Rise and Shine: What you need to know before the ASX opens

On Stockhead today … the WA nickel sector’s own version of Game of Thrones, the top tech stocks of 2021, and experts weigh in with their 2022 crypto predictions.

But first, the day ahead.

Or half-day we should say, because the ASX is over and out by 2.30pm AEDT, early enough for you to get your Xmas Eve beer or stand in line for a Covid test.

Why not do both at the same time?

Still looking for new trading ideas? Incredibly, but unsurprisingly, two companies are set to list on December 24, which is as close as a company can get to sharing a birthday with Jesus.

First up is Ark Mines (ASX:AHK), which is relisting two years after heading into administration at 10am AEDT. The previously NT-focused company raised $4.7 million to rejoin the ASX boards with a handful of projects around regional Queensland.

Listing at 11am AEDT will be Solis Minerals (ASX:SLM), which is looking for copper in Chile and Peru.

TRADING HALTS

Friday

Link (ASX:LNK) – M&A deal

Wednesday the 27th

Empire Energy (ASX:EEG) – Federal Court decision in Beetaloo drilling program case
Invictus Energy (ASX:IVZ) – capital raising

MARKETS (updated at 7.30am AEDT)

Gold: $US1,808.89 ($2,495.64) (+0.30%)

Silver: $US22.89 ($31.58) (+0.49%)

Oil (WTI): $US73.71 (+1.31%)

Oil (Brent): $US76.71 (+1.90%)

Coal: $US169.50 (+0.30%)

Iron 62pc Fe: $US112.54 (-0.00%)

AUD/USD: $US0.7248 (+0.55%)

Bitcoin: $US50,924.56 ($70,258.32) (+3.98%)

WHAT GOT YOU TALKING YESTERDAY?

WA Premier Mark McGowan fronted the media after the state announced a Covid-19 case had visited nightclubs in Northbridge over the weekend. It came as case numbers spiralled in New South Wales, where masks and QR codes are back on the list ahead of Christmas.

WA has recorded a new local case of COVID-19, related to a backpacker from Queensland.

A number of potential exposure sites have been identified across Perth, including in Mirrabooka, Joondalup, Girrawheen, Perth and the CBD, Subiaco, Northbridge and Scarborough. pic.twitter.com/gMx8E9cqJ7

— Mark McGowan (@MarkMcGowanMP) December 23, 2021

THURSDAY’S BIGGEST SMALL CAP WINNERS

(Stocks highlighted in yellow rose after making announcements during the trading day).

Scroll or swipe to reveal table. Click headings to sort.

Scout Security (ASX:SCT) surged off the back of a capital raising that was conducted at a hefty premium to Wednesday’s closing price.

Syrah Resources (ASX:SYR) climbed off the back of an offtake agreement with Tesla then was sent into a trading halt to provide more details.

Ozgrowth (ASX:OZG) rose after a three-way merger between it, Westoz Investment company (ASX:WIC) and WAM Capital (ASX:WAM) was announced.

Strategic Elements (ASX:SOR) rose after an operational update on its subsidiary Stealth that provides autonomous technologies.

THURSDAY’S BIGGEST SMALL CAP LOSERS

(Stocks highlighted in yellow fell after making announcements during the trading day).

Scroll or swipe to reveal table. Click headings to sort.

Shares in Far (ASX:FAR) were smashed off the back of results from its Bambo well, which lies offshore from Gambia. While oil shows and potential reservoirs were encountered, no live oil columns were present.

WA Fracking IPO Black Mountain Energy (ASX:BME) suffered a retreat on debut.