ASX 200 Live Wrap: Market Flat as Growth Stocks Outperform and Gold Miners Rise

Highlights

• ASX 200 closes marginally higher amid sector divergence and global rate-cut optimism

• Growth stocks like Droneshield and Life360 outperform during choppy session

• Gold stocks climb as prices hold gains; HMC Capital slumps after asset update

The S&P/ASX 200 index (asx 200) finished the session broadly unchanged after a mixed day of trading, with fluctuations across major sectors such as technology, financials, and resources. The broader benchmark (asx today 200, a200 asx) initially gained in early trade but later gave up ground, marking another session of indecisive price movement.

Despite the lacklustre close, several risk-aligned names saw renewed interest. Notable performers included Droneshield (ASX:DRO), Life360 (ASX:360), and Zip (ASX:ZIP), all advancing during the session. On the downside, HMC Capital (ASX:HMC) hit its lowest level since late last year following an operational update that detailed asset delays and a wind turbine incident.

HMC Capital Drops After Operational Update

HMC Capital (ASX:HMC) released an update on its energy transition portfolio, confirming a delay in the Neoen VIC Portfolio acquisition and a fire incident at Bulgana Wind Farm. While most turbines are expected to return to operation soon, the news contributed to a significant decline in share price, sending the stock to a level not seen since the previous year.

Citi Revises View on Mineral Resources

Citi maintained a neutral view on Mineral Resources (ASX:MIN), citing updated assumptions around iron ore production and prevailing interest rate trends. The stock traded lower during the session as the market digested forecasts for this and the following financial year.

Property Prices Continue to Climb

National Australia Bank (ASX:NAB) reported a steady increase in national dwelling prices, continuing the upward trend from previous months. Price growth momentum appeared to resume following the federal election and ahead of anticipated monetary policy adjustments from the central bank.

Robinhood Surges on Blockchain Expansion

Robinhood’s push into tokenising US equities lifted its valuation overseas, following an announcement to offer European investors access to tokenised versions of high-volume US-listed shares. This development reflects growing interest in blockchain-based financial instruments.

China's Manufacturing Sector Rebounds

The Caixin manufacturing PMI in China bounced back above neutral territory, providing a positive signal for regional trade dynamics. The index had slipped the previous month but returned to expansionary territory in June, suggesting improved industrial activity.

Gold Miners Advance on Price Gains

Gold stocks experienced broad gains following a modest rise in the underlying commodity price. Names such as Emerald Resources (ASX:EMR), Regis Resources (ASX:RRL), and Perseus Mining (ASX:PRU) led the sector, with additional support from companies including West African Resources (ASX:WAF), Westgold Resources (ASX:WGX), and Evolution Mining (ASX:EVN).

Despite recent upticks in price, many names remain below levels observed in mid-June. The rebound reflects stability in safe-haven demand, albeit with geopolitical tensions easing.

Insignia Financial Rally Continues

Insignia Financial (ASX:IFL) extended gains after confirming that CC Capital is working toward a formal offer. The previous bid from March was not finalised due to macroeconomic headwinds, but activity has resumed as the process nears completion.

Small Caps in Focus

In early trade, small-cap names like Brainchip Holdings (ASX:BRN), Orthocell (ASX:OCC), and Appen (ASX:APX) recorded notable gains. On the flip side, Ricegrowers (ASX:SGLLV) and Brazilian Rare Earths (ASX:BRE) moved lower, reflecting volatility typical of the segment.

Next Science to Divest Assets

Next Science (ASX:NXS) agreed to divest most of its assets to Demetra Holdings, with proceeds expected to significantly exceed the company’s current valuation. Post-transaction, the company will assess its future structure after distributing net returns.

Acusensus Secures New Zealand Contract

Acusensus (ASX:ACE) finalised an agreement with New Zealand's transport agency for mobile enforcement systems. The contract covers multiple years and marks a continuation of efforts to enhance road safety via new technologies.

IAG Lifts Full-Year Guidance

Insurance Australia Group (ASX:IAG) raised its guidance for full-year insurance profit and margin metrics ahead of August’s financial results. Although the announcement included upgrades across several categories, it aligns closely with existing market estimates.

Computershare Completes Buyback

Computershare (ASX:CPU) finalised its buyback program. Moving forward, the company indicated that unfranked dividends would be a more effective method for shareholder returns due to tax considerations.

Citi Lowers Gold Forecast

Citi updated its short-term gold forecast, trimming its outlook for the current quarter. Expectations are for stabilisation before a more pronounced decline over the longer term, driven by improved economic sentiment and diminished demand for safe-haven assets.

Suncorp Finalises Reinsurance Program

Suncorp (ASX:SUN) completed its reinsurance placement for the upcoming financial year. Adjustments in coverage levels and cost reductions were cited, with no material impact expected on key financial targets. A further capital management update is due in the full-year report.

Domain Takeover Offer Deemed Fair

The independent expert report for Domain Holdings (ASX:DHG) assessed the CoStar takeover offer as fair and reasonable. Majority shareholder Nine Entertainment confirmed its intention to support the scheme during the upcoming vote.

Global Factors Drive Early Trade Strength

The ASX 200 (asx200, asx 200 today) opened stronger, buoyed by positive momentum from US equity markets and ongoing trade developments. Early advances were led by staples and technology, with Woolworths (ASX:WOW), Coles (ASX:COL), and Xero (ASX:XRO) recording early gains.