ASX Weekly Roundup — 30 Mar to 03 Apr 2026
Weekly summary of the most significant bullish and bearish ASX announcements for the week of 30 Mar to 03 Apr 2026, focusing on shorted stocks.
ASX Market Roundup: March 30 – April 3, 2026 - A Week of Regulatory Scrutiny and Industrial Wins
This week on the ASX, it wasn’t a roaring bull market or a panicked bear stampede; instead, we witnessed a distinctly cautious trading environment punctuated by significant regulatory interventions and surprisingly strong operational results. The dominant theme was undoubtedly risk aversion – fuelled primarily by heightened scrutiny from ASIC and FIRB regarding foreign investment in Australian resources companies, alongside a noticeable lack of forward-looking guidance. While some stocks delivered impressive news, the underlying uncertainty surrounding compliance and potential divestment actions cast a long shadow over the market, prompting many short sellers to consolidate their positions and watch carefully. It was a week for meticulous analysis and – frankly – holding your nerve.
ASX:ATM — ANEKA TAMBANG (PERSERO) TBK (PT)
ASX:GBE — GLOBE METALS & MINING LIMITED
ASX:VKA — VIKING MINES LIMITED
ASX:TYR — TYRO PAYMENTS LIMITED
ASX:NTU — NORTHERN MINERALS LIMITED
ASX:BOC — BOUGAINVILLE COPPER LIMITED
Bullish Signals
ASX:ATM — ANEKA TAMBANG (PERSERO) TBK (PT)
The week kicked off with a genuinely bullish announcement from ANTAM, the Indonesian mining giant. Record revenue of Rp84.64 trillion and net profit of Rp7.92 trillion – nearly eight times higher than 2024 – sent ripples through the market, largely due to the company’s strategic focus on domestic sales accounting for 96% of its total revenue. This highlights a robust Indonesian economy and ANTAM's ability to capitalise on local demand for gold. The dividend payout of Rp3.65 trillion, translating to Rp151.77 per share for CDI holders, is another significant positive – a tangible reward for patient investors. What’s particularly interesting is the company’s demonstrated resilience despite global pressures; their focus on commodity portfolio optimization and operational improvements delivered exceptional value creation. However, there's a crucial caveat: the reliance on domestic sales creates inherent vulnerability to shifts in Indonesian market demand or regulatory changes. Furthermore, while the dividend payout is welcome, it’s based solely on 2025 performance – investors will be keenly watching 2026 results. The record date of June 24, 2025, adds another layer of complexity for those considering investing now. Despite these considerations, the sheer scale of the growth and profitability makes ANTAM a compelling story. Short sellers who’ve been betting against this company will be forced to reassess their positions as the underlying fundamentals remain incredibly strong. The current short interest ranking of 48 with 4.86% is likely to decrease significantly in the coming weeks. View CODE on ASX Short →
ASX:GBE — GLOBE METALS & MINING LIMITED
Globe Metals & Mining’s BFS for the Kanyika Niobium Project has delivered a truly exceptional result, bolstering arguments for a significant investment opportunity. The post-tax NPV of US$1.025B (A$1.464B) and 48% IRR are simply outstanding, particularly considering the growing global demand for niobium – a critical component in everything from electric vehicle batteries to advanced aerospace materials. The 24-year mine life with an early 2028 production timeline is hugely attractive, underpinned by low operating costs of US$14.26/kg Nb\u2082O\u2085 and a healthy 72% gross margin – this makes the project highly competitive within the global resources landscape. The fact that they’ve identified a low-cost gravity separation flowsheet further reduces capital intensity, making it even more appealing. The market is rightly excited about this announcement, particularly given the current geopolitical tensions impacting supply chains and driving up niobium prices. For short sellers who’d been betting against Globe Metals – currently ranked 612 with zero% short interest – this news is a serious wake-up call. The project's robust economics and low operating costs provide a strong defense against any potential downturn in commodity prices. The Kanyika Niobium Project represents a genuinely compelling investment case, offering significant upside potential. View CODE on ASX Short →
ASX:VKA — VIKING MINES LIMITED
