The ASX200 slipped into the red – but only by 0.09 of a per cent at close – with Utilities sporting a healthier disposition, up 2.84 per cent, as energy and healthcare slumped around half a per cent.
In the green
FRE
Australian healthcare player Firebrick Pharma Limited (ASX:FRE) surged 51 per cent, on the launch of its latest product, Nasodine Nasal Spray, in the US.
Nasodine will be marketed solely for nasal hygiene purposes, avoiding any therapeutic claims.
The initial US commercial batch of Nasodine has been completed and will be available online, with future plans for distribution in US pharmacies.
FRE closed the day at 8.1 cents.
RNU
Renascor Resources Limited (ASX:RNU) climbed 32.5 per cent as Export Finance Australia (EFA) gave the company the green light for a $185 million loan from the Australian Government.
The loan will support the development of Renascor’s integrated battery anode material manufacturing operation in South Australia.
The state-of-the-art processing facility aims to manufacture Purified Graphite through Renascor’s eco-friendly purification process.
RNU closed the day at 11 cents.
DRO
Droneshield Limited (ASX:DRO) is up 15.3 per cent on the approval of the first-ever counter drone agreement with NATO’s procurement agency.
The agreement spans an initial 3 years with extension options.
This comes as drones continue to headline in armed conflicts globally, including most recently the Iranian attack on Israel, and also the ongoing war in Ukraine.
DRO closed the day at $1.09.
In the red
EEG
Empire Energy (ASX:EEG) is flat after it completed a $46.8 million capital raise, backed by Bryan Sheffield and Liberty Energy.
Empire is set to drill a 3-kilometre horizontal pilot development well and progress engineering for the Carpentaria Pilot Project as part of its ongoing unconventional, exploration drilling campaign at the Beetaloo Basin in the Northern Territory.
EEG aims to have commercial production by 2025 and closed the day at 18.5 cents.
ASM – 16.7
Australian Strategic Materials (ASX:ASM) fell 18% despite securing firm commitments for a $15 million institutional placement.
Funds raised will go towards demonstration of required ASM co-commitments to enable government funding for critical path items to help take the company to final investment decision
ASM closed the day at $1.18.
IMM
Cancer-focused company Immutep (ASX:IMM)lost nearly 3 per cent despite receiving positive feedback from the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products to proceed to the third phase of trials.
Immutep is seeking to develop a treatment for a specific type of lung cancer.
IMM closed the day at 35 cents.