Last Orders: ASX finishes up despite investors jumping off Airtasker float

The ASX finished the day slightly in the green, dragged down by tech stocks which lost nearly 1.5 per cent and new float Airtasker (ASX:ART) fell by over 20 per cent.

Airtasker debuted at 65 cents and rose over Tuesday and Wednesday to over $1.90 before falling below $1.40 today.

Other sectors were mixed with health being the biggest winner – gaining 0.75 per cent.

The ASX 200 finished up 0.17 per cent at 6,790.6 but the ASX Emerging Companies Index lost 0.39 per cent, closing at 2,001 points.

Finishing on top today was Indonesian focused oil microcap Bass Oil (ASX:BAS), which announced new drilling.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Wellness product seller McPhersons (ASX:MCP) received a takeover offer from investment firm Gallin but has told its shareholders to ignore it. It said the offer was “utterly opportunistic” and “profoundly undervalues MCP”.

Race Oncology (ASX:RAC) has unveiled another project for its anti-cancer drug Bisantrene. It has commenced a preclinical research program with the University of Newcastle to see if Bisantrene can be used against clear cell renal cell carcinoma – a rare kidney cancer.

Elixinol (ASX:EXL) has been told by the UK Food Standards Agency it can continue to sell CBD products in the Old Dart. The FSA ordered all CBD businesses last month to submit novel food applications to continue to sell products and Elixinol has passed the test.

PepinNini (ASX:PNN) told shareholders it has completed its due diligence in respect of acquiring private South Australian explorer Hillside Minerals. It has recommended shareholders vote for it at the upcoming shareholders’ meeting.

Eden Innovations (ASX:EDE), which sells EdenCrete – an additive intended to strengthen concrete – revealed it had started the year successfully selling US$370,000 of the product in Georgia alone.