AUS
NZ
UK
CA
USA
IND
Highlights
- ASX finishes flat despite early volatility
- Uranium and gold stocks among top performers
- Key acquisition and sector updates drive stock moves
The Australian share market ended flat on Monday after a volatile session, initially dragged down by global trade tension headlines but later finding some stability. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 edged up just 0.1 points to close at 8,361, as investors reacted to conflicting messages from the US on tariffs and focused on local corporate developments.
The early market dip followed US President Donald Trump's renewed threats of tariffs on the European Union. However, losses were pared back after Trump announced a delay in the proposed duties following a discussion with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. This helped lift investor sentiment and supported a partial market recovery.
The Australian dollar briefly touched a six-month high of 65.36 US cents during the session but retreated slightly later in the day as markets absorbed the shifting tone on international trade.
Uranium miners were standout performers on the ASX300, buoyed by executive orders signed by Trump aimed at boosting the US nuclear energy sector. Among the top gainers were Deep Yellow (ASX:DYL), up 13.65%, Paladin Energy (ASX:PDN) rising 8.84%, and Boss Energy (ASX:BOE) gaining 7.3%.
Gold miners also found favour as global uncertainty increased demand for traditional safe havens. Evolution Mining (ASX:EVN) advanced 3.4%, Bellevue Gold (ASX:BGL) climbed 3.3%, and Northern Star Resources (ASX:NST) added 3%.
The tech sector posted a 1.1% gain, led by WiseTech (ASX:WTC) which surged 4.7% after announcing a $3.3 billion acquisition of US-based logistics firm e2open. Life360 (ASX:360) also saw gains of 1.8%.
Meanwhile, Elders (ASX:ELD) was the day's worst performer, falling 6.7% despite a substantial 190% increase in its statutory profit after tax.
In M&A news, Genesis Minerals (ASX:GMD) rose 2.1% following its agreement to acquire the Laverton gold project from Focus Minerals (ASX:FML), which soared 82.61% on the announcement. Westgold Resources (ASX:WGX) moved 3.2% higher, despite clarifications that it is not pursuing a takeover of New Murchison Gold (ASX:NMG), which gained 7.1%.
Elsewhere, EVT (ASX:EVT) climbed 2.1%, continuing a positive run following valuation optimism. Nufarm (ASX:NUF) rebounded 1.2%, recovering some of last week's steep losses. Retailer Accent (ASX:AX1) slipped 1.6% amid leadership transition news, while Origin (ASX:ORG) dropped 4.9% after flagging a full-year loss in its UK-based renewable business.
For dividend-focused investors, recent movements could present new perspectives on ASX dividend stocks, especially amid shifting global trade sentiment.
With a mix of macro headlines and corporate updates shaping the session, the S&P ASX300 remains a vital barometer of broader investor sentiment.
Looking ahead, investors will be watching remarks from European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde and the upcoming earnings result from ALS (ASX:ALQ). Also on the agenda is the annual general meeting of Neuren Pharmaceuticals (ASX:NEU).
