The S&P/ASX 200 (ASX: XJO) suffered its worst day since February, falling 2.1% on the back of ongoing weakness in the commodity sector.
The market hit its lowest point in three months with just 10 stocks out of 200 finishing in the positive, including Boral Limited (ASX: BLD) which added 0.3%.
Iron ore futures hit US$90
The ASX mining sector continues to bear the brunt with iron ore futures now halving and falling below US$90, sending Champion Iron Ltd (ASX: CIA) down over 13% and BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) down 4.2%. The sector itself was 3.7% lower.
Meanwhile, popular green mining stocks Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC), Mineral Resources Limited (ASX: MIN) and Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) were also hit, falling 11.8%, 9.6% and 5.3% respectively.
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AusNet share price flies on takeover offer
The utilities sector was the only highlight, jumping 1% on the back of a massive takeover offer for AusNet Services Ltd (ASX: AST) by Brookfield Asset Management.
The company, which owns Victoria’s electricity grid, added 19.2% moving to $2.36 per share, just below the $2.50 offer.
These deals are set to continue for as long as interest rates remain low, and companies have such higher valuations.
Transurban wins WestConnex
Transurban Group (ASX: TCL) entered a trading halt on Monday after confirming it had won the bidding process for the NSW Government’s WestConnex toll road asset.
Transurban and a group of industry funds already owned 51% of the asset, paying $9.26 billion in 2018, with the remaining 49% being purchased for another $11.1 billion. The acquisition will be funded via a $4.2 billion equity raising, priced at $13 with one new share issued for every nine already held.
The acquisition takes Transurban to a $75 billion enterprise value, a long way from $13 billion in 2012, with Australian Super also set to take up their $250 million entitlement.
Charter Hall acquires ALE portfolio
Charter Hall Long WALE REIT (ASX: CLW) and an associated trust have agreed to acquire ALE Property Group (ASX: LEP), an Australian pub owner for $1.18 billion.
The deal is in conjunction with Hostplus, payable in shares and cash valuing ALE Group at $5.88, well above the current $4.70 per share. It marks another step in the significant growth of this long lease-focused strategy.
ASX 200 today
The ASX 200 is heading towards another negative open on Tuesday after US markets suffered their worst daily fall in months. To find out more, check out Rask Media’s US stock market report.
