The ASX is lower again today.
On a day when Russian hackers claimed to have infiltrated Fortescue Metals Group (ASX:FMG) Ltd stealing sensitive customer data, the S&P/ASX200 dropped 17.40 points or 0.24% to 7,281.10. Over the last five days, the index has gained 2.42% and is currently 3.79% off its 52-week high.
The bottom-performing stocks in this index are Syrah Resources Ltd (ASX:SYR) and Ansell Ltd, down 15.45% and 13.11% respectively.
Looking at the sectors, Financials and Health Care led the way up 0.92% and 0.68% respectively, while Real Estate, Communication Services and Industrials fuelled the market’s descent dropping 1.51%, 1.33% and 1.32%.
Hawkish minutes
Mixed Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) minutes may have had an impact on today’s decline.
eToro market analyst Josh Gilbert says, "Today’s RBA minutes suggested that holding the cash rate unchanged was the stronger argument in July compared to raising rates by 25bps.
"The minutes are mixed, but they clearly show that the RBA is worried about allowing inflation to become entrenched and investors have taken them as hawkish, with the ASX falling after the release.
“It would be surprising to not see at least one more ‘insurance’ hike from the RBA in August, with inflation still elevated and the labour market so tight. The market, from an initial view, seems to also believe this is the case.
"However, the board said it would ‘reassess’ the situation in August, which may point towards a bias for another pause if data continues to move in the right direction between now and then – potentially signalling the end of the road.
“The board did note that it will have further data to assess at the August meeting, with the quarterly CPI reading likely being a key data point. Interestingly, the board referred to inflation overseas that had proved to be more persistent than expected – particularly in the UK, where it has remained elevated throughout 2023. It also noted that despite pausing, the Federal Reserve is expected to raise at least once more in the months ahead."
Meanwhile, Capital Economics expects two more 25bp rate hikes by September.
The minutes stated: "Some further tightening of monetary policy may be required to bring inflation back to target within a reasonable timeframe, but that this depended on how the economy and inflation evolve.
"At the August meeting, the board would have the benefit of additional data on inflation, the global economy, the labour market and household spending, as well as an updated set of staff forecasts and a revised assessment of the risks.
"Members reaffirmed their determination to return inflation to target within a reasonable timeframe and their willingness to do what is necessary to achieve that outcome."
Five at Five
The S&P/ASX Small Ordinaries dropped 0.59% today to 2,874.10.
There was still a flurry of activity. Here’s a snapshot …
OD6 Metals surges on maiden 344 million tonnes at 1,308ppm TREO resource at Splinter Rock Rare Earth Project
OD6 Metals Ltd (ASX:OD6) has surged on revealing a maiden inferred mineral resource estimate (MRE) of 344 million tonnes at 1,308ppm TREO at a 1,000ppm cut-off grade for its Splinter Rock Rare Earth Project, which is emerging as one of the largest and highest-grade clay-hosted rare earth resources in Australia.
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Titan Minerals confirms large copper-gold porphyry system at Copper Duke in Ecuador
Two years of systematic surface work at its Copper Duke Project in southern Ecuador has led Titan Minerals Ltd (ASX:TTM) to the discovery of an extensive copper-gold porphyry system at the El Huato and Lumapamba prospects.
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Intra Energy raises $3.6 million and prepares to put boots on ground after completing Llama Lithium Project acquisition
Intra Energy Corporation Ltd (ASX:IEC) is set to kick off geological mapping and sampling at its Llama Lithium Project in the highly prospective James Bay Lithium District in Quebec, Canada, after completing a $3.6 million capital raising announced in May.
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OzAurum Resources delivers robust initial Mulgabbie North gold resource of 260,000 ounces
OzAurum Resources Ltd (ASX:OZM) has produced an initial mineral resource estimate (MRE) for the Mulgabbie North Gold Project, offering a glimpse of its upside potential just two years after work began at the West Australian gold camp.
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Incannex Healthcare engages Fortrea to manage next clinical trial stage investigating IHL-42X for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
Incannex Healthcare Ltd (ASX:IHL, NASDAQ:IXHL) has engaged Fortrea as the contract research organisation (CRO) to manage the IND opening Phase 2/3 clinical trial investigating the company’s IHL-42X for the treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA).
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On your six
Gold in a time of change: navigating through the end of the tightening cycle
Developed market central banks are nearing the end of their tightening cycles, suggesting a shift in the macroeconomic climate, according to the World Gold Council’s Gold mid-year outlook 2023.
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The one to watch
AdAlta eyes AD-214 Phase I extension study
AdAlta Ltd (ASX:1AD) CEO Tim Oldham tells Proactive the company has raised $1.87 million through an oversubscribed shortfall facility. The cash flow comes as part of a non-renounceable pro-rata rights offer announced on April 28 and brings the total amount raised under the rights offer to the target amount of $3.15 million, excluding costs.
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