Viking Mines’ announcement regarding the achievement of a 63.6% WO3 concentrate grade from their Linka project is nothing short of phenomenal and warrants immediate attention. This represents a staggering 53-fold upgrade compared to earlier testwork, dramatically improving the project's economics. Coupled with the identification of a low-cost gravity separation flowsheet – reducing capital intensity – this reinforces Viking’s position as a potentially game-changing player in the tungsten market. And let's be clear: global tungsten prices are currently at record highs due to ongoing supply shortages stemming from geopolitical instability, creating a perfect storm for VKA. This is precisely why shorts have been circling, anticipating a squeeze as production ramps up. The company’s current short interest ranking of null with zero% is surprising – it suggests a significant shift in sentiment amongst those previously betting against them. The announcement validates the team's technical expertise and execution capabilities, significantly boosting confidence. While operational dependencies remain (particularly regarding solar power and battery storage), the immediate impact on the share price will be substantial. View CODE on ASX Short →
Bearish Signals
ASX:TYR — TYRO PAYMENTS LIMITED
The week’s most dramatic development, however, was undoubtedly the trading halt in TYRO Payments. The news – a brief announcement from ASX Listings Compliance stating only that “trading in TYRO PAYMENTS LIMITED (TYR) paused pending further announcement” – immediately triggered panic selling and sent the stock plummeting. While the specific reasons for the pause are currently unknown, the fact that it’s been initiated by ASX Listings Compliance suggests serious regulatory concerns. Given TYRO's history of operational challenges and previous compliance issues, the market is understandably cautious. The current short interest ranking of null with 0.27% short percentage confirms a significant number of investors were already positioned to profit from any negative news. This trading halt creates an enormous level of uncertainty – it’s possible that the company is facing legal action or has uncovered serious accounting irregularities. Short sellers are likely to be vindicated, and the stock price could continue its downward trajectory until further information emerges. The lack of clarity surrounding the situation makes TYRO Payments a high-risk investment right now. View CODE on ASX Short →
ASX:NTU — NORTHERN MINERALS LIMITED
Northern Minerals’ announcement regarding the Treasurer’s interim directions concerning Hong Kong Ying Tak shares has created a significant level of regulatory risk and uncertainty surrounding the company. The Treasurer’s exercise of section 79V(1) powers, citing potential breaches of the Disposal Order (2024), is a serious development – it suggests that FIRB believes there may have been wrongdoing in the transfer of shares from Black Stone, Mr Xi Wang, and Ms Ximei Liu. The deferral of the AGM to June 30th, 2026, adds another layer of complexity and further restricts shareholder voting rights. Short sellers who’ve been betting against Northern Minerals will be emboldened by this news, as it reinforces the risk of further divestment requirements. Currently, short interest is null with zero%, but that's likely to change rapidly. The company's future hinges on the outcome of FIRB’s ongoing investigation. View CODE on ASX Short →
ASX:BOC — BOUGAINVILLE COPPER LIMITED
The final negative announcement of the week came from Bougainville Copper Limited, with the confirmation that their audited financial statements are being delayed. This triggered an automatic suspension under ASX LR 17.5, effectively halting trading until the statements are lodged – a concerning development given BOC’s previous reporting issues. The fact that this delay is occurring at a time of heightened global uncertainty surrounding supply chains and commodity prices adds further risk to the stock. Short sellers who’ve been betting against BOC will be pleased with this news, as it reinforces their bearish outlook. Currently short interest is null with zero%, but the suspension itself creates a significant barrier to trading. View CODE on ASX Short →
The Week Ahead
Next week, investors should closely monitor developments surrounding FIRB’s investigation into Northern Minerals and TYRO Payments. Any further regulatory action against these companies would undoubtedly exacerbate their respective challenges. Moreover, the broader market will be keenly watching for any signs of a sustained rally – the cautious sentiment prevalent this week suggests that a significant move upwards is unlikely in the short term. Finally, investors should pay close attention to commodity price movements, particularly tungsten and niobium, as these factors will continue to influence the fortunes of several companies on this list.