The Australian share market saw a minor decline on Monday, with the S&P/ASX 200 slipping 3.40 points to 7,850.70 as of 2:19 PM AEDT. While losses remained limited, notable movements across various stocks and sectors shaped the trading session. Scroll down to see what’s happening in the market today.
Figure 1: ASX 200 Performance on March 18, 2025 (as of 2:19 pm AEDT) [ASX]
Market Performance: ASX 200 Sees Marginal Decline
The S&P/ASX 200 has shed 0.50% over the past five days and 2.28% over the past year. Despite today’s small dip, select stocks surged ahead while others struggled under pressure.
The worst performers in the index today were Audinate Group Limited (ASX: AD8) and Gold Road Resources Limited (ASX: GOR), losing 4.57% and 4.17%, respectively.
Top Gainers: Clarity Pharmaceuticals Soars Over 10%
Several stocks delivered strong performances, with Clarity Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: CU6) leading the pack. The stock surged 10.63% to $2.81, making it the biggest gainer of the session.
Other notable gainers included:
- New Hope Corporation Limited (U: NHC): +9.32% to $4.045
- IDP Education Limited (U: IEL): +5.70% to $10.665
- West African Resources Limited (U: WAF): +4.69% to $2.345
- Liontown Resources Limited (ASX: LTR): +4.38% to $0.715
The surge in Clarity Pharmaceuticals and New Hope Corporation also reflected significant volume increases. New Hope Corporation saw a massive 473% spike in trading volume, while Clarity Pharmaceuticals recorded a 230% rise.
Biggest Losers: Energy Resources of Australia Plummets 20%
Several companies faced sharp declines. Energy Resources of Australia Ltd (ASX: ERA) suffered the biggest fall, plunging 20% to $0.002.
Other major losers included:
- Serko Ltd (U: SKO): -9.86% to $3.20
- Antipa Minerals Ltd (U: AZY): -6.45% to $0.435
- Audinate Group Limited (U: AD8): -4.57% to $6.27
- SkyCity Entertainment Group Ltd (U: SKC): -4.33% to $1.105
Sector Performance: Utilities Lead Gains While Staples Lag
The market showed mixed results across sectors, with seven sectors down and four sectors up.
Sectors in Green:
- Utilities: +1.04%
- Energy: +0.76%
- Real Estate: +0.67%
- Health Care: +0.45%
Sectors in Red:
- Telecommunication: -0.01%
- Materials: -0.08%
- Industrials: -0.19%
- Financials: -0.31%
- Information Technology: -0.33%
- Discretionary: -0.37%
- Staples: -0.38%
Utilities and energy stocks led the gains, while consumer staples and discretionary stocks struggled.
Trading Volume Outliers: New Hope and Ramelius Resources See Unusual Activity
A few stocks recorded significant spikes in trading volume compared to their 90-day average.
- New Hope Corporation Limited (U: NHC): 57 million shares traded (+473%)
- Ramelius Resources Limited (U: RMS): 70 million shares traded (+467%)
- Clarity Pharmaceuticals Ltd (U: CU6): 17 million shares traded (+230%)
- Orora Limited (U: ORA): 48 million shares traded (+181%)
- Nufarm Limited (U: NUF): 50 million shares traded (+139%)
- Note ASX= U
The surge in trading volumes highlights increased investor interest in these stocks.
Outlook: Investors Monitor Market Trends
Investors are watching global economic trends, commodity prices, and corporate earnings for further direction. With the 200 hovering near record highs, market movements remain influenced by sector performances and individual stock trends.
While some sectors, like utilities and real estate, showed resilience, others, including consumer staples and discretionary, struggled. Investors will be closely monitoring company announcements and broader economic indicators in the coming sessions.
