MarketsEquity MarketsThe BriefPrint articleUS urges $40b defence spend; Soul Patts’ $14b tie-up; Big bubble loomsJun 2, 2025 – 12.09pmSaveLog in or Subscribe to save articleShareCopy linkCopiedEmailLinkedInTwitterFacebookCopy linkCopiedShare via...Gift this articleSubscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? LoginWant to get this in your inbox at lunchtime every weekday? Financial Review subscribers can sign up for The Brief newsletter here. Plus start your day with our Before the Bell newsletter and read a full wrap of the day’s news in Market Wrap.In today’s news, the US is demanding that Australia add $40 billion to its defence budget, Soul Patts is merging with Brickworks, and AI stocks could become an even bigger bubble.Loading...SaveLog in or Subscribe to save articleShareCopy linkCopiedEmailLinkedInTwitterFacebookCopy linkCopiedShare via...Gift this articleSubscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? LoginLicense articleIntroducing your NewsfeedFollow the topics, people and companies that matter to you.Find out moreRead MoreThe BriefSubscriber exclusiveWashington H Soul Pattinson & CompanyBrickworksCompany mergersSharemarketDefenceFBISharesAIDonald TrumpSydneyRussiaUkraineIsraelGaza StripAppleLatest In Equity marketsFetching latest articlesMost Viewed In MarketsThe Australian Financial Review MagazineThe top whisky you can buy without going on a waiting listMax AllenThe luxury travel trend you probably haven’t consideredThe restaurant that’s turning back the clock (in the best way)BOSS Financial Review5 ways to stop AI from making you dumbRachael BoltonFrom stopping thieves in the GFC to running a $1b company, via The StarNew MP Mary Aldred urges business to help women into the LiberalsLife & LeisureBacchanalian jugs and eco-blankets to make your home cosyEugenie KellyThis is the gold you should buyExtreme hiking in the heart of Australia’s own AmazonRich ListAnnie Cannon-Brookes steps out on her ownYolanda RedrupLuxury home sales take off as Australians get richerPharmacy chain ‘underdog’ takes the fight to Chemist Warehouse
