After a sour trading week last week, investors seem to have come back from the weekend with a little extra pep in the proverbial step, with the ASX 200 opening higher and staying in positive territory all day today. By the time the markets closed, the index had gained 0.49% to 9,103.1 points.

This happy start to the week's trading for the ASX followed a similarly buzzy end to the American trading week on Friday night (our time).

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was in very fine form indeed, rising 0.98%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) wasn't quite as bubbly, but still gained 0.43%.

But let's return to this week and our local markets now for a closer look at what was happening amongst the various ASX sectors this session.

Winners and losers

Despite the market's rise this Monday, a few sectors still missed out on gains.

Leading those losers were consumer staples shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) was left out in the cold today, shrinking 0.95%.

Financial stocks also had a rough one, with the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) sinking 0.72%.

Utilities shares were shunned, too. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) slid 0.48% lower this session.

Our last losers were communications stocks, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ)'s 0.44% slip.

Turning to the green sectors now, it was mining shares that fronted the winners. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) roared 2.43% higher this Monday.

Gold stocks ran hot as well, with the All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) soaring up 1.71%.

Tech shares also had a day to remember. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) enjoyed a 0.96% surge.

Healthcare stocks were in demand as well, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ)'s 0.62% lift.

Energy shares were next. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) jumped 0.47% today.

Then came real estate investment trusts (REITs), with the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) adding 0.12% to its total.

Industrial stocks managed a win. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) put on another 0.1% this session.

Finally, consumer discretionary shares got over the line, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ)'s 0.09% bump.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Beating out some stiff competition to take out top spot on the index this Monday was tech stock Data#3 Ltd (ASX: DTL). Data#3 shares rocketed 17.85% higher today to finish at $11.09 each.

This huge gain followed the company releasing its latest earnings, which clearly had a lot going for them.

Here's the rest of today's best:

Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary that shows which companies made big moves on the day. Check in at Fool.com.au after the weekday market closes to see which stocks make the countdown.

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

In early 2026, ASX uranium share prices soared alongside the uranium price in a speculative rally that was short-lived.

The broker points out that over the past three months, ASX uranium shares were sold off despite a steady commodity price.

For example, Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) shares have dropped 23%, and Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) has fallen 12%.

The self-off was a global trend too, with the Global X Uranium ETF (ASX: ATOM) falling 30% over the three-month period.

Investors appear to have been spooked after the early-year rally took the uranium price above US$100 per tonne in late January.

The uranium price then plunged, alongside many metals and minerals commodities, in early February to about US$85 per pound.

Analysts at Trading Economics explained why ASX uranium share prices rose so strongly at the beginning of 2026.

They said:

Yellowcake prices were lifted by geopolitical tension driving power markets in major economies to be increasingly volatile, sparking interest in nuclear power by governments and power-hungry AI hyperscalers that develop data centers.

Italy was the latest to express interest to approve a legal framework to restore nuclear power, in line with measures from the US and Japan as power consumers expand sources for generation to account for the higher demand from data center projects.

Meta, Amazon, and Microsoft signed agreements to gain fresh nuclear capacity for their future AI data center operations.

Today, the uranium price remains around the US$85 per pound mark.

Shaw and Partners says uranium is experiencing "significantly improving sector fundamentals".

In a new note, the broker said it viewed the recent sell-off in ASX uranium shares as a buying opportunity.

The broker said the uranium price could potentially rise to at least US$200 per pound in a coming super-cycle, before reverting to a long-term sustainable price of US$120 per pound in the next decade.

Shaw and Partners said:

We view the pullback as an excellent buying opportunity.

Despite the pullback, we upgrade our price targets on a higher for longer uranium price.

The equities are pricing uranium at US$70-80/lb, so well below our US$120/lb LT forecast. 

What's driving demand for uranium today?

The broker said the drivers of uranium demand continue to grow.

Nuclear energy has returned to favour with governments focused on energy security and decarbonisation.

The conflict in the Middle East adds additional focus on energy security.

On top of that, demand for clean, baseload energy for data centres and AI will add further demand for nuclear power.

The US, China, and India have all set ambitious targets to expand their nuclear industries.

There are now 38 countries pledged to triple nuclear energy by 2050. 

Shaw and Partners said sovereign strategic buyers have recognised the urgency to lock in nuclear fuel supply for the next decade.

India and China are leading the way, and we expect the US to follow suit. India has signed offtakes with Kazatomprom and Cameco.

China is directly investing in offshore uranium assets (e.g. Etango). 

