The IperionX Ltd (ASX: IPX) share price is in focus after the company announced successful validation of its GenX continuous titanium production platform, highlighting major advances in throughput and reductions in unit costs.

What did IperionX report?

• GenX system achieved six times higher throughput compared to batch HAMR processing, producing over 500 kg of titanium powder.
• Power consumption dropped by more than 75% versus batch processing for each kilogram of titanium powder produced.
• Input use efficiency improved: over 45% less magnesium and more than 60% less hydrogen needed per kilogram.
• All valid product samples met strict ASTM oxygen benchmarks for titanium powder quality.
• Ongoing optimisation and engineering work are planned for industrial-scale production in Virginia.

What else do investors need to know?

GenX continuous processing marks a shift away from traditional batch-based titanium production, potentially reducing costs, processing time, and equipment use. The positive test results came from four production runs spanning 41 hours, averaging 12 kg per hour output.

IperionX’s process improvements could open more applications for titanium by making large-scale production more viable. The company believes lower reagent and power usage, along with better equipment utilisation, can materially decrease capital and labour costs per tonne.

The next phase involves integrating GenX into a complete titanium powder production line and advancing plans for the first industrial-scale GenX facility, supported by a recent US$99 million U.S. Army contract.

What did IperionX management say?

CEO and Managing Director Taso Arima said:

Achieving continuous primary titanium production has long been the ultimate aspiration for the titanium industry. IperionX’s GenX process is a continuous titanium production platform that is more efficient to operate and easier to scale. These first results exceeded our expectations: more than 500 kilograms of recycled titanium powder processed across four separate runs, with every sample meeting its relevant oxygen specification. Substantially lower magnesium, hydrogen and power consumption at steady state, together with processing throughput increasing by six times, give us a strong basis for industrial development. Our next step is the engineering and economic evaluation of the first industrial-scale GenX production line. We aim to establish a scalable platform for expansion that lowers production costs and brings titanium within reach of a broader range of applications.

What’s next for IperionX?

IperionX will continue to optimise the GenX furnace throughout Q4 2026, aiming to integrate the technology into a full-scale titanium powder production line. A technoeconomic evaluation for commercial-scale rollout is underway, targeting further cost and efficiency gains.

With ongoing support from the U.S. Department of Defense, the company’s strategy is to develop scalable, continuous titanium production for a wider range of industries, aiming to make titanium more affordable and accessible.

IperionX share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, IperionX shares have declined 62%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has declined 2% over the same period.

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The post IperionX validates GenX™ titanium production: Major efficiency gains appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

The Vicinity Centres (ASX: VCX) share price is in focus today as the company hosted its 2026 Capability Showcase, highlighting the completed redevelopments at Chadstone and Chatswood Chase – two of the Group’s flagship retail assets.

What did Vicinity Centres report?

• Chadstone’s total value now stands at $7.26 billion, with annual retail sales (MAT) of $2.74 billion, and specialty sales per sqm rising to $28,000.
• Chatswood Chase occupancy reached 99.7%, with +15% foot traffic and +26% same-store sales since redevelopment.
• Premium assets comprise 67% of Vicinity’s retail portfolio, up from 51% in 2022.
• Gearing at 26.1% and interest cover at 4.1x, with 87% of debt hedged into FY27.
• Development pipeline of $2.5 billion invested since 2022, with stabilised project yields of 5.6% (Chadstone) and 6.7% (Chatswood Chase).

What else do investors need to know?

Vicinity emphasised its ongoing capital recycling strategy, shifting more of its portfolio toward premium centres and outlets. The company reported strong leasing demand and productivity lifts after major redevelopments, with Chadstone maintaining its title as Australia’s top retail centre and Chatswood Chase achieving rapid re-leasing and income growth.

