The Market Online - At The Bell

Join our daily newsletter At The Bell to receive exclusive market insights

The ASX200 has closed 0.67% lower at 8,150 points.

Investors have rising concerns about the Middle Eastern conflict and are responding by exiting equities perceived to pose risk.

To the sectors, Energy was the strongest performer, up 1.84%, followed by Health Care, up 0.11%. Materials was the biggest loser, down 1.18%, followed by IT, down 1.16% and Financials, down 1%.

In the Green

Strike Energy (ASX:STX) finished up 9.52% on the back of surging oil prices caused by escalating Middle Eastern conflicts. Strike has multiple oil and gas development projects in Australia; its flagship project seeks to put the Perth Basin on the map.

Strike Energy closed at 23 cents.

Insignia Financial (ASX:IFL) has closed up more than 2.28% after settling a class action with some members of the OnePath Master Fund and Retirement Portfolio Service.

Insignia Financial closed at $2.69.

Casino gaming company Light & Wonder (ASX:LNW) closed up 7.8% after an update on the Dragon Train litigation. Aristocrat Leisure (ASX: ALL) recently secured an injunction against this game, preventing its sale and operation. Light and Wonder are now converting these games and have not received a single removal request.

Light and Wonder closed at $141.70.

In the Red

Neurotech International (NTI) closed down 15.5% on news the FDA hasn’t granted its product NTI164 orphan drug status in the United States. The company says it’s now strategising on next steps forward.

Neurotech International wrapped up at 4.9 cents.

Rimfire Pacific Mining (ASX:RIM) closed down 18.42% after its step-out diamond drill program substantially expanded the known mineralisation at its 100%-owned Bald Hill cobalt-copper prospect which now extends over a 500m by 200m area in Broken Hill, New South Wales.

Rimfire Pacific Mining closed at 3.1 cents.

Capstone Copper (ASX:CSC) closed down 3.27% on news CEO John MacKenzie will transition from his role and be nominated as Non-Executive Chair of the company.

Capstone Copper closed at $11.55.

More From The Market Online
The Market Online Video

Market Close: ASX Ltd drops on ASIC $150M raise request; iron ore offsets gold bounceback

Good Afternoon and welcome to Market Close for Monday of Week 51, I’m Jon Davidson.
HotCopper Daily Market Trends Graphic

Monday’s HotCopper trends: Winsome, 4D Medical, and other daily topics | Dec 15

With more than seven million users on the HotCopper forums, every discussion and speculation can move Australian markets, which is why getting out in front
A dirt road running through the Antimony Canyon project in Utah.

American Tungsten and Antimony leaves ‘Trigg’ name behind to start next era (and set fresh focus)

American Tungsten and Antimony has entered a new era, leaving the name "Trigg Minerals" behind to…
The Market Online Video

How to manage money on the average Aussie income

This week on Money and Investing, Mitch Olarenshaw and I break down how to manage money on the average Australian income, using practical