In our view, the price of uranium needs to be substantially higher than US$100/lb to incentivise the next wave of supply. 

Which ASX uranium shares are a buy?

Shaw and Partners recommends an overweight position in ASX uranium shares.

Here are the broker's preferred stocks and 12-month price targets.

The post 6 ASX uranium shares to buy ahead of yellow cake rising to US$200 per pound: experts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

However, sentiment cooled off throughout the trading day, and the ASX 200 was lucky to finish ahead, eventually recording a rise of just 0.1%. That leaves the index at 8,976.8 points as we head into the weekend.

This lukewarm end to the Australian trading week followed a much more upbeat night up on the American markets.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was in fine form, rising 1.19%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) did much better again, gaining a euphoric 2.78%.

But let's get back to ASX shares now and take a closer look at what was happening within the various ASX sectors this session.

Winners and losers

We had plenty of both red and green sectors this Friday.

Leading the former were healthcare stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) was hit hard, slumping 1.85%.

Consumer staples shares provided no cover either, with the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) cratering 1.26%.

Communications stocks were on the nose, too. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) saw its value dive 0.73% today.

Financial shares also fared poorly, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ)'s 0.37% dip.

Consumer discretionary stocks were looked over, too. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) sank 0.24% this session.

Industrial shares were our last losers today, with the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) sliding down 0.04%.

Turning to the green sectors now, it was gold stocks that, fittingly, got the medal. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) soared 1.62% higher by the end of trading.

Broader mining shares also ran hot, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ)'s 1.43% surge.

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) were in demand as well. The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) saw its value vault 0.69% higher.

Tech stocks enjoyed another positive day, with the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) lifting 0.56%.

Utilities shares were close behind. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) got a 0.54% bump.

Finally, energy stocks got over the line, as you can see by the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ)'s 0.37% rise.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Our best share to close out this Friday was healthcare stock 4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX). 4DMedical shares rocketed 13.08% today to close the week at $3.63 each. This significant jump came after the company released a quarterly activity report this morning.

Here's the rest of today's best: 

Enjoy the weekend!

Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary that shows which companies made big moves on the day. Check in at Fool.com.au after the weekday market closes to see which stocks make the countdown.

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The broker has this week published a research report naming its top picks in the sector and share price targets for each, which we'll get to shortly.

First, let's see what they're saying about the sector overall.

Energy security driving uranium demand

To start with, Shaw and Partners said there is a divergence between company share prices and the improving uranium price.

They said:

The Global X Uranium ETF is down 31% over the past three months and has given back the gains in Jan/Feb to be down 9% in CY26. That is despite the long term uranium price improving to US$95.5 per pound – a record high, and with strong momentum to move higher. We view the pullback as an excellent buying opportunity.

Shaw and Partners said the drivers behind the strong uranium price continued to strengthen.

They said:

Nuclear energy has returned to favour with governments focused on energy security and decarbonisation. The conflict in the Middle East adds additional focus on energy security. On top of that, demand for clean, baseload energy for data centres and AI will add further demand for nuclear power. The US, China and India have all set ambitious targets to expand their nuclear industries. There are now 38 countries pledged to triple nuclear energy by 2050.

The broker said the World Nuclear Association estimates there are currently 372 gigawatts of nuclear capacity online; however, this is expected to grow to 686 gigawatts by 2040.

They added:

Existing mine production is only about 150Mlb of U3O8, so we need to add ~240Mlb of new mine supply in the next 14 years. When you consider depletion of existing mines, the required new supply is more likely to be >350Mlb. It is difficult to see where more than 150Mlb of that supply will come from. Sovereign strategic buyers have recognised the urgency to lock in nuclear fuel supply next decade. India and China are leading the way, and we expect to the US follow suit.

Massive share price upside for ASX uranium companies tipped

In terms of the Australian companies they like, they are: NexGen Energy Ltd (ASX: NXG) with a price target of $24.80, Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) with a price target of $19.10, Silex Systems Ltd (ASX: SLX) with a price target of $14.30, Bannerman Energy Ltd (ASX: BMN) with a price target of $7.60, Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) with a price target of $3.08, Peninsula Energy Ltd (ASX: PEN) with a price target of 81 cents, and Atomic Eagle Ltd (ASX: AUE) with a price target of $1.70.

The post 7 ASX uranium stocks one broker says have massive upside appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Uranium technology delivering results

The company is focused on commercialising the Silex laser isotope separation technology, which can be used to produce different grades of fuel for the nuclear power industry.

