The ASX 200 is a rollercoaster today, with a dramatic start to the week on Wednesday, January 21st. Brace yourself for a flood of pre-market posts and regular updates throughout the day, as we bring you the latest until 2:00 pm AEST. Don't forget to refresh for the newest info, and let us know how we can improve your experience! (https://surveys.hotjar.com/58578fe2-a49e-4faf-9594-3a926a54cd03)
ASX 200 Materials Makes a Comeback
[11:28 am] The ASX 200 Materials Index is on fire, surging 1.49% and erasing yesterday's losses. It's on course to hit new all-time highs, thanks to a weaker US dollar overnight, which boosts commodity prices and gives the Materials sector a lift.
Ticker | Company | % Change | Price
---|---|---|---
EVN | Evolution Mining | 7.03% | $14.46
LYC | Lynas Rare Earths | 5.84% | $16.14
ZIM | Zimplats | 5.68% | $24.20
BGL | Bellevue Gold | 4.49% | $1.86
PLS | Pls Group | 3.27% | $4.90
ASX 200: A Mixed Bag
[11:13 am] The ASX 200 opens with a slight dip of 0.37%, marking the third consecutive day of declines. However, the Materials sector (+1.30%) is a bright spot, nearing record highs. Meanwhile, the Tech sector (-2.1%) continues to feel the heat, with selling pressure, and Financials (-1.3%) and yield-sensitive sectors like Real Estate (-1.0%) also face challenges.
Growth Stocks in the Red
[10:34 am] Growth and tech stocks are having a rough day, with names like Xero, Pro Medicus, and ARB Corp leading the decline.
Ticker | Company | % Change | Price
---|---|---|---
SLX | Silex Systems | -4.90% | $6.79
GDG | Generation Development Group | -4.87% | $5.86
DRO | Droneshield | -4.22% | $4.54
XRO | Xero | -3.84% | $100.27
LNW | Light & Wonder | -3.02% | $169.11
ARB | ARB Corp | -2.96% | $27.58
Top ASX 200 Gainers: Uranium and Gold Shine
[10:32 am] Paladin Energy leads the pack after impressive December quarter production numbers and upgraded FY26 guidance. Gold miners are also on a high, thanks to solid updates and soaring gold prices.
Ticker | Company | % Change | Price
---|---|---|---
PDN | Paladin Energy | 9.88% | $12.79
WGX | Westgold Resources | 9.10% | $7.50
EVN | Evolution Mining | 4.59% | $14.13
Coast Entertainment's Record-Breaking First Half
[9:56 am] Coast Entertainment's FY26 first half results are impressive, with record ticket sales and revenue. New attractions and high visitor numbers fueled this success.
- Ticket sales up 46.6% compared to 1H25, surpassing previous peaks
- Total visitation increased 44.4% vs 1H25, with a record daily attendance at Dreamworld
- Operating revenue at $62.2 million, a 30.2% rise vs 1H25
Rio Tinto's Commodity Insights
[9:49 am] Rio Tinto's December quarter report offers fascinating insights into the commodity market:
- Global growth slowed in Q4, but China's economy remained export-driven with weak consumption.
- US macro resilience despite Q4 government shutdown, with easing borrowing costs and stronger equity markets.
- Iron ore: China's steel consumption stable, seaborne shipments up, driven by non-major producers.
- Copper: LME prices surged due to US rate cuts and AI demand, with supply disruptions.
- Aluminium and alumina: LME prices at Q2 2022 highs, premiums rose in US and Europe.
- Lithium: Prices up 55% in Q4 due to battery and EV demand, EV sales growth.
