AUS
NZ
UK
CA
USA
FRA
GER
ESP
ITA
NLD
PRT
SWE
GRC
IND
POL
BRA
ZAF
RUS
CHN
UAE
Highlights
- Energy sector climbs despite geopolitical unease
- Uranium-linked names jump on physical uranium buy plan
- Global market relief as oil prices drop and tensions cool
Australia’s share market is positioned for a cautiously optimistic start on Tuesday, with ASX 200 futures inching up by 5 points (+0.05%) at 8:30 am AEST. This comes after a resilient start to the week, where the ASX200 index ended Monday flat, closing just 1 point higher.
Energy names played a key role in balancing market sentiment, with a notable surge in Santos (ASX:STO), which jumped 11% on the back of reports regarding a potential takeover interest. The sector’s strength helped lift the broader Energy Index by 5.2%, even as gold-related stocks saw downward movement. For example, Northern Star Resources (ASX:NST) faced pressure following a downgrade, which led to a noticeable drop in its share value.
Among emerging names, investors showed continued interest, with the ASX Small Ordinaries index edging slightly higher by 0.02% to 3,256.80. Globally, Wall Street provided a supportive backdrop, as the S&P 500 gained 0.94%, Nasdaq rose 1.52%, and oil prices softened, easing market nerves over Middle East conflicts. Hopes of a diplomatic opening with Iran helped soothe geopolitical risk perception.
One of the most eye-catching trends came from the uranium space. A major push by Sprott to acquire US$100 million in physical uranium spurred sharp moves in Australian-listed uranium companies. Boss Energy (ASX:BOE), Deep Yellow (ASX:DYL), and Paladin Energy (ASX:PDN) all saw double-digit gains, highlighting renewed confidence in the sector. Additionally, the recent A$20 billion data centre announcement by Amazon in Australia has stirred speculation about potential growth in nuclear energy demand—adding further fuel to uranium-related momentum.
Elsewhere, base metals responded positively to a risk-on mood. Copper gained 1.4% to US$9,613, while the Australian dollar strengthened to US$0.6524. Gold dipped by 1.4% amid declining demand for safe havens.
In other company news, Southern Cross Electrical (ASX:SXE) unveiled new project wins across airports and data centres, totalling more than $70 million. Meanwhile, Challenger (ASX:CGF) saw a 4.8% stake shift hands after Apollo Global exited at $7.45 a share.
In the small-cap energy space, D3 Energy (ASX:D3E) announced the acquisition of two helium and hydrogen exploration permits in South Australia. Furthermore, Element 25 (ASX:E25) secured a $50 million debt facility to boost its Butcherbird Manganese Project in Western Australia.
As central bank meetings from Japan, the UK, Switzerland, and Europe approach, alongside key US retail sales data, the global financial landscape continues to present opportunities and shifts worth watching.
