The Australian Securities Exchange opened higher on Thursday, driven by strong gains in technology and energy stocks. Investors watched the market closely after several companies reported fresh financial updates and commodity prices showed renewed strength. By mid-session, the S&P/ASX 200 index hovered near 7,650 points as traders evaluated global market cues and local earnings.
Top Gainers
Silex Systems Leads the Charge
Silex Systems Limited (ASX: SLX) surged 14.21% to top the list of gainers. The company’s rebound followed optimism in its uranium enrichment technology and expanding partnerships in nuclear energy innovation. Investors responded to renewed interest in clean energy initiatives across Asia and North America. Analysts noted rising support for advanced fuel-cycle projects as a key motivator for Silex’s climb today.
Woodside Energy Group (ASX: WDS) followed with a gain of 3.97%. The energy major advanced after global oil benchmarks strengthened overnight. Market data showed Brent crude rising above US$90 per barrel, driving renewed enthusiasm for upstream producers. Traders cited Woodside’s solid production updates and its continued capital discipline as factors contributing to the stock’s rally during morning trade.
Silex Systems Limited (ASX: SLX)
Beach Energy and Regis Resources Gain Ground
Beach Energy Limited (ASX: BPT) rose 3.29% as energy shares outperformed broader indices. The company benefited from favourable price movements in the petroleum sector and ongoing drilling activity in the Cooper Basin. Market watchers highlighted improved production guidance and stable balance sheet support as central to the sustained rally.
In the resources sector, Regis Resources Limited (ASX: RRL) gained 3.11%. Rising gold prices boosted investor sentiment, helping gold producers outperform across the session. The spot gold price rose above US$2,490 an ounce, supporting miners’ valuations. Traders said the metal’s safe-haven demand increased following renewed inflation expectations and fluctuating bond yields in the US.
Helia Group Adds to Financial Sector Rally
Helia Group Limited (ASX: HLI) added 2.76%, rounding out the list of leading gainers. The mortgage insurance group climbed alongside other financial names as expectations of resilient housing demand supported sentiment. Analysts indicated investor confidence remained stable despite continued rate-watch discussion over possible Reserve Bank tightening into 2026.
Top Losers
Declines Led by Electro Optic Systems
Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited (ASX: EOS) fell 9.87% to lead declines. Market reports highlighted selling after a disappointing trading update. The firm cited revenue delays in government contracts and weaker-than-expected defence orders. Investors appeared concerned about recurring cash flow challenges as the defence manufacturer tries to stabilise recent project disruptions.
DroneShield Limited (ASX: DRO) slipped 9.57% to follow as the second biggest loser. Despite long-term optimism for defence-related technology solutions, profit-taking hit the counter heavily after recent highs. The stock had rallied earlier in October following export orders from international clients. Traders said Thursday’s retreat reflected broader sector cooling after last week’s steep gains.
DroneShield Limited (ASX: DRO)
Technology Weakness Hits Bravura Solutions
Bravura Solutions Limited (ASX: BVS) dropped 8.66% amid volatile trading in technology names. The financial software provider’s decline followed investor repositioning ahead of upcoming earnings. Analysts noted tightening budgets among financial advisory clients as a factor placing pressure on the firm’s short-term outlook. The sell-off came even as broader tech sentiment remained mixed.
Clarity Pharmaceuticals and Chalice Mining Retreat
Clarity Pharmaceuticals Limited (ASX: CU6) lost 6.35% following a subdued session for healthcare shares. Investors observed limited movement across the biotech sector despite ongoing clinical progress. The fall was attributed to profit-taking near technical resistance levels after earlier momentum in September. Market analysts pointed to a risk-off move across small-cap biopharmaceutical counters during afternoon trade.
Chalice Mining Limited (ASX: CHN) declined 5.45%, extending recent weakness in mining exploration stocks. The company faced headwinds from weaker nickel sentiment and moderation in the rare earths market. Chalice’s Julimar Project updates continued to attract attention, but investor caution persisted after uneven commodity forecasts and cost adjustments across the sector.
Market Overview
Market data reflected broader resilience in energy and materials sectors, with several mid-cap miners recovering from early October softness. Financials edged higher after positive retail bank trading results, while property shares traded mixed amid persistent rate uncertainties. The Australian dollar steadied near 66.2 US cents, showing limited movement against global peers.
Traders highlighted steady institutional flows into select dividend-yielding counters and renewed buying interest in resource-linked equities. Global cues from Asian markets contributed some lift, following reports of stronger-than-expected industrial output figures from China. Analysts indicated that support from resource prices continued to buffer the ASX 200 against external volatility in global equities.
Also Read: ASX Morning Wrap: Energy Gains Offset Mining Weakness
Investor Sentiment and Forecast
Market participants remained attentive to developments in energy costs and inflation expectations. The benchmark index displayed strong sector rotation, reflecting renewed strength in commodities against moderation in healthcare and technology. Investors continued monitoring Reserve Bank of Australia comments ahead of next month’s policy guidance.
As earnings season moves forward, strategy desks suggested tighter spreads within the index and selective buying in resilient mid-cap performers. Stock volatility remained elevated, with several small-cap counters fluctuating over 5% intraday. The day’s movements emphasised sustained investor divergence between defensive plays and cyclical growth counters.
Portfolio managers noted increasing attention toward resources and infrastructure plays amid earnings expansion prospects in late 2025. Institutional trading desks also flagged gradual rotation away from high-growth software valuations into energy and financials.
Index Summary
By late afternoon, the ASX 200 benchmark traded 0.38% higher amid moderate volatility. Market breadth showed 154 stocks advancing against 42 declining, with turnover exceeding A$4.2 billion. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index added 1.1%, and Materials climbed 0.9%. Meanwhile, Healthcare and Information Technology edged lower, offsetting part of the broader momentum.
Among leading names, Silex Systems, Woodside Energy, Beach Energy, Regis Resources, and Helia Group posted the day’s strongest performances. On the downside, Electro Optic Systems, DroneShield, Bravura Solutions, Clarity Pharmaceuticals, and Chalice Mining accounted for the biggest losses by percentage.