Rio Tinto's Strong Production Report
[9:44 am] Rio Tinto's operational report for Q4 2025 and full-year 2025 exceeded expectations:
Q4 2025 | Ests | Beat
---|---|---
Pilbara iron ore shipments | 91.3Mt | 4%
Pilbara iron ore production | 89.7Mt | 2%
Bauxite | 15.4Mt | 5%
Alumina | 2.0Mt | 4%
Aluminium | 0.85Mt | 1%
Copper | 240kt | 11%
2025 | Guidance | Beat
---|---|---
Pilbara iron ore shipments | 326.2Mt | Within guidance
Pilbara iron ore production | 327.3Mt | Within guidance
Bauxite | 62.4Mt | Beat
Alumina | 7.6Mt | Within guidance
Aluminium | 3.38Mt | Within guidance
Copper | 883kt | +6% beat
Paladin Energy's Impressive Quarter
[9:34 am] Paladin Energy's December quarter results are outstanding:
- Uranium production: 1.23Mlb, a 19% beat
- Uranium sold: 1.43Mlb, a 17% beat
- Average realized price: US$71.8/lb, a 2% beat
Management Comment: "Global nuclear energy interest is rising, and we're thrilled with Langer Heinrich Mine's progress. The quarter's production gives a glimpse of this strategic asset's potential."
Evolution Mining's Solid Performance
[9:29 am] Evolution Mining's December quarter result is in line with expectations:
- Group gold production: 191koz, a 3% beat
- Copper production: 18kt, a 5% miss
- AISC: $1,275/oz
The company's earnings growth highlights the impact of rising gold prices on gold miners.
Vault Minerals' Mixed Results
[9:15 am] Vault Minerals' December quarter results are weaker than expected, but the company reaffirms its full-year guidance:
- Gold production: 76.5koz, a 13% miss
- Gold sales: 77.8koz, an 11% miss
- AISC: $3,160/oz, a 12% cost miss
Guidance Reaffirmed: "Vault is on track for FY26 production, with first-half investments supporting high-margin production."
Gold and Silver Reach New Heights
[9:10 am] Gold and silver prices soar to record levels, with gold up 3.6% to US$4,763/oz and silver up 5.0% to US$94.5/oz. Despite the risk-off sentiment, gold and silver equities continue to rise, defying the usual correlation with the broader market.
Controversial Twist: The VanEck Gold Miner ETF and Global X Silver Miner ETF rally 5.7% and 5.1%, respectively, reaching new highs. But here's where it gets controversial—are these gains sustainable, or will they reverse as quickly as they rose?
Greenland Tensions at Davos
[9:05 am] Geopolitical tensions between the US and Europe over Greenland dominate Davos, raising concerns about alliances, trade, and financial stability.
- European leaders oppose Trump's Greenland ambitions, with Macron rejecting tariff threats.
- Denmark's AkademikerPension exits US Treasuries, questioning US creditworthiness.
- UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves emphasizes budget discipline and warns against hasty tax decisions.
China's Targeted Stimulus
[9:02 am] China introduces a new credit and fiscal package to boost private investment and consumption:
- 500bn yuan loan guarantee for private firms' expansion and technology upgrades.
- Interest subsidies for small and medium-sized enterprises.
- Increased public spending and government bond issuance for consumption support.
Crypto Markets React to Geopolitics
[8:53 am] Crypto markets decline alongside global markets as geopolitical tensions and bond market stress prompt investors to reduce exposure. Bitcoin drops below $90,000, and smaller tokens like Ether and Solana experience sharper losses.
Japan Bond Market Turmoil
[8:51 am] Japan's long-dated bond market experiences a sudden crash, triggering fears about fiscal sustainability and causing yield spikes and credit market stress. Prime Minister Takaichi's tax cut and spending plans exacerbate these concerns.
S&P 500 Sectors in the Red
[8:46 am] Ten out of eleven S&P 500 sectors close lower, with Tech (-2.94%), Discretionary (-2.82%), Financials (-2.23%), and Communication Services (-2.06%) leading the decline. Only Staples (+0.12%) ends in positive territory.
Trump's Tariff Threats Rock Markets
[8:43 am] Trump's tariff threats and Greenland tensions trigger a global risk-off sentiment, causing sharp market declines. The S&P 500 erases its 2026 gains, and the US dollar weakens, while gold and non-US equities surge. Investors are divided, unsure if these threats are negotiation tactics or signs of a deeper shift.
ASX 200 Futures Dip
[8:38 am] ASX 200 futures are down 49 points (-0.56%) as of 8:30 am AEDT. Major US benchmarks had a rough night, with Trump's tariff threats ahead of the Davos meeting and gold's surge to a record high of US$4,758/oz.