The company held an investor day recently where it invited analysts, including those from Shaw and Partners, to visit its facilities at Lucas Heights in New South Wales.

Shaw and Partners said in a note to clients following the visit:

Silex management outlined the progress post achieving Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL-6) last year. The first phase of commercialisation is reprocessing tails at the Paducah facility in Kentucky. Silex is on track for first production of uranium in 2030. On the site visit we also saw the zero spin silicon enrichment project in dry commissioning.

The Silex technology is owned by a joint venture company, Global Laser Enrichment (GLE), which is 51% owned by Silex and 49% owned by uranium major Cameco.

Shaw and Partners said the achievement of TRL-6, "started the clock ticking on Cameco's option to acquire a 26% stake in GLE to move to 75% ownership''.

They added:

Cameco now has 30 months to make a decision. We note that Cameco is making increasingly optimistic comments about GLE on its result calls. We hosted a call with Cameco early this week at which Cameco repeated its optimism on the GLE technology.

Shaw and Partners said the Silex technology had the potential to re-enrich about 150 million pounds of previously processed uranium tailings back into mine-grade uranium.

They added:

One way to think about this opportunity is that (the Paducah facility) I will be a 5Mlb/yr uranium mine producing uranium at a cash cost of less than US$30/lb. For reference, Paladin's Langer Heinrich operation is expected to produce 5-6Mlb of uranium at a cash cost in the high US$30s/lb once at full operation.

Silicon also a potentially large oppportunity

The company also announced on 29 June the construction of the world's first laser-based silicon enrichment plant.

The company said:

Enriched silicon-28 in the form of high-purity Q-Si is required for next-generation silicon-based quantum computers being developed by advanced semiconductor companies around the world. Quantum computers, the first of which are expected to be commercialised by the end of the decade, could revolutionise the computing industry by providing an immense increase in computing power, compared to today's most advanced classical chips made by companies such as Nvidia, Intel, IBM and AMD. Quantum computing is therefore expected to underpin a transformational performance uplift in the emerging Artificial Intelligence (AI) industry.

Shaw and Partners has a price target of $12.80 on Silex shares compared to $5.74 currently.

The company is valued at $1.59 billion.

The post This ASX uranium company could jump more than 100% in value: Broker appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

After some initial wobbles, the ASX 200 spent most of the day in green territory and ended up closing a happy 0.5% higher. That leaves the index at a flat 8,806 points as we head into the weekend.

This optimistic Friday session for Australian investors follows a similarly bullish night on Wall Street.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was cautiously optimistic, rising by 0.27%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was much more decisive, though, gaining a healthy 1.3%.

But let's return to the local markets now for a discussion of how the different ASX sectors handled today's warm trading conditions.

Winners and losers

Despite the market's sunny disposition today, there were still more than a few sectors that lost ground. 

Chief amongst those were healthcare stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) was hit hard today, slumping 1.96%.

Consumer discretionary shares were on the nose as well, with the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) sinking 1.13%.

We could say something similar for communications stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) drifted 0.83% lower this session.

Tech shares weren't in the good books either, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ)'s 0.6% tumble.

Consumer staples stocks were in a similar ballpark. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) shrank by 0.5% this Friday.

We could say the same for industrial stocks, with the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) dipping 0.39%.

Utilities shares got no reprieve. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) slid down 0.33% this session.

Our final losers were energy shares, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ)'s 0.21% slip.

Turning to the winners now, the hottest corner of the market was gold stocks. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) ended up soaring 2.65% higher.

Broader mining shares were also in demand, with the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) surging 2.32%.

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) were a little tamer. The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) still managed a 0.59% addition, though.

Finally, financial stocks got home safe, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ)'s 0.55% bounce.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Uranium company Silex Systems Ltd (ASX: SLX) was today's index topper. Silex shares rocketed 9.4% higher to close at $5.70 each this Friday.

This decisive move came despite no obvious catalysts out from the company itself.

Here's the rest of today's best: 

Enjoy the weekend!

Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary that shows which companies made big moves on the day. Check in at Fool.com.au after the weekday market closes to see which stocks make the countdown.

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

It was an unhappy hump day for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and many ASX shares this Wednesday, as investors doubled down on the selling that we saw yesterday. Despite opening in the green this morning, investors quickly sent the market into negative territory, where it stayed for the rest of the day. By the time the markets closed, the ASX 200 had lost 0.64%, leaving the index at 8,722.9 points. 

