In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is back on form and on course to record a decent gain. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is up 0.8% to 8,811 points.
Four ASX shares that have failed to follow the market higher today are listed below. Here's why they are falling:
Catalyst Metals Ltd (ASX: CYL)
The Catalyst Metals share price is down 8.5% to $7.44. This appears to have been caused by a combination of weakness in the gold sector and the release of a broker note out of Morgans. In respect to the latter, the broker has downgraded Catalyst Metals shares to an accumulate rating (from buy) but with an improved price target of $9.26. The broker is a big fan of the gold miner but made the move on valuation grounds.
Lotus Resources Ltd (ASX: LOT)
The Lotus Resources share price is down 20% to 18 cents. This morning, this uranium producer announced that it has successfully completed its bookbuild for a non-underwritten placement to raise approximately A$65 million/US$42 million before costs. Management advised that the placement was undertaken to further strengthen working capital for its recently restarted Kayelekera Uranium Project in Malawi and the advance development of its Letlhakane Project in Botswana. These funds were raised at a discount of 19 cents per new share. Lotus CEO Greg Bittar commented: "After achieving first production at Kayelekera on budget and on schedule in Q3, we now look to ramp up operations to steady-state production. At the same time, we are investing in value enhancing initiatives such as the electricity grid connection, the accelerated build of the tailings storage facility and the owner operated mining fleet."
NIB Holdings Limited (ASX: NHF)
The NIB share price is down over 2% to $7.29. The catalyst for this has been the health insurer's shares going ex-dividend this morning for its latest payout. Last month, the company released its full year results for FY 2025 and declared a fully franked final dividend of 16 cents per share. This will now be paid to eligible shareholders next month on 7 October.
Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)
The Woodside Energy share price is down almost 2% to $25.46. This appears to have been driven by a pullback in oil prices overnight. Traders were selling oil amid reports that OPEC could be looking to increase its production again, which would boost supply and potential weigh on oil prices in the near term.
