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Highlights
- ASX 200 set to open higher
- Real Estate and Energy sectors gain
- Silver, gold updates from small caps
Australia’s S&P/ASX200 index is projected to open stronger, with ASX 200 futures up 17 points or 0.19% as of 8:30 am AEST. This comes despite a backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and mixed signals from global markets. Yesterday, the index edged up 4 points to close at 8,592 after touching an intraday high of 8,639.1.
Gains in Real Estate (+0.89%), Energy (+0.77%), and Materials (+0.63%) offered support to the broader index, while sectors like Information Technology (-1.49%) and Health Care (-0.83%) struggled. Notably, the Financials sector hit a record 9,470 before moderating due to investor repositioning.
In corporate updates, shares of Johns Lyng Group (ASX:JLG) soared 17.72% to A$2.99 following a takeover announcement. Meanwhile, Zip Co (ASX:ZIP) surged 15.45% to A$2.69 after upgrading its earnings forecast. On the downside, Lynas Rare Earths (ASX:LYC) declined 8.22% to A$8.60 amid reports of a China–US rare earths deal, and Beach Energy (ASX:BPT) fell 7.5% to A$1.23 after receiving a less favourable market outlook.
Global Trends & Commodities
US markets ended weaker overnight as escalating tensions between Iran and the US spurred uncertainty. While the US–China trade talks concluded with minimal breakthroughs, markets saw renewed expectations for monetary easing. The US rates market now estimates an 80% probability of a 25 basis point rate cut by the Federal Reserve in September. Softer-than-expected inflation data—CPI rose just 0.1% month-on-month—further fueled these forecasts.
Oil prices reacted sharply to the geopolitical developments. Brent crude jumped 4.3% to US$69.77, and US Nymex crude surged 4.9% to US$68.15 per barrel. Meanwhile, base metals saw mixed movements, with copper dropping 1.7% and aluminium rising 1%. Gold saw minor gains, supported by reduced inflation pressures, with spot prices near US$3,354/oz.
This climate has led investors to increasingly evaluate options in ASX dividend stocks, as income-generating assets often attract attention during volatile times.
Small Cap Activity
On the small-cap front, the S&P/ASX Small Ordinaries (XSO) added 0.049% to settle at 3,250.90, continuing its upward trend with a 0.25% gain over the past week.
Among notable updates:
- Silver Mines Ltd (ASX:SVL) entered into binding agreements to acquire the Calico North Silver and Kramer Hills Gold-Silver Projects in California. These sites exhibit strong mineralisation potential both near surface and at depth.
- Nexus Minerals Ltd (ASX:NXM) shared positive gold assay results from its regional aircore drilling at the Wallbrook Gold Project in WA.
- Lindian Resources Ltd (ASX:LIN) reported the receipt of A$1.2 million through option exercise, indicating strong investor backing.
As the session unfolds, the broader S&P/ASX200 is set to remain in focus, especially amid evolving international events and investor sentiment shaped by central bank cues.
