ASX 200 dips as tech and gold sectors weigh while PLS and ILU lift sentiment

June 27, 2025 03:13 PM AEST | By Team Kalkine Media

ASX 200 dips as tech and gold sectors weigh while PLS and ILU lift sentiment — Image source: shutterstock

Iluka and Pilbara Feature Among Top Market Gainers

Iluka Resources Ltd (ASX:ILU) emerged among the standout performers, posting a strong advance by the end of the trading session. The company drew attention as one of the few materials names posting a significant rise despite broad sectoral pressure.

Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX:PLS) also secured a strong finish, maintaining upward momentum across lithium-focused stocks. The performance came amid ongoing shifts in commodity demand expectations and broader sentiment around battery materials.

Tech and Gold Miners Drag Index Lower

Xero Ltd (ASX:XRO) was among the session’s steepest decliners, contributing significantly to the weakness in the technology space. The broader tech index tracked lower, continuing a cautious pattern observed through recent sessions.

Among gold producers, Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX:NST) and St Barbara Ltd (ASX:SBM) recorded pronounced losses. These names were impacted by profit-taking moves and broader softness in gold-related exposures.

Market Breadth Reflects Mixed Sentiment Across the Board

While a slight majority of stocks ended the session higher, a meaningful portion of the market also traded in the red. Equities across sectors including energy, health care, and financials showed varied movement, reflecting a lack of decisive leadership.

Volatility indicators such as the ASX 200 VIX ticked higher, underscoring cautious sentiment as traders weighed sector-specific movements and external factors influencing commodities and currencies.

Currency and Commodity Updates Add to the Cautious Mood

Movements in the Australian dollar reflected broader foreign exchange trends. Meanwhile, gold futures saw moderate gains, aligning with cautious investor behaviour. Crude oil contracts also rose, though market attention largely stayed with domestic sector moves.

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