the US alliance. However he additionally emphasised the importance of adequate funding to support the objectives of the AUKUS. "We call on the government to make sure they engage with the United States to ensure AUKUS is successful into the future," Mr Taylor said. The AUKUS pact is aimed at countering China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific. A key component of the pact is the provision for Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines, a capability deemed essential by the government for bolstering national security. Under the $368 billion submarine program, Australia is set to acquire at least three nuclear-powered Virginia-class subs from the US in the early 2030s before a new fleet is built for delivery from the 2040s. Australia has already demonstrated its commitment to the AUKUS partnership, paying almost $800 million to the US in February - the first of a number of payments - to help boost its submarine production. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese left Australia on Friday for the G7 summit in Canada but it is unclear if he will be able to secure a meeting with President Trump while there. Mr Albanese previously rebuffed calls from the US for Australia to lift its defence spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP.

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