This rather woeful Wednesday session for ASX investors came after a much more optimistic session over on Wall Street. 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) continued to push higher, rising 0.26%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was even more enthusiastic, gaining 1.52%.

But let's get back to the local markets now for a closer look at what the various ASX sectors were doing this Wednesday. 

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

After recording losses at the start of the week, investors seemed to find their sense of optimism today, with the ASX 200 staying in green territory all session, and closing 0.7% higher. That leaves the index at 8,785.7 points.

This turn of fortunes for Australian investors followed an upbeat night over on Wall Street.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) recovered from an early slump to finish 0.45% higher.

Meanwhile, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) only just managed to get over the line, gaining just 0.026%.

But let's get back to the local markets now and dive a little deeper into what was happening amongst the various ASX sectors this hump day.

Winners and losers

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

After some morning wobbles, the ASX 200 spent most of the session in green territory, and ended up closing with a happy 0.69% rise. That leaves the index at 8,717.7 points.

This pleasant Wednesday session for Australian investors comes after a mixed return to trading for the American markets last night, following Monday's public holiday.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) gave up some initial optimism to close down 0.23%.

However, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) fared better, gaining a solid 1.19%.

But let's return to the local markets now and look a little closer at what was happening with the different ASX sectors this hump day.

Winners and losers

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

After spending the entire session in green territory, the ASX 200 ended up closing 0.41% higher today. That leaves the index at a flat 8,657 points as we head into the weekend.

This pleasing end to the Australian trading week follows a bullish session on Wall Street last night.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) managed to overcome some early jitters to rise 0.55%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) wasn't quite as optimistic, though, and inched 0.087% higher.

But let's return to ASX shares now for a discussion on what was happening amongst the various ASX sectors this Friday.

Winners and losers

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The ASX 200 spent today's entire session in red territory and ended up closing down 0.49%. That leaves the index at 8,701.8 points.

This rough start to trading this week for Australian investors comes after a more positive end to the American week on Friday night (our time).

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) barely broke even, inching just 0.025% higher.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was far more confident, though, rising a happy 1.71%.

But let's get back to this week and the local markets now for a look at what was happening with the different ASX sectors today.

Winners and losers

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

This impressive showing from the local markets comes after a similarly jubilant night over on the American boards.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was on fire last night, shooting 1.2% higher.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was even hotter, rising 2.02%.

But let's return ot the ASX now and check out how today's optimism filtered down into the different ASX sectors this session.

Winners and losers

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

This disappointing session on the local markets comes despite a far rosier night over on the American boards.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was playing nice, rising 0.69%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) did even better, gaining 1.64%.

But let's get back to the ASX now and check out how today's market losses affected the different ASX sectors.

Winners and losers

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) endured a volatile, yet negative, session this Tuesday. After initially spiking in early trading this morning, the ASX 200 spent the rest of the day in negative territory. Saying that, it could have been a lot worse, with the index eventually closing down just 0.044%, leaving it at 8,949.4 points.

This miserly trading day for Australian investors comes after a similarly lacklustre start to the American trading week last night.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) couldn't quite clinch a rise either, dropping by a tiny 0.0099%

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was a little more decisive, though, falling 0.26%.

But let's get back to the ASX now for a look at how the different ASX sectors handled today's interesting trading conditions.

Winners and losers

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

This optimistic session for the local markets followed a mixed start to the American trading week over on Wall Street in the early hours of this morning.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) managed to snatch a win from the jaws of defeat, rising by 0.11%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) wasn't so lucky, though, falling 0.73%.

But let's return to Australian shares now and take stock of how today's indecisiveness affected the various ASX sectors this session.

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that are not letting that hold them back are listed below. Here's why they are rising:

4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX)

The 4DMedical share price is up 3% to $6.47. This morning, the respiratory imaging technology company revealed that its CT:VQ product has received CE Mark certification for commercial use in the European Union. The company notes that this allows it to immediately commence commercial engagement with healthcare providers, which sets up a pathway for clinical adoption and collaboration with major European hospital networks. 4DMedical's CEO and founder, Andreas Fouras, said: "CE Mark certification for CT:VQ is a significant milestone that opens access to one of the world's largest and most sophisticated healthcare markets. Combined with FDA clearance, 4DMedical now holds regulatory approval to rapidly commercialise CT:VQ across both the U.S. and the EU."

Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: CUV)

The Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals share price is up 1.5% to $9.93. This has been driven by news that the biopharmaceutical company is showcasing at America's largest dermatology conference. Clinuvel's head of North American operations, Dr Linda Teng, said: "Following the success of the 2025 AAD Meeting, our team has refined its approach to ensure maximum engagement with the dermatology community ultimately aimed at helping to treat patients with melanocortin therapies. We know there is great demand from physicians who wish to offer more to their vitiligo patients, while interest in our commercial program for EPP continues to grow as patients seek approved therapy."

Life360 Inc (ASX: 360)

The Life360 share price is up 1.5% to $19.28. This week, Bell Potter put a buy rating and $37.75 price target on its shares. This is almost double its current share price. Commenting on its expectations for the first quarter, the broker said: "After setting expectations relatively low for Q1, there is some chance of a small beat, perhaps more in the adjusted EBITDA margin rather than MAU growth."

Silex Systems Ltd (ASX: SLX)

The Silex Systems share price is up 1% to $5.34. This morning, the laser uranium enrichment technology company advised that Global Laser Enrichment (GLE) has received preliminary approval for a major US government funding package. GLE is the exclusive licensee of the Silex uranium enrichment technology. The performance-based incentives package will provide up to US$98.9 million (A$142.6 million) in tax and other economic incentives.

The post Why 4DMedical, Clinuvel, Life360, and Silex shares are pushing higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Shares in the company, which focuses on laser uranium enrichment technology, closed yesterday trading for $5.29. In early morning trade on Friday, Silex shares are changing hands for $5.31 apiece, up 0.4%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is down 0.6%, with the Aussie benchmark index following US markets lower as hopes for a near-term end of the Iran war fade.

Here's why Silex shares are outperforming.

ASX 200 uranium stock gets US government boost

Investors are bidding up Silex shares this morning after the company announced a major US government funding package for Global Laser Enrichment (GLE). GLE is the exclusive licensee of the Silex uranium enrichment technology.

The ASX 200 uranium stock said it has received preliminary approval on an incentives package with the Commonwealth of Kentucky and McCracken County. The funding from the state and local governments will support the development of the planned Paducah Laser Enrichment Facility (PLEF).

Silex reported that the performance-based incentives package will provide the company with up to US$98.9 million (AU$142.6 million) in tax and other economic incentives, subject to GLE reaching certain investment and job creation levels.

The PLEF is expected to be the single largest capital investment in Western Kentucky's history.

To date, the ASX 200 uranium stock noted that GLE has been backed by around US$600 million in privately funded engineering, design, manufacturing, and licensing investments across North Carolina and Kentucky.

GLE was also recently awarded up to US$28.5 million from the US Department of Energy (DOE).

Silex said that it expects the planned PLEF will "play a pivotal role" in rebuilding and strengthening the US domestic supply chain for uranium, conversion, and enrichment services.

What did management say?

Commenting on the funding package that's helping boost the ASX 200 uranium stock today, Silex CEO and managing director Michael Goldsworthy said, "We are greatly appreciative of the support for GLE's PLEF from the Commonwealth of Kentucky and McCracken County."

Goldsworthy added:

With an advanced Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licensing effort underway, ongoing focus on technology and manufacturing maturation programs and full-scale preliminary detailed design for the PLEF, we welcome the support for the PLEF from US federal, state, and local partners as we progress towards the commercial deployment of the world's first lased-based uranium enrichment plant.

With today's intraday gains factored in, shares in the ASX 200 uranium stock are up 38.9% over 12 months, racing ahead of the 6.3% one-year gains posted by the benchmark index.

The post ASX 200 uranium stock lifts off on $143 million US laser news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

By the time trading wrapped up, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had gained a pleasing 1.85%. That lifts the index up to 8,534.3 points.

This happy Wednesday for the local markets comes despite a far more bearish morning over on Wall Street.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) couldn't quite stick the landing, dropping 0.18%

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) fared even worse, falling by 0.84%.

But let's get back to the ASX now and dig into what was going on amongst the various ASX sectors today.

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Industrials was the second-best performer among the 11 ASX 200 market sectors, rising 10.2% with total returns of 13.98%.

Let's check out the top performing ASX 200 industrial shares of the year.

5 best ASX 200 industrial shares for capital growth

These were the five best-performing shares for price growth in 2025.

1. DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO)

ASX 200 defence share Droneshield leapt 300% to close at $3.08 on 31 December.

That was actually a major retreat on the industrial share's 52-week high of $6.61.

Droneshield is riding the wave of increased global defence spending.

