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The ASX200 has closed up about .4 of a per cent, with just energy, information technology, industrials and utilities falling into negative territory.
Real estate stocks have traded strongly, gaining about 1.5 per cent, while energy had a tough day, shedding just over one per cent.
In news out today: Australian shoppers spent $35.77 billion on retail in October. The Australian Bureau of Statistics revealed a .2 per cent decline in all retail sales categories except food.
The fall is a positive sign when talking inflation pressures, however likely to be more important will be the numbers in tomorrow’s Consumer Price Index data, considering we have an interest rates decision yet again next week.
In the green:
In a major coup for fintech, Plenti Group (ASX:PLT), it’s teamed up with NAB to offer an Electric Vehicle (EV) loan program to customers from next year. The ‘NAB powered by Plenti’ direct-to-consumer product agreement will span a minimum of 5 years.
Plenti soared almost 65 per cent on the deal that will see NAB acquire or subscribe for up to 15 per cent of the company’s share capital.
NAB will be responsible for car and renewable energy lending product marketing, credit and policy settings, and, loan funding, while Plenti will gain exposure to NAB’s customer base.
Plenti shares spiked – closing at 56 cents. The company today also released its half-yearly results.
International restaurant franchiser Collins Foods (ASX:CKF) closed up nine per cent on the release of its half-yearly results.
For the six months to mid-last month, revenue across operations was up more than 14 per cent to A$696.5 million.
The company posted a half-year net profit of A$50.5 million, a sharp rise from A$11 million for the same period last year.
Collins Foods closed at just over $11.
And, South Australian explorer Barton Gold Holdings (ASX:BGD) added more than four per cent on finding previously untested structures through detailed seismic surveys at its Tarcoola gold project in South Australia.
It’s the first detailed architecture of the Tarcoola Goldfield since it was identified 130 years ago. While there’s a history of high-grade gold production from about 600 shallow historical workings, there’s been little modern exploration.
Barton Gold aims to drill test the best of the new exploration targets early next year.
BGD has been trading low volumes at 25 cents.
In the red:
Origin Energy (ASX:ORG) lost .7 per cent after reports its loaded LNG vessel docked at the Australia Pacific facility on Curtis Island lost power and was unable to leave the terminal.
As a result, Origin is lowering production and flow of gas into the facility and seeking additional domestic sales. That’s because no other cargo can be loaded until the power situation is resolved.
Also today, the ASX asked Origin questions over information about the Brookfield consortium’s revised bid for the company appearing in The Australian before being announced to the ASX. Origin said it was concerned about the details in the article and reminded employees of their confidentiality obligations.
Company shares closed trade today at $8.47.
Lithium explorer, Iris Metals (ASX:IR1) closed down three per cent, despite intercepting new high-grade lithium at its Beecher project in South Dakota.
Results included 1.41 lithium oxide over 30 metres from 52 metres depth, including a 20-metre intersection of 1.9 per cent lithium oxide.
Results are still pending for another 12 assays from reverse circulation and a diamond drill rig is testing for extensions of the company’s mineralised Black Diamond pegmatite.
Iris Metals closed the day at $1.28,
And, fibre manufacturer in Australia and the US, EcoFibre (ASX:EOF), has shed more than 15 per cent after the resignation of its managing director and CEO, Eric Wang.
Mr Wang joined EcoFibre in 2016 as CFO and Executive Director when the company’s revenues were under $100,000 a year. Mr Wang has overseen the growth of revenues to as high as $50 million before the pandemic struck.
Chair Vanessa Wallace will act as interim managing director and CEO, while the company hunts for a new leader.
EcoFibre closed trade at 11 cents.
