The S&P/ASX 200 Index (INDEXASX: XJO) started the week in disappointing fashion after shedding 0.37% on Monday.
The benchmark index fell to 6,735.70 points as the All Ordinaries Index (INDEXASX: XAO) edged 0.31% lower to 7,020.20 points.
Information Technology (+0.78%) and A-REITs (+0.13%) were the only sectors to finish in the green on an otherwise disappointing day. The ASX 200 Energy (-1.15%) and Healthcare (-1.14%) sectors were the hardest hit on Monday.
Here's a recap of yesterday's biggest news, announcements and events.
1. Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) leads ASX 200 tech shares higher on Monday
The Afterpay share price was the top performer on the ASX 200 on Monday.
The buy now, pay later group led the Information Technology shares higher with Nearmap Ltd (ASX: NEA) and Appen Ltd (ASX: APX) close behind.
All 3 ASX 200 tech stocks pushed higher on Monday despite no market-moving news for quite some time.
Afterpay's major competitor Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P) did release a strong trading announcement, which could have boosted investors faith in the sector's growth going forward.
2. Lithium miners continue to push higher in 2020
The ASX 200 lithium mining shares were also among the winners on Monday.
Orocobre Ltd (ASX: ORE) led the way with the pure play miner's shares climbing 3.82% higher yesterday. That performance was closely followed by Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) and Galaxy Resources Limited (ASX: GXY).
Yesterday's performance continues a strong trend which has seen the three mining stocks rocket higher to start the new decade.
Orocobre shares are up 33.21% since 2 January, while Pilbara Minerals (+25%) and Galaxy (+27.96%) shareholders have seen similar gains.
3. Agriculture shares under pressure as bushfires burn
Shares in several big ASX 200 agriculture shares were once again under pressure on Monday as fires continue to burn across the country.
The devastating bushfire season has impacted Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA) but the company's share price rebounded 1.13% yesterday.
It wasn't such a good day for Graincorp Ltd (ASX: GNC) and Rural Funds Group (ASX: RFF) with the ASX 200 shares falling 0.62% and 3.76%, respectively.
