S&P/ASX 200 dips 0.70% as gold miners, tech stocks drag

S&P/ASX 200 (INDEXASX:XJO) has started the week in negative territory, with the index down 0.70% by about 1.45 pm despite record highs hit on Friday in the US. Gains for energy stocks are being offset most by losses for gold stocks, utilities and technology. Gold miners are some of the hardest-hit stocks today following a 4% fall in the price of the precious metal on Friday. Resolute Mining (ASX:RSG) and Evolution (ASX:EVN) have tumbled by more than 5% today. COVID-19 update New South Wales recorded three cases of community transmission in the most recent 24-hour reporting period, all linked to the Berala cluster in western Sydney. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced an end to Greater Brisbane’s lockdown after three consecutive days of no cases. The region will see its lockdown end at 6 pm tonight but masks will remain mandated for most indoor venues. Top gainers Today’s top gainers on the ASX include Castillo Copper Ltd (ASX:CCZ) (+45.45%), Buru Energy Limited (ASX:BRU) (+16.67%), Arafura Resources Limited (ASX:ARU) (+13.33%), Brookside Energy Ltd (ASX:BRK) (+12.50%), Whitebark Energy Ltd (ASX:WBE) (+33.33%), Anteris Technologies Ltd (ASX:AVR) (+20.93%) and Cipherpoint Ltd (ASX:CPT) (+19.15%). Proactive news headlines: PolarX secures exclusive option to acquire rights to high-grade gold-silver project in north-western Nevada PolarX Ltd (ASX:PXX) (FRA:PX0) has secured an option to acquire a mining lease agreement over the highly prospective Humboldt Range Gold-Silver Project in Nevada, which comprises 177 lode mining claims. Piedmont Lithium makes US$12 million strategic investment in Quebec hard-rock lithium developer Sayona Mining Piedmont Lithium Ltd (ASX:PLL) (NASDAQ:PLL) (OTCMKTS:PDDTF) has established a strategic partnership with Sayona Mining Ltd (ASX:SYA) (OTCMKTS:DMNXF) (FRA:DML) by purchasing equity stakes in Sayona and its Quebec subsidiary Sayona Quebec Inc, as well as a binding supply agreement for at least 50% of Sayona Quebec’s planned spodumene concentrate production. Twenty Seven Co signs sale purchase agreement to expand Yarbu Project in Western Australia Twenty Seven Co Ltd (ASX:TSC) has signed the tenement sale and purchase agreement (SPA) with Revolution Mining Pty Ltd to acquire two tenements, E77/2540 and E77/2539, nearly doubling and expanding the Yarbu Gold Project in Western Australia. CV Check hits quarterly and half yearly record with strong balance sheet and cash positive in second quarter CV Check Ltd (ASX:CV1) has recorded an all-time company record for the quarter and half-year as its revenue continued to build momentum steadily across the December quarter. Castillo Copper soars as broad high-grade results confirm ‘game-changing’ copper discovery at Big One Deposit Castillo Copper Ltd’s (ASX:CCZ) (LON:CCZ) (FRA:7OR) has soared 90% in early trading as assays for the 200 series and six drill-holes for the 300 series significantly extend known mineralisation at the high-grade Big One Deposit within the core Mt Oxide Project in northwest Queensland. Anson Resources begins lithium battery cell performance testing through Novonix Anson Resources Ltd (ASX:ASN) (FRA:9MY) has engaged Novonix Battery Technology Solutions to test the performance of lithium hydroxide and lithium carbonate samples extracted from the company’s flagship Paradox Brine Project in Utah, USA, in lithium-ion battery cells. Archer Materials welcomes publication of Australian Semiconductor Sector Study Archer Materials Ltd (ASX:AXE) (OTCMKTS:ARRXF) (FRA:38A) has welcomed the publication of a comprehensive independent report, Australian Semiconductor Sector Study: Capabilities, opportunities and challenges for NSW’s meaningful participation in the global semiconductor value chain, by the Office of the NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer. Queensland Pacific Metals non-executive chairman makes on-market purchase Queensland Pacific Metals Ltd (ASX:QPM) (FRA:4EA) non-executive chairman Eddie King has shown support in the company’s TECH Project, with an on-market share purchase. Vango Mining boosts board skill set with appointment of industry veteran Vango Mining Limited (ASX:VAN) has appointed The Honourable Craig Wallace as an independent non‐executive director effective today in line with the company’s commitment to continue reviewing and refreshing its board and management.