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Highlights
ASX 200 opens in the red as resource and bank stocks weigh on sentiment
Emyria surges after securing PTSD program funding from Medibank
Archtis lands fresh contract in the UK defence sector, boosting outlook
The ASX 200 began the trading session with a modest decline, mirroring global market sentiment amid intensifying geopolitical developments. The downward movement was led primarily by banking and resource stocks. The broader All Ordinaries and ASX 300 also trended similarly. In contrast, information technology and energy sectors offered limited support in early trade.
Emyria secures Medibank support for PTSD care
Emyria Limited (asx:emd) registered a significant rise in early trade after announcing a new multi-year agreement with Medibank for funding its post-traumatic stress disorder program. This initiative will provide access to psychiatric care and medication with no out-of-pocket expenses for customers. The program is delivered under Emyria’s Empax model, which integrates psychiatrist-supervised psychotherapy and innovative treatments alongside coordinated care and data tracking.
This development marks a milestone, as Medibank becomes the first major private insurer to cover a psychotherapy-led PTSD care initiative in the country. The announcement has drawn considerable market attention, with trading volume seeing an early surge.
Archtis builds momentum with UK defence contract
Cybersecurity firm Archtis Limited (asx:ar9) posted strong early gains following news of a three-year NC Protect software contract with a major UK-based aerospace and defence organisation. The agreement includes an initial user base and sets the stage for broader deployment of Microsoft 365 security solutions across the enterprise.
The global implementation is expected to influence the company's strategic expansion across defence and industrial markets. Archtis had recently signed a similar deal with a U.S. defence department, underlining the growing demand for its data-centric security technologies.
Newpeak rallies as drilling activity gets greenlight
Newpeak Metals (asx:npm) saw notable movement after Lake Blue Energy received approval from Victorian authorities to commence drilling at the Wombat-5 well. Newpeak holds an interest in Lake Blue, which is targeting significant gas output based on prior assessments.
The project represents a key development in the region’s gas exploration landscape. With drilling expected to begin shortly, market participants appeared responsive to the operational progress.
Broader market weighed down by resource weakness
Despite positive moves in specific sectors, the broader market came under pressure. Weakness in iron ore prices and a minor decline in gold prices, combined with global market volatility, added to investor caution.
The conflict in the Middle East has continued to impact sentiment. Oil prices rose amid regional disruptions, while global indices such as the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and major European markets recorded overnight declines.
Other early movers
Several microcap stocks posted sharp moves in early trade. DGR Global Ltd (asx:dgr) and Mount Ridley Mines (asx:mrd) both advanced significantly. European Lithium Ltd (asx:eur) gained after its subsidiary received an indicative funding offer from a U.S. export agency for the Tanbreez rare earths project.
Meanwhile, Otto Energy Limited (asx:oel) and Memphasys Ltd (asx:mem) also showed positive activity. On the downside, Seafarms Group Ltd (asx:sfg), Javelin Minerals Ltd (asx:jav), and Tasfoods Ltd (asx:tfl) were among the early laggards.
