ASX Inches Higher as Tech Rallies, Resource Stocks Slump Amid Calm Market Mood

Key Highlights:

• ASX 200 closes up 0.06% at 8,131.3, powered by tech and real estate
• Gold, energy and materials weigh on market breadth
• Dimerix surges 40%, Larvotto and Antipa lead laggards
   

The Australian share market eked out a modest gain on Wednesday, with the S&P/ASX 200 rising 5.1 points (+0.06%) to close at 8,131.3, as upbeat sentiment toward technology, real estate, and staples offset continued weakness in energy and resources.

The broader All Ordinaries Index added 0.08% to 8,347.6, while the Small Ordinaries Index rose 0.12%, reflecting cautious but sustained interest in risk assets. Tech led the charge once again, with the All Technology Index jumping 1.66%, supported by strength in digital infrastructure and enterprise software.

Wisetech Global (+4.71%), NEXTDC (+4.23%), and Data#3 (+4.67%) stood out among large-cap tech winners. Meanwhile, GWA Group (+5.46%), Endeavour Group (+3.76%), and Goodman Group (+3.47%) provided ballast from the defensive and real estate spaces.

Top Gainers (Mid-Cap and Above):

• Dimerix Ltd (DXB) soared +40.63% on no fresh news, possibly fueled by speculative buying.
• AMA Group (AMA) jumped +20.97%, rebounding from recent lows.
• Platinum Asset Management (PTM) gained +9.65% following investor optimism around fund flows.
• Digico Infrastructure REIT (DGT) rose +7.81%, benefiting from real estate sector tailwinds.
• HMC Capital (HMC) climbed +7.00%, extending its recent breakout rally.
  
   

However, gains were tempered by sharp falls in mining and energy stocks as commodity prices weakened. The ASX 200 Resources Index dropped 1.38%, while the Gold Sub-Index slid 0.86% amid a 2.11% slump in gold prices to US$3,249.20/oz. Brent crude held steady at US$63.12/bbl, but broader sentiment in energy names remained underwhelming.

Biggest Fallers:

• Larvotto Resources (LRV) plunged -11.83%
• Antipa Minerals (AZY) fell -11.22%
• Judo Capital (JDO) lost -7.58% after a weaker trading update
• Brainchip Holdings (BRN) dropped -7.41%, continuing a volatile trend
• Arafura Rare Earths (ARU) slumped -7.32% amid sector-wide pressure
  
   

Despite the divergence across sectors, market volatility remains muted. The S&P/ASX 200 VIX Index dipped to 12.1, indicating investor confidence and expectations of low volatility over the next 30 days.

On the global front, sentiment was largely constructive. The Dow Jones gained 0.35%, while the S&P 500 rose 0.15%. Asian markets were mixed, with Nikkei 225 climbing 0.57% and Shanghai Composite easing 0.23%.

In currency markets, the Australian dollar rose to US$0.6413, buoyed by moderate global risk appetite. It also gained ground against the euro, pound, and yen.

Investor attention now turns to the start of earnings season and broader macro signals, with analysts cautiously optimistic. As long as global demand holds up and volatility remains suppressed, the ASX could continue grinding higher — though commodity softness remains a near-term headwind.