However, investors were alarmed in November when CEO Oleg Vornik sold more than $49 million worth of shares.

In response, DroneShield announced a mandatory minimum shareholding policy for all directors and senior managers. 

2. Austal Ltd (ASX: ASB)

Fellow ASX 200 defence share, Austal, increased 116% to close at $6.69 per share on 31 December.

Austal's 52-week high last year was $8.60 per share.

Austal is Australia's largest defence exporter.

Its clients include the Australian Navy and the US Navy, and it owns shipyards in the US, Australia, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

Austal announced several new contracts last year, including a $1.029 billion design and construct contract for the Australian Army.

In December, Treasurer Jim Chalmers and the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approved an application lodged by a long-time suitor for Austal to buy up to a 19.9% stake.

South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Corp is a Fortune 500 company the offered to buy Austal for $2.825 per share in cash in 2024.

3. Monadelphous Group Ltd (ASX: MND)

The Monadelphous share price ripped 89% to close the year at $26.51. Its 52-week high was $27.83.

Monadelphous provides engineering, construction, and maintenance services in the resources, energy, and industrial sectors.

At the company's AGM in November, chair Rob Velletri said Monadelphous had secured about $2.3 billion in new contracts and extensions in FY25, which was a record, plus another $570 million since the end of the financial year.

The following month, Monadelphous announced a $250 million contract with Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) for it Brockman Syncline 1 iron ore development.

4. Silex Systems Ltd (ASX: SLX)

The Silex Systems share price soared 71% to finish the year at $8.63.

The industrial share's annual high was $10.85 per share.

The nuclear technology developer ascended into the benchmark index in the December rebalance.

My colleague, Leigh Gant, describes Silex Systems as "one of the most fascinating energy technology stories on the ASX".

The company is working on one of the most advanced enrichment processes in the world.

Its proprietary SILEX laser system separates uranium isotopes more efficiently than traditional centrifuge methods.

The system recently gained TRL-6 validation, and could redefine how nuclear fuel is produced in the future.

5. Ventia Services Group Ltd (ASX: VNT)

The Ventia Services share price rose 65% to close 2025 at $5.95 per share. The 52-week high was $6.05.

Ventia is a leading infrastructure maintenance services provider in Australia and New Zealand.

Ventia announced several new contracts in 2025.

This included a $100 million NSW Whole‑of‑Government cleaning contract for Western Sydney, with a potential one-year extension.

During the August earnings season, Ventia reported a 19.4% lift in the value of work in hand to a record $20.6 billion for 1H FY25.

The post 5 best ASX 200 industrial shares of 2025 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that are falling more than most today are listed below. Here's why they are dropping:

Andean Silver Ltd (ASX: ASL)

The Andean Silver share price is down 2.5% to $2.42. This follows news that the silver miner has doubled the size of its share purchase plan (SPP) due to increased demand. The SPP will now raise $6 million, but it could have been so much more. Andean Silver revealed that it received applications totalling approximately $18 million, which significantly exceeded the original $3 million target. Andean Silver's chair, David Southam, said: "The demand for the SPP was exceptionally strong, reflecting the rapid progress we are making at the Cerro Bayo Project and our ability to unlock an abundance of opportunities to drive growth and value creation. The proceeds from the Placement and SPP will help us accelerate our drilling programs, project studies and potential land acquisitions. Andean is uniquely placed in the silver market with its significant existing infrastructure, which will help deliver a capital-light restart in the quickest and most efficient manner."

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

The CBA share price is down over 2% to $156.76. This is despite there being no news out of the banking giant. However, it is worth noting that all the big four banks are sharply lower today. This could be a sign that some large investors are rotating out of the banks and into other areas.

Life360 Inc (ASX: 360)

The Life360 share price is down 2.5% to $31.18. This morning, this location technology company announced the completion of its Nativo acquisition and provided an update on its user growth. With respect to the latter, Life360 now has over 50 million monthly active users (MAU) in the United States. This is up from 48.7 million at the end of September, which may be lower than the market was expecting given its historical growth rates.

Silex Systems Ltd (ASX: SLX)

The Silex Systems share price is down 35% to $6.33. This morning, the company revealed that its joint venture business, Global Laser Enrichment, has not been selected for a US$900 million program focused on low enriched uranium by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). And while the company has been selected for an award of up to US$28 million from the DOE to advance next generation laser-based uranium enrichment technology, this wasn't the award the market was hoping for.

The post Why Andean Silver, CBA, Life360, and Silex shares are dropping today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.