🔥 Saturday 22 August 2026 Sat, 22 Aug 2026

Gold, rare earths and energy shares led a busy week, while major company results brought large gains and steep sell-offs. Corporate deals, new project studies and rising dividends drew buyers, but some stocks fell despite stronger earnings.

Takeover bids sent EQT Holdings sharply higher, while Ovanti collapsed after leaving the buy now, pay later market. Strong results from lenders and fund managers were offset by steep falls in several stocks.

Investors also weighed dividends, buy-backs, cost cuts and regulatory risks across a busy week of company news.

Rare earths and uranium stocks led a broad resources rally, while gold companies combined record profits with larger reserves and dividends. Yet strong company news did not guarantee a rising share price, with several materials groups falling despite better earnings or project progress.

Healthcare shares delivered a mixed week, with strong gains at AVITA Medical, Australian Clinical Labs and CSL despite very different company results.
Investors also weighed new US approvals, clinical trial progress, funding needs and rising sales across the sector.

Audinate led the technology board after a 38.10% rise, while Ovanti fell 33.33% as it left the global buy-now-pay-later market.
AI infrastructure, data centres and software cost cuts shaped a busy week for ASX technology investors.