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Highlights
ASX 200 posts slight gain in a subdued and low-volume session
Energy sector gains on project approval, pharmaceuticals lift on US trade ruling
Stocks with US and China exposure see limited movement despite tariff decision
The ASX 200 edged up slightly during Thursday’s session, with strength from the energy and healthcare sectors offsetting subdued activity across most of the index. The benchmark moved quietly as broader markets reacted to international trade developments, with limited impact on local tariff-sensitive stocks.
Woodside Energy (ASX:WDS) rose through the day, returning to levels not seen since early April, following approval for the Browse North West Shelf extension project. The new environment minister’s green light for the project coincides with increasing acknowledgement of gas infrastructure as integral to transitioning power grids. The stock’s movement contributed to broader gains in the energy index.
In the healthcare space, Neuren Pharmaceuticals (ASX:NEU) traded higher following increased interest in US-facing growth names. A US court ruling related to prior tariff actions sparked-on sentiment, drawing attention to stocks with significant overseas exposure. The healthcare index showed modest strength on the back of these moves.
Muted Response from China-Linked Consumer Brands
Retailers with manufacturing exposure to China showed little reaction to geopolitical updates. Breville Group (ASX:BRG), which sources the bulk of its goods from China and heavily into the US, experienced some price swings during morning trade but ultimately closed with minimal change.
Online luxury retailer Cettire (ASX:CTT), which previously disclosed that a substantial share of its first-half gross sales involved EU-made goods sold to US consumers, saw limited movement despite the court ruling on tariffs. The consumer discretionary index reflected this subdued response, with no significant shifts by session close.
Unusual Volume Seen in Select Stocks Across Sectors
Trading volumes picked up sharply in a number of stocks, diverging from the broader quiet tone of the day. Ebos Group (ASX:EBO) recorded significantly elevated volume and finished lower, making it one of the most actively traded names relative to its average activity. Summerset Group (ASX:SNZ), Air New Zealand (ASX:AIZ), and IGO (ASX:IGO) also experienced higher-than-usual volume but saw only modest price movements.
Other names seeing above-average volume included APA Group (ASX:APA), ALS (ALQ), Generation Development Group (ASX:GDG), and Neuren Pharmaceuticals (NEU). Metrics Master Income Trust (ASX:MXT), Web Travel Group (ASX:WEB), and Freightways Group (ASX:FRW) rounded out the list of stocks drawing heavier attention despite no major announcements.
Top Performing and Lagging Stocks by Midday
Neuren Pharmaceuticals (NEU), Generation Development Group (GDG), and Freightways Group (FRW) led the ASX 200 gainers by midday, with Insignia Financial (ASX:IFL) and HMC Capital (ASX:HMC) also trading higher. Block (XYZ), Pinnacle Management (ASX:PNI), and Digico Infrastructure REIT (ASX:DGT) were among the other top movers, reflecting positive sentiment toward US-focused names.
On the downside, Paladin Energy (ASX:PDN) and Ebos Group (EBO) were the largest decliners. Boss Energy (ASX:BOE), James Hardie (ASX:JHX), and Lynas Rare Earths (ASX:LYC) also underperformed. Mesoblast (ASX:MSB), Washington H Soul Pattinson (ASX:SOL), and Telix Pharmaceuticals (ASX:TLX) posted moderate losses.
Gold Mining Stocks Steady Amid Decline in Metal Prices
Gold prices edged lower during the session following news from the US, with sentiment shifting toward equities. Despite this, domestic gold mining stocks remained relatively resilient. Auric Mining, St Barbara, Regis Resources (ASX:RRL), and Evolution Mining showed modest gains, while Black Cat Syndicate and Catalyst Metals saw more noticeable declines.
Vault Minerals (ASX:VAU), Newmont, and Resolute Mining also eased lower. The materials index was largely flat as gold’s movement failed to drive significant sector rotation.
Overall, Thursday’s trade saw the ASX 200 finish modestly ahead, with strong moves in selective energy, healthcare, and real estate names balancing a broadly subdued market.
