ASX 200 Live Today - Monday, 12th January: A Day of Contrasts and Surprises
Welcome to our live coverage of the ASX 200 for Monday, January 12th. Today promises to be a dynamic day in the markets, with a flurry of pre-market activity and periodic updates throughout the day. We'll be wrapping up around 2:00 pm AEST, so be sure to refresh manually for the latest news. And don't forget to share your thoughts on how we can improve our coverage (https://surveys.hotjar.com/58578fe2-a49e-4faf-9594-3a926a54cd03).
Elevra Lithium Accelerates NAL Expansion: A Game-Changer?
In a bold move, Elevra Lithium has announced a staged plan to bring forward additional spodumene production, reducing upfront capital and operating costs. This strategy is expected to accelerate production by approximately 2 years, targeting 315ktpa of spodumene concentrate by early 2028. But here's the kicker: the company will achieve an initial 15-20% production uplift from mid-2027 within existing permits through debottlenecking. This staged approach not only lowers upfront capital requirements but also reduces unit operating costs, setting the stage for a detailed scoping study in Q2 2026. Is this a masterstroke or a risky gamble? We'll be watching closely as this story unfolds.
ASX 200 Gainers and Losers: A Tale of Two Markets
As the market opens, we're seeing a clear divide between winners and losers. Light & Wonder is trading sharply higher after a court ruling that the company must compensate Aristocrat Leisure US$127.5 million (~A$190m) for intellectual property infringement. However, this outcome seems better than feared, removing a significant overhang on the stock. Meanwhile, gold, aluminium, and asset managers like Pinnacle and Regal are also experiencing strong gains. But here's where it gets interesting: Super Retail Group is down 5.7% after reporting weaker-than-expected preliminary 1H26 results. What does this contrast tell us about the market's priorities?
Trump's Credit Card Cap Proposal: A Populist Move or a Necessary Intervention?
In a surprising turn of events, former President Trump has proposed a temporary 10% cap on credit card interest rates, effective January 20th. This move, aimed at addressing cost-of-living pressures, has sparked intense debate. While it may provide relief for consumers, the proposal lacks a clear legal pathway and has raised questions about presidential authority. Is this a genuine attempt to help struggling Americans or a politically motivated stunt? We'll delve into the implications and invite your thoughts in the comments.
ACCC vs. Coles and Woolworths: A Battle Over Pricing
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is preparing legal action against Coles and Woolworths under new price gouging laws. The watchdog alleges that the retailers misled consumers with promotional price drops while actually raising prices. But here's the controversial part: with profit margins already slim, what more can these retailers do to satisfy critics? Are we expecting them to operate at zero margin, or is there a more nuanced solution? Share your opinions below.
GreenX Metals: A Legal Victory with Global Implications
GreenX Metals has secured a significant legal victory in its dispute with Poland, with a Singapore court ruling in its favor. This decision reinforces GreenX's position in enforcing a large arbitration award, totaling £183m in compensation and interest. However, the story doesn't end here. With interest continuing to accrue and parallel English court proceedings underway, what does this mean for the future of international investment treaties and the protection of investor rights?
As we navigate these complex and often controversial developments, one thing is clear: today's ASX 200 live coverage is not to be missed. Stay tuned for more updates, insights, and thought-provoking discussions throughout the day.
