The broader ASX continued its losing streak, shedding another 0.5% while the benchmark ASX 200 closed at 7,465 points, which is 2.2% lower than last Friday’s close.

Health and consumer discretionary goods were rays of sunshine with gains of 1.95% and 1.48% respectively.

But biggest decline came from the resources sector, which lost 3.68% following a further decline in iron ore prices that analysts linked to demand concerns linked to China’s steel output restrictions. Iron ore prices are now down over 30% in the last month.

The rest of Asia was more bearish than Australia with Hong Kong, Seoul and Shanghai leading the laggards although New Zealand went the other way and gained nearly 2%.

 

TODAY’S BIGGEST WINNERS

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Redbubble (ASX:RBL) released its annual results and while shares initially fell this morning they staged a stunning recovery in the afternoon.

Also rising from financial results were RPM Automotive (ASX:RPM) and NRW Holdings (ASX:NWH).

Iron ore stock Venture Minerals (ASX:VMS) reported booking the company’s first shipment for early September.

And cybersecurity play Whitehawk (ASX:WHK) announced a contract with the US Federal government had been renewed.

 

TODAY’S BIGGEST LOSERS

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Jadar Resources (ASX:JDR) fell after completing a capital raising.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS YOU MAY’VE MISSED

Auroch Minerals (ASX:AOU) kicked off its much-anticipated Nepean Deeps diamond drill program that will examine the potential for nickel mineralisation below old mine workings. The first two holes of the program are designed primarily as platform holes for downhole geophysical surveys and the remaining four holes will then test the highest priority targets for potential nickel sulphide mineralisation.

Amidst the otherwise rough day for the resources sector, Western Areas (ASX:WSA) confirmed an approach from major miner IGO (ASX:IGO) to the market this morning, sending its shares skyrocketing by more than 12%. “Western Areas confirms that it is in preliminary discussions with IGO Limited in relation to a change of control proposal and the basis upon which engagement and due diligence between the parties could proceed,” the company said in a statement.

Lithium player Vulcan Energy (ASX:VUL) has a listing on the German Frankfurt exchange on the way, and is building its corporate profile in Germany as well – with an endorsement in Germany from 2016 Formula-One champion Nico Rosberg. Since retiring from F1 Rosberg has launched the Extreme E off-road racing series and Vulcan have come on board as a sponsor as they prep a DFS on a project the company claims will make it Europe’s first carbon negative lithium chemical producer.

Tech venture Fatfish Group (ASX:FFG) is ready to ramp up its BNPL and fintech businesses in Southeast Asia after announcing a fresh $8 million funding. Currently, its Southeast Asian investment portfolio consists of Smartfunding (89.4% stake), Forever Pay (85% stake), Payslowslow, Payment gateway Pay Direct, and Fatberry.

Today it was announced Australian companies setting up websites will have a new namespace option – by registering their name before the .au. Domain registrar Webcentral (ASX:WCG) today said it supported this innovation and had a substantial opportunity awaiting it.

NeuroScientific Biopharma (ASX:NSB) rocketed 10% after it announced results of studies on lead drug EmtinB, to treat severe symptoms arising from COVID-19. The study indicated there’s a strong therapeutic potential for EmtinB in preventing severe immune responses resulting from COVID-19 infections.

 

TRADING HALTS

Friday

Zimi (ASX:ZMM) – capital raising
Pental (ASX:PTL) – acquisition and capital raising

Monday

NeuroScientific Biopharmaceuticals (ASX:NSB) – further information from pulmonary studies
DC Two (ASX:DC2) – commercial agreements
Marquee Resources (ASX:MQR) – capital raising
S2 Resources (ASX:S2R) – capital raising
Aspen Group (ASX:APZ) – capital raising
intelliHR (ASX:IHR) – reseller agreement
Noxopharm (ASX:NOX) – clinical program update