The capability showcase also spotlighted Vicinity’s disciplined balance sheet management, with continued access to diversified funding and a focus on maintaining investment-grade credit ratings. The Group reaffirmed its commitment to ESG, reporting a 45% reduction in emissions intensity since FY16 and remaining on track for Net Zero 2030 target.

What did Vicinity Centres management say?

CEO and Managing Director Peter Huddle said:

Our strategy of concentrating capital into premium, differentiated assets is delivering superior value and resilience for investors, retailers and communities.

What’s next for Vicinity Centres?

Vicinity says it will continue to focus investment on its development pipeline, including the on-time and on-budget delivery of the Galleria project and revitalisation of Uptown set for early 2027. Management also flagged early-stage planning for large-scale residential opportunities at Chatswood Chase and further mixed-use projects across the portfolio, aiming to unlock additional value and support future growth.

The Group will maintain its disciplined capital approach, keeping gearing and liquidity in check while seeking risk-adjusted returns above industry benchmarks. Its strategy remains anchored in asset renewal and balancing defensive income with growth, despite changing market conditions.

Vicinity Centres share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Vicinity Centres shares have declined 9%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has declined 9% over the same period.

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The post Vicinity Centres: 2026 Capability Showcase highlights Chadstone and Chatswood Chase appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

Once you reach your mid-60s, your superannuation should be high on your priority list. After all, at this age, retirement has either begun or is just around the corner. 

At age 66, you’ve reached the milestone for unconditional superannuation access (meaning you can access your balance regardless of whether you’ve stopped working or not). You’re also just one year away from accessing the Age Pension payment if eligible.

That means, by this point in your life, you should know exactly how much super you have saved and what you need to be able to live the type of retirement you want.

Here’s a breakdown of the average superannuation balance of Aussies aged 66, and what you actually need at this age to retire. 

How does yours compare?

What is the average superannuation balance at age 66 in Australia?

There isn’t an exact figure for the average superannuation balance for men at age 66, but the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) provides a helpful estimate.

The average 65 to 69-year-old Australian male in FY27 has an average superannuation balance of $448,518.

Unfortunately, women the same age have a lot less, mostly because women tend to take extended periods out of the workforce. There are periods of time, sometimes spanning several consecutive years, where women earn lower compulsory employer superannuation or none at all.

The average 65 to 69-year-old Australian female has an average superannuation balance of around $392,274 in FY27. 

How does your super balance stack up with men and women the same age as you?

If your superannuation balance is on track with the rest of the population, that’s great news. But unfortunately, it doesn’t actually mean you have enough to live the retirement lifestyle you want. 

How much superannuation do I need to retire at age 66?

According to the latest ASFA Retirement Standard, the benchmark for a comfortable retirement is around $55,923 per year for single Australians and closer to $78,566 per year for couples.

To support that level of spending, ASFA estimates you’ll need a super balance of roughly $630,000 as a single and $730,000 as a couple by the age of 67. 

The figures also assume you own your home outright and that you’re receiving the age pension.

Am I on track?

In order to reach that number, ASFA calculates that at the age of 66, for a comfortable retirement, Australians should have a current superannuation balance close to $604,500.

That’s significantly higher than the average balances for Australians aged 65 to 69.

Why is the average Australian so far behind?

Unfortunately, there are several reasons.

In some exceptional cases, it’s possible to access your superannuation early. For example, to pay certain expenses on compassionate grounds, as well as terminal illness, incapacity, and severe financial hardship. 

There was an uptick in the number of Australians who applied for an early release during the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by soaring cost-of-living and widespread income loss.

The problem is that accessing your superannuation early severely affects long-term compounding growth and lowers balances in the long term. 

At the same time, ongoing economic volatility and consistently high cost of living also mean that individuals have severely curbed the amount of voluntary contributions going into super fund accounts. 

High fees and poor performance also eat into retirement savings. Meanwhile, sticking with an underperforming fund or default option is a mistake that can cost your super balance over time.

The post The average superannuation balance at age 66 in Australia, versus what you actually need to retire appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.