Rare earths, lithium and antimony stocks drove the week, while a handful of capital raisings and profit warnings hit hard. The biggest gains came from drilling wins and deal news. The sharpest falls came where investors faced dilution, weaker earnings or takeover friction.

Banks drove the week as Bendigo, BOQ and Pinnacle led finance stocks higher on deals that promised lower costs, more lending firepower and balance sheet flexibility. Regulatory trouble at Humm and fresh uncertainty around Sequoia showed how quickly confidence can slip when boards and disclosure come into question.

Critical minerals and gold explorers drove the biggest moves, with OD6 Metals, Jindalee Lithium and Resolution Minerals leading the weekly board. Investors chased drill hits, fresh funding and deal news, while stocks that reopened after trading halts split between sustained buying and quick give-backs.