The S&P/ASX200 was flat this afternoon, down just one point (1.30) to 7,644.90.
The top-performing stocks in this index are Alumina Ltd and Liontown Resources Ltd, up 7.35% and 7.21% respectively. This index is virtually unchanged over the last five days and the year to date.
There were winners and losers across the sectors, from Energy and Industrials, which were trending down just after lunch, losing 2.03% and 0.85% respectively, to Information Technology (0.95%) and Consumer Discretionary (0.87%), which were riding relatively high.
Real estate still on the boil
The real estate market continued its strong run last week, with a clearance rate of 73.5%, a slight dip from the 76.2% observed in early February, CoreLogic's latest data reveals.
Despite the marginal decrease, there was a surge in activity with a total of 2,775 auctions taking place last week, the highest for the year, reflecting a 33% increase from the week before and a 14% year-on-year rise.
Looking ahead, CoreLogic projects a minor reduction in auction volumes, with some 2,680 properties expected to be auctioned next week.
New appointment at RBA
Susan Woods has taken on the new position of chief operating officer (COO) at the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA).
In this role, Woods will work alongside deputy governor Andrew Hauser, focusing on the integration of policy, operational and organisational decisions.
Her collaboration with governor Michele Bulllock will be key as the RBA implements recommendations from the recent review. Woods joined the RBA in 2018, bringing more than three decades of experience in the private sector.
Her previous positions include general manager of Business Technology and Transformation at StatePlus and partner in Strategy and Operations Consulting at Deloitte. Additionally, Woods has held prominent positions at Capgemini and Ernst and Young.
Five at five
Island Pharmaceuticals targets $1.95 million in new capital raise
Island Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX:ILA) has opened a fully underwritten, non-renounceable, pro-rata offer for eligible shareholders to raise $1.95 million before costs.
Anson Resources sampling assays confirm nickel-chrome-copper at Hooley Well
Anson Resources Ltd (ASX:ASN, OTCQB:ANSNF) has received positive assay results from first-pass sampling at the Hooley Well Project, in the Mid-West region of Western Australia, confirming the project’s potential to host a highly prospective nickel-chrome-cobalt and platinum group element (PGE) deposit.
Aura Energy set to benefit at Häggån Project as Sweden weighs up scrapping uranium ban in pursuit of net zero
Aura Energy Ltd (ASX:AEE, AIM:AURA) has welcomed the Swedish Government’s inquiry into a potential reversal of the current ban on uranium mining, a move that could mark a pivotal change in the nation's approach to energy independence and climate neutrality.
Spenda notches up 102% revenue growth as key strategic partnerships gear up
Driven by an expansion of revenue from key strategic partnerships, Spenda Ltd has recorded total revenue of A$2.7 million in the first half of FY24, up 102% on the previous corresponding period.
Nova Minerals discovers more high-grade gold and antimony at Estelle Gold Project’s Stoney prospect
Nova Minerals Ltd (ASX:NVA, OTCQB:NVAAF) has received more high-grade results — up to 74.5 g/t gold, 2,720 g/t silver, 10.6% copper and 1.3% antimony — from the Stoney, West Wing and T5 prospects at its flagship Estelle Gold Project in the prolific Tintina Gold Belt in Alaska.
On your six
UNSW launches Nuclear Innovation Centre to advance Australia’s nuclear technology
The University of New South Wales (UNSW) has cut the ribbon on the Nuclear Innovation Centre (UNIC) at its Kensington campus in Sydney, with the opening attended by Minister for Defence Industry, Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy MP.
One to watch
Lightning Minerals delivers promising initial Quebec lithium results
Lightning Minerals Ltd (ASX:L1M) managing director Alex Biggs joins Jonathan Jackson in the Proactive studio to discuss initial results from its reconnaissance activities at the Dalmas and Hiver lithium projects in Quebec, Canada.