Energy and Small Caps Power Gains as ASX 200 Lifts on Trade Developments

Highlights

• Energy and uranium stocks supported market strength amid global trade discussions

• ASX 200 rose alongside the ASX Small Ords and ASX 200 Resources indices

• Standout moves from TMX, MDR, ZIP, KLS and multiple uranium sector tickers

The broader energy and resources sectors supported a positive close for local equities, with the asx 200 index climbing alongside the ASX Small Ords and ASX 200 Resources indices. Renewed global trade discussions contributed to improved sentiment, helping offset broader market concerns.

Major energy producers experienced upward price moves during the session. Woodside (ASX:WDS), Santos (ASX:STO), and Ampol (ASX:ALD) all finished stronger. Mid-cap performers included Viva Energy Group (ASX:VEA), Beach Energy (ASX:BPT), and Karoon Energy (ASX:KAR), which also recorded gains.

The uranium segment showed particular momentum. Boss Energy (ASX:BOE), Lotus Resources (ASX:LOT), Deep Yellow (ASX:DYL), Nexgen Energy (ASX:NXG), and Energy Resources of Australia (ASX:ERA) moved higher, contributing to broader sector strength.

Small Cap Segment Shows Broad Upward Movement

Within the small cap landscape, gains were notable across multiple tickers. Terrain Minerals (ASX:TMX) recorded a strong performance after confirming exploration updates for the Lightning and Monza prospects at its Smokebush gold project. The company is progressing toward a resource expansion strategy at the site.

MedAdvisor (ASX:MDR) advanced after revealing a non-binding letter of intent involving its Australia and New Zealand division. The telehealth group cited a record revenue figure for April and continues aligning strategic moves with long-term business goals.

Further moves came from ZIP Co (ASX:ZIP), which experienced a sharp uplift, while Kelsian Group (ASX:KLS), operating in transport and tourism, also registered notable gains. Financial services group Magellan Financial (ASX:MFG) posted an increase as well.

Coal and Gold Developments Boost Specific Names

Yari Minerals (ASX:YAR) disclosed a new acquisition of the Rolleston South coal project located in Queensland’s Bowen Basin. With existing infrastructure supported by nearby operations, Yari is set to commence drilling activities focused on metallurgical coal.

Additional movement came from TMK Energy (ASX:TMK), which reported that conditions at the Gurvantes XXXV coal seam gas project are nearing technical thresholds, marking a step forward in its resource development process.

Core activity in the gold segment was observed from smaller players like Terrain Minerals (ASX:TMX), now preparing for resource drilling targeting gold and silver mineralisation identified in recent data from its Western Australian holdings.

Top Performers in the Microcap Group

Among microcap companies, several tickers saw sharp price action. Names such as Anatara Lifesciences (ASX:ANR), Asra Minerals (ASX:ASR), Bowen Coal (ASX:BCB), Bioxyne (ASX:BXN), and Core Energy Minerals (ASX:CR3) stood out in daily trade.

Further price movements occurred in Cauldron Energy (ASX:CXU), Eden Innovations (ASX:EDE), Enterprise Metals (ASX:ENT), and First Au (ASX:FAU), reflecting heightened speculative activity in the junior exploration and biotech spaces.

Also advancing were Pacific Edge (ASX:PEB), MedAdvisor (ASX:MDR), and I Synergy Group (ASX:IS3). These companies posted double-digit gains on volume-driven sessions, with some attributing interest to corporate updates or new project momentum.

Names Facing Declines in Today's Trade

The lower end of the market saw downside action in 88 Energy (ASX:88E), Avenira (ASX:AEV), Blue Star Helium (ASX:BNL), Chimeric Therapeutics (ASX:CHM), and Corellares (ASX:CR9). These movements occurred across the energy, biotech, and exploration segments.

Additional declines came from Enrg Elements (ASX:EEL), Forbidden Foods (ASX:FFF), and Flexiroam (ASX:FRX), as broader sentiment in microcaps remained mixed. Memphasys (ASX:MEM), Macarthur Minerals (ASX:MIO), and Mount Ridley Mines (ASX:MRD) also recorded negative sessions.

In Market News and Halts

Future Metals (ASX:FME) launched a new capital raise initiative to support ongoing activity at its Eileen Bore project, focused on copper, nickel, and platinum group elements.

Multiple trading halts were in place, including Augustus Minerals (ASX:AUG), Catalyst Metals (ASX:CYL), Culpeo Minerals (ASX:CPO), Highfield Resources (ASX:HFR), MedAdvisor (ASX:MDR), Metgasco (ASX:MEL), and Wide Open Agriculture (ASX:WOA). These halts were tied to acquisitions, funding arrangements, or structural announcements.