The ASX200 closed up 0.66x% at 8,402 points.

The local index clawed back losses throughout the afternoon as investors reacted to Donald Trump’s impending decisions on tariffs with major trade partners.

Financials was the best performing sector, up 1.25%, followed by Materials, Discretionary and Telecommunication, all up 0.9%.

Utilities was the biggest loser, down 1.5%.

In the Green

Liontown Resources (ASX:LTR) closed up 11.9% on release of its quarterlies. The company recorded a 215% quarter-on-quarter increase in spodumene concentrate production to more than 88,000 dry metric tonnes (dmt) for the quarter.

Liontown Resources closed at 70.5 cents.

Yancoal (ASX:YAL) closed up 5.5% after releasing its quarterlies late yesterday. The company says it achieved its production guidance in FY 2024 and delivered a $480 million increase in its cash balance, to $2.46 billion.

Yancoal Australia finished the day at $6.28.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX:WES) closed up 1.6% after announcing loss-making online retailer Catch would no longer operate as a standalone business. Catch will instead be integrated into the conglomerate’s Kmart business.

Wesfarmers pulled stumps at $72.88.

In the Red

Brazilian Rare Earths (ASX:BRE) closed down 5% following the release of a drilling update from Monte Alto. Although the company reported record rare earths grades, it appears to have fallen short of investor expectations.

Brazilian Rare Earths wrapped up at $2.28.

Novonix (ASX:NVX) closed down 5.4% after the sudden exit of its CEO. Dr. Chris Burns will step down at the end of next week and will then be replaced by CFO Robert Long on an interim basis.

Novonix closed at 61.5 cents.

Meeka Metals (ASX:MEK) closed down 4.5% after results from their ongoing drilling at the Murchison Gold Project disappointed investors.

Meeka Metals closed at 10.5 cents.