1. PM says 'technology, not taxes' is key to climate change response

In response to a report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released on Monday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that technology, not the introduction of taxes, is key to lowering carbon emissions in developing nations. "We cannot ignore the fact that the developing world accounts for two thirds of global emissions, and those emissions are rising. That is a stark fact. It is also a clear fact that China's emissions account for more than the OECD combined," the PM said.

2. Commonwealth Bank announces $6 billion share buyback as cash profit rises 20%

Commonwealth Bank has announced an off-market share buyback of up to $6 billion, following on from the on-market buybacks announced by NAB and ANZ last month. CBA reported a 19.8% increase in cash profit to $8.65 billion as well as a final dividend of $2.00 after an interim dividend of $1.50 paid in March. "The ongoing rollout of the vaccination program and government support packages will be important to help Australians and the economy on the path back towards full economic activity," said CEO Matt Comyn.

3. Office workers could return to Sydney CBD from next month

The NSW government may adapt its construction industry vaccination plan to get office workers back in the Sydney CBD as soon as late September. The AFR said that briefings held with business leaders covered "options to maximise vaccinations and allow major employers to begin the road out of the delta strain lockdown". The government has allowed construction sites to reopen at 50% capacity from today and workers from areas of concern must be vaccinated.

4. Basketball teams from North America attempt play for 120 hours

A Guinness World Record attempt is currently underway in Buffalo, New York, with players from across Western New York and Canada attempting to beat the current record for longest basketball game of 120 hours, 1 minute and 7 seconds while raising funds for mental health treatment and awareness. The players have about 24 hours to go until they break the previous record set in the Philippines in 2014.

5. Dow Jones rise 0.5% to a new record

The Dow Jones has reached a record-high close of 35,264.67 after rising 162.82 points or 0.46% during Tuesday's session. The S&P 500 also reached a record high of 4,436.75 with a rise of 4.40 points or 0.10%. The Nasdaq closed down 72.09 points or 0.49% to 14,788.09.