The government is not only ineffective at managing public finances but now seeks to increase its tax revenue. As anticipated, the Labor Party has revisited the capital gains discount and negative gearing, which were promised to remain untouched a year ago, in what Treasurer Jim Chalmers describes as the "most ambitious budget in decades." A 30 per cent tax on family trusts has also been introduced, creating what many see as an "intergenerational rug-pull" that will impact future generations across Australia.
Young Australians already burdened by the cost-of-living crisis may not benefit from tax breaks that were historically available. While changes to CGT and negative gearing might lower house prices for first-home buyers, this is a temporary fix given the government's increased spending. Critics argue that reducing national debt and curbing NDIS funding to organised crime should have been priorities. Instead, the budget is expected to generate an additional $8 billion in tax over four to five years, offset by losses from tobacco due to black market growth from over-taxation.
Banks were significantly affected, with Commonwealth Bank dropping up to 14 per cent, losing its title as Australia's largest company to BHP. In global markets, the Nasdaq and S&P500 hit new highs despite a 6 per cent wholesale inflation figure. Nineteen semiconductor stocks now comprise 18 per cent of the S&P 500's market cap, and together with memory stocks, account for 70 per cent of the $5.1 trillion gains since the start of the year. Copper prices have also hit all-time highs due to mine closures and a sulphuric acid shortage.
Myeco Group Ltd (ASX: MCO) – Up 250% (1c to 3.5c)
Bulls N’ Bears Runner of the Week is sustainable packaging company Myeco Group, whose shares surged 250 per cent after securing an exclusive deal with Woolworths Group to launch a new range of recycled bin liners made from post-consumer waste. The company will introduce three new recycled bin liner products under its MyEco banner exclusively across Woolworths retail network this month, doubling the range from three to six products. The liners are made from 95 per cent post-consumer recycled soft-plastic waste and hold Global Recycled Standard certification, verifying recycled content and environmental practices. This aligns Myeco with Australia’s National Plastics Plan and 2025 packaging targets. For a small cap to secure such a deal with a retail giant like Woolworths is a significant achievement.
Elixinol Wellness Ltd (ASX: EXL) – Up 129% (0.7c to 1.6c)
Nutrition and wellness innovator Elixinol Wellness surged 129 per cent on Friday after announcing its Healthy Chef brand will be rolled out at Priceline stores across Australia. The company, once known for hemp food alternatives, has shifted focus to plant-based nutrition. The national launch will see products in 410 Priceline stores from July 2026, with potential expansion in early 2027. The Healthy Chef has delivered revenue growth of over 25 per cent for the high-margin product. This move into Priceline, targeting a female-centric audience, matches the brand’s customer base. For a micro-cap company with a sub-$5 million valuation, this national distribution provides a credible path to scaling.
Stelar Metals Ltd (ASX: SLB) – Up 120% (7.5c to 16.5c)
Critical minerals explorer Stelar Metals takes bronze after acquiring the Hill of Leaders tungsten project in the Northern Territory. The company secured the 445-square-kilometre project for $80,000 cash and 3 million shares in the Tennant Creek mining district, known for copper, gold, and tungsten deposits. Tungsten prices have surged over 300 per cent since the start of 2026, driven by demand from defence, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing sectors, and concerns over China’s supply dominance. The project has previous small-scale mining success, with drilling highlights including 1m at 0.6 per cent tungsten trioxide from surface. Stelar plans a reverse circulation drilling program, seeing geological similarities to the $1.5 billion Hatches Creek asset.
1414 Degrees Ltd (ASX: 14D) – Up 74% (4.2c to 7.3c)
Rounding out the Runners is 1414 Degrees, which has been performing strongly with its nanoparticle battery technology. The company established a dedicated aerospace and defence division to commercialise its SiNTL silicon nanoparticle battery technology, targeting the global drone and UAV market. The technology offers a 50 per cent performance boost over traditional graphite anodes, extending range, payload, or reducing charging times. It is a "drop-in" upgrade, requiring no changes to existing manufacturing processes. With the global drone market projected to reach US$160 billion by 2030, and its share price up over 300 per cent since results, 1414 Degrees appears poised for growth in the booming drone battery market.
